Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 62 - Beer Mugs and Smugs

Chapter 62 - Beer Mugs and Smugs

Since Myrrh and I clinched victory in the Licensure Examination Tournament, I'm honoring my promise to treat our circle of friends to dinner. But this isn't just any dinner—it's a feast to remember.

We now stand before a shimmering karaoke establishment, its façade a chaotic tapestry of neon lights in every color imaginable. Fluorescent signs flicker and pulse, casting a kaleidoscope of hues on the bustling crowd. 

The air buzzes with life as adults stream in and out, their laughter blending with the arcade beeps and synthesized jingles that echo from inside. It's six in the evening—not yet the peak hour—but the place is already alive with energy.

"Ta-da!" Neil and Fei announced with matching grins, gesturing toward the lively venue. "Welcome to Xyraxis Karaoke!"

"Wooow!" Dianca clapped her hands in delight, her eyes sparkling. "I've always wanted to come here! They say it's super fancy and costs a fortune!"

"That better not be true," I muttered, already fishing out my wallet. Inside, a neat stack of bills and coins reflected the fruits of my past month's scrimping, along with my freshly withdrawn allowance.

"Wow, you're really prepared for this, Zaft!" Remuel said with an impressed grin, leaning in to peek at my stash.

"Come on, Mister Topnotcher," Cindy teased, elbowing my side with a smirk. "Don't be a cheapskate!"

"Relax, Zaft!" Neil chimed in with his usual enthusiasm, giving me a thumbs-up. "We've got your back. The fries and beer here are bottomless, and they serve street food from all over the world. It'll be worth every cent!"

"Yes! And it has over five hundred five-star reviews! Look!" Fei exclaimed, shoving her phone in front of my face. The glowing screen proudly displayed Xyraxis Karaoke's 4.9-star rating, along with a bold banner announcing an enticing ten percent discount on their all-you-can-eat offer for tonight.

I squinted at the screen, narrowing my focus on the fine print beneath the flashy ads. My gaze slid down to the karaoke box prices. Even with the discount, the cost still loomed like a silent predator, ready to pounce on my wallet. Feeding seven people wasn't going to be cheap. After a deep breath and a mental farewell to my savings, I finally surrendered.

"Fine," I muttered with a resigned sigh, already mourning the crisp bills I'd so carefully hoarded.

"Great! I'll reserve us a room!" Fei practically bounced with excitement as she snatched the cash from my hand and dashed off toward the counter, her long black ponytail swaying behind her.

A gentle pinch on my elbow drew my attention. Turning to my left, I found Myrrh standing there, her smile strained with a hint of guilt. She clasped her hands together in mock prayer. "I'm sorry... I'm kind of short right now, so thanks for saving my butt. I swear I'll pay you back—on our third date."

I shot her a sideways glance, letting the corner of my lips twitch into a smirk. "That third date better cost at least half of what I'm spending here," I said, my voice laced with mock severity.

"Geez, you're so stingy!" Myrrh puffed out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout, crossing her arms like a sulking child.

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After ten minutes of eager anticipation, we finally secured our private karaoke room. The space was cozy yet vibrant, with colorful LED lights lining the ceiling and a plush semicircular couch that wrapped around a sleek, glass table. 

At the center of the table stood a barrel-shaped jug of beer with an automated tap that refilled glasses as if by magic. Beside it sat a towering bucket of fries, each piece dusted with an assortment of seasonings—cheddar, barbecue, sour cream, and more. To mix things up, I had also ordered mozzarella sticks that oozed cheese, tender wagyu cubes that practically melted in your mouth, crispy panipuri filled with tangy chutney, and even fried balut for the adventurous eaters.