Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 68 - Lightning Drift

Chapter 68 - Lightning Drift

I watched the other Frame Units struggle to maintain their balance on rollerblades, their metallic frames wobbling with every uncertain glide. Some managed to push forward in short bursts, their skates screeching against the floor as they fought to stay upright. Others flailed, arms spinning wildly, barely avoiding a crash. But two stood out—Myrrh and her new partner.

Myrrh's Frame Unit moved with effortless grace, her wheels humming as she drifted through turns like a seasoned skater. Every motion was fluid, every pivot precise. At one point, she even attempted a twirl mid-glide, mimicking the elegance of a ballerina. For her, this wasn't just a test—it was second nature, just another fundamental skill she had already mastered.

As I observed closely, something clicked. Myrrh's technique wasn't just instinct—it followed a pattern, one I could recognize among the few others who had managed to control their balance. There was a method to their movement, a key to stability that the struggling Frame Units had yet to grasp.

A soft whimper pulled me from my thoughts.

"Huhu, I'm sorry, Zaft," my new WAIFU partner, Fei Xian, whimpered, her voice carrying a mix of guilt and frustration. "We might fail this practical exam because of me..."

I glanced at her, noting how her metallic frame trembled as she sat slumped on the ground. Despite her usual poise, she seemed completely lost on wheels. I couldn't help but smile.

"Fei, stand up and try again," I said, my tone light with encouragement. "I want to test something."

Fei's sleek, metallic head tilted toward me before she gave a hesitant nod. With some struggle, she managed to push herself back onto her feet, her balance still precarious.

"Now, bend your knees and lower your center of gravity as much as you can. Rev the rollerblades, but keep yourself steady."

Fei crouched, her mechanical joints adjusting as she followed my instructions. The wheels of her rollerblades whirred softly, slowly pulling her forward. She was moving—not smoothly, but at least without toppling over. However, her posture remained awkward, her metallic arms stretched out in a desperate attempt to keep from falling.

"W-Wow! It's working! I can use rollerblades now!" Fei cried out, her voice filled with excitement. "You're amazing, Zaft!"

I smirked, feeling a swell of pride at my own clever idea. Watching the other Frame Units, I had noticed a common pattern—they kept their knees bent and let the rollerblades do most of the work, minimizing unnecessary leg movement. Since Fei was crouched, her lowered center of gravity made it easier to maintain balance, allowing her to roll forward smoothly.

Now, Fei was gliding like a miniature vehicle, her wheels whirring beneath her. Though her posture was still a little awkward, she was moving without toppling over—progress.

"Fei, try lowering your arms, but keep your elbows slightly bent," I instructed. "And once you feel stable, start straightening your knees little by little."

"Wilco!" Fei saluted with enthusiasm before eagerly experimenting with her movements, rolling forward in cautious yet playful bursts.

For the next thirty minutes, I guided her step by step, adjusting her form and helping her fine-tune her balance. It was a new experience for me—teaching a partner instead of simply working alongside one. Back in the midterms, Myrrh had never needed my guidance. She was already ahead of the curve, moving at her own pace.

This, however, was different. At first, I could feel the stress creeping in, my patience tested with every wobble and near-fall. But then, as Fei improved little by little, a different feeling settled in—satisfaction. Seeing her progress, no matter how gradual, felt oddly rewarding.