Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 96 - Forgotten Secret

Chapter 96 - Forgotten Secret

My shoulders slackened, the tension bleeding out of me the moment the announcement echoed through the arena. There was no denying it—Myrrh had won this Versus Battle Exam, fair and square. And I... I was the one left standing in defeat. I had thrown everything I had into this match, even technically cheating, hoping that—just this once—I could surpass her. But it still wasn't enough.

As the platform carrying us support units began to descend, soft mechanical hums accompanied the transformation of the Frame Units. Their battle-worn forms shimmered in radiant streams of light, gradually morphing back into their humanoid shapes—elegant, gleaming, and eerily calm after the storm of combat.

Down on the ground, my partner Fei had collapsed to her knees, tears welling in her eyes as she let out a pitiful whimper. "Auuuu..."

Myrrh walked toward her with the poise of a champion, her boots clicking gently against the metal floor. She extended her hand, her expression gentle. "That was a good fight, Fei."

"Really?" Fei looked up, sniffling, her voice fragile with disappointment.

"Of course," Myrrh said with a confident nod. "I think you're just as strong as Michelle Gehabich from the third years. But naturally—" she placed a hand on her hip, flashing her signature smirk, "—I'm stronger than her. Everyone knows that. Still, with just a bit more practice, you could be nearly as perfect as me."

Fei blinked, then smiled through her tears, determination lighting up her eyes. "O-okay then! I'll do my best—so I can be perfect like you!"

With renewed energy, Fei jumped up, and the two girls clapped their hands together in a spirited double high-five. Their laughter rang out like little bells, light and sweet.

And me? I just stood there—silent, stunned. Watching Myrrh, I couldn't help but marvel at her. Even after pouring every ounce of power I had into the fight—even after calling upon the divine strength of the Machine God—she still held her ground, endured until the final moment, and struck back with a decisive, brutal counter. I had lost. And somehow, I didn't even feel angry. Just... humbled.

I glanced across the arena and found Kian, my former opponent, trying—unsuccessfully—to hide the strain on his face behind a forced smile. Technically, he had won his match. But the way his shoulders drooped and his eyes avoided the spotlight told another story. It was like watching someone who had secured a victory but lost something more personal in the process. Maybe he was disappointed that he never got the chance to trigger Myrrh's Ultimate. I couldn't blame him—there's a certain sting to an incomplete battle.

Then I felt it—someone watching me.

I turned slightly, just enough to catch Myrrh staring at me from the corner of my eye. The moment our gazes nearly met, she snapped her head away with a dramatic "Hmph!" and folded her arms tight against her chest. Classic Myrrh. I bit back a sigh, forcing a smile and deciding to try the whole "gracious loser" thing.

"Nice fight, Myrrh," I said, stepping forward and offering her my hand.

"Hmph!" She puffed her cheeks and pouted even harder. "I'm not talking to you!"

"What?" I blinked, taken aback. Internally, I was already grinding my teeth—and if anyone looked closely, I bet they could see the veins pulsing at my temples. "The hell are you on to now?"

"You're a big, fat cheater!" she snapped, jabbing a finger at my chest. "That power—that thing—was supposed to be just between the two of us! How could you use it like that?!"

"What are you talking about?! I never said I wouldn't use it on other WAIFUs!" I shot back, voice rising with frustration. "Besides, you were the one who brought the handicap into this match! I never told you not to use Blade Wing!"