Chapter 58 - Worst-Case Scenario

“First!” Myrrh exclaimed, her voice brimming with triumph as she tapped on the glass wall of the waiting lounge. A smug grin spread across her face as she turned to me, clearly reveling in her victory.

“It’s not a race. You’re so immature,” I muttered, panting as I stepped into the lounge. Myrrh smirked, arching an eyebrow.

“Wow, look who’s talking,” she quipped, rolling her eyes with exaggerated flair.

The viewing lounge felt emptier than before, a quiet hush hanging in the air. Most of the examinees had already been eliminated, their hopes dashed in earlier rounds. Now, the few remaining were either competitors gearing up for the final fights or spectators like Cindy and Remuel, who lounged comfortably, their expressions absorbed in the action unfolding on the wide screens. Unlike those who rushed to the coliseum for an up-close view of the tournament’s climax, the lounge offered a more relaxed vantage point—perfect for soaking in the drama without the crowds.

On the central screen, the match I had been waiting for finally began. Michelle, a third-year, faced off against Aurelio in a battle that seemed larger than life. Michelle’s Frame Unit gleamed like polished silver, the red circuits etched across its surface glowing like veins filled with fire. Opposite her, the opponent WAIFU is wearing a black Frame Unit reinforced with deep blue armor, its bulk exuding raw power.

What truly captivated me, though, was Michelle’s Frame Unit. It had crescent-shaped wings that shimmered faintly, their edges catching the light like blades of moonlight. Attached to them were eight diamond-shaped devices, giving the appearance of radiant, celestial plumage.

Suddenly, the diamonds scattered in a synchronized flurry, each levitating in the air as though animated by their own will. Within moments, beams of concentrated light erupted from the devices, streaking through the battlefield in brilliant arcs.

“Are those… the drones you were talking about?” Myrrh asked, leaning closer to Cindy with wide, curious eyes.

“Yeah,” Cindy replied with a slow nod, her gaze locked onto the screen. Her tone was quiet but tinged with awe. “And look at her partner.”

I shifted my focus to Aurelio, who stood poised on a floating platform like a conductor commanding an orchestra. His left arm glowed with pulsing red circuits, the light ebbing and flowing in rhythm with his movements. In his right hand, a cybernetic control ring spun with precision, glowing faintly as if alive. A holographic HUD hovered in front of his face, displaying a split-screen view of his eight drones, each screen offering a unique perspective from their positions on the battlefield.

Aurelio’s eyes darted across the holograms, sharp and unrelenting, like a predator tracking its prey. There was something almost inhuman about the way he moved, his focus so intense it felt as though he was born to command these machines. Each flicker of his gaze carried a purpose, and each subtle movement of his hand sent the drones into flawless motion.

The drones whirred through the air, their sleek forms zipping in erratic patterns. They unleashed bursts of searing lasers, pausing only for a heartbeat before relocating to fire again. Their movements were chaotic yet synchronized, a perfect blend of unpredictability and unity. It was mesmerizing to watch, as though the drones were extensions of Aurelio himself, executing his commands with unerring precision.

It took just ten seconds for the tide of the battle to turn. One of the lasers struck the opponent’s Frame Unit, melting through the right mechanical leg with a sizzle that echoed through the arena. The damaged Frame Unit stumbled, its movements sluggish as it struggled to regain balance. Though it managed to block a few incoming blasts, three more drones capitalized on the opening, striking the shoulder, midriff, and finally the head.

The final shot obliterated the opponent’s Frame Unit’s head in an explosion of shattered metal, fragments scattering like embers in the wind. A sharp whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match.

“The winner for this match is Examinee Number 1! They will advance to the final round of the Licensure Examination Tournament!” Emcee Dianca’s voice rang out, her tone filled with excitement as the announcement echoed through the venue.

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The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing even within the viewing lounge. While most here weren’t as loud, their impressed smiles and knowing nods conveyed respect for the unmatched prowess of the Number 1 third-year students from Orbital Tech Applied Kinetics University. Their dominance wasn’t a surprise—it was expected.

As the fight concluded, Myrrh turned to me. Her blue eyes, usually filled with her trademark confidence, now shimmered with determination tinged with uncertainty. Despite her inner worry, she offered me a brave smile.

“I’m worried we might face them in the final round,” Myrrh admitted, her voice quieter than usual. “You said there’s a high chance, right? Honestly... I don’t think I can beat her.”

I mustered my best courageous grin, trying to mask my own doubts. “What’s this? What happened to your arrogant attitude that thinks everything is just a basic skill?”

“Don't misunderstand me, Zaft. I still think we will win,” Myrrh replied firmly, shaking her head. Her lips curled into a smile that held a glimmer of her usual bravado. “Even if Michelle beats me, I know for sure you can take down Aurelio.”

That caught me off guard. It was unlike Myrrh to say something so earnest. Normally, she’d boast about her own skills while throwing in a jab to knock me down a peg. Seeing her like this—vulnerable, even—was new to me. Yet, beneath her hesitation, I could sense she believed in me, perhaps even more than I believed in myself.

We’d come so far, from bitter rivals in high school to steadfast partners now. We weren’t just competing as individuals anymore; we were a team, a WAIFU and support unit working in unison. If Myrrh was putting her faith in me, then I’d do everything to ensure I wouldn’t let her down.

“If I can activate the WMD Series, I’ll use Shadow Curtain first to make you invulnerable,” I said, laying out my strategy. “While you charge at her, I’ll equip the Uranium Blade and—”

“Stupid goon!” Myrrh interrupted, flicking my forehead with a sharp snap.

“Ouch!” I yelped, rubbing the spot while she laughed.

“If you keep relying on those Weapons of Mass Destruction, you’ll definitely blow your cover,” Myrrh said sharply, her voice laced with both concern and scolding. “It’s bad enough that the higher years are already suspecting something’s up with you. Now you’re planning to let the whole world know you can spawn nukes and conceptual weapons that don’t even exist?”

Her words hit hard, but before I could respond, she crossed her arms—well, mostly hugged them against her chest—and raised her index finger, striking a commanding pose. Her bosom shifted slightly with the motion, but her steely gaze kept me focused.

“What do you want me to do, then?” I asked, exhaling in frustration.

“I have another plan,” Myrrh announced confidently, her finger pointing toward the ceiling as if she’d had a sudden stroke of genius. “At the start of the match, we maximize defense. Do you know the Testudo Formation?”

The Testudo Formation. A tactic from ancient Rome, also known as the Roman Tortoise. It was a shield wall formation, used to protect soldiers from arrows and projectiles. Myrrh was suggesting we replicate that strategy, using Light Shields to block the drones’ relentless laser attacks.

“That might work,” I admitted, nodding thoughtfully. “But what about offense? We can’t win on defense alone.”

“I’ll handle that,” Myrrh said with a playful wink, her confidence shining through. “You just focus on defense, okay?”

I let out a sigh, partly out of doubt and partly out of relief. The way Myrrh spoke, with such certainty, was always reassuring. Her charisma and beauty had a way of lifting my spirits, even in moments like this. But beyond her words, I knew our plan still felt fragile—half-formed and riddled with risk.

Still, what choice did I have? Myrrh had a knack for pulling through in the clutch. If she had something in mind, I’d just have to trust her.

Another whistle pierced the air, signaling the conclusion of yet another match. The screen above the lounge updated with the results, and from the murmurs around me, it was clear—this had been the final fight of the fourth round.

“We will now proceed to the final round of the Licensure Examination Tournament, baby!” Emcee Miles announced, her voice reverberating with excitement across the arena.

The jumbotron flickered to life, numbers shuffling rapidly as the remaining examinees held their breath. There were only a few of us left, and the tension in the air was almost tangible. Finally, the screen froze, revealing the matchup for the final round.

[Examinee Number 1 vs Examinee Number 11]

It felt like a punch to the gut. The worst-case scenario had come true. Myrrh’s face and mine were displayed alongside Michelle and Aurelio’s. I couldn’t help but cringe at my own image on the screen—a flushed, awkward snapshot taken when I was caught off guard during registration, back when Cindy made a clown of my face and Fei tried to melt my skin with hydrogen peroxide. My face was as red as a clown’s nose, making me embarrassingly easy to spot.

Before the weight of the moment could fully settle, Remuel and Cindy stepped forward, their presence a small but comforting anchor.

“Break a leg out there,” Remuel said, giving us each a firm pat on the shoulder.

“Good luck!” Cindy added with a warm smile, her voice steady with encouragement.

Myrrh and I exchanged glances, managing small but resolute smiles. Their support meant a lot, even if it couldn’t change the monumental challenge ahead.

Together, we turned and left the lounge, stepping into the hallway that led to the preparation area. The final battle awaited us, and with it, the culmination of everything we’d worked for.