Chapter Text
This was it.
Today was Wemmbu's first day at Unstable University, and the school was holding its annual welcoming ceremony for new students.
Standing at the front gates, he adjusted the sleeves of his purple-striped jacket. The hood was pulled halfway over his head, framing his short scene-style hair, which had been dyed with bold black streaks. Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt that made the dark accents stand out even more.
Beside him stood his best friend—and Weapon—Eggchan. Eggchan had a striking appearance that contrasted with his nonchalant personality. His messy white hair fell over part of his face, often concealing the hidden third eye that marked his angel-hybrid heritage. Unlike many hybrids, he displayed no obvious non-human traits, making him appear mostly human at first glance. He dressed almost entirely in black, favoring a black beanie pulled low over his head and dark clothing that matched his reserved demeanor. The only splash of color came from the bright pink earphones he constantly wore, creating a sharp contrast against the rest of his outfit.
The two had grown up together ever since they were children. Both had been abandoned at a young age and later taken in by their guardian, Minutetech. Since then, they'd been practically inseparable.
“Dude,” Eggchan muttered, fidgeting nervously, “this is, like, so nerve-wracking.”
Wemmbu rolled his eyes.
“Chill, bro. Lock in.”
Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Eggchan's hand and dragged him toward the entrance.
Unstable University was a school built specifically for Wielders and Weapons. Weapons were people capable of transforming into living weapons, while Wielders were those who wielded them in combat. The university taught everything from PvP combat to synchronization techniques, helping students strengthen the unique bond shared between a Wielder and their Weapon—a connection many described as being similar to a platonic soulmate.
Laughing and shoving each other as they ran through the crowded courtyard, neither of them noticed where they were going.
Until they crashed straight into someone.
Wemmbu stumbled back and looked up.
Actually, two someones.
Standing before him were two intimidating hybrid students—one a tiger-demon hybrid, the other a lion hybrid. Both towered over him with athletic builds and dark skin that seemed to glow beneath the golden morning sunlight.
The tiger hybrid had dark dreadlocks decorated with gold rings that rested over his broad shoulders. A gold ring pierced his lower lip.
The lion hybrid wore long braids that reached his hips, along with matching gold piercings through his nose, eyebrow, and lip.
The tiger hybrid—the one Wemmbu had bumped into—glared down at him.
"Watch where you're going."
Instantly, Wemmbu felt irritation flare in his chest.
"Bro, chill. It was an honest mistake."
The hybrid clicked his tongue.
"Whatever, bro."
Wemmbu scoffed.
Turning away, he pushed past them with Eggchan hurrying after him.
"Asshole..." he muttered under his breath.
Unfortunately for him, the tiger hybrid heard it.
The courtyard seemed to go quiet for a second.
“What did you say bro?”
Wemmbu stopped walking.
Eggchan immediately grabbed the back of his jacket.
“Wemmbu. Don't.”
Wemmbu turned around anyway.
The tiger hybrid was already staring at him, golden eyes narrowed.
“I said you're an asshole.”
Eggchan looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
The lion hybrid beside the tiger let out a low groan and rubbed his forehead.
“Flame, don't.”
“So he can run his mouth and I can't respond?” the tiger hybrid shot back.
Flame.
So that was his name.
Wemmbu crossed his arms.
“You started it.”
“No, you ran into me.”
“No, you were standing in the middle of the walkway like you owned the place.”
Flame took a step forward.
Wemmbu took one too.
The two were now glaring at each other despite the obvious height difference.
“You got a problem with me?” Flame asked.
”Plenty.”
“You don't even know me.”
“Good. Makes it easier.”
Several nearby students had stopped walking.
One whispered, “First-years?”
Another nodded.
“Definitely first-years.”
Manepear looked like he was enjoying this, biting down on a golden apple with an amused look on his face.
“This is why orientation day is my favorite,” he said.
“Nobody asked you, bro.” Flame snapped.
Manepear shrugged.
“Just saying.”
The tension between Flame and Wemmbu only seemed to thicken.
Neither of them looked willing to back down.
Eggchan tightened his grip on Wemmbu's jacket.
“Can we please not get expelled before classes even start?”
“We're not getting expelled,” Wemmbu said without taking his eyes off Flame.
“You don't know that.”
Flame scoffed.
“Your friend has more sense than you.”
Wemmbu opened his mouth to fire back, but before he could—
A loud bell rang across the campus.
The sound echoed through the courtyard, cutting through the argument instantly.
Every student around them began moving again.
A voice boomed from hidden speakers overhead.
“All first-year students report to the Grand Assembly Hall immediately. Orientation will begin in ten minutes.”
The crowd surged toward the main building.
Manepear didn't even stop eating his food as he spoke.
“Saved by the bell.”
Flame rolled his eyes.
“Whatever.”
He turned away.
“Come on.”
Manepear fell into step beside him.
As they walked off, Flame glanced over his shoulder one last time.
His gaze met Wemmbu's.
Neither looked particularly pleased.
Then he disappeared into the crowd.
Eggchan released a breath.
“Oh thank God.”
“We weren't done.”
“Yes, you were.”
“We literally weren't.”
“You were about five seconds away from getting punched.”
Wemmbu brushed invisible dust from his jacket.
“I would've been fine.”
Eggchan stared at him.
“You are five-foot-nine. He was like, two meters taller than you, bro.”
“I'm not five-foot-nine. And he was not that tall dawg.”
“You are standing on borrowed height. And yeah, I exaggerated. But you get my point.”
Wemmbu shoved him.
“Shut up.”
Eggchan laughed quietly as they joined the stream of students heading toward the university's largest building.
The Grand Assembly Hall sat at the center of campus.
The structure was enormous, resembling a cathedral more than a school building. Dark stone pillars rose several stories high, supporting an arched ceiling covered in glowing runes. Massive stained-glass windows depicted famous Wielder-Weapon pairs throughout history.
The hall was already packed by the time they entered.
Hundreds of students filled the rows of seats.
Some looked human.
Others clearly weren't.
There were hybrids with horns, wings, scales, tails, and countless other traits.
Wemmbu found himself staring.
For the first time, the reality of where they were finally sank in.
Everyone here was strong.
Everyone here had earned their place.
And everyone here was training to become something dangerous.
Eggchan seemed to be having the same realization.
His usual nervous fidgeting had stopped.
He was looking around in silence.
Eventually they found two empty seats near the middle of the hall.
The room gradually quieted as more students filed inside.
Then the lights dimmed.
A single figure stepped onto the massive stage.