Rumor Has It, That Omega Rocked the Stage Again! - Chapter 15

The next day was the weekend, but after selecting its members, the Mecha Club promptly reported to the school and completed early registration for the intercollegiate mecha competition. The Mecha Club had always maintained soaring popularity at First Military Academy. Those who could enter the academy all carried an innate admiration for mechas and the strong to some degree.

Thus, upon learning about yesterday’s recruitment, everyone was intensely curious about who had been selected. Some wanted to gauge the strength of this year’s competition lineup, while others sought to establish early connections—after all, participating in the Mecha League meant a higher starting point when entering the military department later.

However, whether to protect its members or prevent rival schools from gathering intelligence, the Mecha Club only issued a statement thanking all participants without satisfying the curiosity of onlookers.

After submitting her information and leaving the Mecha Club, Mu Li called Ji Yu. The call nearly went to voicemail before being answered. Since they were both back in their dorm rooms, they opted for a rare video call.

Ji Yu’s long curls were tied up, her military cap partially obscuring her features while accentuating the sharpness of her bone structure. The uniformed Ji Yu seemed entirely different from usual, reminding Mu Li that this was a general who wielded significant authority and spent years safeguarding the Federation’s borders. The uniform appeared tailor-made for her, amplifying her commanding presence.

Having just reprimanded subordinates for incompetence, traces of sternness lingered between Ji Yu’s brows. Mistaking Mu Li’s silence for intimidation, she massaged her temples to compose herself and softened her tone. “Mu Li.”

As Ji Yu’s demeanor shifted, the icy aura dissipated, restoring the familiarity Mu Li had felt during their time at the Ji residence. “I got into the Mecha Club. Because the competition timeline is tight this year, they’re skipping the three-month reevaluation—I’ll be participating directly in the league.”

Ji Yu nodded approvingly and leaned closer to the screen. “I knew you could do it. No Omega has ever competed in the Mecha League before—you’ll truly make history.”

Mu Li shook her head uncomfortably. “I don’t want fame. As an Omega, my physical strength can’t match Alphas’. I just hope to contribute to our school.”

“I told you—you’re exceptional. Don’t worry.” Ji Yu’s tone turned teasing. “The entire Federation watches this competition. What if countless Alphas and Betas fall for you?”

Mu Li froze, staring blankly before murmuring, “I’ve never considered that.”

Amused by her flustered reaction, Ji Yu pressed further. “You’ll need your own family someday. Most Omegas your age already fantasize about romance and future partners. Haven’t you?”

“Can’t I… stay with the Ji family forever? I’m not close to anyone else.” Mumu looked up in confusion, her bewilderment palpable.

Something in Ji Yu’s heart stirred like a seed summoned by spring rain, ready to break through the soil. “You may remain with the Ji family as long as you wish. Unless you choose to leave, it will always be your home.”

“Mm!”

Days passed one by one, and Mu Li gradually settled into campus life. The training at the Mecha Club was also progressing steadily. Since the previous competition participants were all graduating seniors or those who had already received offers from the military department and had no time to mentor the new team, the school applied to the military department for an instructor.

One evening, while chatting with Ji Yu as usual, Mu Li mentioned that the First Military Academy had no one to guide them for the Mecha Competition.

“The Mecha Club asked the school to request an instructor from the military department. Did you know about that?” Mu Li inquired.

“Did the First Military Academy submit a report? I’ll check tomorrow. The military department isn’t engaged in any battles right now, so we can spare some personnel to guide the students.”

“Wouldn’t that count as favoritism? After all, military personnel must have extensive combat experience.”

Ji Yu hadn’t expected Mu Li to worry about this and reassured her, “All competing schools have connections in the military department—some are alumni, others have ties through the institution. Requesting an instructor is normal, though they usually don’t disclose who it is. The instructor’s combat style greatly influences the competing students.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Don’t overthink it. Just focus on your training. Who knows, there might be a surprise in a few days. Get some rest now.”

“Alright, goodnight.”

Thanks to Ji Yu’s overwhelming victory in the last war against the Zerg, the fall of the Queen Zerg had left the Zerg severely weakened, and the Federation’s borders remained relatively stable. The school had originally intended to request graduates from the First Military Academy who had previously competed to return as instructors—this wouldn’t interfere with military affairs and would allow them to give back to the school during peacetime. Unexpectedly, this request brought an unforeseen delight.

The next day, when Mu Li arrived at the Mecha Club, she found a large crowd gathered in the training area, forming a circle around someone in the center.

Mu Li approached her teammates and asked, “Who’s here at the Mecha Club? Who are all those people?”

Ailina tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said, “Not sure. Probably someone important. Look over there—even the principal is here in person.”

After days of training together, the five of them had grown closer. Seeing her teammates discussing, Chen Xiyuan also leaned in. “That person is really mysterious. I arrived the earliest, and the principal was already waiting here. Her spaceship landed directly at the Mecha Club, bypassing the main gate—probably to avoid attention. Oh, and her mecha has military insignia.”

Gu Chen, usually busy preparing graduation materials, had also made a rare appearance at the Mecha Club today. With his usual serious expression, he walked over and said, “Your team is lucky. You’ve got a big shot as your instructor. The news is being kept under wraps, so make the most of it.”

Just as Mu Li and the others were speculating wildly, the crowd in the distance parted, and the person in the center strode forward.

Dressed in a crisp military uniform, her tall figure and sharp phoenix eyes fixed ahead.

It was Ji Yu! The sound of her military boots striking the ground echoed with each step—click, click—as if each one landed squarely on Mu Li’s heart. Mu Li’s fingers curled involuntarily. Despite Ji Yu’s busy schedule handling military affairs after her recovery, she had actually come to the First Military Academy—and on a trip kept secret from the public.

That was Ji Yu—the Ji Yu who graduated early from First Military Academy with top honors, who single-handedly slew countless Zerg to become the Federation’s youngest Marshal! Who could question her capabilities? Yet given Ji Yu’s lofty status, even getting an audience with her was difficult, let alone receiving personal guidance.

It had been nearly a decade since Ji Yu graduated, and there had never been any news of her returning to First Military Academy. Last time she mentioned a surprise, no one expected it to be this.

Ji Yu strode forward to stand before the five of them, her gaze sweeping over each as she said, “I’m Ji Yu.”

Bai Jingli and Chen Xiyuan immediately snapped to attention, standing at perfect military posture. “Marshal!”

Mu Li and the other two teammates quickly followed suit, saluting.

Ji Yu nodded. “Over the next two months, I’ll make time to mentor you. I expect your full commitment.”

“Yes!” the five replied in unison. Though none had met Ji Yu in person before, the rows of medals adorning her uniform were enough to command their unwavering respect.

Just then, the academy’s headmaster and other officials who had been surrounding Ji Yu approached again. “Let’s have dinner together later. It’s rare for you to return to the academy—we should welcome you properly.”

“No need, Professor. My return to First Military Academy hasn’t been made public. To avoid complications, it’s best to keep my presence discreet. Please don’t trouble yourselves on my account.”

“This year’s Mecha training at First Military Academy will be in your hands,” the headmaster said.

“I’m an alumnus myself, and I’ve competed in the Mecha League. Consider this me passing on some experience,” Ji Yu replied modestly.

One of the nearby instructors chimed in, “I remember you competed as a freshman back then. You were really… really…”

Ji Yu finished for him, “Unruly?”

Her words drew laughter from the surrounding faculty. Unruly was an understatement—constantly picking fights, wrecking Mecha, even dismantling them. If not for her family’s influence, the damages would have bankrupted her. Given Ji Yu’s current status, the teachers wouldn’t dare say it outright, but fortunately, she carried no airs of a Marshal.

Surrounded by faculty, Ji Yu remained the center of attention. One instructor, emboldened by her approachable demeanor, teased, “Marshal, do you know that Omega? She’s this year’s most talked-about freshman—almost as famous as you were when you enrolled.”

Another added, “I recall you spoke up for Mu Li on StarNet before?”

Ji Yu smiled and shook her head. “I saw some of her training footage. Her technique stood out, so I gave her a word of support.”

“Is that so? Mu Li, come over and meet the Marshal,” a teacher called.

Mu Li had expected Ji Yu to keep their relationship private, but acting like strangers in front of everyone still felt awkward. She stepped forward hesitantly, forcing a polite tone. “Marshal. Thank you for defending me on StarNet.”

The teacher beside them noticed Mu Li’s discomfort and assumed she was shy in the presence of an outstanding Alpha, so they didn’t point out her lack of manners. Ji Yu wore a faint smile at the corner of her lips as she slightly lowered her head to look at Mu Li. “Don’t worry about it, I just did what was natural. I couldn’t stand by and let them slander the First Military Academy. But you seem different from what I saw in the videos, junior—are you nervous?”

Mu Li had thought she was just going over to acknowledge someone, never expecting Ji Yu to strike up a casual conversation. She secretly shot Ji Yu a glare. Completely ignoring Mu Li’s awkwardness, Ji Yu leaned in slightly and said, “Then I hope we’ll get along well from now on, junior. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do.”

Though Ji Yu maintained a normal social distance despite leaning in, Mu Li couldn’t tell if it was just her imagination—she felt as if the warmth of Ji Yu’s breath brushed against her ear as she spoke. Mu Li’s fingers curled slightly, and if not for her hair covering them, one might have noticed the tips of her ears gradually turning a soft shade of pink.