Rumor Has It, That Omega Rocked the Stage Again! - Chapter 17

“Mu Li, where were you last night? We wanted to invite you to dinner,” Kevin asked.

Mu Li thought for a moment. Last night she had been with Ji Yu and had ignored her muted terminal. Later, chatting with Ji Yu, she’d completely forgotten where she’d put it. When she checked now, it was indeed filled with unread calls and messages. Mu Li apologized sheepishly, “I wasn’t feeling well last night and went to bed early, so I didn’t check my messages.”

Hearing that Mu Li had been unwell, the others immediately showed concern. “What happened? Do you need to see a doctor? Was the training too intense?”

Mu Li shook her head. “I’m fine now, really. Did you need me for something?”

Her teammates breathed a sigh of relief. While they genuinely accepted Mu Li and wanted her to succeed in her chosen path, time was running short for Mecha League preparations. Any individual’s condition could potentially hold back the entire team.

Ailina couldn’t hold back any longer. “Marshal Ji came yesterday, right? After thinking about it, it still feels unbelievable. I don’t even know how to face her teaching—I’ve heard she’s extremely strict.”

“The Marshal is strict for our own good. She wouldn’t punish anyone without reason, would she?” Mu Li felt she had to defend Ji Yu a little.

“That’s true. She’s my idol! I’ve watched all her training videos from First Military Academy—her moves are just so cool!” Ailina gushed with starry eyes.

Chen Xiyuan couldn’t help interrupting, “Enough, enough. Wipe that lovesick look off your face. AA relationships never end well.”

Kevin turned to Mu Li. “Don’t worry, Mu Li. If she really gives you a hard time, I’ll stand up for you. Even if she’s the Marshal, she can’t just bully an Omega.”

Mu Li was amused by his words. Ji Yu bullying her? If that day ever came, she might actually look forward to it.

Ailina teased, “Only protecting Mu Li? What about me, junior? Don’t I deserve some protection too?”

Kevin brushed off the hand on his shoulder. “I’m not into AA relationships. Keep your distance.”

Ailina put on an exaggerated pout. “Am I not pretty enough? You jerk, come here and let me beat you up!”

This was the scene that greeted Ji Yu when she entered the Mecha Club—everyone laughing and joking around, a kind of camaraderie that seemed so distant from her own life. Ji Yu touched her face, wondering once again: Was she really getting old?

In this interstellar era, the average human lifespan reached three hundred years. Strictly speaking, Ji Yu was still in her prime. Today, she had changed out of her military uniform, tying her golden curls into a high ponytail. Her black shirt featured a fiery red rose embroidered at the chest, adding a touch of allure to her appearance.

Ji Yu’s entrance stunned everyone, but as she approached, the club members noticed something different—a hint of irritation between her brows. Gone was the approachable demeanor from yesterday when the teacher was present, replaced by the cold, aloof Marshal they were more familiar with.

Chen Xiyuan leaned toward Bai Jingli and whispered, “Hey, don’t you think the Marshal seems different today? Like someone stole her wife or something.” Just as Bai Jingli was about to respond, they both noticed Ji Yu’s gaze fixed directly on them, an invisible pressure radiating from her presence.

Isn’t it you who took her wife away?

Ji Yu stopped in front of the group and said, “Although you are still students, since you’ve chosen to compete, always remember you are soldiers. What kind of discipline is this sloppy behavior?”

Hearing this, the five immediately lined up in a row and saluted Ji Yu without considering that training hadn’t officially begun yet. “Yes, ma’am!”

Ji Yu nodded in satisfaction and didn’t press further. “Today I’ll assess your current level. Pair up for individual combat first, then mecha operation. After that, I’ll design a training plan.”

She looked thoughtfully at the five and added, “Since there’s an odd number, the girl at the end—you’ll spar with me. The other four pair up among yourselves.”

Ailina and the others cast sympathetic glances at Mu Li. Ji Yu singling her out for a one-on-one match couldn’t be coincidence—she must have picked the easiest target to make an example of. Ailina patted Mu Li’s shoulder and whispered, “Good luck, junior.”

Seeing someone approach Mu Li again right after laying down the rules made Ji Yu’s irritation flare. How could Mu Li already be so close with these people after just a few days? They were all Alphas, and the thought made Ji Yu’s entire body tense with restless energy she forcibly suppressed.

“You two first,” Ji Yu pointed at Ailina and Kevin. “The rest observes. I’ll point out flaws—think about whether you share these weaknesses too.”

As Kevin and Ailina took positions, Ji Yu began commentary the moment Kevin made his first move.

“The male student’s approach is too exaggerated—all show, no substance.”

“The female could have countered with a low strike during that sidestep.”

“Is the male’s grip strength nonexistent? That hold wouldn’t restrain anyone.”

“The female’s movements lack fluidity—use your natural agility to full advantage.”

Initially measured, Ji Yu’s critiques grew increasingly nitpicky.

“Has that male student ever trained before? Are we playing house here? That punch wouldn’t deter a child, let alone an enemy.”

“I believe this student’s a sophomore? Freshman curriculum covers how to break that hold he attempted.”

Bai Jingli and Chen Xiyuan exchanged glances. This wasn’t strict training—it was outright fault-finding. Yet they couldn’t argue, because every criticism was technically accurate.

Originally planning to rely on their tacit understanding to put on a coordinated display, the two classmates abandoned all pretense after witnessing their predecessors’ evisceration, going all out instead.

Even drenched in sweat from their full effort, they couldn’t escape Ji Yu’s merciless analysis. When Mu Li’s turn came, she alone remained composed while her teammates held their breath. Such a beautiful Omega—please don’t let her get crippled. Show some mercy at least.

However, contrary to expectations, Mu Li was not being crushed by Ji Yu on the training ground. Instead, the two moved in perfect sync, neither faltering in offense nor defense. After months of training together, they had rehearsed these combat sequences countless times—every strike and counter ingrained in muscle memory. Their fluid exchange was exhilarating to witness.

When the time seemed right, Mu Li and Ji Yu exchanged a glance, simultaneously stepping back to bow before retreating to the sidelines.

Ailina and Kevin handed them water and towels. After catching their breath, Ji Yu delivered a blunt assessment: “If this is your competition level, you’ll definitely make the whole academy remember you.”

Ailina beamed. “Really, Marshal? Thank you for the encouragement!”

Ji Yu shot her a sidelong glance. “As the first team in First Military Academy history to lose so spectacularly? Of course everyone would know you.” Ailina’s smile collapsed instantly.

Mu Li had noticed Ji Yu’s foul mood since morning, though the reason eluded her. Not wanting her teammates discouraged, she intervened, “Marshal, please point out our mistakes.”

At Mu Li’s words, Ji Yu’s expression softened. “No marshals here—just call me instructor. Remember, Mecha League permits Mental Strength in combat. Your profiles show promising levels—utilize that in Mecha Club training.”

Bai Jingli added hesitantly, “Actually, Pheromones are also allowed, but…” The group’s eyes flicked to Mu Li with concern. The league being Alpha-dominated meant competitors often wielded both Mental Strength and Pheromones for suppression—a dangerous prospect when facing an Omega, as it could trigger Heat.

Understanding their hesitation, Mu Li offered, “My Mental Strength is fairly high. If you’re worried, we can test it.”

Test how? Have multiple Alphas deliberately release Pheromones near an Omega? Inducing Heat outside controlled environments was a felony! The group exchanged uneasy glances.

Ji Yu, however, showed no such reservations. “Proceed with Mental Strength sparring. No need to suppress Pheromones.” She knew Mu Li’s capabilities—SSS-Rank Alphas were rarer than single-digit Federation records. Beyond herself, no one could destabilize Mu Li’s Pheromones.

With Inhibitors, not even Ji Yu could stir Mu Li’s emotions. Her only discontent? Others would smell that Rose fragrance—like any Alpha, she loathed sharing her Omega’s scent.

Kevin protested, “Instructor, Mu Li’s just a B-Rank Omega. Our Pheromones will affect her. This isn’t right.”

Ji Yu nodded. “Normally, yes. But having reviewed your profiles, I guarantee Mu Li won’t be impacted.”

Puzzled, Kevin ventured, “Is she… Pheromone-immune?”

Mu Li didn’t want to reveal her exact level of Mental Strength and stopped Kevin’s wild speculation: “Anyway, you don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine. I wouldn’t joke about my own safety.”