Rumor Has It, That Omega Rocked the Stage Again! - Chapter 18

First was the match between Bai Jingli and Chen Xiyuan. Standing several meters apart, when Ji Yu gave the signal, they both released their Mental Strength, sending waves of Mental Pressure crashing toward each other from their respective centers.

In the middle of the arena, two invisible forces of Mental Strength clashed, and faint Pheromones began to seep out along with the energy. Though the concentration was low, even a slight whiff could send lower-ranked Omegas into immediate Heat.

When Kevin and Ailina turned to check on Mu Li, they found her not drenched in sweat or distressed as they had imagined, but standing there calmly as if nothing had happened. Noticing their concerned looks, Mu Li tilted her head and gave them a reassuring smile. Suddenly, they understood Ji Yu’s confidence—could Mu Li truly be immune to Pheromones?

Mu Li remembered Ji Yu’s reminder to always carry an Inhibitor. When no one was looking, she discreetly injected herself. Inhibitors in this interstellar era had been perfected—harmless to the body and sometimes even capable of regulating hormonal imbalances in Omegas.

Within their team, Ailina and Chen Xiyuan were S-Rank, while Kevin and Bai Jingli were SS-Rank Alphas. Seeing that Mu Li remained unaffected by SS-Rank Mental Strength, someone suggested testing her against Ji Yu’s rare SSS-Rank Pheromones. If she could withstand even Ji Yu’s, there would be no issues during competitions.

Hearing their proposal, Ji Yu thought to herself—Mu Li had long grown accustomed to her Mental Strength and Pheromones in the Ji household. Since they asked, she might as well put on a show.

Ji Yu controlled her Mental Strength, mindful of the S-Rank and SS-Rank Alphas present and released only half her usual Pressure. As her energy unfurled, the four Alphas felt an instinctive urge to submit, cold sweat breaking out on their backs. They had to grip the railing in front of them just to remain standing.

So this was the Pressure of an SSS-Rank Alpha? Legends said an SSS-Rank Mental Strength user could single-handedly rival an army—it was no exaggeration.

Ji Yu withdrew her energy after just a few seconds, keeping a close eye on Mu Li. Mu Li was likely the only person in the arena who remained completely unfazed under Ji Yu’s Mental Strength.

The others approached from the stands. More than Ji Yu, they were in awe of Mu Li’s resilience. What kind of innate talent allowed her to block Pheromones and withstand such intense Mental Strength attacks?

What they didn’t know was that Mu Li had soothed Ji Yu’s Mental Strength countless times and ventured deep into Ji Yu’s Sea of Consciousness. She was intimately familiar with Ji Yu’s energy—even at full strength, Ji Yu’s Mental Pressure had no effect on her. No matter how aggressive the attack, Mu Li could effortlessly soften it.

“Mu Li, you haven’t tried using your Mental Strength yet. Go ahead—we’re dying to know what an Omega as strong as you smell like. Will it be sweet too?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about affecting us. Our willpower is rock-solid.”

Remembering the doctor’s explanation about her unique Pheromones, Mu Li double-checked, “You really want to try? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Ji Yu looked at Mu Li with a hint of mischief in her eyes and said, “Release some of your Mental Strength, and I’ll match you.”

Mu Li nodded, standing opposite Ji Yu, focusing her attention. A wave of pressure emanated from Mu Li, surging straight toward Ji Yu. Ji Yu deftly channeled her own Mental Strength, neither overpowering Mu Li nor allowing herself to be overwhelmed.

A faint trace of rose fragrance drifted through the air. Though not as sweet as the Pheromones of other Omegas, to Ji Yu, it was like a deadly poppy—addictive after just one whiff.

The others, however, weren’t faring as well.

Even as an Omega, Mu Li possessed SSS-Rank Mental Strength. Though she hadn’t released it in full force this time, the intensity still reached S-Rank. The spreading Mental Strength made the four onlookers furrow their brows, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

When Mu Li’s Pheromones leaked out, the others nearby desperately covered their noses and mouths.

They had assumed that someone as beautiful as Mu Li, even if her personality wasn’t as soft as other Omegas, would at least have a pleasant scent. Who could have guessed it would be such a pungent pepper?

Was this really the kind of Pheromone a normal Omega should have?

The other four coughed violently.

Hearing this, Mu Li withdrew her Mental Strength, though the lingering traces of her Pheromones still faintly hung in the air.

“Mu Li, you really shouldn’t release your Pheromones so casually. Even without Mental Strength, they’re unstoppable. Cough,” Kevin complained, leaning on Bai Jingli with one hand.

Chen Xiyuan chimed in, “Yeah, yeah. I wonder which Alpha would ever marry you. What if she chokes to death?”

Ji Yu had just stepped away to grab a bottle of water. As she returned, she overheard the words “marry Mu Li.” Marry Mu Li? Who was going to marry her? Had she agreed? Who dared?

“What are you talking about?” Ji Yu asked, thinking she must have misheard.

Ailina answered, “Marshal, we were just discussing Mu Li’s Pheromones. Marshal, don’t you think it’d be hard for any Alpha to handle them?”

Hearing this, Ji Yu countered, “Who says there isn’t an Alpha who can handle it?” Isn’t that me? Standing right in front of you?

Ailina and the others exchanged glances. Even an S-Rank Mental Strength user had been reduced to such a state by Mu Li—who else could withstand it?

Could it be that the Marshal’s willpower was simply strong enough to remain unaffected? Ailina’s admiration for Ji Yu grew even more. The Marshal was truly incredible—she didn’t even flinch at Mu Li’s Pheromones!

Chen Xiyuan muttered, “But finding an Alpha like the Marshal would be nearly impossible.”

Out of concern for Mu Li, the group never mentioned this incident to outsiders again.

Ji Yu’s training was highly targeted, clearly pointing out the flaws in each person’s techniques, greatly benefiting every member of the Mecha Squad.

Due to military department affairs, Ji Yu had to leave for a few days. Mu Li didn’t return to the apartment, staying at the school instead, attending classes and training on schedule. Eight days had passed since Ji Yu’s departure, and Mu Li hadn’t received a single message from her. During a break in training, Mu Li pulled out her personal communicator, idly scrolling through her messages.

“Hey, Mu Li.” A hand landed on Mu Li’s shoulder from behind. She turned to see Kevin. “You seem distracted. Tired of combat training? How about a round of Mecha instead?”

Mu Li realized she’d been wallowing in self-pity excessively. She’d never been one to brood over departures before—not even when companions failed their tribulations and perished completely. Patting her clothes, she stood up. “Sure, but don’t come crying for mercy later.”

Kevin scoffed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Who beats whom remains to be seen.”

After an afternoon of training, the five left the Mecha Club and headed toward the school cafeteria. It was peak dismissal time, with students streaming out of classrooms in groups toward the dining hall.

The quintet stood out conspicuously on the path. Beyond their academic excellence across different grades, their tall statures and striking features alone drew sidelong glances from passersby.

They were discussing issues from that afternoon’s Mecha match when a shrill voice cut in. “Only a few days into the semester, and you’re already surrounded by so many Alphas again, Mu Li?”

Turning, they saw Mu Anming approaching with his entourage of wastrels.

Time apart hadn’t changed Mu Anming’s slovenly demeanor—no trace of restraint despite previous reprimands.

“No wonder I couldn’t find you anywhere on campus. Too busy mingling with Alphas, huh? And here I thought you were above such things.” Mu Anming’s tone was deliberately provocative as he eyed Mu Li encircled by four Alphas.

One of his cronies chimed in, “Anming, you really don’t know your sister’s private life at all,” while sneaking glances at Mu Li’s companions.

“My mistake entirely,” Mu Anming mockingly conceded.

Ailina, whose temper flared at the slightest provocation despite normally bantering freely, exploded at the slander. “Watch your filthy mouths.”

Unfamiliar with Ailina and emboldened by his privileged circle’s usual immunity to consequences, Mu Anming taunted, “Oho, jumping to her defense already? Feeling protective?”

“You—!” Ailina lunged forward, only to be restrained by the ever-composed Bai Jingli.

With a calm that puzzled Ailina, Bai Jingli stepped toward Mu Anming. “I recognize you—a junior who tops the academic probation list annually.” His gaze swept the group. “Ah, seems your friends join you there too.”

The provocation worked. The wastrels charged first, granting Mu Li’s group legitimate self-defense grounds. Cracking their knuckles, they advanced eagerly.

After enduring daily thrashings from Ji Yu in the Mecha Club, they welcomed fresh punching bags.

The commotion drew a gathering crowd, but before spectators could process the movements, the entire troupe lay moaning on the ground, leaving Mu Anming’s attempt to avenge their StarNet humiliation thoroughly thwarted.

Mu Anming clutched his swollen eye and said, “Mu Li, just you wait. We won’t let you get away with this.”

Mu Li looked at Mu Anming with a gaze as cold as if he were a stranger. “Losing fair and square, yet you want to bite back? You’re becoming more and more pathetic.”

Watching Mu Li’s retreating figure, Mu Anming seethed with resentment. He wanted to curse loudly but winced in pain as the movement tugged at the wound on his lip, making a pitiful “hiss” sound.