After Imperial Capital Academy conceded, Pearl Institute officially claimed victory in the first match!
Song Jie, Mu Lei, and the others returned to their team, meeting the astonished gazes of everyone around them.
"That was an easy win," Mu Lei said loudly on purpose, making sure Imperial Capital Academy could hear.
"You brat!" Elder Deng laughed, patting Mu Lei's head. "Don't get too full of yourself."
But the students from Imperial Capital Academy could only grit their teeth and suppress their anger.
"Teacher Lu," Liang Shujun asked in a low voice, "is there even a point in going up next?"
As soon as he spoke, silence fell over the team.
Four students had already gone up—two were injured, and two had surrendered to avoid the same fate.
If Song Jie fought again, they wouldn't even stand a chance.
Going up now would just be asking for humiliation.
Lu Yiming sighed deeply. To think such a situation would happen while he was leading the team...
"I just hope we don't encounter a monster like that next time," he thought bitterly.
Elder Deng, noticing Imperial Capital Academy's hesitation, strolled over with a teasing grin.
"Teacher Lu, our Pearl Institute team's already ready to go. Why are you all so slow?"
Lu Yiming ignored the jab and instead turned to his own students. "Anyone here willing to go up?"
The students exchanged looks. Who would volunteer to get crushed?
They shook their heads one after another.
Lu Yiming had no choice. At this point, conceding was the only way to maintain a shred of dignity.
"Teacher Deng," he said at last, "Pearl Institute wins this round."
"Oh? You're conceding?" Elder Deng feigned surprise and raised his voice theatrically.
Lu Yiming's expression darkened. He knew Deng was doing it on purpose—but he still nodded helplessly.
The spectators around them murmured, though none were surprised.
Song Jie's strength was terrifying. With two Warrior-level Summoned Beasts, he was already invincible—let alone his own magic skills and his powerful teammates.
There was simply no way Imperial Capital Academy could win.
Mu Ningxue stood up quietly, her gaze lingering on Song Jie.
She hadn't expected that in just one short year, he had grown this strong.
She couldn't afford to fall behind.
After all, they had all experienced the tragedy of Bo City—the helplessness of facing demons without the strength to resist.
Only with greater power could they survive.
When Song Jie turned in her direction, Mu Ningxue had already left.
Turning back, he noticed Ding Yumian's face looked a bit pale.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly.
Ding Yumian waved a hand. "It's nothing."
But when she subconsciously covered her lower abdomen, Song Jie immediately understood.
"Want me to help you over there to rest?"
"...Okay." Ding Yumian nodded, not bothering to act tough.
The match between Pearl Institute and Imperial Capital Academy had been the highlight of the day.
Now that it was over, the schedule wrapped up as well.
Everyone was exhausted and ready to leave.
As they followed Elder Deng out, they spotted Jiang Shaoxu and Liu Xiaoxiao waiting outside.
"Song Jie!" Liu Xiaoxiao waved enthusiastically.
Mu Lei puffed his chest out. "See? I told you we'd win easily!"
Liu Xiaoxiao grinned. "No arguments there!" She looked absolutely delighted at Imperial Capital Academy's defeat.
"You didn't head back yet? What are you doing here?" Mu Lei asked.
"Oh, it's almost dinner time! We thought we'd eat together," Liu Xiaoxiao replied cheerfully.
"Fine by me."
Mu Lei looked to Song Jie. "What do you say?"
"Let's head back for a quick shower first. The weather's unbearable," Song Jie said.
"Good idea. Then we'll meet at the school gate at six!" Liu Xiaoxiao waved as she and Jiang Shaoxu headed off.
On the way back, Song Jie helped support Ding Yumian.
Seeing this, Huo Yumeng hurried over. "Yumian, what's wrong?"
"I…" Ding Yumian hesitated, glancing awkwardly at Song Jie.
Huo Yumeng raised a brow. "You're on your period, aren't you?"
Ding Yumian nodded sheepishly.
"Then go rest immediately," Huo Yumeng said, taking her arm.
A short while later, they returned to their apartment. Huo Yumeng stayed to care for Ding Yumian while Song Jie headed to his room for a shower.
After washing up, he sat on the sofa, scrolling through his phone—only to see a new friend request pop up.
The profile picture belonged to Jiang Shaoxu.
"How did she get my contact…"
Then it clicked—Mu Lei must have shared it.
Song Jie accepted the request, and out of curiosity, checked her profile.
Her Moments were filled with high-quality photos—beautiful shots of her in bikinis at the beach.
That water... that skin... so white—
He was about to scroll further when a message notification popped up.
[Jiang Shaoxu: I have a question. What was that big trump card you mentioned on the field?]
[Song Jie: That's my secret. I can't just tell anyone.]
[Jiang Shaoxu: We've eaten together before, haven't we? That makes us friends, right? I don't count as "anyone," do I?]
[Song Jie: Do you really want to know?]
[Jiang Shaoxu: Of course!]
[Song Jie: Too bad. I'm not telling you.]
Jiang Shaoxu squinted at her phone, her beautiful eyes narrowing in mock irritation.
"Shaoxu, who are you chatting with? You look ready to kill someone," Liu Xiaoxiao asked curiously.
"A dog," Jiang Shaoxu muttered coldly, tossing her phone aside.
Later that evening, Song Jie and Mu Lei arrived at the school gate. Jiang Shaoxu and Liu Xiaoxiao were already there.
"Where's the other girl?" Liu Xiaoxiao asked.
"She's not feeling well, so she stayed in," Song Jie replied.
"I just found a great restaurant—authentic Imperial Capital cuisine," Mu Lei said with a grin.
"Then let's go!" Liu Xiaoxiao said excitedly, clearly a food lover.
Song Jie glanced at Jiang Shaoxu, who shot him a subtle, teasing glare.
He could tell—she was definitely still angry.
Following Mu Lei's lead, they soon arrived at the restaurant, booked a private room, and ordered their dishes.
"Do you guys have any insider info about the upcoming training?" Mu Lei asked.
"Training? Nope, haven't heard a thing," Liu Xiaoxiao replied.
"Jiang Shaoxu, what about you?" Mu Lei turned to her.
"I actually do have some news," Jiang Shaoxu said casually, shooting Song Jie a look.
"You do? Tell us!" Mu Lei said eagerly.
Liu Xiaoxiao leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"But…" Jiang Shaoxu smirked. "I don't want to tell a certain someone."
Her gaze lingered pointedly on Song Jie.
Song Jie smiled helplessly. He had teased her earlier—but now he'd been completely outmaneuvered.
"Song Jie," Mu Lei whispered suspiciously, "what did you do behind my back? Why's she mad at you?"
Song Jie sighed. "...It's complicated."
"Not telling your bro? That's cold," Mu Lei said dramatically.
...
Author's Note:
The first half (completed version) of Versatile Mage: My Magic Has Gone Beyond Limits! is now available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continued support! 💙