Chapter 29

Chapter 29

"Hey, did you hear? An Omega joined the Combat Department this year."

"Huh? You haven't got a gene disorder, have you? Why start hallucinating in broad daylight?"

"Nonsense, how could an Omega join the Combat Department? I think you’re just overly obsessed with Omegas!"

"Typical of a desperate Alpha, look at this worthless fuss."

Frustrated at not being believed, Fer exclaimed, "Omegas can live in the Alpha dorm now, what's so hard to believe about one joining the Combat Department? It's not like no Omega has ever joined before. How is this me daydreaming? Besides, why not come and see for yourself if it's true?"

After some consideration, his friends thought Fer might have a point.

"True, the new freshmen are starting their first day of training today. We can sneak a peek and verify whether the rumors are true."

"Some thought of the Alphas previously punished by the school and were wary: 'What if there really is an Omega in the new combat division? We wouldn't get caught, right?'"

"Fier, with his clear yet foolishly blue eyes, stared at the hesitant Alpha, scolding, 'You’re too rigid! Who says we're here to see Omegas? We're obviously here to give warmth to our direct juniors!'"

"As the largest department of the Dark Star Military Academy, a tradition of the combat division is to present 'care and blessing packages' to the clueless newcomers on the day they officially start classes. This includes adding obstacles to the physical training, personally training the inexperienced young Alphas in combat classes, releasing high-level Alpha pheromones and mental pressure, among other ruthless acts."

"Every generation of Alphas and Betas in the combat division had endured this. They had been through the rain, so of course, they wanted to tear up the umbrellas for their juniors."

"In a way, this was a continuation of a tradition at the Dark Star Military Academy."

"Fier's words quickly dispelled his companions' concerns, their eagerness to see the Omega making them willing to risk punishment."

"However, upon arriving at the training ground, they realized they weren't the only ones with this idea."

"Seeing the crowds of Alphas and Betas, Fier and his group were shocked, regretting not arriving earlier, ending up squeezed at the very edge, unable to even enter the training ground."

"Fier, leaving his companions behind, struggled through the crowd, overwhelmed by the choking Alpha pheromones, nearly losing his sense of smell."

"Finally, pushed to the forefront, before he could steady himself, Fier heard a deafening cheer erupt from the crowd. He clung to a nearby large Alpha to avoid being pushed back, and upon steadying himself, he saw, amidst the new combat division recruits, indeed, an Omega!"

"As the newcomers gradually arrived at the training ground, Queqiu's appearance sparked a massive uproar among the eagerly awaiting crowd!"

"An emotional Husky Alpha blurted out 'wife,' but aside from a few Alphas nearby who glared menacingly at him, most of the onlookers didn't notice this Alpha's disrespectful remark towards the Omega. His voice, lost in the overwhelming cheers, caused no ripple, like a small stone thrown into a waterfall."

"Ah, so cute! Even adorned the training uniform with a caterpillar, such a clever little Omega～"

"Am I seeing this right, a real Omega?!"

"Dark Star Military Academy's combat division has never had an Omega!!"

"Ahhh, punch me, let me know this is real and not just a dream!"

"Can I still switch to the Combat Department now? I have A grades in every course and meet the transfer requirements!"

"I don't need to transfer; I just want to know if I can deliberately fail a year. I'm so envious of these kids."

More and more Alphas and Betas, hearing the news, flocked from all over the school, crowding the training ground in a radius of several hundred meters. Many preferred to skip classes just to catch a glimpse of the Omega who chose the Combat Department.

However, with the increasing crowd, discordant voices began to emerge. Beyond the initial surprise, they belatedly worried: Could an Omega, typically fragile, really endure the rigors of the Combat Department?

"I'm happy that an Omega is in the Combat Department, but honestly, aren't Omegas unsuitable for it?"

"If I remember correctly, during last semester's final practical exams, not to mention the frontlines, not a single Omega from the Healing Department was willing to join the military."

"That was a real battlefield. Even if not on the front lines against the bug race, it's still fraught with danger. Omegas shouldn’t be exposed to such risks."

"So, Omegas don't belong in the Combat Department. They're so rare, who would bear the responsibility if something happened to them?"

Some even went as far as to attack Queqiu directly with sharp words.

"Can't Omegas just stay in their castles and play house? Why whimsically join the Combat Department, causing trouble for their peers and severely affecting the quality of teaching?"

"Choosing based on personal preference without considering suitability, can such a person really stay in the Combat Department?"

"Everyone knows what Omegas are usually like: disdainful of Alphas and Betas, arrogant, fragile, with poor physical fitness."

"With the Healing Department being a more suitable option, why choose the most challenging Combat Department? Are they planning to charm the bug race on the battlefield or flirt with the enemy?"

However, as most Alphas and Betas are very protective of Omegas, these excessively harsh criticisms did not become mainstream. It was just a few Alphas muttering complaints, not even daring to raise their voices.

Feigo looked at Queqiu worriedly. The higher the Alpha's rank, the more sensitive they are to external perceptions, and he easily heard those offensive comments. He was afraid that the sensitive and fragile Omega couldn't withstand such scrutinizing looks and words.

"Don't mind those boring Alphas and Betas. Choosing which department to join is your decision, and others' opinions don't matter at all."

Queqiu naturally heard those attacking remarks, but his face remained expressionless, his gaze indifferent, showing he didn't care.

"It's okay," he said, "I don't care about others' opinions of me."

Tang Butian, who had once been fervently enthusiastic about Omegas, realized after a day's interaction that Queqiu, though seemingly more delicate than average, didn't need to be placed on a pedestal. He was more like a warm and comforting ray of sunshine.

He moved forward, trying to shield Queqiu from the curious and probing gazes. Turning to Queqiu with a wide smile, he said, "Don’t worry. Once the head instructor arrives, they surely won’t gather here anymore."

Xu Feng, as an Alpha, seemed even more daunted by the large crowd than Queqiu, but he mustered up his courage and nodded in agreement with Tang Butian: "Yeah!"

Their dorm group stood apart, somewhat distant from others in the same department. The new Alpha students looked at Queqiu with eyes full of anticipation and surprise, carefully keeping their distance like newly-weaned puppies, filled with timid hope for their owner’s attention.

These new Alpha students hadn’t undergone systematic training yet. They didn’t question Queqiu’s suitability for the Combat Department, instinctively welcoming him due to their Alpha genes, with every cell in their bodies rejoicing at being so close to an Omega.

"It’s good we have the restraint collars. With so many Alphas here, uncontrolled pheromone leakage could have serious consequences," remarked Principal Gebu.

Standing beside him in a nearby bell tower, Yan Weili watched the scene closely.

The proud black panther Alpha scoffed disdainfully, his eyes flashing coldly, "Of course, you would say that, being a Beta who has never had to wear a restraint collar. I think it’s best not to comment on something you haven’t personally experienced."

Gebu smiled slightly, still observing the situation through his round glasses.

"Don’t get angry every time restraint collars are mentioned. You know they protect both Omegas and Alphas."

Yan Weili replied sharply, "Not every Alpha is a rapist. Their joy at the presence of an Omega isn’t their fault. Alphas naturally produce pheromones for someone they like, yet you insist on denying this natural tendency. These students have been forced to wear these collars generation after generation like dogs. Aren’t they even allowed to complain now?"

Unruffled by the blunt retort, Gebu replied amiably, "Omegas also have to wear alarm devices, right? Strictly speaking, Alphas lose dignity, Omegas lose freedom, and Betas lose respect. No one gains more advantage. Besides, the decision to wear restraint collars is not mine to make; it's a rule set by the nobility, and I’m just following it."

Not usually eloquent, especially against the articulate Principal Gebu, Yan Weili found himself at a loss for words.

Fuming inwardly, he turned his gaze back to the training ground, where Queqiu's striking golden presence seemed to unexpectedly soothe his agitation.

Noticing this, Gebu expressed concern, "Your mental state seems a bit unstable lately. If you need psychological counseling, it's best to inform the medical office in advance so they can arrange it."

Taken aback, Yan Weili clenched his fist, reverting to his cold demeanor, and replied tersely, "I'm fine, my mental state is very stable, thank you for your concern."

Gebu said no more, turning his attention back to the training ground.

"Do you think this S-grade Omega in the Combat Department can really make it?"

The question stirred unpleasant memories in Yan Weili, bringing up embarrassing incidents, causing his eyebrows to twitch in irritation.

But objectively, even surrounded by so many Alphas, Queqiu remained unaffected, proving he was quite different from other Omegas.

"At least he doesn’t resort to calling Alphas 'stinky dogs' or 'filthy things'. Whether he can successfully stay in the Combat Department depends on his own abilities and strengths."

Gebu looked at him, slightly surprised, "Oh? Weren’t you strongly against him choosing the Combat Department initially? Why do you seem to have a high opinion of him now?"

"In the world of Alphas, there are only two kinds of people: the weak who need protection and the strong who are looked up to. If an Omega can be stronger than an Alpha, why shouldn’t I admire him?"

Gebu smiled and didn’t continue the conversation.

Meanwhile, on the training ground, Queqiu was unaware of the intense debate Gebu and Yan Weili were having about him.

After waiting for over half an hour, the head instructor of the Combat Department finally arrived.

Before he even appeared, just the sound of military boots on gravel led the Alphas blocking the entrance to hastily make way.

The new students looked curiously at the approaching figure, while Queqiu noticed Feigo suddenly clenching his fists, his muscles tensing, staring hatefully in the direction of the head instructor.

Something was off. Queqiu, sensing a potential problem, looked at Feigo with concern, "Are you okay?"

Uncharacteristically, Feigo didn’t respond, grinding his teeth with a chilling sound, his gaze fierce as if ready to tear the other apart.

The usually optimistic and trustworthy tiger Alpha suddenly became irritable and angry, a complete change of demeanor. Queqiu, puzzled, looked towards the long-awaited head instructor, suspecting some irreconcilable conflict between him and Feigo.

The Alphas parted to create a path, and within moments, a man dressed in black instructor's uniform, with a stern face, emerged from the crowd.

The man had white hair and triangular wolf ears atop his head, with a fluffy tail of the same color hanging naturally behind him. Both ears and tail gleamed silver under the sunlight.

He stopped about ten meters from the new students, his pale blue eyes like a serene, piercing lake. Even a casual glance was enough to instill a deep-seated fear in many newly adult Alphas.

He nodded, his voice cold as ice, introducing himself, "Good morning, everyone. I am your head instructor, the snow wolf Alpha, An Wei Ran."

As he spoke, murmurs spread through the crowd, "That’s An Wei Ran, the only S-grade Alpha in the Combat Department besides Director Yan Weili!"

"These freshmen are in for a tough time. Everyone knows An Wei Ran is the strictest instructor at the Dark Star Military Academy."

"Strange, wasn't he in charge of the 22nd cohort last year? How come he's taking on this year's cohort without completing the previous one?"

"Don't you know? It's probably because of last semester's final combat assessment. Rumor has it he executed one of his own students—"

As if struck by a cold, piercing glare, the whispering abruptly stopped, and both Alphas and Betas in the crowd clammed up, not daring to speak another word.

Queqiu noticed that when someone mentioned the end-of-term assessment, Feigo, already emotionally unstable, seemed even more agitated. The veins on his arms stood out sharply, his tense muscles and the fiery rage in his eyes all directed towards the snow wolf Alpha in the distance.

And... hatred.

Besides that, Queqiu also observed Feigo's clenched fists trembling slightly, seemingly... also mixed with fear.

Sensing trouble, Queqiu reached out to intervene, but before he could act, Feigo, like an arrow released from its bow, charged forward. In the shocked eyes of the onlookers, he threw a punch at the head instructor.

"Holy shit!"

"Has this guy gone crazy?"

"That’s an S-grade Alpha!"

"He’s got a death wish!"

Amidst gasps of shock, Feigo's thrown punch was effortlessly dodged by An Wei Ran with a swift sidestep. The tiger Alpha turned quickly to strike again, only to be caught off guard. An Wei Ran drove his knee hard into Feigo's back, almost audibly crunching bone on bone in a forceful collision.

"Feigo, in pain, stumbled forward a few steps, then, using the momentum, performed a forward flip, widening the distance from Anwiran."

"Seeing Feigo unharmed, Queqiu breathed a sigh of relief. However, just when everyone thought the sudden attack had ended, Feigo recklessly charged again, his beastly eyes burning with raging fury."

"Furiously cursing the Snow Wolf Alpha, Feigo's real attack began, activating his A-level ability, Beast Magnetic Field. In an instant, all Alphas and Betas present with lower levels than him turned pale, struggling even to breathe."

"Anwiran frowned: 'Have you lost your mind?'"

"'You murderer! You deserve to go to hell and accompany the captain!'"

"Feigo unleashed his abilities without restraint, creating a tremor that radiated from him as the epicenter. Soil, twigs, and stones trembled and floated mid-air. Students within the range of his attack, even though not his direct targets, suffered indiscriminate assault, crushed under the sudden increase in gravity."

"'Who let this mad dog loose? Tie it up!'"

"'Damn, starts fighting over nothing!'"

"'Fed up with you high-level Alphas!'"

"Complaints filled the air, but Feigo was beyond caring, his mind replaying Anwiran's blood-stained hands and cold words about eradicating genetic diseases. One thought consumed him—"

"To make this murderer pay!"

"Anwiran had some recollection of Feigo, but with too much to remember, Feigo wasn’t significant enough to be one of them."

"He frowned impatiently, alerting the medical unit and school inspectors to deal with the rampaging Alpha, and hurried to protect Queqiu, enfolding him in his arms."

"'Are you insane? There's an Omega here!'"

Queqiu clutched An Wei Ran's sleeve, who thought the little Omega in his arms was scared by the chaos. Though naturally stoic and not used to comforting others, An Wei Ran softened his voice and asked, "Are you okay?"

Queqiu shook his head: "I'm fine."

More than himself, he was worried that Feigo’s sudden frenzy might be misconstrued as a genetic disorder episode, leading to his detention. In the heat of the moment, he raised his voice towards Feigo, who was still unleashing his ability and on the verge of attacking again, "Feigo, calm down!"

Feigo's attention shifted to Queqiu, his eyes bloodshot as he stepped toward him. An Wei Ran, sensing danger, shielded the Omega and warned, "Be careful, there's an Omega in front of you!"

"I would never hurt an Omega! Alphas are not just destructive monsters!"

An Wei Ran’s attempt to stop him only aggravated Feigo. The tiger Alpha's movements became incredibly fast, and just as he was about to strike, something unexpected happened!

"Stay back! It's dangerous!" Seeing a sudden opening, An Wei Ran’s pupils contracted.

The seemingly delicate Omega suddenly broke away from his protection. In a blink, Queqiu dashed towards the uncontrollable Alpha, using momentum to kick against his chest. Queqiu then leapt up, wrapping his legs around the Alpha’s neck in a scissor hold, effortlessly flipping the much heavier tiger Alpha onto the ground!

“！！”

A gasp erupted from the crowd.

Not stopping there, after flipping Feigo, Queqiu knelt down, bending his knee against the fallen Alpha's back. While maintaining control, he secretly gathered a ball of golden spiritual energy at his fingertips and infused it into Feigo.

Feigo struggled briefly before his body went limp, and he fell into an obedient unconsciousness.

Seeing this, the tense crowd exhaled in relief, patting their chests in hindsight.

An Wei Ran stood frozen for a moment, only regaining his composure when the medics and inspection team he had called arrived.

He looked towards the Omega at the center of everyone's attention. The north wind slightly lifted his hair, which shimmered with a clean, pure light in the sun. His beautiful eyes sparkled like the brightest gems. Beneath the sharp and stylish training outfit, his body was not as fragile as they thought, but filled with strength and courage.

He wasn't just a pretty face, not someone who could only be protected.

He could also be someone to be admired.

Admired by thousands.

Author's note:

Queqiu is so cool.