Five days after the secret meeting with Mu Ningxue, the academy officially announced the joint training between Mingzhu Academy and Imperial Capital Academy.
The mission was straightforward but daunting: leave the security boundary, complete designated tasks, and survive without any support.
For students who had always lived in an ivory tower, this was a huge challenge. To prepare, the school allowed a few days for collecting magical tools, medicines, and other necessary supplies.
On the day of the training, Song He, dean of the Imperial Capital Academy, personally addressed the students. He outlined the location of the training, explained the tasks, and emphasized the rules.
Wang Feng's eyes glinted coldly as he observed Song He. As a time traveler, he knew Song He's true identity.
This seemingly respected dean was, in reality, a cunning and unscrupulous "Old Six."
Song He wasn't just dean—he was also the mentor of the National Capital Team—but he repeatedly sacrificed his students' safety for personal gain.
In the original timeline, Song He knowingly allowed Qin Yu'er, an ice-type victim, to join the National Government team. When her identity was exposed, she was tried by the Holy City and ultimately sealed in Tianshan by the Court of Judgment—a tragedy that could have been prevented.
Dean Fu of Mingzhu Academy had protected Ding Yumian, showing what a responsible mentor should do. But Song He turned a blind eye, pushing Qin Yu'er into the abyss.
This joint training was another example. He knew Lu Nian wanted to use Mo Fan as a test subject, yet still disclosed the training location, putting students from both academies in danger. Even the later call to the southernmost region was suggested by Song He to Mu Ningxue.
And now, with Mu Ningxue—bearing a resemblance to Qin Yu'er—invited to the Imperial Capital Academy, Wang Feng knew that Song He might be planning to exploit her just as he had Qin Yu'er.
"This scourge must not be left alive, but Song He is a veteran super-class. I am not strong enough to eliminate him…" Wang Feng thought coldly.
Song He concluded the briefing:
"Individual power is limited. While collecting data in the deserted city, students from both academies should cooperate to return safely."
The two teams then boarded a flight to the nearest city, Jinlin City. As the plane took off, students gradually relaxed. Some chatted quietly, while others closed their eyes, preparing their energy for the journey ahead.
Meanwhile, in the dean's office of the Imperial Capital Academy…
A man in a military coat, smoking a pipe, pushed open the door and walked directly to Song He.
"Army Commander, didn't Mingzhu reject your request? Why persist?"
Song He smiled gently but with a hint of intent in his tone.
Lu Nian exhaled smoke, his expression grim. "Dean Song He, the experiment is at its final stage. All we need is a mage with dual-element talents. How could I back down now?"
Song He frowned. "But demon experiments are banned by the Magic Association of the Five Continents. What you're doing violates the rules."
"Rules?" Lu Nian sneered. "How can those sitting comfortably in high offices understand the plight of those at the bottom? Dean Song He, this is a groundbreaking initiative to change mankind's fate!"
His voice rose with passion. "Mages are naturally inferior to demons. The demon experiment solves that. It enhances the body and magic to surpass demons without relying on star energy. Isn't that power worth pursuing?"
"Many forces, the military, and the Magic Association initially approved this research. We've only encountered obstacles. Are we to retreat now?"
"Wasn't the creation of magic born at a huge cost? If black magic can be normalized, why not demons? Dean Song He, we're one step away! Hand Wang Feng over, and the experiment is complete!"
Song He was silent, then spoke slowly: "I understand your ambition, but continuing this will make you an enemy of the Five Continents Magic Association."
Lu Nian snorted. "If I contribute to humanity, what does it matter if the world hates me? Just tell me where my brother Lu Zhenghe is training."
Song He sighed and replied: "The training location is the deserted city of Jinlin."
Lu Nian left without another word. Once outside, he took out a recorder and replayed the conversation. "Old thing, you want the benefits without effort? There's no such thing!" he sneered.
After arriving in Corning, the nearest city to Jinlin, seventeen students from Mingzhu and Didu Academies continued on foot.
Transportation in demon-infested areas would have been suicidal; they would have been surrounded within minutes.
Since time was limited, Qingqing—the encyclopedia of demons from the Imperial Capital—explained the situation and potential crises in Jinlin City.
"If we follow the abandoned railway, we won't go off course," she concluded.
The railway, originally belonging to Anjie, had become a natural wayfinding path through the demon territory. Following it guaranteed they'd reach Jinlin City.
After half a day of walking, the team reached a tunnel overgrown with dense vegetation.
Jinlin City had become demon territory, and tunnels were natural nests for them. Even standing outside, the sight of thick, strange vines was intimidating.
"This tunnel is two kilometers long. Judging by previous encounters, it's likely inhabited by demons. We have two choices: fight our way through or climb over it," Song Xia said, consulting the map.
"Captain, what's your decision?" Zhao Mingyue asked Mu Ningxue.
Mu Ningxue's eyes didn't leave Wang Feng.
"Crossing the mountain is too troublesome. Let's fight our way through."
The stage was set. The first real test of strategy, skill, and courage in this demon-infested land had begun.
...
📢 Author's Note
The full completed version of Versatile Mage: I Can Copy Magic Systems! (Part 1) is now available on Patreon!
✅ Part 1 Complete — 110+ Chapters
Follow Wang Feng's incredible journey as he awakens a heaven-defying talent, copies the world's strongest magic systems, innate talents, spirit seeds, and divine powers, and rises to the very peak of the magic world.
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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