Just as everyone on the ground was feeling helpless, Bai Liang suddenly shouted, "You don't have to come down, Song Jie—but do you think your current score is enough to get first place?"
The others turned to him in confusion.
Bai Liang sneered. "If you refuse to come down, we'll just start giving points to our own people. Let's see if your team can still keep first place then!"
The moment he said that, everyone's eyes lit up in realization.
They finally understood what he meant—if they deliberately let their teammates eliminate them, they could raise their own side's score and overtake Song Jie's team!
"Exactly!"
"I can sacrifice myself for the team!"
"Me too!"
A chorus of agreement erupted as everyone's spirits rose again.
They were threatening Song Jie in return—if he refused to fight, they'd ruin his advantage!
Song Jie stared down at them, dumbfounded. "You guys are seriously threatening me now?"
Then he snorted coldly. "Fine, just you wait!"
With that, he pulled on the Wind-Riding Skyhawk's reins and flew off into the distance.
The crowd below looked confused.
"Why did he suddenly leave?" someone asked.
"Follow him! Don't let him get away!" Bai Liang ordered immediately.
They had already been fighting for over two hours—they couldn't afford to waste any more time. Even annoying Song Jie to death would be better than losing this way!
Meanwhile, Song Jie flew far away, heading toward the area where Ding Yuming and the others were resting.
He knew he couldn't take on everyone alone, but if he had a few allies… things might be different.
"So, you guys have numbers, huh?" Song Jie smirked. "Think you can bully me because I'm solo?"
He grinned—soon, he'd give them a little surprise.
The students watching the broadcast were abuzz with speculation.
"What's he planning now?"
"He's probably scared! He doesn't dare face that many people at once."
"Hahaha, serves him right! Seeing him run away is so satisfying!"
Everyone laughed, convinced Song Jie was retreating in fear.
But Song Jie had already reached the outskirts of the test area, where a small abandoned shop stood.
He scanned the area—no sign of Ding Yuming's group.
Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Song Jie!"
Song Jie turned and saw Mu Lei approaching swiftly using Wind Track.
Mu Lei had guessed Song Jie must've been behind the mass eliminations earlier at the square. Wanting to back him up, he had secretly followed his trail.
"Where are Ding Yuming and the others?" Song Jie asked.
"I'll take you to them," Mu Lei said.
"Good."
With Mu Lei guiding him, Song Jie had the Wind-Riding Skyhawk fly low to avoid detection.
Before long, they reached the rendezvous point where Ding Yuming, Huang Xingli, and the others were waiting.
"Song Jie, you're insane—you eliminated so many people all by yourself!" Huang Xingli exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Let's skip the flattery," Song Jie said briskly. "I need your help."
Ding Yuming nodded seriously. "What do you need us to do?"
"Mu Lei and Huang Xingli will form one group," Song Jie said. "You and I will form another."
"What are we doing exactly?" Mu Lei asked, sensing mischief in Song Jie's tone.
"Launching an airstrike," Song Jie replied with a sly smile. "If it works, this whole competition will be over."
"Airstrike? But you only have one flying summoned beast!" Huang Xingli frowned.
They knew the Wind-Riding Skyhawk could only carry two people at most.
Song Jie chuckled. "Who says I only have one?"
Everyone looked at him in disbelief.
Mu Lei urged, "Quit joking, Song Jie—they're going to catch up any second!"
Song Jie grinned. "Watch closely."
He turned to face the Wind-Riding Skyhawk, then rapidly drew glowing Star Paths in the air.
Dimensional Replication!
Light surged from his hands, enveloping the majestic Skyhawk.
A second later, a shockwave of energy burst out—and right before everyone's eyes, the Wind-Riding Skyhawk split into two identical copies!
Everyone froze.
Even the teachers and students watching through the big screen were struck silent.
"Holy crap, how did he do that!?"
"Two identical Wind-Riding Skyhawks!? What kind of magic is that!?"
In the observation room, the teachers turned toward Jiang Yunming, expecting an explanation.
But Jiang Yunming could only give a helpless smile and shake his head. "Don't look at me. I have no idea."
A professor speculated, "Could it be some kind of replication skill?"
"Seems like it," another replied. "Otherwise, there's no way a Summoner could duplicate a contracted creature like that."
"This Song Jie keeps breaking common sense," a teacher said, laughing. "But that's what makes him amazing."
Everyone nodded. Despite Song Jie's outrageous tactics, they couldn't help but feel proud—after all, he represented Pearl Institute!
On the field, Huang Xingli's eyes sparkled as she asked, "Song Jie, how did you do that!?"
Song Jie smiled. "Just a special skill I obtained from the Summoning System."
The upperclassmen watching nearly choked with envy.
If they had such a spell, they'd dominate the Summoning Department!
Song Jie turned to Mu He, who had been quietly observing. "Mu He, you're a defensive mage, right? Stay back this round. We'll handle the fighting."
Mu He nodded calmly. He hadn't expected much from this exam anyway—yet somehow, he was already sitting comfortably in fifth place without lifting a finger.
Song Jie smirked. "Alright, everyone—mount up. It's our turn to strike back!"
Before, his solo firepower hadn't been enough. But now, with two flying beasts and three capable teammates, that was about to change.
Mu Lei and Huang Xingli quickly climbed onto the replicated Skyhawk.
"I'll help you up," Song Jie said, lending a hand to Ding Yuming.
She climbed aboard, and Song Jie hopped up behind her, steadying himself on the narrow back of the eagle.
Their bodies pressed close, and he caught the faint fragrance of her hair. For a brief moment, his heart skipped—then he quickly shook his head to refocus.
"Depart!"
The two Wind-Riding Skyhawks let out sharp cries and simultaneously spread their wings, soaring into the sky with fierce momentum.
A brand-new air raid was about to begin.
...
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! 💙