The intensive training camp was about to begin, followed by Kousei and McQueen's Triple Crown races. This was a perfect opportunity for them to hone their skills. However, Teio was sidelined due to a fractured leg, and despite her relentless protests, the Academy and Rudolf remained firm in their decision.
Even walking was a struggle for Teio, and the Umamusume's mobility relied entirely on human assistance. Any unexpected mishap could be disastrous.
"McQueen, Kousei... Good! Everyone from Ritto Dormitory is here! Remember to keep an eye on your teammates!" Fuji Kiseki confirmed the headcount and reminded everyone.
This was Kousei's first group activity, and she couldn't contain her excitement. She eagerly scanned the seating area, spotting not only Rice Shower and Bakushin but also several other well-known Umamusume. The feeling of being among such talented peers filled her with anticipation.
"I know you're excited, but you should calm down a bit," McQueen said, unable to watch Kousei's unrestrained enthusiasm any longer.
"McQueen's right. I should double-check if I've packed everything," Kousei replied, immediately rummaging through her bag.
"Even if we forgot something, there's no turning back now," McQueen thought to herself.
On second thought, if this would keep Kousei calm, it might be worth it.
The car started, and Kousei gazed out the window at the blurring scenery, her face alight with excitement.
Having only left the Shopping Street once before—to attend Tracen—this was only her second time venturing into completely unfamiliar territory. The thrill of the unknown buzzed through her veins.
"McQueen, I heard the training camp is by the sea! This is my first time seeing the ocean!"
"I've been a few times, but always with Grandmother and Ryan," McQueen replied, her voice lacking Kousei's enthusiasm for the beach.
"Siblings... how wonderful! Unlike me, I'm all alone. Sometimes I wish I had a sister."
"Even without siblings, you can still be happy," McQueen reassured her.
"True," Kousei agreed, letting the thought drift away.
"Oh, right! McQueen, let's go swimming during our break! I even brought my swimsuit—we should take advantage of this rare opportunity!"
"Hmm... yes, you're right."
McQueen shifted awkwardly, her enthusiasm evaporating as she glanced at Kousei's enviable figure.
Swimsuits, huh!
Well, they certainly deserved a break. First the Debut Race, then the Hopeful Stakes. After training camp, the relentless Triple Crown Races would follow in quick succession. This might be the last bit of free time they could squeeze out for a while.
Perhaps because she was too excited at first, Kousei was suddenly overcome with drowsiness midway through the trip. She leaned against McQueen's shoulder and drifted off to sleep.
In her dream, she thought she heard someone calling her name.
"Hey~ Wake up~"
Though meant to rouse her, McQueen's voice was soft and playful, as if she were teasing Kousei, clearly amused by her sleeping face. Unfortunately, Kousei soon rubbed her bleary eyes and sat up.
"Are we there yet?"
"Mhm."
The training camp dormitories had already been assigned, with roommates grouped exactly as they were at Tracen. Kousei found herself alone again. Though accustomed to solitude, she still thought as she gazed at the empty room, "It would be nice to have a roommate."
On their first day, considering the Umamusume's physical condition, there would be no formal training. This was their chance to relax and unwind.
Kousei quickly packed her belongings and eagerly went to find McQueen.
Their hearts were connected, and McQueen had been waiting for some time.
As they walked along the beach, the peculiar sensation of the sand between their toes fascinated Kousei. They hadn't gone far when they spotted a familiar face.
Rice Shower immediately recognized Kousei and waved with a bright smile. "Kousei!"
Beside Rice Shower stood an expressionless Umamusume—Mihono Bourbon, whom Rice Shower had mentioned earlier.
"Analysis complete. Safety confirmed," Bourbon stated in a robotic voice, hinting at something peculiar about her.
"No problem! Watch me take her down with Bakushin!"
Besides Sakura Bakushin O, whom Kousei knew well, there was another Umamusume she didn't recognize at all. This newcomer exuded an unsettling aura, her intellectually sharp eyes tinged with the distinct madness of a scientist. She was undoubtedly eccentric, perhaps even a lunatic, but undeniably an Umamusume.
A raw, unbridled hunger for pushing boundaries to their limits inexplicably sparked a flicker of admiration in Kousei.
"Yo! Umamusume! Want to participate in my experiment?"
Their first meeting found the other party remarkably enthusiastic. Knowing Kousei's habitual silence and wanting to prevent her from remaining withdrawn, McQueen whispered, "This is Agnes Tachyon, a science fanatic. She's somewhat odd, but can barely be considered a good person."
Tachyon clearly overheard McQueen's assessment but showed no concern.
"McQueen! How fascinating to encounter you. I've recently developed revolutionary new pharmaceuticals. Would you care to participate in trials? I guarantee measurable performance enhancements."
"I must decline. Thank you for the offer," McQueen replied.
McQueen had some knowledge of Tachyon's potions - they were said to make the body emit multicolored light. Seeing McQueen's resistance, Tachyon shifted focus to Kousei: "You there, crazy Umamusume! Care to experiment?"
"Crazy? Me?" Kousei appeared genuinely perplexed.
"Precisely! I recognized it instantly - we share the same essence. You don't actually dislike me, do you?"
Though phrased as a question, Tachyon's tone brooked no contradiction.
McQueen shielded Kousei while declaring righteously: "We are currently in training camp. If you wish to conduct research, Tachyon, please await our return to the Academy."
Tachyon wasn't offended; she simply giggled. "You're right. We'll meet again eventually."
The conversation ended, but Tachyon's words lingered in Kousei's mind.
"Crazy?"
She sensed a faint shift in the air.
"So, what are you all doing here?" McQueen asked.
Tachyon eagerly began her explanation. "Why, I'm showcasing my latest invention—a revolutionary swim ring!"
"A swim ring? What's so special about that?" McQueen asked, puzzled.
"Hehe~ This isn't your average swim ring. Anyone can frolic freely in the water while using it, and it automatically adjusts to the user's size."
"Anyone?" McQueen seemed strangely hopeful.
"Yes, anyone! But since it's still in the experimental phase, I need volunteers to test it out," Tachyon said with a mischievous grin, having already baited McQueen.
"I've never been a strong swimmer. If I had this, could I finally enjoy playing in the water?" The idea was undeniably appealing to McQueen.
Without hesitation, McQueen declared, "Count me in!"
She had been wary of Tachyon just moments ago, but now she was joining in. Kousei, however, harbored no ill feelings toward Tachyon. After all, what harm could a simple swim ring possibly do?
"Bakushin! Bakushin!" Sakura Bakushin O raced across the water, her swim ring bobbing as she churned up layers of waves. True to her reputation as a speed-specialized Umamusume, she swam with astonishing speed, though she had long since lost her voice.
"Rice Shower, be careful."
"Mmm, thank you, Bourbon~"
Bourbon held Rice Shower's hand, their intimate interaction warming Kousei's heart.
The swim ring fit perfectly around Kousei's waist, and she found the rhythmic bobbing with the waves rather novel.
Just as I thought, it's just a swim ring. Nothing dangerous at all.
Completely reassured, Kousei remembered McQueen's earlier enthusiasm and decided to check on her.
But when she turned around, Mejiro McQueen was nowhere to be seen. Upon closer inspection, bubbles were gurgling on the water's surface.
"McQueen!"
How could an Umamusume sink completely—swim ring and all?
Agnes Tachyon, watching from the shore, sighed, "Ah~ It seems that child's broken down."