Two hours later, Toujou Hana clapped her hands and announced, "Everyone else has completed today's training objectives. Suzuka, come with me."
"Understood." Silence Suzuka nodded expressionlessly.
Lucian wasn't surprised either.
During this period, aside from Silence Suzuka, none of the others should have any races scheduled.
If Lucian wasn't mistaken, she was likely going to participate in a G2-level race—the last of her six consecutive losses this year.
So, what exactly is a G2-level race?
Simply put, after debut, horse girls can only participate in open-class races after achieving a certain number of wins in condition races.
Among open-class races, G1 is the highest level, with substantial prize money. It is in such races that horse girls achieve their glory.
It's worth noting that once horse girls reach the open-class level, they can no longer participate in debut races or newcomer races.
Smurfing is shameful, after all.
...
The following weeks continued in the same manner. After arranging everyone's training routines, Toujou Hana would focus on specialized training for Silence Suzuka.
Regardless of whether Toujou Hana's training methods were scientifically sound or not, as a trainee trainer, Lucian wasn't in a position to offer suggestions.
So during these times, Lucian would quietly observe from the sidelines, jotting notes and circling things on paper.
Toujou Hana assumed he was writing his internship report for school and didn't ask or look.
But if she had, she might have been surprised.
Because Lucian wasn't writing a report he was drafting a comprehensive evaluation of Silence Suzuka:
Stamina & Endurance: A
Speed: A+
Coordination & Flexibility: A-
Mental Fortitude: Excellent
...
These were the basic metrics Lucian had written based on Silence Suzuka's usual training. The full score was 100, and they had a relatively high accuracy.
This was one of his innate talents a gift from the Three Goddesses during that dreamlike moment when his memories awakened.
However, these metrics weren't absolute. Sometimes, due to certain factors, they could fluctuate drastically.
Additionally, the power of belief that could create miracles was something Lucian couldn't quantify. But he believed that in those moments, all metrics would likely "max out," becoming immeasurable.
After all, this was how it worked in anime horse girls would hear echoes of faith, bonds, and similar words in their heads, then miraculously seize victory.
In any case, horse girls lived in this world. They weren't lifeless data but living, breathing people.
...
"Suzuka, take a break."
"Trainer, I'd like to keep going a little longer." Sweat dampened her long hair, but Silence Suzuka remained on the treadmill, declining Toujou Hana's suggestion.
"No! Follow the plan. Overtraining can lead to injuries." Toujou Hana frowned, her tone stern.
But it was all for Silence Suzuka's sake.
"Little Suzuka, rest for a bit." After silently writing "Mood: Low" on his paper, Lucian also stepped forward to persuade her.
Over the past few days of interaction, he and Silence Suzuka had grown much closer.
At first, she had been shy upon hearing the nickname, but she gradually grew accustomed to it.
Silence Suzuka nodded and stepped off the treadmill. Toujou Hana let out a relieved sigh and headed for the gym door.
"Here, have some water." Lucian handed her a towel and a water bottle.
"Thank you."
"I believe your race is next week, right?" Lucian sat down beside Silence Suzuka. "Hana-nee is right overtraining isn't good. Getting injured before the race wouldn't be worth it."
"I'm not blaming the trainer. I just..." Silence Suzuka lowered her head quietly.
Her long hair veiled her face, obscuring her expression from Lucian. But he could sense her confusion and dejection.
After all, she had already failed so many times before.
"Suzuka, what are you running for?"
"What am I running for?" Silence Suzuka murmured, repeating the question.
She had never seriously thought about it before.
All she knew was the daily grind of training. The endless tactics and techniques felt tedious... and then there were the repeated failures.
No matter how strong her mental fortitude was, even a child would feel a little emo.
"Cheer up. No one but you can answer that question. Take your time to find the answer." Lucian spoke gently, and Silence Suzuka looked up, still somewhat dazed.
Lucian froze for a moment, his hand involuntarily lifting before he quickly pulled it back.
A head pat was still too soon.
"Anyway, your journey has only just begun."
"Regardless of anything else, just run freely."
Silence Suzuka nodded, not fully understanding. "Thank you, Lucian-san."
After Lucian's encouragement, Silence Suzuka's mood... didn't improve much.
Of course, Lucian hadn't expected her to have an epiphany from just a few words.
...
Two days before the race.
Silence Suzuka's high-intensity training was called off, and Toujou Hana began explaining tactics and analyzing data on some of her opponents.
Though she wasn't particularly fond of it, Silence Suzuka listened attentively.
Once Toujou Hana was nearly done, Lucian finally spoke up. "Hana-nee, for this race, can I go with you?"
Both Toujou Hana and Silence Suzuka turned to him.
"Sure, but you don't really have to come along."
Lucian shook his head. "I'm still an assistant trainer. I should go with everyone to cheer Suzuka on."
"Thank you, Lucian-san." Silence Suzuka was touched. Over the past ten-plus days, Lucian had often encouraged her.
"It's only natural."
...
After training ended in the afternoon, Lucian left the training grounds with Silence Suzuka.
"Suzuka, did you understand all of Hana-nee's tactical instructions?"
"Yes, I listened carefully." Silence Suzuka thought Lucian was testing her.
"But..." Lucian hesitated for a few seconds before speaking seriously, "Not every racer uses the same running style in every race."
"You're right, Lucian-san." Silence Suzuka's ears twitched, and her tail stopped swaying. "If it were you, how would you advise me?"
She had a feeling Lucian had something more to say about the race.
Instead of answering immediately, Lucian motioned for her to keep walking. "Hana-nee's analysis is actually very accurate. Very few horse girls can adapt to every running style."
Then, his tone shifted. "But the situation on the track is complex. The only one who can truly guide you... is yourself."