Dextrous Bailey shouted as she overtook from behind.
Using her physical strength advantage, she charged forward recklessly as if there were no obstacles in her way.
Even though Special Week was cautious, she was still caught off guard by this aggressive approach and was shoved aside.
In races, diagonal running is a foul, but this kind of running tactic isn't.
"That was close!" Special Week quickly stabilized her posture, adjusted her breathing, and gradually regained her rhythm.
Meanwhile, the members of "Dream" watching from the sidelines let out a sigh of relief.
It's worth noting that horse girls can reach speeds of 50–70 km/h while running.
In such conditions, losing balance isn't just about falling—it could lead to much worse.
Lucian, standing at the edge of the field, furrowed his brows, his face darkening. Only by seeing it firsthand could one truly understand the risks involved.
...
The latter half of the race grew even more intense.
After Dextrous Bailey took the lead, she surged ahead to claim first place. However, Special Week refused to fall behind, keeping close and firmly holding onto second.
The two gradually pulled away from the rest of the pack, as if setting the stage for a one-on-one showdown.
"Hmph." Dextrous Bailey glanced back briefly with the corner of her eye. "Just fall back already!"
With that, she stomped her right hoof hard into the ground. The soft turf was easily torn apart by her horseshoe, leaving a slight indentation.
Then, using the recoil, she kicked backward, sending clumps of dirt flying straight toward Special Week's eyes.
Special Week reacted instantly, tilting her head to dodge effortlessly.
"Tch."
Seeing her attempt fail, Dextrous Bailey repeated the same dirty tactic multiple times to harass Special Week.
But Special Week dodged every single one.
"This won't do. I can't keep going like this."
Special Week seized her chance and began sprinting at full speed after the final turn.
Her legs moved so fast they became a blur, and the wind howling past her ears seemed to cheer for her arrival.
In no time, Special Week pulled up beside Dextrous Bailey, running neck and neck before gradually accelerating past her.
Dextrous Bailey had been confident of victory—until Special Week caught up. Panicking, she gritted her teeth. "I won't let you have your way!"
Just as Special Week was about to overtake her, Dextrous Bailey suddenly swung her elbow out, trying to shove Special Week away with brute force.
But Special Week accelerated again, instantly surpassing Dextrous Bailey and narrowly avoiding the underhanded attack.
"Go, go, go!!"
"Special Week, you can do it! Just 200 meters left!"
"Special Week, you're the best!"
...
For most horse girls in their debut race, maintaining an absolute lead throughout is nearly impossible.
The closer they get to the finish line, the more their speed drops, though their expressions and running forms show they're still pushing hard.
But for talented and well-trained horse girls like Special Week and Dextrous Bailey, the last 200–300 meters are where the real battle happens!
Special Week burned through her remaining stamina, widening the gap between her and Dextrous Bailey—one length, two lengths, three lengths...
On the big screen, all eyes were on Special Week, with no other horse girls in sight beside her.
She spread her arms wide, as if unfolding a pair of beautiful wings, and crossed the finish line.
"Mom… I did it!"
...
Special Week walked toward the grassy area facing the spectator stands, greeted by an overwhelming wave of cheers from the passionate crowd.
She bowed slightly, then straightened up and strode into the exit tunnel.
"Spe-chan! Spe-chan, something bad happened! Something bad!"
Halfway there, Haru Urara came running toward her in a panic.
"Urara? What's wrong? Take a deep breath and explain slowly." Special Week was puzzled—why weren't Lucian and the others waiting in the exit tunnel?
Urara took a moment to catch her breath. "It's bad! The Trainer got into a fight with someone!"
"The Trainer got into an argument?!"
"Yeah! With that horse girl who kept bumping into you during the race!"
"Where? Take me there!"
...
Originally, Lucian had been waiting with the team for Special Week.
But since Special Week took longer to come down, he spotted Dextrous Bailey first. His expression, already dark from what he'd seen in the stands, turned even grimmer.
Now, running into Dextrous Bailey was like lighting the fuse on a powder keg—it exploded instantly.
"You're… Trainer Lucian?" Dextrous Bailey looked at the man blocking her path, confused. "Why are you stopping me?"
Lucian hadn't expected her to recognize him, but that only made it more necessary to teach her a lesson. "Don't you think you owe my team member an apology?"
"Hah? An apology?" Dextrous Bailey frowned. "Why should I do something like that?"
Silence Suzuka and Seiun Sky, sensing the tension, tugged at Lucian's sleeve.
This was the first time they'd seen him angry—and it was terrifying.
"Student Dextrous Bailey, was it? You didn't honestly think no one noticed those dirty tricks you pulled during the race, did you?"
Once or twice could be dismissed as strategy.
Fine—Lucian could let that slide.
But doing it over and over, deliberately kicking dirt toward Special Week's eyes? How could he tolerate that?
"W-what tricks? Move aside!" Dextrous Bailey refused to admit anything, stepping to the side.
Cornered, she didn't even bother calling him "Trainer" anymore.
Lucian didn't block her. "Fine. I'll file for arbitration with the organizers. If you end up suspended or exposed, don't come crying to me later."
He gave her no room for negotiation.
"You—?!"
Dextrous Bailey froze, turning back just in time to meet Lucian's sharp glare.
It felt like an arrow piercing her heart, sending a shudder through her body.
She looked away, resentment in her voice. "Fine! I'll apologize to her, okay?!"
"Your attitude is unacceptable. If you're this reluctant, then forget it."
Bullies only back down when met with greater force.
As Lucian turned to leave, Dextrous Bailey panicked even more, hastily calling out, "Wait! I—I…"
Getting her to admit fault seemed harder than anything.
"Three seconds."
"I… I was wrong…"
Lucian was surprised to hear her voice waver—only to turn and see she was actually crying.
But even that wouldn't soften his stance.
"Too quiet. Crying? That still counts toward the time." He held up three fingers, then lowered one.
"I was wrong! I'll apologize to Special Week!"
After shouting, tears fell from Dextrous Bailey's eyes like raindrops.
She pursed her lips together, but her facial muscles trembled slightly—she was utterly humiliated.
Lucian remained unmoved. "Good. Tomorrow afternoon, outside the 'Dream' team lounge. We'll be waiting."