How could Agnes Tachyon and Sugar Lights possibly let Dream Weaver off the hook that easily?
They each grabbed one of her shoulders, looking for all the world like they wouldn't let her take another step until the ultimate showdown between mechanical ascension and genetic evolution was settled then and there.
Staring into those two pairs of eyes, a drop of cold sweat rolled down Dream Weaver's forehead.
Fortunately, she was quick on her feet.
Being caught in the middle of two Uma Musume and forced to choose wasn't exactly a new experience for her in the real world; with just a moment's thought, she found the "solution" to save her skin.
"What I mean is—we're all future colleagues who are going to train Uma Musume together! We can't do it if anyone is missing!"
Seeing their expressions soften slightly, Dream Weaver doubled down.
"Besides, rather than taking my word for it, wouldn't a comparison of actual training results be more convincing? Whether it's a robot or a pharmacist, the best one is whoever makes the Uma Musume run faster!"
Agnes Tachyon and Sugar Lights nodded in unison.
Dream Weaver's point was undeniably fair; even they couldn't find a flaw in that logic.
But just as Dream Weaver thought she had successfully bluffed her way out, Sugar Lights suddenly spoke up.
"Then Dream Weaver's choice... wait, I suppose I should call you Trainer Dream now."
"Where is your assigned Uma Musume? There's no time like the present—how about we put her to the test today?"
Beside her, Agnes Tachyon chimed in immediately.
"Indeed. The effects of my potential-triggering potions are instantaneous. They're far more reliable than some nonsensical robot. A single trial will settle the score once and for all."
Hearing this, Sugar Lights turned her head and glared at Agnes Tachyon with blatant dissatisfaction. Tachyon, undaunted, met her gaze with a wild, defiant grin.
Seeing the sparks flying again, Dream Weaver reached out to hold them both back.
"Wait, wait, wait! I don't actually have an assigned Uma Musume yet..."
Before she could finish, their expressions shifted once more, both fixing Dream Weaver with dangerously sharp glares.
"In that case, it seems today's victor must be decided by you. Speak up, My Dear Guinea Pig [Trainer Dream]—who do you choose?"
Cornered once again, Dream Weaver instinctively ducked her head, her brain working overtime to find an escape route.
And she actually found one. Dream Weaver recalled the files of the two Uma Musume that Northern Dreams had handed her.
One of them, Liberty Island, possessed immense natural talent; as an inexperienced trainer, Dream Weaver worried she might only hold her back.
But the other one was different.
Hishi Miracle. The data on that girl flashed through Dream Weaver's mind. On paper, she was an utterly unremarkable Uma Musume—it looked like she'd struggle just to win her debut race.
If it were a girl like her, bringing her into the team might actually help her become something greater.
Settling her thoughts, Dream Weaver looked at the two fierce-eyed Uma Musume and spoke candidly.
"Even though I don't have an assigned Uma Musume yet, I've already picked out my target."
"I came to find you two first today specifically so we can show off our strength when I go to recruit her!"
She pointed between Agnes Tachyon and Sugar Lights.
"A top-tier genius pharmacist and a doctor who can build robots."
Then, Dream Weaver tapped her own chest.
"Plus a world-class Uma Musume like me acting as the trainer. This team is overflowing with talent! No Uma Musume in their right mind could refuse such a luxury lineup!"
Though she didn't quite feel like a "world-class Uma Musume" herself, Dream Weaver figured that rather than letting the title sit gathering dust, she might as well use it to build some momentum.
Sure enough, after her speech, the two of them nodded.
Although they each believed the other's research lacked their own potential, Sugar Lights and Agnes Tachyon had to admit that the person standing across from them was an undisputed genius in their respective field.
Combined with Dream Weaver's global reputation, this trio could practically sweep through all of Central Tracen Academy. They couldn't imagine any Uma Musume saying no to them.
"Well said. In that case, let's head out immediately."
Without waiting for Dream Weaver to respond, Sugar Lights pressed a spot on her wheelchair's armrest.
The panel flipped open to reveal an integrated operating system with a large, bright red button right in the center.
"Get on."
"?"
Before Dream Weaver could process the command, Agnes Tachyon led her over to grab the handles at the back of the wheelchair.
Only then did Dream Weaver realize there were actually footboards designed for passengers.
Before she could grasp the intended use of these boards, Sugar Lights—seeing that they were ready—slammed her hand down on the button and shouted:
"Ignition!"
--+--
Hishi Miracle finished her morning classes. Wiping away a stray trace of drool from a mid-lecture nap, she strode out of the classroom building toward the cafeteria.
As she walked, she mused to herself.
"Anyway, for an ordinary Uma Musume like me, even getting into Central Tracen was a miracle. I'm not expecting any grand results."
"Since that's the case, wouldn't it be a waste of all my hard work if I didn't eat my fill at the free cafeteria?"
The mere thought sent a surge of passion through her. Hishi Miracle pumped her fists in front of her chest, looking determined to eat back every cent of her tuition.
Thinking of the glorious, vengeful feast awaiting her, her footsteps grew light.
But just as she was about to complete her daily ritual of "profit-eating," Hishi Miracle noticed a commotion breaking out in the crowd ahead.
She stood on her tiptoes, squinting past the Uma Musume who were scrambling to the side of the road, only to see a massive cloud of dust billowing up from the far end of the path.
"Is there roadwork ahead? But why is everyone rushing to the curb?"
Hishi Miracle muttered in confusion. She truly couldn't imagine what else could kick up that much dust on a paved road.
Suddenly, a flash of silver glinted through the haze. Before she could register what it was, a gargantuan object lunged toward her with unstoppable speed.
Her horse ears shot straight up in terror. Hishi Miracle didn't have time to see what it was; she followed the lead of the others and dove for the grass.
"What on earth is that?!"
But before she could even catch her breath, the massive object veered sharply, leaving the road and charging straight onto the lawn—and, as luck would have it, she was right in its path.
She didn't have time to lament her bad luck. Instinctively, she dodged again, but as the behemoth roared past, it swerved a second time. It was still coming right for her!
Without thinking, Hishi Miracle broke into a desperate sprint.
The giant object stayed hot on her heels like a predator on the hunt, leaving a crowd of stunned Tracen students in its wake, all wondering what kind of bizarre new training method they were witnessing.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.