Neo Universe never refuses Centaurea's requests.
Watching the flustered Platinum, Neo Universe simply shifted her gaze.
"Centaurea wants to know... about Neo Universe's form of existence."
"Centaurea wants to know... why she herself... failed to observe Neo Universe."
"Centaurea waited for Neo Universe this morning... but Neo Universe... indeed did not pass by the dormitory door."
"Neo Universe... traversed directly to... the school building."
"Skipping the entire process, arriving directly at the destination."
Direct traversal? What did direct traversal mean? Platinum only half-understood Neo Universe's explanation, the essence of it being a sort of understanding-yet-not.
Did it mean omitting the entire process and directly completing the action of moving from the dormitory to the school building?
An ability like King Crimson's...? Neo Universe, so you're a Stand user too?
Platinum's thoughts were truly chaotic.
Up to now, Neo Universe had displayed all sorts of anomalies...
Even her parallel world self had specifically written in her diary: Neo Universe is the one who will snipe her victory in the Yayoi Sho.
And... she would lose. Platinum would lose to Neo Universe.
Although Platinum didn't believe what happened in another world would necessarily happen in this one, it was still an ill omen.
Now, at this point, Platinum was certain that Neo Universe had all kinds of peculiarities about her.
After all, if other Uma Musume could have some superpowers, it wasn't too far-fetched for Neo Universe to have them too.
But that wasn't the point... The fact that Neo Universe was bringing this up now... didn't it mean their entire conversation had been overheard by Neo Universe?
Talking about her arch-rival behind her back, only to find out said arch-rival had been silently listening the whole time right behind her... It was not just tragic, but utterly mortifying.
Platinum was deeply embarrassed right now, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Let it all end. Today, she'd wish for a meteor to fall and blast Tracen Academy to smithereens, or for a Flash to appear and reset the universe.
If this kept up, she had no idea what expression she should even use to face Neo Universe!
Seeing Platinum's distress, Manhattan Cafe let out a soft sigh, poured all the coffee in her hand down Agnes Tachyon's throat, then reached out and patted Agnes Tachyon's belly.
The belly, now filled with coffee, rippled like water disturbed by a stone, a strangely captivating sight.
"I-I'm gonna throw up..." Agnes Tachyon covered her mouth and bent over. Manhattan Cafe, now standing behind Platinum, pulled her back.
"Might there be anything else...?" Manhattan Cafe shielded Platinum and Agnes Tachyon behind her like a mother hen protecting her chicks, subtly shifting her stance to block Neo Universe's line of sight.
Neo Universe's sea-blue eyes were forced to shift from Platinum to Manhattan Cafe.
Rare for her, her almost expressionless face, usually so airy, focused on Manhattan Cafe, and she actually narrowed her eyes.
"...Rival... in every sense... ZDAL..."
Though Manhattan Cafe appeared gentle and frail, her presence was no less formidable, meeting Neo Universe's gaze without backing down.
For a moment, their stares seemed to clash mid-air, sparking with intensity.
Finally, Neo Universe glanced at Platinum, who was covering her cheeks behind Manhattan Cafe, and took a step back.
Her gaze returned to Manhattan Cafe's face. Seemingly struck by a thought, Neo Universe crossed her arms, her usually placid expression now carrying a hint of unmistakable smugness.
The combination of the girl's serene face and this gesture looked somewhat comical, yet also held a youthful, endearing charm.
"Centaurea... we will... make contact, connect... later..."
"There is ample time... I have the patience to wait..."
Still speaking words only she seemed to comprehend, Neo Universe paused again, as if diligently sorting through her thoughts, figuring out how to phrase things.
Sure enough, the words she spoke next were much clearer than before.
"Centaurea, do not worry."
"Your and my [GATE], it is not in the Yayoi Sho."
Did you understand? Neo Universe tilted her head, looking at Platinum, and as if worried she still hadn't gotten through, explained once more.
"Neo Universe, will not participate in the Yayoi Sho."
"Instead, Neo Universe will choose to participate in the Spring Stakes. Neo Universe will obtain from there... the KEY... the key to the Satsuki Sho."
"This way... Centaurea, you can obtain what you desire, correct?"
In that instant, Platinum's mind and spirit were profoundly shaken. She looked up at Neo Universe in disbelief.
What had she just said? The thing she wanted to obtain from the Yayoi Sho?
Of course, the Yayoi Sho was important to her. Extremely important, because only by winning that race could she unlock the Tier 2 store and hold onto hope for curing Soul Dissolution Syndrome.
But she had never told anyone about this!
How did Neo Universe know about her desperate desire for the Yayoi Sho championship?
She... just what was Neo Universe...
Neo Universe gazed gently at Platinum with those eyes. Once again, Platinum felt—Neo Universe's eyes were so very much like... the brilliant Earth.
It was a vast sense of breadth, encompassing all living things.
"On the day of the race, Neo Universe, will come to cheer for Centaurea."
"In return... if Centaurea can come to the spectator stands to cheer for Neo Universe... Neo Universe would be very happy."
Without saying anything more, Neo Universe simply nodded and left the cafeteria.
Platinum was left with nothing but a sense of absurdity. Neo Universe had appeared on her own, spoken a bunch of half-incomprehensible words on her own accord.
Not only had she not cleared up any of Platinum's confusion, she had only given her more questions.
Just then, Manhattan Cafe patted Platinum's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Platinum shook her head, then suddenly realized something.
Although she disliked physical contact, she usually didn't have such a severe reaction.
Like just now, when Manhattan Cafe patted her shoulder, she was fine.
But when Neo Universe had touched her shoulder... her reaction had been intense.
Now Platinum understood the reason. Because with others, there was a psychological expectation.
Whether it was Manhattan Cafe or Agnes Tachyon, she saw them with her eyes. Even if she didn't see them, her hearing was sharp; no presence could truly escape her notice.
The reason she had been startled by Neo Universe... was because before Neo Universe touched her, she hadn't been aware of that presence behind her at all.
Silent, like a true ghost.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, 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.