"...I think I understand the situation now."
Tazuna wore an expression that was difficult to describe. After briefly exchanging words with Ling Yi to grasp the sequence of events, she could only manage a polite yet awkward smile.
(Arriving in a foreign country only to get pickpocketed, losing all luggage and documents, then heading straight to the nearest racetrack for a debut match to win bounty money... what a surreal turn of events...)
Could something like this really happen?!!!!
The woman fought back the urge to roll her eyes.
Setting aside her actual racing ability, the way she handled getting pickpocketed was clearly flawed!
So the green-haired woman immediately countered.
"In a situation like this, shouldn't you contact the police first? And since you still had your mobile device on you, why not at least call your parents or someone familiar nearby? There's no reason you'd be left completely helpless."
How could an Uma Musume of that age possibly travel abroad alone? She looked no older than fifteen or sixteen, with that distinctly youthful aura. Plus, Uma's undergo a "maturation phase"—a period of rapid physical growth and development. It's not uncommon for them to have the mental age of a child in an adult body. This means those Uma's who don't appear mature are likely only about a third of their apparent age.
Therefore
Tazuna assumed she must have traveled abroad with her parents, or at least had relatives or acquaintances in Japan to stay with.
"...Someone I can contact."
Ling Yi murmured, fell silent, then turned her gaze away. Her hair fell over her eyes as she narrowed them slightly before slowly opening her mouth to reply.
"None."
The girl's hand involuntarily tightened around her wrist.
Having prioritized survival after her crossing, she'd relegated other matters to secondary importance. But now, brought up by Tazuna, the question of family lay starkly exposed.
Ling Yi couldn't help but ponder it, and her heart grew heavy.
How could it not?
Because.
Her social network is in another world. The place to call home is also in another world.
Family, relatives, friends.
Today, suddenly, vanished like illusory bubbles, leaving no trace.
The girl refused to dwell on it, yet now she could only sigh, words failing her.
Yes, she had to confront the fear and sorrow of being alone in a foreign land.
"My parents are gone."
The blonde girl smiled bitterly. It was the truth.
"..."
Tazuna fell silent.
"The reason I came here to compete... was probably because I felt the outcome didn't matter, win or lose? If I won, I'd just keep muddling through alone, figuring things out as I went. If I lost, I'd vanish into some corner... or something like that. Sorry, it sounds rather pretentious and affected, doesn't it? Just take it as me rambling without a care."
She spoke lightly, as if joking.
But this, too, was the truth.
"—"
Tazuna mouth fell slightly open. She covered half her face with her file, then turned her head away, unable to meet Ling Yi's gaze.
Whether the words were true or false—her instinctive intuition delivered a definitive verdict.
(This is so heavy!!!!!)
So that's how it is?
Oh no! I stepped on a landmine!
This is too heavy! Miss Chinese Uma Musume!
It turns out that she was displaced and traveled because her family was sent to another world? She never even considered a destination, just stayed in hotels until her money and luggage got stolen. That's why she entered this race—figuring the outcome didn't matter either way?
If she wins, she'll still be alone.
If she loses, she's already a lost soul wandering through life after her parents passed away.
Either way, she's already a failure in life.
Contacting the police isn't really necessary either. After all, whether she lives or dies, no one would grieve or cry over it, right? Doesn't matter.
(This is too heavy!!!!)
So Tazuna tilted her head back, trembling slightly, eyes brimming with tears. He immediately stood up from his chair, grabbed Ling Yi's wrists with both hands, and cried out in surprise under the latter's stunned gaze.
"I-I'm sorry! I brought back bad memories, but—but—but—hang in there! There are still so many beautiful things in this world! Don't give up on yourself so easily!"
"..."
Ling Yi instinctively took a half-step back from the sudden warmth, cold sweat beading on her cheeks.
Tazuna then pressed her slightly reddened nose, handed the phone back to the blonde girl, and said,
"I understand. I'll register you for the competition. And here's your phone back. I'll cover the entry fee for this time."
"How could that be..."
"Friends help us navigate the world, and kindness guides our path. Even a chance encounter is a thread of fate. Our meeting here is a rare connection between us. Helping each other is both a virtue and a joy. Please let me do my part. And after this, I ask you to set aside all your worries and troubles for now. Focus entirely on your upcoming competition." "
With that, Tazuna gently released the hand she'd been holding, smiling as she spoke.
"All sorrow and pain will surely be washed away on the track, revealing new answers and aspirations.
Why? Because the racetrack is the stage every Uma's dreams of. And Uma's are beings who sing of hope and beauty.
Use your legs to carve your own path on the track, little dreamer.
Go! Go! Fire!"
Her enthusiasm and kindness, coupled with a sense of duty and mission, came through in the girl's clumsy yet endearing cheer.
Tazuna—a somewhat adorable woman.
Ling Yi awkwardly scratched her cheek with one finger.
But still.
Even after hearing all these encouraging words, if Ling Yi lost the race, wouldn't it be terribly embarrassing?
Forget dreams—suffering the tragedy of family separation while being crushed by stronger rivals on the track until doubting her very existence as a horse... Looking at it that way, it felt a bit...
Well, receiving care in a foreign land.
Just that alone lifted his spirits, filling him with warmth and gratitude.
"Thank you."
She offered her thanks.
Then, as the other had said, she focused entirely on the race.
Focused—on his debut battle against Tokai Teio.
—
(Ding-dong——)
At this moment, if Ling Yi were to open her game client, she'd be surprised to find several text prompts popping up.
[Random Event Triggered.]
[Target: Tazuna Hayakawa.]
[Welcome to the Racecourse.]
[I wholeheartedly look forward to sharing our growth journey with this Uma in the future.]
[Let's strive together for this Shining Race!]
[Motivation Boosted.]
[Speed +5]
[Skill Points +30]
[Acquired Skill (Focus).]
[Improved Start: Slightly reduces delayed start time.]
[Tazuna Hayakawa's Bond +5]
——
The registration matters were thus settled.
All documentation would be completed with Tazuna assistance.
Now, there remained one crucial question.
"Miss, might I inquire about your name?"
Tazuna asked Ling Yi with a light chuckle.
The name by which she is known, the title she bears, the very soul that embodies the Horse Girl's honor.
"My name—"
Ling Yi blinked.
Uma Musume' names were generally unconventional compared to humans.
Names like Tokai Teio, Twin Turbos, TM Opera, and so on. Using her own given name Ling Yi would seem odd, and from a human perspective, it also sounded like a male name.
Then, considering this Uma's appearance—golden long hair and a black hair clip—along with the pronunciation of Ling Yi (ling, yi), there happened to be a virtual character whose name could be borrowed.
"Ace Zero."
A character from a certain card game.
She'd go by that for now, even if she wasn't the Sky Striker Princess.
—— (Image of reference)
(TS Note: From that point on I will be referencing Ling Yi has either Zero, Raye or Ace)