Having decided to watch the race, the two Uma Musume immediately sprang into action.
"Then let's head over there quickly, Myriad Dreams-san!" Special Week shouted with peak energy, taking the lead as she dashed out.
"Oh... okay..."
Myriad Dreams let out a yawn and forced herself to keep up, still chewing on that piece of gum that was starting to lose its flavor.
However, once they started running, Special Week was surprised to find that although Myriad Dreams looked lazy, her speed wasn't slow at all.
She was able to effortlessly keep pace even as Special Week gradually accelerated.
The speed limit on the city roads wasn't high, and their figures soon overtook the slow-moving cars beside them.
"S-So cool! Myriad Dreams-san, you're so fast! And you don't look tired at all!"
Special Week praised her in amazement while running.
She had originally assumed that Uma Musume from the city might not be as skilled at running.
Myriad Dreams glanced at her, her voice still flat and carrying that post-nap lethargy.
"It's alright... It's mostly because you aren't running that fast either."
Special Week was deeply shaken by those words.
"Are city Uma Musume all this amazing?!"
The two soon arrived at the outskirts of the racecourse.
With some time left before the race started, the lively variety of snack stalls outside captured Special Week's entire attention.
"Myriad Dreams-san! Look at that! It looks delicious!"
"This Takoyaki! It smells so good!"
"Wow! There's Yakisoba and Okonomiyaki too!"
Special Week lingered in front of every stall at almost a sprinting pace, her eyes shining even brighter than when she had first heard about the race.
Without taking no for an answer, she dragged Myriad Dreams along, buying and eating everything in sight.
At first, Myriad Dreams just followed along helplessly, occasionally being stuffed with a bite of food.
Her reactions remained plain: "Mm, it's okay." "Oh, this one is too sweet."
But she soon realized something was wrong.
Special Week's stomach seemed to be connected to another dimension.
From Takoyaki to crepes, and from grilled skewers to ice cream, she ate quickly and with such gusto that she showed no intention of stopping.
Myriad Dreams already felt like her own stomach was getting stuffed.
Watching the still-combative Special Week, she finally couldn't help but complain.
"Hey... Special Week, is... is your stomach bottomless? We still have to report to the academy later, we didn't come here for a competitive eating contest..."
With her mouth stuffed full, Special Week replied indistinctly, "Mmm-mm... but... everything really is so tasty! Are you not eating anymore, Myriad Dreams-san?"
She said this while handing over another skewer of Dango.
Myriad Dreams waved her hands dismissively.
"No, no more. If I eat any more, I'm going to puke... You keep going, you keep going."
Watching the way Special Week ate, she marveled internally once again.
'This girl... her stamina is great, and her appetite is as terrifying as a monster's.'
Finally, after Special Week finished the last serving of shaved ice, the two stepped inside the racecourse.
The massive circular arena, the lush green turf track, the tiered stands, and the giant screen in the center instantly came into view.
Special Week stood frozen in place, her mouth hanging open, completely overwhelmed by the grandeur of the scene.
"So... so incredible..." she murmured to herself, her voice filled with disbelief and wonder. "Is this... a real racecourse? It's much bigger... than what I saw on TV! It's magnificent!"
Myriad Dreams looked at the country Uma Musume beside her, who acted like she was seeing the big city for the first time.
That shocked yet pure expression made her feel a bit amused.
She let out a yawn and spoke in her usual casual tone:
"Yeah, yeah, it's very impressive. So, Special Week-san, what should we do next? Find a place to sit, or keep standing here in awe?"
Special Week finally snapped out of it and excitedly grabbed Myriad Dreams's hand.
"Myriad Dreams-san! Let's go find a good seat! The race is about to start! I can't wait to see it!"