The first week of high-intensity special training had nearly drained every ounce of energy from Myriad Dreams.
Every day was spent under Tojo Hana's rigorous, almost ruthless regime of dirt track adaptation, strength enhancement courses, and tactical analysis.
When night finally fell and she dragged her leaden legs back to the dormitory, she often didn't even have time to change out of her training gear before collapsing onto her bed and sinking into a heavy sleep.
Yaeno Muteki saw all of this.
Looking at Myriad Dreams' exhausted face and her brow slightly furrowed even in sleep, Yaeno's heart was filled with an indescribable ache.
She didn't dare disturb her rest during the day.
Only late at night, when the moonlight crept through the window, did she dare to sit softly by the edge of the bed.
With her fingertips trembling almost imperceptibly, she gently brushed over Myriad Dreams' delicate eyes and the bridge of her nose, finally lingering on her slightly pale cheek.
That warm touch made her feel a deep attachment, but it also deepened her heartache.
"You've worked hard, Myriad-chan..." she whispered in a breathy voice, as if afraid to disturb this moment of tranquility.
Only when Myriad Dreams was completely submerged in sleep did she dare to so openly reveal such thick, heavy emotions.
Back in the training room, a "minor" flaw in Myriad Dreams was quickly noticed by the sharp-eyed Tojo Hana.
This Uma Musume could stay up until the early hours of the morning for extra practice, showing incredible perseverance and spirit, but she found the simple act of "waking up early" exceptionally difficult.
"Willpower can overcome exhaustion, but it can't defeat the habit of staying in bed?"
Tojo Hana calmly noted in her training journal: "It seems some... external enforcement is required."
She immediately sought out the Symboli Rudolf, the Emperor.
"Rudolf, I'll have to trouble you to supervise Myriad Dreams."
"I understand."
After hearing Tojo's request, Rudolf nodded steadily, her eyes carrying a hint of knowing and unquestionable authority.
"Ensuring the Trainer's plan is executed perfectly is also the duty of the Student Council. Leave it to me."
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.
Yaeno Muteki, just as she had the previous few nights, silently approached Myriad Dreams' bedside.
Once again, she couldn't resist reaching out, wanting to smooth the knitted brow of the sleeping girl.
Just as her fingertips touched that warm skin—
BAM!
The dormitory door was pushed open with great force and no warning!
Clad in her pristine Student Council President uniform and radiating her full aura, Symboli Rudolf stood at the doorway like she was inspecting troops.
Her torch-like gaze locked directly onto the curled-up form of Myriad Dreams on the bed.
Yaeno Muteki was so startled by the sudden intrusion that she instantly retracted her hand, freezing in place.
Rudolf paid no mind to Yaeno Muteki's expression— a mix of shock and the embarrassment of having a secret nearly caught.
She strode to the bedside, her voice loud and penetrating:
"Myriad Dreams! Wake-up time has arrived! During special training, there are no exceptions!"
Before her voice had even faded, she reached out, unceremoniously whipped off the duvet, grabbed the girl's wrist, and with an irresistible force, uprooted the dreaming Myriad Dreams directly out of her warm blankets!
"Waaah?! Wh-What's happening?!"
Myriad Dreams jolted awake, her sleepiness blasted to the far reaches of the heavens.
She managed to pry her eyes open a sliver, looking blankly and terrified at the majestic Emperor before her, and at the complex expression on Yaeno Muteki's face nearby.
Under the "personal supervision" of Her Majesty the Emperor, a new day began in a truly high-impact fashion.