"A little match?"
Though Air Shakur hadn't phrased it quite like that... the meaning was basically the same.
Garden Gale, who had just thought she'd narrowly dodged disaster, now found herself suddenly plunged into a far greater one—this time, it was an obvious, straightforward challenge. Regardless of anyone's level, once they started running, the truth would become clear. Who'd crush who would be obvious to everyone. In some sense, Air Shakur's theory was correct: speed and data never lie.
Everything would soon become crystal clear.
What none of the three noticed, however, was that another Umamusume had just stepped through the gates of Team LOCK's training track. She looked around curiously, spotted the group, raised an eyebrow, and then approached them with great interest.
She wanted to see what exactly was going on.
...
The smile disappeared from Garden Gale's face.
Bit by bit, she gradually dropped her forced smile, returning to her previous icy-cold appearance. On the surface, she still seemed calm—looking as secure as a chained boat or as confident as someone guaranteed victory—but deep inside, she had already begun… screaming like a groundhog.
Help!
Another impending social death!?
Every time she stepped outside, she was either about to suffer social death or already on the road toward social death.
Maybe earlier, when Fine Motion praised her, she should have revealed her true abilities—then she could've smoothly backed down. Instead, the two Umamusume before her had just placed her on a pedestal and issued a challenge. How was she supposed to refuse? It wasn't easy to reject—she'd probably have no choice but to run.
But there was absolutely no way she could outrun them.
From an ability standpoint alone, Garden Gale was even worse off than the original owner. She hadn't absorbed any of the original's memories and had no idea how to run properly. Winning even local races would be impossible, let alone facing elite Umamusume at Tracen Academy.
The shark-teeth girl in front of her looked extremely strong and difficult to deal with.
In a web novel, she'd probably be the protagonist's early-game mini-boss.
What if she completely destroys me!? Waiting urgently online—ten thousand times more desperate than before!!
Wait, wait—maybe try bluffing with my appearance first! See if she could scare them away—if successful, that'd be perfect. If not… she'd have to improvise!
Inside, Garden Gale's thoughts spun wildly like a raging tornado scattering leaves. Outwardly, she simply frowned slightly, staring silently at Air Shakur. Combined with her intimidating looks, this actually gave her a bit of genuine pressure. Even Air Shakur began feeling a little unnerved under Garden Gale's piercing gaze.
But—
She didn't back down.
Air Shakur continued smiling, clearly still intent on the challenge.
Fine Motion might not fully understand the situation, but she firmly stood on Air Shakur's side. Whatever Shakur wanted to do, she'd support. After all, they were very close friends. Besides, it was just a friendly match. The elite Umamusume from Ireland was also eager to see the skills of these neon prodigies.
She remained silent, offering no help.
Clearly, Garden Gale's attempt at intimidation had utterly failed.
Now pushed to her breaking point, Garden Gale bit her lip. Just as she was about to confess everything, a voice suddenly cut into the scene:
"What're you all gathered around here for?"
Instantly, the three girls' attention was drawn to the newcomer.
Their gazes turned simultaneously—and saw the approaching figure.
Pink ribbon, neatly tied high ponytail, distinctive pure-white streak framing her face, and brilliant turquoise-blue eyes as clear as precious turquoise gems… this face, recognized by almost everyone, was even more famous than Garden Gale's.
"Tokai Teio!?"
Air Shakur practically shouted out loud—Seriously, what's going on today?
Both prodigies from the Junior Division were now gathered here!? And why had they both come to Team LOCK's training track? Were they hoping to make a full table for mahjong or something? Come on! They were Umamusume determined to win at all costs!
Tokai Teio flashed her dazzling white teeth, grinning brightly and throwing up a peace sign. "You know who I am?"
"All the other training tracks were super crowded today! Can I train with you guys here?" She said while energetically jumping on the spot—not just jumping, but proudly showcasing her exceptional flexibility. Tokai Teio kept raising her legs high as she continued cheerfully, "I recently mastered something super amazing! I want to practice seriously, but not where everyone can see—this is my secret weapon, after all! I don't have my own training team yet, so… mind if I borrow your place?"
So casual and open.
Not socially anxious at all…
Garden Gale stared blankly.
Is she seriously not faking this? Isn't this literally our first meeting? She'd even said, "You know who I am?" Why could she be this casual with someone she'd just met!? She acts like this place is her own house—what the heck!?
Before the two Umamusume from Team LOCK could even reply, Tokai Teio noticed Garden Gale, who still wore a hoodie with her face hidden beneath the hood. She briefly furrowed her brows, quickly relaxing them again as she realized who this Umamusume must be.
Someone she'd wanted to meet for a very, very long time…
Known as the second coming of Mr. C.B., the other prodigy of the Junior Division—
Garden Gale!!!
"What a coincidence."
Without hesitation, Tokai Teio extended her hand toward Garden Gale. This time, her normally carefree eyes were replaced by rare seriousness, the casual attitude fading away entirely.
"You're… Garden Gale-san, right? I've wanted to meet you for a long time."
"Mm. That's me," Garden Gale quickly responded.
Though she lacked clear memories and didn't fully understand, the original owner's diary was filled with admiration for Tokai Teio. Those pages practically overflowed with envy—how she wished she could be as strong as Teio, as bright, carefree, unconcerned with others' opinions, completely focused on herself.
But reality was cruel.
Today, events had unfolded as fast as a high-speed train sweeping through everything.
Garden Gale had done practically nothing—hadn't even had the chance to do anything. Simply stepping outside in hopes of trying some clinging and flirting had gotten her caught up with Desert Hero. Merely wanting to train had landed her in trouble, and now she'd even crossed paths with Tokai Teio—like an ordinary person helplessly swept up in a storm of events beyond their control.
Inside, she felt overwhelmingly terrified.
But—
She didn't dare show it outwardly.
As someone with extreme social anxiety, Garden Gale was already terrified to death, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. Yet, she feared even more that if she revealed even a hint of nervousness, these three Umamusume would immediately pounce like wild beasts, tearing her apart and eating her alive.
I'm seriously going to die.
The next moment—
[Successfully completed clingy-flirting with TOKAI TEIO]!
[Both sides shook hands with favorable feelings!]
[Reward]:
[x1 Racing Techniques, Track Knowledge & Fundamental Basics!]
Unexpectedly, the voice of the Selas System rang out clearly.
---
T/N: THAT COUNTS???
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl