Never thought I'd hear the name Admire Vega here, of all places.
Garden Gale unconsciously straightened her posture.
Even though I'm not participating in the race... it doesn't hurt to know a little more about the competitors, right? She couldn't help but listen more carefully, hoping Curren Chan would share more details about this mysterious opponent. Knowing your enemy is half the battle, after all.
She hadn't volunteered for the Wakagoma Stakes.
But...
She'd accepted the roster.
And suddenly found herself curious about the participants.
Wait, if I really had no intention of training, why am I even here at the training track? Wouldn't it be better to go back and relax at the dorm?
Even Garden Gale herself didn't notice how subtly things had begun to change.
But those deepest feelings wouldn't shift overnight, simply because she still lacked the force required to overturn her inner struggles. People do change, but it takes time. Those old wounds from her past wouldn't heal instantly.
"Admire Vega?" Tokai Teio picked up the topic. "Hmm, I've definitely heard of her! She's supposed to be as elusive as you, GG-san."
Supposedly, this was a conversation among three people.
Yet somehow, it had turned into a comedy duo featuring Tokai Teio and Curren Chan.
And what do you mean, "elusive"? Teio-san, have you no manners?! All I do is sleep during the day and train at night, living on American time!
"I'm not elusive," Garden Gale slowly countered.
Puffing her cheeks in frustration, Tokai Teio protested, "But you totally are! I've always wanted to meet you, GG-san! But you're never around—even when I purposely tried looking for you!"
Ah...
Garden Gale promptly shut her mouth.
She quickly pretended to listen intently, hoping Curren Chan would continue providing more information about Admire Vega.
She still hadn't realized it herself, but...
When she was with these two, she had already started to close the emotional gap that separated her from others.
"Oh..." Curren Chan suddenly laughed. But there was something odd about that laugh—a slight hint of awkwardness. "It's nothing much, but you should watch out, Garden-san. Admire Vega-senpai is really strong."
"Oh, right, and another thing."
"Garden-san, you were actually able to copy Tokai Teio's running style! Does that mean you could imitate mine too? How is that even possible?! It's the first time I've ever seen something like this!"
Curren Chan abruptly changed the subject.
Then she stood up and took a runner's stance, looking directly at Garden Gale. "Wanna try it out, Garden-san? Go right ahead!."
If you're asking me to mimic your running style, just say so clearly.
Why did you phrase it as "go right ahead"...?
You're not seriously suggesting we do it together, are you?! No, no, no—that's absolutely impossible!
Garden Gale's mind wandered awkwardly, but she quickly sensed Curren Chan was trying to hide something. Changing the topic this bluntly was far too obvious. Was it related to Admire Vega?
A socially anxious person's intuition was always finely tuned and sensitive.
But still... copying her running style...
Just as she was thinking—
A notification popped up:
[Temporary Mission Triggered]:Versatility
[Time Limit]:One Month
[Objective]:Learn and assimilate the running styles of three different Umamusume.
[Reward]:Character Color Change Card x1
[Character Color Change Card]:Randomly select one Umamusume as a target. Grants one Color Change Count, allowing you to fully transform into that Umamusume, perfectly copying and stealing all of her skills.
The Selas System's alert suddenly blared in her mind.
Garden Gale froze. What's with the sudden jump in your sense of presence, system?!
Not only had the main quest just been triggered, but now there was a temporary mission as well. After quickly scanning the mission details labeled [Versatility], she immediately understood everything. There wasn't even an option to accept or decline; the countdown had already begun the moment it appeared.
One month.
Curren Chan, standing right in front of her, was a viable candidate...
But...
Garden Gale deeply hated revealing herself in front of others. Even ordinary training sessions made her anxious. Before her debut race, she'd considered backing out countless times. Do I really have to do this? Do I have to... train? What if I'm hopelessly clumsy?
Such thoughts steadily bloomed in her heart.
Besides...
If Tokai Teio's weapon was her flexibility—and that near-supernatural center-of-gravity control...
Then Curren Chan's weapon was her explosive power in short-distance sprints. She was a rare short-distance Umamusume who'd already run her debut race before entering Tracen Academy and even won a G-rank race. She'd honed her advantages: her irresistible charm and unmatched burst of speed. Her stamina might be insufficient for races beyond the mile...
But still...
Curren Chan was already a rising star in short-distance events and had even received an invitation to the autumn short-distance G1 race.
I actually need that explosive power pretty badly...
Even though last time, she'd won against Narita Top Road using Tokai Teio's [Sky-High Teio Step], Garden Gale wasn't confident she could pull off that ultimate move again. Back then, she'd momentarily transcended her limits, merging her energy and instincts into one flawless moment.
A brief state of super-evolution.
If she had to race normally, she'd definitely lose to Narita Top Road.
While she hesitated—
"Yeah!" Tokai Teio enthusiastically interrupted. "Come on, GG-san! Honestly, I'm still super curious about how you managed to learn my running style in the first place! You're way too amazing!"
As she spoke, she reached out a hand, fingers spread wide.
Still bent over slightly, she waited to pull Garden Gale to her feet.
And so—
Garden Gale slowly reached out, allowing Tokai Teio to pull her up, and smiled softly. "Alright then, Curren Chan-san, let me try imitating your running style."
"Nope, wrong!" Curren Chan wagged a finger in playful correction. "You should call me the super-cute Curren-chan! Or just Curren is fine too—but please, drop the formal 'Curren Chan-san'!"
"So, how should I help you learn? Want me to run it for you right now?"
Hearing Curren Chan's final words, Garden Gale suddenly realized something was horribly wrong.
She froze on the spot.
Wait, wait, wait!!!
Oh no, no, NO!!!
I don't even have the ability to perform Color Change at will! That skill depends on the Selas System's bond levels! How am I supposed to copy Curren Chan's running style?! Even if she demonstrated it a hundred times, I'd never be able to learn it on my own! I don't have that kind of talent!
I'm so screwed!!!!!
I'm going to humiliate myself in public!
Think! Garden Gale! Calm down and think of something!
I finally muster the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and THIS is the result you give me?!?!
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T/N: heh fool! its been a while since i translated this, since what ive been releasing was the chapters i stocked up anyways, some things might be different! if its too blatant and ruins your reading experience let me know!