In the end, Rampage's transfer to Tressen Academy went off without a hitch. The Mejiro family's recommendation helped, but her academic performance was solid, and her stellar run in the selection race sealed the deal.
"Congratulations on passing," Mejiro Asama said warmly. "But this is your home now. Come back anytime—you're a Mejiro Uma Musume now."
"Thank you... I'll never forget this kindness," Ran replied, her voice thick with gratitude.
With those words in her heart, she headed to Central Tressen Academy. Her new home was the Miho Dormitory, typically overseen by the formidable Hishi Amazon... but not today.
"You the one who aced the transfer exam?" a voice called out.
"Yeah, I'm Rampage. You the dorm leader?" Ran asked.
"Yup, that's me—Dyna Galloper. Call me Dai-chan, the dorm boss. Nice to meet ya!"
Her tomboyish charm was approachable yet bold, slinging an arm around Ran's shoulder in greeting. But the name hit Ran like a shockwave. Dyna Galloper—a Derby-winning Uma Musume. This world was aligning with racing history, not the game's version. The realization that she was meeting such a legend left her reeling.
"Heard from the trainers you've got a wild running style," Galloper said, grinning. "Love that! Makes me wanna race you myself."
"If I get the chance," Ran replied, smirking.
"Got a deal! No backing out!" Galloper's eyes gleamed with competitive fire, her fist bumping Ran's as if ready to race right then.
There was a hint of Hishi Amazon in her vibe, but older, seasoned—a true former dorm leader. Ran could see why. Following Galloper's lead, she was guided to her room.
"Here's your spot," Galloper said. "Your roommate's my year, but she's good people. You'll be fine."
"No worries here. Just a bit nervous," Ran admitted.
"Hah, that so? Let's head in then!"
Galloper reached for the door, her big-sister energy reassuring. Ran wondered about this "classmate" of Galloper's. As a human, her racing knowledge started with Oguri Cap's golden era—she wasn't deep into earlier generations. Galloper's Derby win was just within her grasp, but her peers? A mystery. A strange tension gripped her as Galloper knocked.
"It's me! Brought your new roommate!" she called.
"I'll open it now," came a refined voice from inside.
The voice was elegant, dripping with mature allure—familiar, somehow. Ran racked her brain, but the door swung open before she could place it. Standing there was a stunning blue roan Uma Musume, her glossy coat flecked with white hair, exuding a grace that could belong to a ryokan hostess. Ran knew her instantly.
"Let me introduce the hotshot transfer, Rampage," Galloper said. "Your new roommate. And Rampage, this is my classmate and your bunkmate—Mejiro Ramonu."
"I've heard so much about you," Ramonu said, her voice warm. "I look forward to living together."
"L-Likewise, Ramonu-senpai," Ran stammered, forcing a smile to mask her shock.
She shook Ramonu's outstretched hand, barely containing her awe. Mejiro Ramonu—the first filly to win the Triple Crown, the Mejiro family's crown jewel. Here, she was the inaugural Triple Tiara Uma Musume, her fame rivaling even the Emperor himself.
"No need for stiff 'senpai' stuff," Ramonu said playfully. "Call me Ramo-chan, cute and casual♪"
"I'll... try, Ramo-chan-senpai," Ran managed.
"Oh, 'chan-senpai' has a nice ring to it!" Ramonu giggled.
Her bubbly, almost airy demeanor caught Ran off guard. Then again, as Mejiro Ardan's sister, it made sense. Ramonu's warmth was disarming.
"Good to see you two hitting it off," Galloper said. "We try to pair same-year students, but room assignments got tricky this time."
"I don't mind," Ran said. "Honestly, I didn't expect the Triple Tiara Uma Musume to be this... friendly."
"Hah, Ramonu's pretty chill," Galloper laughed. "Get along, you two!"
With a wave, Galloper left. Ran stepped into the room, setting her bags down. Compared to the Mejiro estate's sprawling suites, the dorm room was cramped—perfectly cozy for Ran. She was genuinely grateful to be here.
"Rampage-san," Ramonu said, her tone shifting to earnest. "Grandmother told me about your journey—the hardships you've faced."
"Oh, uh, it wasn't that bad," Ran said, deflecting. "Ryan helped me a ton."
Ramonu's gaze was steady, serious. Apparently, Asama had filled her in.
"If there's anything I can do, just say it," Ramonu said. "I swear on the Mejiro name to support you."
"I've already leaned so much on your family," Ran protested. "I can't—"
"No," Ramonu interrupted gently. "Didn't Grandmother say? You're a Mejiro Uma Musume now. Helping family is only natural."
Her words, so sincere, left Ran speechless. She'd lost her family, betrayed by relatives who stole her inheritance. Yet here, the Mejiro family had filled that void with warmth and kindness. Overwhelmed, Ran managed a small request.
"Could you... teach me about Tressen Academy? I'm clueless."
Ramonu's face lit up. "Of course!"
"Thanks, Ramo-chan-senpai. Call me whatever you like."
"Got it, Ran-chan♪"