On the outskirts of Tracen Academy's training ground.
Minamizaka watched the scene unfolding on the track, his hands gripping the railing in front of him so tightly his knuckles turned white. He was completely consumed by tension.
"Why did Barbatos have to activate her Zone now!"
"And Seiun Sky too—this was just supposed to be a test to see if Barbatos had recovered, so why is she going all out?"
As a trainer at Central Tracen Academy, he needed a vast reservoir of knowledge—and that certainly included understanding the so-called "Zone."
Even though he couldn't visually perceive the form of the Zone Barbatos had unleashed, he could easily recognize it from the overwhelming pressure it gave off.
Besides, whenever Barbatos entered that state, her sprinting left clear footprints dug into the track.
Many Uma Musume in the past had suffered injuries after activating their Zone. Most cases were exactly like Barbatos's situation now.
Not only was Barbatos being reckless, but Seiun Sky was also going all out at a time like this.
He should have stopped Barbatos earlier—should have just let her run alone instead of allowing Seiun Sky and the others to join in for a mock race.
His grip on the railing tightened even more. He even felt the urge to rush onto the track and stop them from continuing.
This was his first time serving as a trainer, his first experience dealing with one of his own Uma Musume getting injured—well, not counting what happened with Matikanetannhauser.
In that moment, the calm and steady mind of a computer specialist was utterly thrown into disarray.
"It's going to be alright."
"Barbatos wouldn't want us to worry."
"And even if it's not an official race, no Uma Musume wants to lose. Let's watch till the very end together."
Matikanetannhauser offered comfort beside him.
Compared to Minamizaka, she was far more optimistic. As an Uma Musume herself, she understood Barbatos and Seiun Sky's feelings much better.
Weren't Twin Turbo, Urara, Nice Nature, and Ikuno Dictus also pushing themselves to the limit as they ran?
It was just that Barbatos carried the risk of reinjury, and Seiun Sky happened to be faster.
"I know."
Minamizaka let out a heavy sigh.
At times like this, he truly wished he had studied medicine in university instead of computer science—then he might have been able to better assess Barbatos's current condition.
--+--
On the training field...
Seiun Sky, leading the pack, felt the pressure closing in from behind.
It was an intense, oppressive aura—like spectral warriors charging straight from the depths of hell, or a massive truck hurtling toward her at terrifying speed.
It sapped her will to resist and the courage to keep running at her fullest.
That Barbatos had activated her Zone didn't surprise Seiun Sky—she had expected it.
From taking care of Barbatos these past few days, she could tell her roommate wasn't disheartened. Barbatos showed no panic over what the doctor had said, acting just as she always did.
To Seiun Sky, as her roommate and the one closest to her, it was clear this wasn't an act to put her at ease. Barbatos genuinely didn't seem worried.
It was as if she had some method—one Seiun Sky wasn't aware of.
Like that time during weighted training, when Barbatos had massaged her swollen ankle.
It had recovered in no time. Maybe she had a similar technique to effectively ease or even heal injuries.
That must have been why Barbatos still insisted on running in the Hanshin Juvenile FIllies even after Minamizaka advised against it—she was confident she could recover.
And this practice race...
This was her first real running match against Barbatos. The one at the start of the school year didn't count.
She had chosen to go all out.
Even though they were roommates, classmates, teammates—maybe even more—she was also a naturally gifted Uma Musume.
Just like King Halo and El Condor Pasa, she too wanted a proper race against Barbatos!
No matter how close their relationship, there could only be one number one Uma Musume in Japan. Even if everyone's dreams were different, nearly every Uma Musume wanted to become that number one—not just in Japan, but in the world!
Only 200 meters left. The sound of footsteps behind her grew closer and closer.
This wasn't the usual Barbatos—this was Barbatos in a race, giving it her all.
"Let me see the real you, going all out."
"Let me meet the you that exists in a race."
The everyday Barbatos was a bit goofy, liked to tease people, yet sometimes showed surprising maturity—that image came easily to mind.
But the Barbatos in a race was different from the usual one.
When she wasn't in the same race, Seiun Sky could only watch from the stands. This time, she would face her as a rival.
She wanted Barbatos to see that when it came to running, she wouldn't lose so easily either.
The finish line was so close!
Fighting against the pressure emanating from behind, Seiun Sky refused to let that intimidating aura affect her speed, driving herself forward toward the end.
Final 100 meters!
Barbatos didn't slow—she sped up, closing the gap to within a single length.
Powerful strides tore through the turf, sending clumps of grass and earth flying into the air.
Front-runner and chaser—two nearly opposite racing styles—played out in this test run meant only to check on a recovery.
But once on the track, whether in an official race or a private match, the only thing that mattered was claiming first place!
The opponent didn't matter!
--+--
"No pain like before. Stacking these three main abilities isn't putting any strain on my body."
With 50 meters to go, Barbatos reached that conclusion with certainty. She drew level with Seiun Sky, then began pushing ahead.
Pale pink cherry blossom petals swirled amid the crimson energy radiating from her, and her speed suddenly surged again as she swept past Seiun Sky.
"Victory... is mine!"
--+--
Watching the figure overtake her, Seiun Sky gritted her teeth and pushed her legs harder.
She could go faster—she had to be able to go faster!
Logic told her this was already her limit, but for some reason—just this once—she couldn't bear to let Barbatos pull too far ahead!
Even when she lost to El Condor Pasa, she had been sad and frustrated, but it wasn't like this.
Based on Barbatos's past performances, she had mentally prepared herself for the possibility of losing to her. But still... she didn't want to be left this far behind!
Her already maxed-out speed somehow increased a little more.
If what she had given earlier was her all, what she was doing now was running with sheer desperation.
Running as if her life depended on it!
Still two and a half lengths behind... then two and a half again... the gap wouldn't close!
Even though she was running faster than before, she couldn't shrink the distance between them.
The two crossed the finish line one after the other. Seiun Sky gasped for breath, her chest heaving, and met Barbatos's gaze as the latter looked back.
A single thought flashed through her mind:
"I'll train harder! I want to be closer to her!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.