Agnes Tachyon, the legendary and immensely famous Uma Musume.
True to her name, she dominated the racetrack with blistering speed, charging through her races like she was scaling a peak. Four races, four victories, all the way up to winning the G1 Satsuki Sho.
Just as everyone thought a new myth was being born, that another Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume was about to rise, Agnes Tachyon, again living up to her name, abruptly retired from the track.
Her entire career consisted of only four races.
Amidst the sighs of regret, only scattered news emerged that Agnes Tachyon was battling a severe illness. Perhaps that was the reason she left the racing world.
However, after retiring, Agnes Tachyon didn't simply vanish. She found a different track. Rumor has it that there's a laboratory built specifically for her at Tracen Academy, and the drugs she develops have already gone into production.
And this very Agnes Tachyon was now sitting across from Platinum. Cross-legged, she looked at Platinum with keen interest, her crimson eyes scanning the menu in her hand.
To be honest, Agnes Tachyon's fashion sense was truly awful.
A beige wool sweater on top, jeans below—a mismatched mess. But beautiful people could make even a burlap sack look good, and Agnes Tachyon still managed to appear elegant.
Platinum took a deep breath. "Of course not, Agnes Tachyon."
Agnes Tachyon gave a noncommittal shrug. "Have a seat then, little Platinum."
"You know me?" Platinum's heart thumped wildly.
If Agnes Tachyon had specifically sought her out, did that mean she also knew about the Anchor Point, the riddles, and the Fortune Teller?
Could she pry that information out of her?
"Ah... it'd be pretty hard not to know you." Thinking of her roommate, Agnes Tachyon didn't elaborate.
While waiting for the tea to arrive, Agnes Tachyon gently picked up a pair of tongs, lifted a sugar cube, and held it up, her eyes seeming to focus either on the cube or on Platinum across the table.
"So, what did you need from me?"
"You managed to find out which café I frequent. Your information network is quite good too."
Platinum was about to say something, but Agnes Tachyon raised a hand to stop her.
"Don't rush to deny it. I actually got here three hours ago."
"And then I saw someone I'd never met sitting in my usual spot... What a pain."
"Half of it was not wanting to share a table, the other half was wondering if this person might be here for me. So I sat by the window at the Starbucks across the street for a while... Damn, Starbucks coffee is truly awful."
"So, I sat at Starbucks for three hours, and you stayed at Red String Café for three hours... You're quite persistent."
Agnes Tachyon flicked her wrist, and the sugar cube held by the tongs dropped straight into the cup Platinum had been using, landing with a clear clink.
"I thought, since you'd found out I come here, and waited so long, you didn't seem like the type to give up easily—In that case, might as well meet."
The words Platinum wanted to say died in her throat, her heart sinking.
The Fortune Teller's guidance had indeed led her to Agnes Tachyon. But it wasn't what she had imagined.
Agnes Tachyon was completely in the dark about it all. She couldn't provide any useful information.
So... what should she say now?
Say that a fortune teller told her to come find her, that she could cure her illness?
Wait... cure her illness?
It was mentioned before that Agnes Tachyon, as an Uma Musume, was called the Phantom Horse.
Another interpretation of that title was: It's a shame, but her chance of dominating the racetrack only exists in other worldlines.
After all, Agnes Tachyon only ran four races, with just one G1 victory. As an Uma Musume, there were many others who achieved greater glory.
But—she had another identity.
A mad scientist in the Uma Musume world... That's how Platinum understood it, anyway.
Even during her active racing days, she was always tinkering with strange potions, and every time she concocted a new one, it would cause quite a stir within the academy.
Although that's how it's described—those who ended up drinking Agnes Tachyon's potions never suffered any terrible side effects.
In fact, some were improved and actually launched in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.
And what could Agnes Tachyon's drugs do? They could let the person who drank them race against Uma Musume, make people glow, and all sorts of other things.
It suddenly felt like stepping into a Doraemon episode—utterly fantastical.
And Soul Dissolution Syndrome, an incurable disease... wouldn't only something like Doraemon be able to cure it?
Thinking this, Platinum's gaze towards Agnes Tachyon instantly became fervent.
The Fortune Teller hadn't lied to her. She had truly pointed her towards a path of hope!
This was far more reliable than waiting for some system to unlock a level two shop!
Save me, Tachyon-mon!
Agnes Tachyon immediately noticed Platinum's desperate look and couldn't help but let out a short laugh.
"Let me be clear upfront. Agnes Digital is indeed my roommate, but we're not related by blood. It's just a coincidence our surnames are the same. I can't persuade Agnes Digital."
"Besides, Agnes Digital is my roommate, while you and I are meeting for the first time. The priority is obvious. I'd naturally side with Agnes Digital."
"So, if you want those photos back, or want Agnes Digital to stop spreading those rumors, I'm sorry, I can't do that."
Platinum was stunned. "What Agnes Digital? What photos?"
Agnes Tachyon was also taken aback. "Huh? You didn't know?"
The two stared at each other.
"...Oops." Agnes Tachyon stuck out her tongue and lightly knocked her own head. "Forget I said anything."
Sorry, Agnes Digital.
After offering a silent apology in her heart, Agnes Tachyon promptly tossed what little guilt she felt to the winds.
"No... explain this clearly... Forget it, now's not the time for this." Platinum started to press further, then realized none of this was important to her right now.
"Agnes Tachyon... you have... medicine, right?" Platinum swallowed nervously.
Damn, why does that sound so weird coming out of my mouth? Feels like we've suddenly switched genres!
"...Oh, so that's what this is about."
To her surprise, Agnes Tachyon seemed to find this topic boring, her interest visibly waning as she leaned back against her chair.
"And I thought it was for something else... Yes, of course I have some. So? Planning to use it on your trainer?"
"Wouldn't have guessed it, you've only been here a week and you're already preparing to make a move." Agnes Tachyon clicked her tongue in mock admiration.
"The younger generation is formidable, truly. But let me tell you, make sure to take precautions, protect yourself and your trainer."
"...What are you talking about? Why would I drug my trainer?" Platinum looked utterly confused.
"...If not for your trainer, then are you planning to take it yourself?" Agnes Tachyon was equally bewildered.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 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.