The sun hung heavy over the training ground, casting long shadows across the field. Peach Waves stood alone, her blue-and-white uniform stark against the sea of red and white. The potion had kicked in—but so had the bitterness. She gagged, crouched, and wiped her mouth, the taste still lingering like punishment.
"Okay… let's do this."
She stepped onto the track, her training plan doubled in intensity. One hundred kilometers of jogging. Speed drills. Acceleration runs. Turnbacks. High-knee lifts. All packed into four hours.
Inside the trainer's office, Okino leaned back under the air conditioner, chewing his lollipop with a sigh.
"It would be nice to have a team. The only horse girl I currently have won't even train."
He glanced at Toujou Hana, who was busy organizing schedules.
"That's your own fault," she muttered, not looking up.
"Harsh much..."
At 2 p.m., Hana stood and grabbed her tablet.
"Time to prep the equipment."
"I'll tag along. Got nothing better to do anyway."
They stepped outside—and immediately spotted a lone figure jogging under the blazing sun.
"Is that…?"
"Peach Waves. She is the new chef at the cafeteria. I had her cook for the Gold Ship at lunch as well. And her rice bowl was unreal it tastes delicious."
Okino tossed his lollipop stick and squinted.
"Looks like she finished her shift and came straight to train. That's quite a lot of dedication she has."
Hana nodded, then turned toward the equipment room. Okino lingered, watching Peach Waves warm up with quiet intensity.
"Hey- Wait for me Hana!"
As more horse girls arrived, the contrast became clear. Peach Waves stood out—not just in training, but in spirit. Trainers whispered. Students paused mid-drill. Even Rudolf Symboli, observing from the ramp, took notice.
"Is that… Peach Waves?" asked Air Groove.
"Yes. She is..." Rudolf replied, her tone unreadable.
"Didn't expect the chairman to allow non-students to train here."
"Let's move on." Rudolf said, though her eyes lingered.
Okino watched from the sidelines, phone still warm from a call with his senior.
"Keep an eye on her," the senior had said.
He agreed. But now, even he was unsure.
"She hasn't stopped once…"
Toujou Hana on the other hand approached, frowning.
"How much has she done?"
"100 kilometers. Seven sets of speed drills. Seven acceleration runs. Seven turnbacks. Twenty-one high-knee sets."
Hana's eyes widened.
"That's insane. She hasn't rested at all??"
"I tried to talk to her but she wouldn't listen."
Peach Waves pushed forward, legs trembling, sweat pouring. Her body screamed for rest. Her mind whispered doubt.
Should I stop?
No.
This is the only way to challenge those favored by God.
She gritted her teeth and surged forward.
Her cry wasn't loud—but it pierced the silence.
Everyone turned. Trainers. Horse girls. Onlookers. All eyes locked on the figure.
And then—she stumbled.
Her body gave out, almost collapsing to the ground.
Okino sprinted over.
"Peach Waves! Are you okay?"
She raised a hand weakly.
"I'm fine. Just finished speed training. I will be taking a break now."
She popped an energy candy into her mouth then relief washed over her face.
"You're pushing too hard. Are you sure this is safe?"
"I know my own limits. I'm okay."
She stood, wiped her face, and walked away—momentum radiating from her like heat.
Okino watched, speechless.
Toujou Hana joined him, her expression conflicted.
"She said she's fine?"
"That's what she told me."
"This level of training… it's beyond extreme."
Okino nodded.
"But the energy she gives off… it tells me she'll be okay."
Their conversation wasn't loud—but Team Rigil heard every word.
"President, should we check on her?"
Rudolf Symboli crossed her arms.
"No. It's on her if she wants to keep going we have no rights to stop her. And let's continue training ourselves."
But her gaze lingered, worry etched beneath her composed exterior.