Akasaka's voice rang out, electrifying the stadium.
"She's accelerating again! Princess is sprinting—again!"
All eyes locked on Peach Waves, her body lowered like a cheetah in pursuit. Light cyclones spun off her heels as she tore across the turf.
Behind her, the confident contender from Gate 7—who had boldly declared victory before the race—was struggling. The spiral airflow from Peach Waves' earlier burst had thrown her off balance. Now, with another surge, she was being left behind.
Sweat beaded on her brow.
What is this princess?! Why is she so fast? Shouldn't her lead have created a wind buffer for me? What went wrong?!
"Senior, why does it look so uncomfortable for second place to follow Peach?" Okino asked.
Longjing narrowed his eyes.
"Watch her feet."
Okino followed his gaze—and gasped.
"Her steps… they're in an irregular S-shape?! That's insane!"
Each stride demanded extreme ankle flexibility, risking sprains with every step. Only someone with superhuman balance could pull it off.
"She must've endured hellish training to master that form," Longjing muttered.
"Nine cramps, thirteen sprains, one fracture," Peach Waves thought, her lips curling into a smile. Totally worth it.
Her crystal-clear eyes gleamed. She leaned forward again, digging into the turf.
Peng!
Grass exploded behind her as she launched into another burst.
"She's accelerating again! Princess is flying!"
Akasaka's voice cracked with excitement.
"She's pulling away—an eleven-horse lead!"
Ahead loomed the 100-meter ramp.
"Can she hold on? Or will the latecomers catch up?"
From fifth place,—Grass Wonder—made her move. She veered outward and began her own acceleration.
"She's going all in!"
Hana Toujou frowned.
"Not wise. Accelerating before the ramp drains stamina. She should've waited."
Condor, watching from the fence, pointed.
"Why now? She's rushing into the ramp!"
Suzuka answered calmly.
"She's betting that Princess will slow down uphill. Most horse girls outside Tracen Academy haven't trained for ramps."
Condor nodded, impressed by Suzuka's insight.
Special Week was mesmerized.
"She's like Suzuka… so beautiful. Even her posture is similar."
Condor chuckled.
"Special Week only sees Suzuka's style."
While Suzuka didn't respond. She watched Peach Waves with quiet joy.
She really does run like me…
"Princess is entering the ramp! Grass Wonder is nine horses behind!"
"Grass! Go!"
The Rigil team erupted in cheers.
Peach Waves glanced back. Grass Wonder's eyes glowed red with determination.
Trying to contain me? Let's see you try.
She smiled—a smile that made Grass Wonder uneasy.
Peng!
Third sprint.
Peach Waves' body twisted like a serpent, weaving in an S-shape up the ramp.
The airflow behind her turned chaotic, battering Grass Wonder's rhythm.
"She's running uphill in an S-shape?!"
The crowd gasped.
Special Week's eyes sparkled.
"So cool!"
Condor groaned.
"It's dangerous! She could break her ankle!"
"Then why hasn't she?" Special Week asked.
Hana Toujou shook her head.
"Her flexibility is off the charts. The winner's already decided."
She turned to pack up—until the crowd erupted.
"Grass Wonder is closing the gap!"
Toujou froze, eyes wide.
"She's gaining! Can she overtake Princess?!"
Peach Waves felt the pressure.
Is this her red skill? That oppressive aura…
The turf beneath her felt like mud. Grass Wonder's presence loomed.
Finally caught up, huh?
Sweat poured down Grass Wonder's face—but her lips curled upward.
"Four horses left. I can do this!"
Akasaka stood on his chair.
"She's closing in! Just a little more!"
Condor shouted.
Toujou's tablet trembled.
Rudolf whispered.
"Come on."
The crowd held its breath.
But—
You think you can bolt past me on flat ground too?
Peach Waves hit the flat stretch—and exploded.
Her wave-colored hair shimmered in the sun as she tore away from Grass Wonder.
The gap widened.
Three horses.
Five.
Seven.
Grass Wonder's face twisted in pain.
No… how could this happen?!