3 / 65

Thank you so much for all the favorites and ratings!! Your comments are a huge encouragement!!!

▼Show Foreword

Deliver! My Wish

That tiny person turned out to be the President of Tracen Academy.

I definitely feel like I've seen that design before on a certain social media site in my past life. And the person next to him... apparently named Tazuna-senpai... I've seen them together.

But why the President? If this were a normal Hogwarts, wouldn't someone in Hagrid's position be the one to show up? No, wait, this isn't Hogwarts in the first place.

While I was hesitating over these thoughts, I was asked some mundane questions and gave responses that sounded appropriate. Suddenly, the President's face turned deadly serious.

"Pass! Witlum Pedes. Although our time together was short, I believe I understand you well. Your answers are far too composed for an elementary school student. Physically, you should be able to handle Tracen Academy just fine."

"Thank you very much."

It seems I'm approved. For me, who understands how to make statements that won't cause issues in general society, this was a piece of cake. Well, even if they had said "no," I wouldn't have had anywhere else to go, so I'd be in trouble either way...

"However, the path of racing is not so sweet that you can just coast through it. There are those who experience setbacks and failures, and those who tumble from glory due to injury. The Tracen Academy you are about to enter is such a place. Even so, will you proceed down this path?"

What an intense presence.

He leaned his elbows on the table, staring at me with eyes that seemed to see right through me.

Even though I'm half an adult on the inside, I was startled by this level of pressure. But I had to stay calm and answer.

However, no good phrase came to mind. If asked whether I should proceed, I can't really say I won't. Wait, do they really ask this kind of question for middle school entrance?

Does it mean I could go to a different Tracen Academy? But since it's a five-minute run from my house, Fuchu is the only choice geographically. Plus, the curriculum would end up being the same anyway.

Is this an interrogation? Is this a pressure interview? Won't this count as some kind of harassment? Is it safe? I've heard that public schools depend heavily on which teacher you get, but could there be a lot of harassing teachers here?......................................

"I am... an Uma Musume."

After less than a second of thought, that was the only line I could twist out of my brain. Honestly, I had no other choice.

"I see. Then it's settled. We are very pleased to welcome a Star of Hope. I look forward to seeing you at Tracen Academy."

"I look forward to it as well."

It seems I gave the right answer. He looked caught off guard for an instant, but his expression quickly turned into a beaming smile. And so, I was set to attend Tracen Academy.

Central Tracen Academy, standing by the banks of the Tama River in Fuchu City, Tokyo... it turned out to be a race-specialized school for elite Uma Musume!!!

Eh? I'm surprised. I thought all Uma Musume went to Tracen Academy, but apparently, that's not the case. Now that I think about it, the Uma Musume from my elementary school were talking strangely about middle schools compared to the other kids.

It seems going to a normal middle school is possible, or rather, it's the norm... Well, my house is a 30-minute walk away, or a 5-minute run with Uma Musume legs, so I didn't really feel like I was going to a super prestigious sports powerhouse.

Since it was a recommendation entrance, I suppose I needed to race at least a minimum amount and win decently. The President even put pressure on me saying he had high expectations.

The shock of this new reality pushed the comfort of my new uniform and the stiff speech by the Student Council President, Symboli Rudolf, at the entrance ceremony to the back of my mind. Even after the ceremony ended, I was still spacing out thinking about this when someone suddenly called out to me from behind.

"Witlum Pedes-san."

Startled by having my name called so abruptly, I turned around. There stood an Uma Musume with wavy, bay-colored semi-long hair, her ears covered by simple blue ear covers, gazing at me with brown eyes tinged with red. I recognized her.

"King Halo-san?"

Yes, I remember racing against her several times when we were in elementary school.

"I am honored that you remember me, Witlum Pedes-san."

"Please call me Wee. Everyone does."

I had thought I'd meet other Uma Musume from my elementary school at Tracen Academy, but it turns out they all went to regular middle schools, so I didn't get to see them at the entrance ceremony. The fact that I didn't know until now means our connection was that shallow. Still, having no one to rely on in a time of need made me feel uneasy. Meeting King Halo just then was like finding a boat in the middle of a river.

"No, you flatter me, Witlum Pedes-san. I came here to declare war. In elementary school, I lost to you many, many times. Yes, you might be stronger than me right now. But in the Twinkle Series, I cannot lose. For myself, and for our family... I will defeat you. I will break the glass wall. Prepare yourself."

Her declaration was quite a picture-perfect scene. Or so I wanted to say, but for some reason, her hands were trembling slightly, and there was a hint of fear in her eyes. And what does "declaring war" even mean? Did I do something to make her dislike me? We just met, and I don't think we had any real conversations in elementary school. Perhaps because these thoughts were swirling in my head, the best I could do was simply reply, "I understand." But what on earth is she talking about regarding a "glass wall"?

The next day after the entrance ceremony, I tried to lazily get through my first day of classes and head back to the dorms. As I exited the entrance, I was suddenly called out to again.

"Nice to meet you, Witlum Pedes. I am Yokoshima. I'm a trainer. Do you have a moment?"

The man who introduced himself as a trainer had a gentle expression and beckoned me over. In his other hand, he was holding two plastic bottles of carbonated drinks. Wondering what this was about, I followed him and sat on a bench in the shade of a nearby tree. He then opened his mouth.

"I apologize for startling you by calling out so suddenly. The matter I wish to discuss is this."

He handed me a piece of paper. Glancing at it, it seemed to be about the trainer contract for recommended entrants.

"It's not a very well-known story, so it's understandable if you didn't know, but Uma Musume who enter via recommendation are assigned a trainer candidate from the start. The academy assigns a trainer who seems like a good match. Of course, it's not mandatory, so you don't have to sign the contract. You can also choose to contract with another trainer by competing in selection races, just like the students who entered through the general entrance exam."

Indeed, the document stated that the academy would make a recommendation and listed detailed precautions. I didn't know such a system existed, but the fact that I wouldn't need to participate in selection races sounded quite nice. Thinking that, I looked at the section for the recommended trainer, and there it was: Trainer Yokoshima.

"So that means..."

"Yes, I am that trainer candidate. When the recommendation was issued, I was shown all the races you participated in. You have wonderful talent. You are undoubtedly a top-quality product, and your form was quite beautiful as well."

"Ah, yes."

"Race-making and pace management will improve with practice. But the problem is... your legs."

"What do you mean?"

"Witlum Pedes, you are fast. No, you are too fast. Your speed is clearly exceeding the limits of your body and running style. The academy has concluded that if you continue to put load on your legs through races and training, your legs will inevitably break in the near future. That is why I, who am knowledgeable about leg protection, was chosen. Don't be fooled by my appearance; I am confident in this area. I want you to leave the care of your legs entirely to me."

Trainer Yokoshima's words struck a shock to my head. I had heard that injuries are common for Uma Musume, but it seems my legs are in worse condition than I thought. I had never had them checked, but I do remember feeling clearly exhausted in my legs on days I raced. I just hadn't been conscious of it, but a significant amount of fatigue must have been accumulating. When I asked for more details, he explained using more technical terms. I was amazed that the force applied in each motion of my form, and the minute movements of my bones and muscles, could be analyzed so vividly with just a single tablet.

After talking for about 30 minutes, I decided to sign the trainer contract with him. Honestly, I thought any kind trainer would do, and if the academy recommended him, there was no better option.

"I look forward to working with you as your trainer, Wee."

And so he said, gently petting my head. Surprisingly, that felt like a really nice feeling.

Please leave your ratings, favorites, comments, and "likes" (if you have them)!

Next time, I might include a perspective from another character. Also, please note that updates will be irregular.