Symboli Rudolf.
Known as the “Emperor.” That title alone was enough to convey just how legendary this Uma Musume was.
Japan’s first undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume.
In her era, she had reigned over the entire racing world with absolute dominance.
Even though various circumstances had caused her to step away from active racing…
She had never truly left the front lines of the Uma Musume world.
Instead, as Student Council President of Tracen Academy, she now guided the younger generation.
Watching promising juniors and ensuring they could grow properly…
That was Symboli Rudolf’s responsibility.
“Emperor, Nice Nature’s debut race result is out.
You definitely won’t expect what happened.” The student council room opened.
Another black-haired woman walked in.
“Oh?
Did something unexpected happen to her, Air Groove?” At first, Rudolf assumed Nice Nature had encountered some accident during the race.
But when she looked up…
She saw the smile on Air Groove’s face.
“Also, if I remember correctly, Miss Hayakawa attended Nice Nature’s race on our behalf.
How did you get the result first?” As Student Council President, Rudolf had little free time.
She hadn’t even been able to spare enough time to personally watch the debut race of a promising junior.
The other student council members happened to be busy too.
In the end, they’d asked Tazuna Hayakawa to attend on their behalf.
Air Groove approached Rudolf’s desk.
“After finishing the troublesome work I had, I headed over there.
I happened to run into Miss Hayakawa on her way back.
Apparently, the chairman needed her help with something, so she asked me to report the result to you instead.” “I understand.” While they spoke, Symboli Rudolf opened an official racing website.
She sorted videos by newest upload and clicked the first result.
It was the footage from Nice Nature’s debut race.
Only a short time had passed since the race ended, yet the official staff had already edited and uploaded the recording.
The view count was pitifully low.
For the general public, there was little reason to pay attention to debut races.
Maybe one day, if an Uma Musume from this race became famous, fans would return to dig up her old footage and increase the views.
But for now…
Most of those views probably came from insiders like Symboli Rudolf.
Whenever a promising junior debuted and Rudolf couldn’t attend in person, she always had someone watch live and then reviewed the recording herself afterward.
It might have seemed redundant.
But cameras couldn’t capture everything.
Air Groove remained silent beside her.
She had already watched the video on her phone during the walk back.
Even in her own experience, races this strange were rare.
She wondered whether that unknown junior would finally make Symboli Rudolf show a surprised expression.
Unfortunately…
That was probably wishful thinking.
Rudolf’s steady personality wouldn’t let some unfamiliar junior produce such a reaction.
Unless, perhaps, that junior someday completely defeated the Emperor herself.
Rudolf had no idea what Air Groove was thinking.
Her attention remained entirely on the footage.
After watching the entire race at double speed, she rewound to the start.
Her focus settled on Number 1.
Then she replayed the starting sequence several times.
The calmness before the gate opened.
The confidence afterward.
And the instant that confidence emerged…
Every other Uma Musume began behaving strangely.
Rudolf noticed it all.
“What a frightening junior.
She already understands how to use ‘techniques’ in her debut race?
“And the most troublesome kind at that—interference techniques.” She paused the video and offered genuine praise.
Even without attending the race personally, she’d reconstructed the reason for the bizarre race flow from the footage alone.
Air Groove said, “You noticed too.
Yes.
Miss Hayakawa told me that this junior possesses an extremely powerful aura and is highly skilled at using it for interference.” “Indeed.
This junior…” Information on every runner from the debut race was listed beneath the video.
Rudolf opened Number 1’s profile page and saw her name.
“Natsume Reiko.
She was trained at a regional academy?
If I remember correctly, isn’t this academy about to close?
Air Groove, do you remember it?” The name was vaguely familiar.
Rudolf turned toward Air Groove.
As Student Council Vice President, Air Groove helped manage many academy affairs.
Air Groove glanced at the screen.
“Yes.
That academy has already filed for closure.” “Then this Uma Musume is effectively independent and unaffiliated with any academy.
“And that school doesn’t have instructors capable of teaching advanced interference techniques.
“Did she reach this level through natural talent alone?” Rudolf’s expression grew serious.
Being taught and teaching oneself represented completely different levels of significance.
The former indicated good learning ability.
The latter…
Indicated a once-in-a-generation genius.
“To become a peak Uma Musume, effort, talent, and luck are all indispensable.
“Most Uma Musume don’t lack sweat.
“They lose because of talent.
“Sometimes, we have no choice but to admit that the racetrack is a cruel place.
No matter how hard someone works, if their talent falls short, they may never reach first place.” Rudolf thought of the countless Uma Musume who entered competition each year.
Only a small fraction ever achieved meaningful results.
Even she herself had shattered the dreams of one Uma Musume after another.
“Natsume Reiko may possess talent on the same level as Tokai Teio.
“I can almost see the dominance she’ll display on the racetrack.
“Like a Demon King…
“Defeating one brave challenger after another.” Air Groove understood what Rudolf meant.
Natsume Reiko’s method of racing was perhaps the easiest possible way to destroy another Uma Musume’s confidence.
Some runners might compete against Natsume Reiko once…
And abandon racing forever.
Rudolf wasn’t necessarily worried about those who quit.
Sometimes, after abandoning an obsession, people could actually live happier lives.
What concerned her was Natsume Reiko herself.
Every Uma Musume did not run only for personal glory or personal conviction.
Sometimes they also carried the beliefs of those who had fallen behind them.
Would Natsume Reiko possess the resilience required to bear that weight?
“Emperor, don’t worry.
I reviewed Natsume Reiko’s Trainer’s records.
He’s inexperienced, but his foundation in theory is solid.
“He also seems like a thoughtful young man.
“Trust the bond between Trainer and Uma Musume.” Rudolf glanced at her.
“And now you’re suddenly talking about bonds again.
“Air Groove, I remember we still have some promotional budget remaining.
Increase public outreach for the transfer-student program.” The transfer-student program existed primarily for Uma Musume from regional academies and independent Uma Musume.
Those who met the requirements could enter Tracen Academy through a special route.
Air Groove nodded.
“Understood.
I’ll handle it.” “Thank you, Air Groove.” ————————————————————————————— Thank you so much for reading until the end.
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