"TracenGymCenter."
That was the text scrolling above the automatic sliding door.
A woman in a business suit stepped inside, holding a tablet against her chest. It was the long holiday after Series-1, so the place should have been empty—none of the students had training scheduled today.
Except for one student who was training alone—the very person the woman had come to see.
She walked toward the rhythmic clanking sound. There, a girl lay on a bench, doing bench presses. Sweat poured down her body; her heavy breaths were held and released in sync as she lifted the weight. Thick muscles lined her arms and legs, and her abdomen—left uncovered by her sports bra—was tightly defined, shaping almost her entire frame.
"Even on a holiday, you're still training."
"Well, precisely because it's a holiday, right? I get to use the gym freely."
The woman let out a short huff. "I'll get scolded if I let you skip your rest."
Caraxes set the barbell down and rose to her feet. "So, is there something interesting, Trainer-san?"
"Look!" The Trainer held out a card. "It's been updated."
"Hm? This is…?"
"Congratulations! You've advanced to Division-1 with the highest distinction!" The Trainer beamed.
"Ah, I see."
"Your performance stats keep improving. If you stay consistent, you might sweep all the Rookie Class victories in the remaining races this season."
"Yes. That's exactly what I intend to do." Caraxes stared at her hands, then clenched them tightly. "That's why I can't afford to relax—not even for a moment."
"You've already managed to handle the newcomer named Milord. Now, you'll need to watch out for several racers I've listed."
"Hm. Who are they?"
The Trainer opened a list on her tablet. "First, from Team Ruby: Wulan Nuangan, MS Queen, Mayalosa, Mimosa, Merlin Gray, and Manik Siwa. Their strength is well-balanced. Almost all of them consistently place in the top five in every race."
"Well, they're fairly easy opponents for me."
"Oh? Then what about Team Emerald? Aside from Milord, there's Salvatore Minang, Princess Gavi, and King Argentine. Salvatore Minang has a solid track record, though nothing too outstanding. As for the sibling pair of King Halim, they're worth keeping an eye on—especially Argentine. His debut race was quite remarkable."
"You worry too much, Trainer-san. I won't lose to anyone—especially not to some newcomer."
"You're quite confident."
"Why? Do you doubt me?"
The Trainer smiled. "No. How could I possibly doubt the strongest horse girl of this generation?"
"Haha! Of course not! I'll claim the Pertiwi Cup—or even the Triple Crown next year. I'll surpass the achievements of the strongest horse girls who came before me." Her eyes sharpened. "Especially that person."
"So your ambition still hasn't changed. Is your grudge really that deep?" the Trainer murmured.
"Oh, by the way, Trainer-san. The first-place winner gets to choose which class to compete in, right?"
"Yes. As long as it's within Division-1."
In an instant, Caraxes smirked. "Then I think I've come up with a rather good plan."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Milord]
—
The sun hung directly overhead, unable to hide behind the sky with only a few thin clusters of white clouds drifting by. The breeze played with our hair. Thankfully, the place we were visiting had already been watered down, so no dust rose into the air.
I tapped the ground with the tip of my foot. Instantly, I felt the impact—clear and solid.
Yes, we were at the Tegalwaton track.
"Huah! It's so hard! Even Tompaso feels softer than this," I complained. "Trainer-san! Can I—"
—"No."
"I wasn't finished talking, hey!"
"I told you, we're only allowed to use it once Series-2 is about to begin."
"Tch! Stingy."
Trainer turned to the girl beside him. "Gavi. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. I just…"
"You're still worried?"
Gavi glanced down at her leg. "Yeah."
"Is that so?" Trainer placed his hand on her head. "It's common to feel fear after an injury. You need to have more confidence."
"… Yes."
"If we're talking about confidence, you should learn from this Shorty here."
"Ha?! Who are you calling short?!"
"Salva. What about you? Are you ready?"
"Hey! Don't ignore me!"
"I think I'm ready, Trainer-san. My leg has fully recovered."
"And you, Argentine?"
"I train on hard ground quite often, so I'm ready."
"Good. Looks like everyone's prepared."
"Hey! You haven't asked me!"
"You're the most prepared one here."
"Well, yeah, that's true. But there's one thing still bothering me."
"Hmm?"
"That bastard got first place, right? That means he automatically moves up to Division-1."
"…!"
"Oh? So you think you'll be meeting him again?" Trainer asked.
"Most likely, yes."
"Why do you think that?"
I faltered, pausing to weigh my feelings—waiting until my heart was truly ready to tell them what had really happened.
"Actually, Sis…"
I explained everything—the past encounter between Sis and Caraxes. Exactly as she had told me that night. They listened in complete silence.
"I see… So all this time, Caraxes has really been holding a grudge against Sunny," Trainer murmured.
"Yes. Maybe that's why he's targeting me. He might not want to retaliate directly. After all, I'm also Sis's junior at Bendang."
More precisely, maybe he's jealous—because his place beside Sis has already been replaced by me.
I looked at Tosca. "I'm afraid he might target the people around Sis too. Including you, Gavi."
"…!"
"Other than me, you're the closest to her. So I'm worried you might become a target as well."
I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. When someone is consumed by vengeance, their reason loses direction. They'll take any path as long as the person they resent ends up suffering.
"… I won't allow it."
In the brief silence, one voice spoke calmly. Yet I could feel the deep sincerity behind it.
"I won't let anyone hurt Gavi."
The eyes that were once hidden behind long bangs were now clearly visible. Argentine's sharp gaze was fixed on me.
"See? It's much easier to see your serious face now that your bangs are shorter."
His face instantly turned red. In a split second, he did a complete 180° from his cool demeanor, becoming shy again and covering his face.
"Well, I guess I don't need to worry. The two of you can protect each other."
Argentine and Gavi exchanged glances after hearing what I said. Why did they suddenly look so confused? Are they really that unaware?
"Alright. Since you already know the track, how about we take a little walk first?" Trainer looked unusually excited.
"Huh? Where to?"
Trainer smiled and showed us his tablet screen. We stared at it for a moment in silence—then our eyes immediately lit up.
"Woooaaah!"
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
"Come on! Faster, Salva! Let's catch up to the Halim duo!"
"Y-Ya!"
"Ahaha! Catch us if you can!" Gavi challenged.
And that's how things were at the moment—we were racing on swan boats. Our feet kept pedaling nonstop, chasing the boat ahead driven by the two sisters.
The tourist spot "Umbul Senjoyo," the place Trainer had shown us earlier on his tablet. Without a second thought, we agreed right away. It's a natural spring complex consisting of water sources, natural pools, and a flowing river. Geographically, it's located in Tegalwaton Village, Tengaran District, Semarang Regency. Not far from the track we visited earlier.
"Be careful! Don't fall!" Trainer shouted from the shore.
We were having so much fun that Trainer eventually started worrying about our antics. Five laps had already passed. The end of our little competition was finally in sight.
"Finiiish!" Gavi yelled.
"Damn! They're so fast!" I complained between heavy breaths.
"Yeah. Gavi-chan's always amazing when it comes to competitions," Salva added.
Our boat drifted closer until it aligned with theirs. The two of them were breathing heavily as well.
"That was so fun!" Gavi said.
"Yeah."
"…!"
I fell silent for a moment when I looked at the person beside Gavi. It was a sight I had probably never seen before. Argentine, who had always worn a gloomy expression, was laughing now. She looked like she was truly enjoying herself.
I pushed the pedals harder and steered toward the shore. "Gavi! Want to head to the spring pool? We can swim there surrounded by tons of fish!" I invited.
"I do, I do! Let's go, Aru!"
"Ah, right."
We pulled in and hurried toward the next spot, while Trainer stayed behind at the gazebo, enjoying a cup of coffee with boiled cassava topped in chocolate and cheese.
"Don't run!" Trainer shouted.
"Okay~!"
We answered like that, but it didn't slow us down at all. The stubborn spirit of youth isn't easily restrained. Trainer's warning fell on deaf ears. What mattered was having fun all day long.
After changing out of our clothes, we rushed straight to the natural pool. It was vast, the water flowing calmly like a wide river. Fish swam everywhere. Luckily, not many people were around, so we had more freedom. The pure, untouched beauty of the place made me want to jump in immediately.
"I'm first! Yahooo!"
'Splash!'
"Me too!"
As I dove in, the three of them jumped in right after me. I immediately splashed water at them, and when they retaliated, I quickly dove underwater to escape.
"Hey! Where'd she go?"
"Mi-Milord-chan?"
"Eh? …Huaa—!"
Slipping in like a ninja, I grabbed Argentine and pulled her underwater.
"Ahahaha! I've conquered the hunter!"
Argentine flailed, trying to resurface, then shot me a sharp glare. It seemed I had ignited something in her. She immediately swam after me.
"You started this."
"Ahaha! Catch me if you can! Bleeeh!"
"Don't run, Shorty!"
"Who are you calling short?! You introvert!"
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
—
Sitting quietly at the edge of the pool, a girl stared ahead. Her eyes never left the three people chasing one another in the water—splashing each other, playing with schools of fish, swimming back and forth. A gentle smile had been resting on her lips as she savored the moment.
She had played with them for quite a while earlier, until the sky slowly turned orange. Her damp clothes began absorbing her body heat. The refreshing relief from the day's heat felt comforting. So comforting that she didn't notice someone approaching.
"They're still not satisfied, huh?"
"Eh? Trainer-san?"
Trainer sat down beside Gavi. "Well, as long as you're having fun, that's what matters."
"Yeah… I guess so."
Trainer fell silent, then turned to look at her.
"Eh? What is it, Trainer-san?"
"…You're finally smiling again."
"Eh?"
"You've seemed a bit down lately."
"W-What do you mean? I'm always smiling."
"Really?"
"…"
Trainer looked ahead again. "You know, one of the reasons I invited you all on this trip was so you could relax. I always keep an eye on you—especially you, Gavi. After the Series-1 race, you started getting quieter."
Gavi didn't reply. Instead, she bent her knees and hugged them, her gaze falling on her reflection in the water. There was no smile there—just her true face, free from the mask she had been wearing.
"You already know… our Family has always created outstanding horse girls in every generation. Even the generation before me had Big Sis Thalassa, who earned her own title."
"So you feel a heavy responsibility as the next successor?"
"…Yes. They trust me more than Aru. Everyone expects me to become Big Sis Thalassa's successor. But…"
"You think Argentine is just as impressive."
Gavi fell silent. There was no denial in response to Trainer's guess. Instead, she lifted her face toward the glowing horizon, then toward the three figures now floating peacefully after tiring themselves out.
"I guess you could say that. Honestly, I'm happy seeing Aru become that strong. I'm glad she's more open with others now. But… I don't know why, something feels strange." Her voice grew softer. "It's like… I feel… distant."
"…"
"I realized Aru started changing after that kid arrived. I don't know what they talk about, but that kid knows things about Aru that I don't. And after that… Aru's eyes never seem to leave them."
"Hm. I see," Trainer murmured. "That's why you want to achieve a good result in the next race—so Argentine will look at you again. Unfortunately, you're still unsure about your leg condition."
"Eh?" Gavi's face flushed. "W-Why would you think that?"
"Hm? Am I wrong?"
"…!" Gavi turned away. "I… don't know," she replied softly.
Trainer smiled at her reaction and turned his gaze back to the three who had started playing in the water again.
"Right now, yes, there may be someone else catching her attention. But Argentine hasn't completely taken her eyes off you. The proof? She's still trying to protect you."
"…!"
"I've watched the two of you since you were little. I can guarantee that. What you need to do now is simply try your best. Even if the result doesn't meet your expectations, we'll fix it next time."
"…Yes. I understand."
"Good!" Trainer gently patted Gavi's head before standing up. "Hey, you three! Get out already! It's getting late! We're heading back!"
"Haa?! One more hour!" Milord protested.
"Oh, really? Then you can stay here alone! We're going home!"
"Tch! Stingy."
Pouting, Milord swam toward the shore, followed by Salva and Argentine. But just as they got close to Trainer—
"Now!"
—Milord and the two behind her splashed water straight at him.
'Splash!'
"Guagh!"
"Ahahaha! Run!"
The three of them immediately bolted, and even Gavi—who hadn't joined in—ran off laughing as well, leaving Trainer completely soaked.
"You brats… you little troublemakers!"
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
The sky stretched wide in brilliant blue, adorned with drifting white clouds. The sun radiated with eager warmth, illuminating the land once more after days of lingering gray.
A sharp alarm chime rang out. Not long after, a long line of train cars slowly pulled in. Once it came to a complete stop, the doors slid open automatically. A rush of human commotion spilled forth.
And finally, among the last to step out, were two horse girls, each pushing a suitcase. They walked calmly off the platform, rode the escalator up, passed through the gate, then turned their gaze toward the large glass panels lining the corridor.
One of them, adorned with a Cupid's Arrow flower accessory on her left ear, stared at the cityscape with sparkling eyes. She suddenly stopped, flicking her long crimson hair behind her. A proud smile bloomed across her lips.
"Ha-ha-ha! From Minang, I have at last arrived upon the land of Java! Like a spectrum of radiant jewels! A hymn of wind descending from the heavens! Ahh, my soul feels bathed in immaculate light!"
Behind her, watching her companion's overflowing excitement, the other girl—wearing a Kecombrang flower accessory on her left ear—looked rather uneasy instead. Her straight jragem hair swayed gently in the breeze.
She let out a small snort. "She's at it again."
"Hey, fair maiden! Why do you look so troubled? Has the city's splendor failed to leave you in awe?"
"…"
"… Um …"
"…"
"Um, please don't look at me like that," the Poet Girl pleaded.
"Done yapping?"
"… Yes," she answered softly, lowering her head.
In the end, the Poet conceded after receiving that pitiful stare from her companion.
"Remember! We came here because we received a recommendation to enter Tracen Academy. We're going to compete in the National Series. So don't fool around."
"… Okay."
Seeing the Poet begin to sulk, she finally smiled.
"After this, how about we take a walk around the city?"
The Poet's eyes sparkled once more. "Ahahaha! Of course, I shall—"
—"Ahem!"
"… Very well."
Once again, she subdued the Poet with a single cool smile. She let out a quiet sigh, then shifted her gaze toward the city view.
"… Yeah. I suppose it's not so bad after all."
※ ※ ※ (Chapter - 08) ※ ※ ※