(One Week Later)
People say the way to defeat your enemy is to find their weakness.
A cliché, perhaps—but far harder to do than it sounds.
Most people hide their true selves. They wear masks when facing society, covering their flaws behind carefully crafted expressions.
That person is no exception.
And yet, the way he toys with our psychology is disturbingly effective… even if it's infuriating.
Here in the Waiting Room, I glance at my teammates who have been silent for a while now. Gavi and Salva look restless, while Argentine remains as calm as ever.
My gaze then drifts toward the large mirror beside me. The sharp stare reflected there has refused to leave my eyes since earlier—an unsettling sight.
I can't take it anymore.
I may not be fighting him again, but that doesn't mean I'll stay quiet.
"Salva, Argentine! There's something I need to tell you."
All eyes turn toward me.
"Considering the situation, that bastard will definitely target you during the race. Since I've faced him before, I'll tell you what you need to watch out for. So listen carefully."
They begin paying attention, and I continue.
"That girl's strength lies in his powerful, long strides. With a body that big, it'll be difficult for you to clash with him if you're running side by side."
"Yeah. That girl's body is huge and tough. Even a slight bump from him would probably send us flying," Argentine added.
"Unlike Bantul, Tegalwaton has four straight tracks, and its turns are sharper. Which means, with that kind of running ability, he'll definitely surge ahead on the straightaways."
"So you're saying he'll attack there?" Gavi asked.
"Most likely. He did the same thing in Bantul—lurking behind before entering the third corner. What makes him dangerous is this: he can hide within the pack while blocking the inside line of his target. So keep your eyes sharp. Watch that bastard's movements carefully."
I then look directly at Argentine, and she immediately understands what I mean.
"So you want me to keep an eye on Caraxes from the very beginning?"
"Yeah. You've got sharp eyes, and you analyze things quickly. As long as you stay alert, you won't fall into his trap."
"Alright. I understand."
"And you, Salva. I know your running style is a Late Surger. You usually stay on the outside. So try not to clash with that kid in the early stages of the race. If you spread out before the Last Spurt, he'll probably have trouble targeting both of you at once. He'll have to choose one."
"And then the one he doesn't target helps the other?" Argentine continued.
"Something like that. The real battle will be during the Last Spurt. This isn't a long-distance race, so you'll still have plenty of stamina to go all out. Just be careful."
"O-Okay!"
"I understand."
Just as our discussion ends, the door suddenly knocks. A mature woman enters the room.
"Contestant No.1, Princess Gavi! Contestant No.2, Milord!" the official calls out.
"Yes!" Gavi replies.
"The sixth race will begin shortly. The contestants who have been called are requested to proceed to the track immediately."
"Understood!" Gavi answers, then glances at Argentine. "We're heading out first."
"Yeah. We'll be waiting in the stands. Good luck."
"Okay."
Gavi turns around, leaving behind a small smile.
The nervousness still lingers. For both of us.
We each carry our own burden—to prove ourselves, to give everything we have.
The day when the two of us will compete is about to begin.
And I will see just how strong the horse girl said to surpass her sister, Argentine, truly is.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
—
["The skies over Tegalwaton are growing brighter. Tens of thousands of spectators have filled the stadium, and the excitement only continues to build after five races."]
["Up next is Race Six: Beginner Class C/D, 1000 meters, Division 1 — Triple Crown Series 2. Who will emerge victorious?"]
A roaring sea of voices echoes across every corner of the stadium. They shout enthusiastically for the horse girls they support.
["All twelve contestants have now entered the track. First up—the top favorite, contestant No.1 at gate 11, Princess Gavi!"]
["After the injury she suffered earlier, the Princess of King Halim finally returns to the track."]
"Woooh! Gaviii!"
"Welcome back, Princess!"
"Gaviii!"
Welcoming the cheers of the crowd, Gavi smiles and waves at them.
It helps ease the nervousness she's been feeling.
Not only that—several horse girls standing at the very front of the audience also cheer her on.
But among them, a black-haired horse girl notices something about the figure beside her.
"Huh? Why is Big Sis Thalassa here? Aren't you supposed to be watching from the VVIP seats?" Argentine asks.
"Hm? I wanted to watch from up close. And keep an eye on this girl as well."
"Eek—!"
Sunny stiffens when Thalassa pats her shoulder with a smile.
"W-Why do I need to be watched? I'm not going anywhere."
"That's right. You're not going anywhere." Thalassa leans closer. "Because I'll be staying right beside you."
"Eek—! M-Mi-chan, help me!"
"U-Um, I'm not Milord-san, Senpai! So please let go of me! It hurts—! It hurts!" Salva complains.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Milord]
—
['Next, contestant No.2 at gate 10—the newcomer who secured second place in the previous race, Milord!"]
["Her first appearance in the National Series was truly impressive, especially her fierce clash against Caraxes Nagari."]
"Tch! Could you stop mentioning that name already?!"
"Still upset about that?" Realizing I'm in a bad mood, Gavi steps closer.
"What else do you expect? Are there no other great horse girls worth talking about?!" My eyes shift toward someone nearby. "Speaking of other horse girls… looks like she's here."
About ten meters away from us, a horse girl with shoulder-length crimson hair is warming up alone.
Her expression is flat, yet her presence is strong enough to be felt even from here.
My instincts warn me—the girl with the crescent-moon accessory on her right ear is not someone I can underestimate.
"Kamaka Eclipse. Leader of Onyx Team. I don't know what she's planning either," Gavi says.
"Yeah. But there's definitely a reason why she entered this class."
"Wasn't she in the same class as you during Series 1?"
"She was. But she didn't make the podium. Her performance wasn't particularly remarkable either. Even though the Eclipse Family is known for producing powerful horse girls. Keeninsky is one of them."
Perhaps noticing that we've been watching her for a while, she turns toward us.
There's no reaction from her.
Just a flat gaze.
As if we don't matter at all, she calmly walks toward the gate.
"Gavi. You should be careful around that girl."
"You think she's planning something?"
"Yeah. More precisely…"
"…?"
"…No. Maybe I'm just overthinking it," I mutter.
※※※ (Chapter — 10-B) ※※※