"Legend, are you listening to me, Legend?"
Teio's characteristic voice pulled Legend's consciousness back to reality.
"Ah, it's Teio. Is something the matter?"
"Honestly, what are you thinking about? Is the great Teio-sama really that unattractive?"
Teio puffed out her cheeks.
It was noon. After classes ended, to make up for standing Teio up yesterday, Legend had specially prepared a honey special drink to seek her forgiveness.
"Sorry, I had some private business. And Teio-sama is the cutest in the world, I promise."
Legend spoke in a gentle tone.
"Don't treat me like a child!" Teio said, taking a big gulp of the special drink.
That really wasn't convincing at all.
Looking at Teio's cute appearance, Legend thought silently.
"But still, for someone who looks so beautiful and reliable, you actually stood me up," Teio teased.
"Well, a lot happened on my end. But it really was my fault; I only remembered our appointment yesterday when I saw you this morning," Legend said apologetically.
"Then you really are terrible, Legend!" Teio said indignantly.
"Sorry, sorry. So, can Teio-sama forgive this lowly one?"
"Umu, I can forgive you, but I have a condition," Teio said mysteriously.
"What condition?"
"Can you come with me to see the President this afternoon?" Teio finally revealed her true intention.
"Ah, this..."
I promised the Trainer I'd go to training this afternoon.
"Is that a no?" Teio stared at Legend with her large, watery eyes.
"...Okay."
Sorry, Trainer, I really can't say no.
She's just too cute!
"Yay!" Teio made a victory sign.
"Then without further ado, let's go! Target: Student Council Room!" Teio pointed ahead, high-spirited like a captain setting sail.
"Oh, oh-ssu!" Legend echoed in a voice like a loser side character... "Oh my, Teio, you've arrived."
Just as she entered the Student Council Room, she heard the President's gentle voice, which was different from her usual one.
Is this the treatment for the favorite child?
Recalling the majestic posture the other had when facing her two days ago, Legend silently complained.
"Hehe, President, I'm here again! Did you miss me?"
"A day without seeing you feels like three years. I missed you very much, Teio," Rudolf said gently.
"Mm, I missed the President too."
Truly a picture of fatherly love and filial piety.
On the side, Legend, who had been ignored and reduced to background scenery, made an expression that damaged her beautiful girl image.
"Ah, right, let me introduce you. This is my friend—the President has seen her before—she's Legend."
Teio, finally remembering she hadn't come here alone, introduced her to Rudolf.
"We meet again, President. Good day."
"Good day. We meet again, Golden Legend-san. How is your campus life?"
Seeing Legend adopt the posture of a young lady, Rudolf also showed the appropriate etiquette.
"Thanks to you, it is well."
"Geez, why the sudden politeness?"
Watching the two be polite to each other, Teio interjected to try and break the atmosphere.
"Teio..."
The old father shook her head helplessly, showing a doting smile.
"Alright, one doesn't visit the temple without a reason. Teio, did you come to see me for something?"
"Can't I come see the President if there's nothing wrong?" Teio made a displeased expression.
"If it were just to see me, you wouldn't have brought Classmate Legend along."
Rudolf sat on the guest sofa, poured two cups of tea, and gestured for Teio and Legend to join her.
"Hehe, the President knows me best. Actually, I came this time because of Legend."
Teio pulled Legend along and sat down generously opposite Rudolf, speaking up.
"Eh? Is it... because of me?" Legend was a bit surprised.
"Because Legend, you've been absent-minded all day today. So I thought the President might be able to solve your problem."
Is the President omnipotent in your eyes?
However, it was actually for me.
Teio... she really... Legend was a little moved.
"Mm, I see. Helping students solve their worries is also part of the Student Council's work. Well then, Golden Legend-san, do you have any worries?"
The President's voice was as steady as ever.
"Well..." Legend organized her thoughts.
"President, do you know about... the Zone?"
"..."
Rudolf showed a surprised expression.
"Zone? What's that?"
Teio asked in confusion from the side.
"...Teio, could you please take this document to Air Groove for me?"
Rudolf stood up, walked to the desk, picked up a document, and handed it to Teio.
"Eh? President, why at a time like this..."
"Teio!" Rudolf's voice became serious.
"Hmph, I get it already."
Teio took the document with a bit of a grievance and walked out.
"Now then..."
Symboli Rudolf returned to sit in front of Legend, and then, she displayed the majesty and posture befitting the Emperor.
"If I remember correctly, Classmate Legend, you only recently underwent honkakuka, didn't you? Where did you learn this term from?"
honkakuka is a specific term for the Uma Musume of this world.
Before Uma Musume turn 16, they have a period of rapid growth where they mature quickly and develop fully.
Then, in their 16th year, they welcome their first 'baptism'.
Perhaps it can also be called by a more formal name—factor inheritance.
factor inheritance is the blessing of the three goddesses to Uma Musume, and it is also the basis of the Uma Musume bloodline theory.
It can develop the potential and talent hidden within an Uma Musume's body and manifest them.
After each factor inheritance, an Uma Musume's abilities will experience a massive leap, and they may even awaken some special talents.
Every Uma Musume only has three chances for factor inheritance in her life. This is the blessing of the three goddesses, and because of this, factor inheritance is also known as 'baptism'.
And honkakuka specifically refers to an Uma Musume after her first 'baptism'.
Because after the first 'baptism', the Uma Musume will enter a long period of adolescence where their appearance will no longer change.
Well, except for weight (important point).
"..." Legend remained silent.
"Unwilling to explain? Fine. Since you've already asked, I should answer."
The Zone is a special competitive state that can greatly improve one's abilities, allowing them to be utilized 100% and surpass limits.
But because of the unique constitution of Uma Musume, this state has evolved—it has become an extension of the Horse Girl.
Depending on their experience and focus, Uma Musume can make this state produce special effects.
For example, a Horse Girl specialized in speed will receive a boost and amplification to her speed.
A Horse Girl focused on interference will possess a field that can interfere with others.
Every Zone is different, just as no two people are the same.
The boost the Zone gives to a Horse Girl is massive; having a Zone and not having one are existences in completely different dimensions.
But precisely because of this, a Zone is also extremely difficult to possess.
It is something that even those with great talent must put in unimaginable effort to obtain.
In addition, one must have a foundation capable of supporting the Zone, along with matching Mind-Body-Technique—none can be missing.
The saying 'One who holds the Zone is a Legend' is not just empty words.
At least not in the world of Uma Musume.
"Theoretically speaking, this is not something a Horse Girl who has just undergone honkakuka should know. It is far too dangerous for you."
A decadent figure flashed through her mind, and Rudolf's thoughts were complex.
"I see. So that is the Zone?" Legend murmured to herself.
"...Although I don't know how you found out about it, I advise you: before you have enough accumulation, do not think about opening that door. This is my advice as a senior!"
Rudolf's tone was firm.
"Yes, I understand, President. Thank you for clearing my doubts." Legend stood up and bowed to Rudolf.
"...It's good that you understand."
"President, can I come in?" A knock on the door and Teio's characteristic voice came from outside.
"It seems the conversation ends here. Thank you for answering my questions." Legend offered her thanks and turned to walk toward the Student Council door.
"Right, President, one more thing."
Legend suddenly turned around and said.
"That door... I never needed to open it."
"...What?"
Watching Legend's back as she walked out of the Student Council Room, Rudolf fell into deep thought.