Tokyo Racecourse was packed wall to wall with spectators. Guided by staff, Kaito and Tokai Teio made their way to the competitors' lounge. Uma Musume moved in and out of neighboring rooms, changing, stretching, making final adjustments before the race. Their Trainers hovered nearby, offering last-minute advice and psychological support.
For an Uma Musume, this race was special.
It was their first official race.
Kaito wasn't particularly good at comforting people. And honestly, Tokai Teio didn't look like she needed any comfort at all. Still, after everything they'd been through together, Kaito found himself overwhelmed with emotion.
Even if that other world had only been governed by programs and systems… when he'd been in danger, it was Teio who had reached out her hand. When he spoke, she was the one who reacted. More often than not, she was the Uma Musume he found himself holding.
Tokai Teio had become his motivation to keep going.
Planning her training, day after day, gave shape to time that would otherwise have been unbearable. With her, he had a goal. Without her, he wasn't sure he would've lasted.
That was why Kaito felt something special for Tokai Teio.
"Go win this race, Teio."
At those words, Tokai Teio burst into a grin and leapt straight into his arms.
"Trainer, I'll show you exactly how Emperor Tokai Teio becomes the undefeated Triple Crown champion!"
The announcer's voice echoed from outside, calling the competitors to the track. Tokai Teio released him, then stood on her toes and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
"I'm heading out, Trainer! Watch closely as I sing the praises of Emperor Teio's brilliance!"
Laughing like a carefree child, she dashed out of the room, her footsteps thudding as she charged toward the track.
...
"Welcome, everyone, to Tokyo Racecourse! Today, fourteen newcomers take on their very first official race! And leading the popularity polls—Tokai Teio!"
Even before her debut, Tokai Teio had drawn enormous attention. She'd dominated mock races, her talent undeniable. Naturally, she became the focal point of the entire venue.
Standing on the presentation stage in her tracksuit, Tokai Teio lifted her chin proudly and pointed toward the crowd.
"Victory is mine!"
A light rain had fallen the day before, leaving the turf in poor condition. Even Kaito could see it—uneven, pitted, dangerous if you lost your footing.
Unlike the game, however, there was specialized training for this: Bad Track Training. After races, Uma Musume would practice on turf churned up by their own hooves.
Kaito knew from Teio's data that her performance on bad tracks was nearly identical to normal conditions.
Her adaptability was exceptional.
"Gifted"—that word existed for Uma Musume like her.
The race began.
Fourteen Uma Musume burst from the gates. Taking the lead was a runner named Beautiful Talent, her vivid red hair streaming behind her. Tokai Teio followed closely in second.
A clean start.
This world differed from the game in subtle ways. Each Uma Musume ran differently. Some had quick, rapid steps. Others took long strides with slower cadence.
Every running style was unique.
Kaito had read about how stride patterns, footwork, and arm swings affected speed—but as a Trainer, his knowledge was still lacking. He knew how to maximize stats through training combinations, but he couldn't give precise advice on form.
Fortunately, Teio didn't need it.
She seemed weightless, dancing across the turf.
The Emperor's Waltz.
Just before landing, her lower leg straightened, then she exploded forward. From both a technical and aesthetic standpoint, it was flawless.
"We've reached the final turn! Time of the Ages is in the lead!"
"Trainer—here I go!"
Despite the distance, Kaito heard her voice.
Tokai Teio dipped forward, her posture tightening—then her legs drove down hard, and her speed surged.
Her pale thighs unleashed astonishing power.
This was the strength of an Uma Musume.
"Tokai Teio is accelerating! She's charging forward! Tokai Teio breaks through the pack! Two lengths—three—four! She's widening the gap! Incredible! Absolutely incredible!"
With the announcer's cry at the finish line, the stadium erupted.
Tokai Teio crossed the line four lengths ahead—an overwhelming victory.
Kaito finally exhaled. The countless nights spent agonizing over training plans hadn't held her back.
Watching Teio wave calmly after crossing the finish, his heart pounded violently.
What was this feeling?
The Uma Musume he'd nurtured step by step was now bathed in thunderous applause. His eyes stung.
He remembered the first time he'd played Uma Musume.
The moment they crossed the finish line—standing, cheering.
...
"Trainer! Did you see it!? Emperor Teio's glorious performance!"
That evening, Kaito hosted a victory party in his office. He'd bought a massive cake and even hired a top chef to prepare everything fresh. It nearly wiped out his savings.
But money meant little to him.
If spending it made Teio happy, it was worth it.
Tokai Teio wrapped her arms around his waist, bragging cheerfully. Seiun Sky squeezed in beside him.
"That was amazing, Teio. I'll drink to that," Seiun Sky said, lifting Kaito's cup and clinking it against Teio's.
"Hey! Knowing my greatness is one thing—but why are you using the Trainer's cup!?""Because I don't have one. And the Trainer doesn't mind sharing, right?"
"How could you not have one!? I gave you one!"
Teio had specifically prepared a bright red cup for her—now missing.
Seiun Sky glanced sideways at the red cup hidden beneath the sofa and smiled.
"Trainer, praise me more."
"You did great. You did great."
"Heehee~"
Teio rubbed against him happily.
The party lasted until late at night.
Seiun Sky casually licked the rim where Kaito had just drunk and noticed his gaze drifting to the clock.
"What's wrong, Trainer?"
"…Nothing."
Kaito shook his head.
According to the manual, the Debut Race deadline was midnight.
It was 11:40 PM.
What would happen when time ran out?
"You two, it's late. Head back and get some sleep."
"No! We just started!""We've been eating for four hours," Kaito said, counting on his fingers.
Uma Musume appetites were terrifying. He'd thought he'd bought plenty—yet it was all gone. Teio's stomach was slightly rounded, but she was still eating.
"I want to stay with the Trainer a little longer!" Teio whined.
Tomorrow morning, I'll come see you."
"That's a promise."
"A promise. Sky, please walk Teio back."
"Sure. Oh—Trainer…" Seiun Sky hesitated. "See you in the morning."
They left.
Kaito sat alone on the sofa, staring at the pitch-black sky outside… then the clock.
Tick.Tock.
Each second stabbed at his nerves.
He picked up Teio's leftover half of the cake and took a bite.
So sweet…
The instant the second hand passed midnight, a translucent screen appeared.
[Story Quest: Debut Race — Completed]
The world went black.
When Kaito opened his eyes, he was sitting in his office.
The room was a mess—trash everywhere, chicken bones scattered about.
He rubbed his face.
Did I fall asleep? When?
He remembered the celebration… and then—
A prompt surfaced in his mind.
Kaito stood abruptly and rushed into the hallway. Several students passed by. He grabbed one by the shoulders.
"Hey—you—!"
Before he could finish, his arm fell limply.
Because when they turned around—
He saw the familiar attribute UI hovering over them.
This was the game world.
He was back.