This time, the story was different from before.
He hadn't lost consciousness. There was no sudden time skip. The flow of events remained continuous—so seamless that it felt as if, in the blink of an eye, everyone around him had suddenly come alive.
Kaito had always drawn a clear line between the real world and the game world. But now, he began to suspect that they weren't two separate worlds at all—just two different modes of the same one.One was reality, governed by human consciousness.The other was a system, quietly controlling that consciousness.
With that thought in mind, Kaito sought out Agnes Tachyon and explained his theory, also asking how she perceived his recent behavior. Her answer wasn't much different from before.
"Then the next thing to research," Tachyon said, adjusting her glasses, "would be how I'm supposed to prove that I'm not the game character you claim I am."
How does a game character prove that they aren't one?
Perhaps even the act of proving it was already written into the character's parameters—just like what humans call fate. Even rebellion against fate might itself be part of a predetermined destiny. Once the question reached that philosophical level, it was no longer something either of them could easily resolve.
"But that doesn't mean we give up," Tachyon continued coolly."The world always operates around rules and methods. No matter where you are, those two things never stop applying."
Kaito nodded, then asked casually, "Tachyon… is there anything you like?"
"Something I like?" She reacted immediately. "Is that the key to you returning?"
"Yes."
Kaito suspected that the trigger condition for random events involved discussing things the Uma Musume liked—or matters closely tied to them. Fishing, for example, was Seiun Sky's favorite pastime. If he mentioned another Uma Musume's interests, maybe he could trigger another story event.
Tachyon thought for a moment."Black tea and sugar. Those are probably my favorites. But I doubt it's that simple."
"If the trigger were just conversation, you would've noticed long ago. There must be a catalyst—what they're doing, what they want to do, or how they're behaving. Since you're effectively invisible in that world, why not observe them more closely, my dear guinea pig?"
In Tachyon's memory, Kaito had actually visited her room just yesterday. She'd explained her research results to him as usual. Then the next day, he claimed he had "returned."
From an outsider's perspective, Kaito looked like someone suffering from a disorder—unable to tell where he was or what he was doing. In medical terms, it would be classified as dissociative symptoms, where the patient believes they are a character from a game.
Tachyon had considered that possibility too.
But she rejected it.
She preferred chasing the impossible and dissecting it through research.
That, and one other reason.
After thanking her, Kaito left the room. Once he was gone, Tachyon drank her tea quietly. Setting the cup down, she stood and walked to the desk.
The curve of the corner—just right.
Why am I like this?
She pressed a hand to her chest.
Her heart was pounding violently.
Rustle… rustle…
It took a full half hour before the faint sensation finally faded.
Tachyon returned to her seat, letting out a long breath. The flush on her face had already disappeared.
So it was this strong…
Even Tachyon herself was surprised by the intensity of her desire for Guinea Pig-kun.
After resting for a few minutes, she prepared to resume her experiments.
But before that, there was something important she needed to do.
She had to go back to the dorm and change clothes.
Meanwhile, Kaito was browsing information about fishing online.
If the trigger conditions were tied to the Uma Musume themselves, then understanding what they liked was essential.
If he could find a pattern, he might be able to return to reality whenever he wanted.
Today it was Seiun Sky.Tomorrow, Tokai Teio.
The only question was whether only his contracted Uma Musume could trigger special story events. If that was the case, then he needed to sign contracts aggressively.
After all, Uma Musume raced one at a time. Before entering their personal storylines, their stat growth was minimal anyway. Contracting multiple Uma Musume at once wouldn't hinder their development.
No reason not to do it.
Kaito pulled out his phone and contacted Manhattan Cafe. While the special story window was still open, he intended to sign contracts with a few more Uma Musume.
Soon, a slender black figure arrived.
She removed her shoes. Between her long socks and skirt, her jade-smooth thighs flashed faintly as she approached. Manhattan Cafe stopped in front of him, hands folded obediently behind her back.
"Trainer… you called for me?"
"Cafe. I'm better now."
"I see. I ran here straight from the dorm. If you'll allow it, I'd like to take a shower first. Otherwise… there might be a smell."
"Wait. That's not why I called you."
Cafe blinked, a hint of confusion surfacing.
"Cafe likes stargazing, right?"
"…Yes. More accurately, I like the night itself. I really love that quiet atmosphere."
"You always call me Trainer—but I'm not your Trainer yet. So… if possible, would you sign a contract with me and become my Uma Musume?"
The moment Kaito said that, Cafe's eyes widened.
Then a gentle smile bloomed across her porcelain-white face.
"Trainer… I feel the same. I want to become your Uma Musume—no… not just an Uma Musume."She stepped closer, her presence suddenly overwhelming. Golden eyes reflected his face clearly."I want to become your one and only most important existence. Please, Trainer… form a soul-bound contract with me, so that we may remain by each other's side forever."
"…Okay."
Kaito swallowed.
Cafe's contract felt strangely heavy—as if he were signing a marriage registration form. He carefully wrote his name, then handed the document back.
"When can you start training under me?"
"Once this is submitted. By the way, Cafe… my experience isn't great. Training might have issues—especially your bonus. Thirty percent stamina increase. You don't really need stamina that much. If something feels off, tell me immediately."
"Stamina… thirty percent?" Cafe nodded, not fully understanding."I understand. If the Trainer lacks something, then I will make up for it. I'll grow together with you."
As she spoke, she took his hand, pressed it against her cheek, and rubbed gently.
"The Trainer's scent… it's wonderful."
She lightly bit his fingertip.
"Now… I belong to you."
A moment later, a rich coffee aroma filled the room, thick and intoxicating.