Chapter 301: Don't Get Complacent Just Yet
At the moment she crossed the finish line, the joy of victory surged over Almond Eye like a roaring tide, instantly engulfing her.
The cheers from the stands reached an unprecedented peak. Many spectators applauded vigorously, calling out Almond Eye's name and offering their heartfelt congratulations.
At the same time, the broadcast carried the lively and enthusiastic voice of Tokai Teio:
"Congratulations to Almond Eye for winning this mock race! That was a great performance—keep it up!"
"And for the runners who just finished, please take a good rest and head to the infirmary for a check-up."
"Next group of participants, please get ready—we're looking forward to your performances as well!"
Hearing Tokai Teio's voice, Almond Eye snapped out of her immersion in victory for a moment. She quickly took a few deep breaths and began a light jog to cool down.
As she did, she kept reminding herself to stay calm.
Teio-senpai was right—this was only a mock race for the entrance exam.
The victory was certainly exciting, and she hadn't let down her trainer or Kita-senpai.
But compared to real major races, the difference was like heaven and earth.
If she wanted to carve out her own place in the future Twinkle Series, she couldn't afford to become complacent here.
She would need to put in even more effort and sweat, continuously refining herself.
Thinking this, and feeling her condition mostly recovered, Almond Eye suppressed the fluttering excitement in her chest and ran toward where Lucky Lilac was waiting off the track.
From a distance, Lucky Lilac had already spotted her. Her eyes lit up like stars, and a smile brighter than the sun bloomed across her face.
As soon as Almond Eye approached, Lucky Lilac rushed forward and threw herself into a tight embrace, speaking in a flurry of excitement:
"Almond Eye, you were amazing! You did it! I knew you'd win!"
Caught off guard by such enthusiasm, Almond Eye instinctively leaned back slightly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
But the awkwardness vanished as quickly as it came.
She quickly composed herself, a warm smile spreading across her face, and without hesitation wrapped her arms around Lucky Lilac in return.
Gently patting her on the back, she loosened the embrace slightly, placed her hands on Lucky Lilac's shoulders, and looked straight into her eyes with sincerity and confidence:
"See? I told you—there's nothing to be afraid of in a mock race!"
"And honestly, I couldn't have won without your encouragement."
"Next, it's your turn to take the track."
"You've definitely been working hard in training—that was clear from this morning's tests."
"I believe that as long as you keep your form, you can win just like I did!"
"Go for it—I'll be cheering you on the whole time!"
Lucky Lilac had drawn a dirt-track mock race, and she wasn't very good on that type of surface. The thought of racing on it made her uneasy.
Before this, she had tried to encourage herself repeatedly, but the anxiety lingered deep within her.
However, having just witnessed Almond Eye's outstanding performance—and her brilliant finish—along with hearing her heartfelt encouragement, something within her changed.
In an instant, a blazing passion ignited in her chest like a roaring flame, sweeping away all her unease and doubt.
Her eyes shone with unprecedented determination. She nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with excitement yet filled with firm resolve:
"You're right! If you can be that amazing on the track, how could I back down?"
"I'll give it everything I've got, show all the results of my training, and win the mock race!"
"Exactly—that's the spirit!"
Satisfied with her friend's renewed determination, Almond Eye smiled and held out her hand. "Come on! I'll be cheering for you!"
Without hesitation, Lucky Lilac high-fived her and nodded firmly. "I'll definitely give it my all!"
Just then, the other candidates who had participated in the race also began walking over.
As she passed by, a trace of unwillingness flickered uncontrollably in Sayaka's eyes.
She glanced at Almond Eye and muttered to herself, "Hmph, this time it was just my momentary carelessness that let them take the chance to pass me."
"Next time… I definitely won't give anyone that opportunity again. The championship will be mine!"
Not far from Sayaka, when Lily Noble saw Almond Eye, a fierce fighting spirit first flashed across her face. Then she fixed her gaze steadily on Almond Eye.
Her look was filled with complex emotions—admiration, defiance, and anticipation for another showdown in the future.
After a moment, she gave a slight nod, said nothing, and turned to leave with steady steps. Her departing figure seemed to carry the silent vow she had made in her heart.
The other candidates passed by one after another, each wearing different expressions—some filled with envy, some with a hint of disappointment, and others showing amazement at Almond Eye's strength.
Soft Melody, who also passed by, looked curiously at Almond Eye and Lucky Lilac for a moment. After thinking it over, she approached them with a gentle smile and light steps.
Almond Eye and Lucky Lilac were still immersed in their lively exchange of encouragement when they suddenly noticed Soft Melody approaching. Both were slightly startled, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
"Hi, hello!"
After coming closer, Soft Melody spoke first, waving with a light laugh. "My name is Soft Melody. I was one of the candidates who just ran with you, Almond Eye. May I get to know you?"
"Ah? Well…"
After exchanging a glance with Lucky Lilac, Almond Eye looked at Soft Melody and nodded. "Sure, I'm Almond Eye… huh? Actually, you already know my name?"
Lucky Lilac stepped forward generously and gave a graceful bow:
"Nice to meet you, Soft Melody."
"I'm Lucky Lilac, Almond Eye's friend, and also a candidate today."
"Yes, I happened to hear it earlier," Soft Melody said with a smile and a nod. "And this morning, I also paid a bit of attention to Lucky Lilac's results—they were quite impressive."
Then she changed the topic:
"But from what I heard just now, Lucky Lilac, your next event is a dirt-track mock race?"
"Yes, that's right," Lucky Lilac said, glancing at Almond Eye as her spirits lifted. "Even though it's not my strong suit, with Almond Eye's encouragement, I feel like I still have a chance to win."
"I see…"
Soft Melody nodded lightly, thought for a moment, and then volunteered:
"Then… I wonder if I could help? Of course, I'm not particularly good at dirt tracks either."
"But if we discuss it together, it might be easier to achieve a good result, right?"
"And even if I can't offer the best advice, at the very least, I can cheer for you like Almond Eye does—would that be okay?"