Though it was just about borrowing the training grounds at Central Tracen, since today's training had already started, Mejiro Ardan and Dream Weaver agreed to meet up tomorrow in front of the main gate of Central Tracen.
The next day, as Dream Weaver gazed out the window at the familiar scenery and listened to the female announcer's voice inside the train, a strange sense of déjà vu washed over her.
This was her first time taking the train to Central Tracen within a script world.
During her first script world, she had lived directly in the dorms.
The second time? Well, she was the star of Kasamatsu Tracen back then.
She never expected that in this script world, one completely unrelated to Central Tracen, she'd find herself retracing a path so similar to reality. Thinking about these vague connections between the script world and the real one, Dream Weaver became so lost in thought she nearly missed her stop.
Luckily, she'd long since developed a kind of Pavlovian response to the train's announcement for Central Tracen. The moment she heard the arrival signal, she snapped back to attention.
The route to Central Tracen in the script world was no different from the real one, so Dream Weaver arrived at the school gate without a hitch.
From a distance, she spotted an Uma Musume with long, light-blue hair standing elegantly by the gate, seemingly waiting for someone.
Her simple white blouse was bathed in a soft, warm hue by the morning sun. Delicate layers of lace adorned the cuffs and collar, exuding a classical refinement. A light-blue printed skirt fell gracefully to her knees.
Without any deliberate affectation, her innate noble grace flowed from her as naturally as moonlight, making onlookers unconsciously hold their breath, as if staring too long would be a transgression against such beauty.
Yet, this very same Uma Musume seemed to sense something the moment Dream Weaver arrived. She glanced around and, upon seeing Dream Weaver, couldn't help but break into a warm, gentle smile.
The imposing, unapproachable young lady aura she had moments before melted away like an iceberg under that sunbeam-radiant smile the instant she laid eyes on Dream Weaver.
This sudden shift gave Dream Weaver pause. Before she could even process it, Mejiro Ardan had already walked over, taken her hand, and practically marched her through the gates of Central Tracen.
"Dreams, you've been cooped up with the Northern family all this time. You probably have no idea what other schools are like, right?"
"Don't you worry! Big Sister will show you around!"
Saying this, Mejiro Ardan patted her chest and smiled brightly at Dream Weaver.
In her view, this child Dream Weaver had always shouldered the burdens of the Northern family, likely never having the spare energy to explore the many wonders of the outside world.
Since Dream Weaver had taught her the laws of the deep mountains, helping her find a tangible sense of being alive...
Well, then Mejiro Ardan wanted Dream Weaver to know that this world wasn't just about the feud between the Northern and Mejiro families. Beyond that, there were so, so many beautiful things in the world worth pursuing.
Getting Dream Weaver to change training venues was one reason, but more than that, Mejiro Ardan just wanted to take Dream Weaver out for a walk, to not stay cooped up in that dilapidated Western-style house.
Dream Weaver couldn't read minds, so of course she was unaware of the thoughts swirling within Mejiro Ardan. Hearing the other's words, she could only give a somewhat wry twitch of her lips.
After all, her original plan had been to normally advance to university and then find a job. If not for her mother's accident, Dream Weaver might never have set foot on a racetrack in her entire life.
But not only had she ended up at Tracen Academy, this script world had now stripped her of even a primary school education.
Watching her academic qualifications plummet at lightning speed, a bizarre question popped into Dream Weaver's mind.
'Could it be... that running turns you into an idiot?!'
Just as Dream Weaver was lamenting the unpredictability of life and the demise of her education, Mejiro Ardan, reunited with her alma mater, was excitedly pulling Dream Weaver along by the hand, giving her the grand tour.
"This is the Statue of the Three Goddesses! Campus legend says that if you can earn the gaze of the Three Goddesses, you might receive unexpected good fortune!"
"Now that the Three Goddesses have seen you too, Dreams, you're sure to have good luck!"
Mejiro Ardan pointed at the Three Goddess statue ahead, happily explaining to Dream Weaver. Before Dream Weaver could even react, she was being pulled along to another spot.
"This is the cafeteria, one of Tracen's Seven Great Mysteries! Legend has it that at all three mealtimes, a terrifying monster spawns here and devours all the food!"
Hearing this, a single drop of cold sweat trickled down Dream Weaver's forehead. She was absolutely certain she knew the originator of this particular legend—and that she was one of its victims.
Mejiro Ardan, who hadn't visited Central Tracen in a long time, was brimming with excitement. This was where she used to run.
Being back now made her feel, if only for a fleeting moment, as if she had returned to those days when she could still race on the track.
Holding Dream Weaver's hand, she shared everything she knew about Central Tracen, from its mysterious legends to its must-see spots, listing them all out one by one.
Although Dream Weaver had been to Central Tracen many times before, and knew quite a few of the creators behind the legends Mejiro Ardan was describing, she still quietly stayed by Mejiro Ardan's side.
She rarely saw Mejiro Ardan this animated. To let the other enjoy her role as guide, Dream Weaver even nodded and gasped in feigned surprise now and then, giving Mejiro Ardan a greater sense of accomplishment.
Who knows how much time passed before Mejiro Ardan finally finished sharing all she knew about Central Tracen with Dream Weaver. She then scratched her head a bit sheepishly, her face flushing red.
"I'm so sorry, Dreams. Today was supposed to be about you getting used to the training environment. But Big Sister got a little too carried away. Tell you what, I'll make you some delicious treats tomorrow to make up for it!"
Her intention had been to help Dream Weaver get out and relax, but somehow, without her realizing, it had turned into Mejiro Ardan relaxing and Dream Weaver listening. It made her feel like she wasn't being a very responsible big sister.
Hearing this, Dream Weaver shook her head.
"It's fine, really. Learning about all these things made me happy too."
Seeing that Dream Weaver had no objections, a smile bloomed once again on Mejiro Ardan's face. She glanced at the increasingly intense sun and said to Dream Weaver,
"Look at the time, it's almost noon already. Let's have lunch in the cafeteria. The food here is surprisingly good, you know?"
"Though perhaps just a tiny bit worse than what your big sister can make!"
Just as the two walked hand-in-hand towards the cafeteria, they noticed another Uma Musume crouched by the path. She had fluffy, short brown hair and was currently making a strange noise while clutching her nose.
For some reason, both Mejiro Ardan and Dream Weaver found this Uma Musume somewhat familiar. They stopped in their tracks together.
Mejiro Ardan pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and gently tapped the girl on the shoulder, her voice full of concern.
"Are you alright? Should we take you to the infirmary?"
Hearing the voice, Matikanetannhauser, still holding her nose, replied in a muffled tone, "It's fine, it's fine! I'm used to it by now!"
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T/N: MAMBO(ik her name is Matikanetannhauser but thats a long ahh name)
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.