Evaluations at Central Tracen are said to be both incredibly difficult and surprisingly simple.
Their rules are straightforward, leaving no room for subjectivity.
Uma Musume with natural talent can pass with ease, while those without that gift can only stare painfully at their recorded times, bowing their heads in sorrow.
And Special Week undoubtedly possessed top-tier talent when it came to running.
Having endured Platinum's long and superhuman training, she now revealed the fruits of that talent to the public for the very first time.
Even though she started a full three seconds late out of the gate, by the time she shot past the Amazon-branded finish line, her time was still the fastest among all present—0.3 seconds quicker than the second-place finisher, Grass Wonder.
When her figure, accompanied by the rush of wind, surged across the finish line like a raging tide, that sheer speed, that unwavering determination, that calm composure left the staff member recording the results utterly stunned.
The older sister stood dazed for a long while before suddenly snapping back to reality, hurriedly lowering her head to check the stopwatch in her hand.
Fortunately, she hadn't forgotten to record the finishing time—otherwise, this whole run would've been for nothing.
"Special Week—pass."
The staff member announced the result over the broadcast in a tone of disbelief. She had never seen a Uma Musume perform so exceptionally during an entrance evaluation.
After all, this was only a pre-admission assessment.
Most of the participating Uma Musume hadn't even completed their Maturation—their unique physical maturation. They would receive basic academic training at Tracen until their Maturation fully settled.
But Special Week's current ability was already at a level where she could hold her own against debuted Uma Musume. Compared to her fellow examinees, it was like dropping a dimension-crushing bomb.
"An astonishing speed. This level is enough to debut already. How did Special Week manage it?"
Symboli Rudolf inwardly applauded. As the student council president of Tracen, nothing excited her more than uncovering a genius.
In her eyes now, Special Week wasn't just a Uma Musume—she was a treasure, the kind passed down through generations.
'Such a dazzling performance… could she be an early bloomer?'
That thought also flashed through her mind, but she firmly pushed it aside.
'Being an early bloomer isn't necessarily regrettable. It's just a matter of whether success comes early or later in one's career. The honors and races reserved for newcomers won't be any fewer.'
In any case, Special Week was now firmly placed on Rudolf's "special observation" list. Any requests she made—as long as they weren't unreasonable—would get the green light from Rudolf.
"Phew… It seems another era-defining Uma Musume will emerge in the future. A perfect handover. At least for the next three or four years, I won't have to worry about a decline in the Uma Musume racing world."
Remembering the dull, gloomy years after her own retirement, Rudolf felt immensely grateful.
Sometimes she wondered if she ought to pay her respects to the Three Goddesses—otherwise, her luck was simply inexplicable.
Tamamo Cross's first dual Spring-and-Autumn championship, the three-way rivalry between Oguri Cap and the others, Nearl's sweeping domination of a generation, and now another promising young talent.
'Future spectators are really in for a treat.'
Holding such thoughts, Rudolf bid farewell to Nearl and Platinum and took her leave first.
It couldn't be helped—she was the student council president.
The newly enrolled Uma Musume who passed the evaluation required her oversight for their student registrations, uniforms, dorm arrangements, and so on. Her duties were overwhelmingly busy, and being able to spare time here was already a considerable favor to Nearl.
Though, admittedly, Rudolf herself had indeed witnessed something remarkable.
"Master, I'm sorry."
After Rudolf left, Special Week approached Platinum with heavy steps, her head lowered. Even though her performance had been astounding, she wore an expression of anguish and self-blame.
Leaning casually against Nearl, Platinum didn't look particularly angry, because she knew that even if Spe-chan was 99% at fault for this mishap, she herself couldn't escape the remaining 1%.
'Looks like the previous stress training was overdone. I'll need to adjust the focus going forward… Too much of anything is bad…'
Though that's what she thought inside, what came out of her mouth was something else entirely.
"Don't think a light apology is enough. You're getting extra training later."
"Yes!"
Under the curious gazes of Grass Wonder and the others, Special Week nodded with visible delight.
Her usually cool face even showed a hint of a smile, which slightly shifted their impression of her.
But what did it matter? Special Week didn't care at all.
To her now, the three young ones were about as memorable as the radishes growing on her family's pasture—utterly unremarkable.
Moreover, they had zero understanding of how Platinum and Spe-chan interacted. Special Week knew that when Platinum said what would happen "later," it meant the matter was already settled for now.
And settled completely, at that. She could even make requests right away without any repercussions.
"Master, the evaluation's over. I want to see your home."
Quickening her steps, Special Week quietly took hold of Platinum's sleeve, giving it a few gentle tugs—her meaning perfectly clear.
"I get it. You've been going on about this since Hokkaido. What's so special about my place that you're so drawn to it?"
"Hehe."
Special Week maintained her smile, using it to deflect Platinum's questioning. Just like that, the two calmly headed toward the exit.
"Sigh…"
Grass Wonder reached out a hand, wanting to stop them, but with no understanding of Special Week, she couldn't bring herself to speak. She could only watch as the Uma Musume whose results far surpassed her own walked away.
"I wanted to talk to her a bit more… ask her how she got so strong and all…"
"Yeah, maybe that's what they call the reserve of the strong? Perhaps only those who can keep up with her are worth remembering."
Seiun Sky, casually chewing on a blade of grass, spoke with an air of indifference.
"Keep up with her… You're right, Seiun. I really need to get stronger. I've found a temporary goal—to make Special Week notice me. That's my aim for now!"
Gentle eyes now flowed with fierce determination, an aura so intense it made the instigator, Seiun Sky, feel a flicker of unease.
'Whoa, did I trigger some kind of formidable bond? Sorry about that, Special Week… I'll treat you to carrots later, so please forgive me for Grass Wonder setting her sights on you, okay?'
Seiun Sky clasped her hands together in her heart, offering a sincere mental bow.
But just as Grass Wonder was still lost in disappointment, a voice both dignified and gentle sounded not far away.
"Are you interested in Special Week? Would you like to come to my place for a visit?"
Turning around, the first thing Grass Wonder and Seiun Sky saw was a vast expanse of golden hair.
Before they could recall where they'd seen such locks before, King Halo, who had maintained her ladylike composure all along, let out a shriek.
"The Ra—The Radiant Knight!"
"!"
It was as if lightning flashed through their minds. The two young Uma Musume were so excited they could hardly move, their tails wagging like washing machine drums.
"Incredible… It's really her—the undefeated knight. How did I get so lucky?"
"Ah… I want to shake her hand…"
Already accustomed to such reactions, Nearl crouched down slightly and made her offer kindly.
"We're having a small gathering tonight to celebrate Special Week passing the evaluation. Would you like to join us?"
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T/N: New hi3 fic!
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T/N: 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.