At a bustling intersection in Tokyo's commercial district, Starlight stretched her arms and wandered aimlessly through the crowd. She watched the people pass by and admired the horse girl plushies displayed at nearby stalls.
Casually, she pulled out a few hundred yen and picked up a plushie modeled after Symboli Rudolf, cradling it in her arms. She tugged gently at the doll's hair, unfazed by the glances from passersby.
Back at her apartment, she tossed the plushie onto the sofa, slipped off her shoes, and revealed her tiny white socks snug around her toes. Curling up on the couch, she tucked her legs beneath her and turned on the TV.
A race featuring Symboli Rudolf was playing. As the final stretch approached, the commentator's voice grew more animated, mirroring Rudolf's accelerating pace. Starlight's gaze softened as memories of her time-travel experience resurfaced.
She had arrived in a vast grassland beneath a star-speckled night sky, where meteors occasionally streaked across the horizon. A graceful woman in a mist-veiled face and a flowing white gown adorned with starlight greeted her.
"Welcome, traveler from another world," the woman said, her presence noble and mysterious—like a goddess.
Three goddesses introduced themselves briefly. Though they didn't explain why Starlight had been transported to this world, they wished her happiness among the horse girls.
"Every Uma Musume is a kind and pure soul—a beacon of hope from another world," they said. "Please care for them when you can."
They didn't know why she had become a young Uma Musume herself, but they assured her that each horse girl was their child, and she would be protected just the same.
Starlight didn't dwell on it. She had become a girl who could openly bond with others like her.
She paused, recalling the overwhelming presence of Symboli Rudolf on the TV screen. Her lips curled slightly as she switched the channel, opting to watch something else.
Like other reincarnaters , she had a system—an essential companion in this new world. Her current identity was that of a race girl from a flower grower's household, complete with her own residence and funds, all granted by the system.
"I'm able to live comfortably, thanks to the system," she thought.
The system's name appeared at the top: Horse Girl System.
Below it displayed:
Host: Starlight
Gender: Mare
Height: 140 cm (non-grown)
Attributes:
Speed: 110 Stamina: 135 Power: 100 Guts: 150 Wits: 105
Track Suitability: Turf A, Dirt B
Distance Suitability: Sprint D, Mile A, Medium A, Long B
Running Style Suitability: End Closer D, Late Surger D, Pace Chaser B, Front Runner S
Inherent Skill:
"Thousands of Stars Shine for Me" Lv1: When leading, causes trailing horses to grow impatient, gradually draining their stamina and willpower.
Initial Skills:
"Gradually Narrow" Lv1: Marks opponents from behind; marked targets feel a narrowing gaze.
"Perfect Exit": Ensures flawless gate starts.
"Horsemint": Makes other Uma Musume unable to ignore your presence, slightly lowering their Guts and Wits.
Starlight studied her stats and skills, unsure of their origin. From her past life's perspective as a horse racing fan, she knew she could easily win a debut race—unless she faced a genius.
Still, she had no intention of racing just yet. For a young Uma Musume without a defined character, stepping onto the track felt daunting.
"I don't even know where this 'gate' skill came from," she thought. "It might leave a lasting impression on those who've never raced before."
She recalled Rudolf's unmatched momentum and flawless form in the final stretch.
"The sound of hooves behind her fades as he pulls farther ahead," she mused. "Those who chase with all their might can only watch from the shadows as her brilliance dominates the field."
Perhaps that's why she avoided watching Rudolf—her commanding presence was too much. She preferred the "Emperor" of Tracen Academy instead.
Though the current Rudolf wasn't as overpowering as her anime counterpart, she no longer shattered the spirits of young racers. She had grown benevolent—but only toward Tracen's horse girls, offering them special protection.
Starlight shook her head, letting go of thoughts about Rudolf. Maybe she'd only see her on TV from now on.
As the evening light dimmed outside, she slipped on her shoes and glanced at herself in the mirror. Her long sky-blue hair shimmered, and her blue eyes sparkled like stars. She adjusted her star-shaped earrings and put on her headphones, letting rhythmic music fill her ears.
Her white forearms peeked out from short sleeves, petite fingers combing through her tousled hair. Smooth white legs extended from black shorts, and her slender ankles were wrapped in white stockings above blue-and-white sneakers.
"I look pretty good," she said with a smile.
Satisfied with her appearance, Starlight took one last glance at herself before heading out for a meal.
After all, nothing beats a good bowl of rice—no matter why she ended up in this world, whether she planned to race or join Tracen Academy.
Right now, food was all that mattered.