"Um, Starlight, can we add one more set to this interval training? Or would you rather switch to something else?"
Perhaps this was the downside of not having a tailored training plan. The two of them had to discuss everything as they went, making adjustments based on Starlight's current physical condition.
Not only did this waste unnecessary time, but the relative training gains weren't particularly high either.
"No problem, we can even add two sets. I feel like I'm in pretty good form today."
Starlight took a sip of water from her bottle and spoke with a smile. Seeing how relaxed she looked, Kiryuu Inami was, honestly a bit shocked.
'Yesterday should have been her first day back at recovery training, right? Not only does she have no discomfort today, but after training until she looked half-dead this morning, she's already recovered by the afternoon?'
'Is she a superhuman? This is getting interesting...'
"Starlight, are you really okay? Or are you just toughing it out? If you feel any discomfort at all, please tell me, okay?"
"Oh, don't worry about it. I can do it, Trainer. Go ahead and increase the load, I can handle whatever you throw at me."
"Well... alright then."
As the sun began to set and another day of training came to an end, Starlight stepped off the track, breathing heavily. It was only now that she realized the true effect of her increased Guts stat.
Even though her body was exhausted, her mind remained relatively sharp and clear.
"You were great today too, Starlight. If we keep this up, maybe the race really won't be a problem."
"With you here, Trainer, I think I'll always be great. I believe in you."
"Th-thank you. Actually, I was worried before that I'd end up like Ryu Nishizaki-senpai— a Trainer with no Umamusume to lead."
"How could that be? Inami-chan is responsible, ambitious, and very pretty. Most importantly, you didn't give up on me.
If I really did have some sort of powerful talent, I wouldn't even go to Team Rigil. I'd stay right here by your side…"
"Hehe, I'm not as great as you make me out to be."
Looking at the girl beside her, Inami asked curiously:
"I heard you don't have any friends in class. Is that true? I feel like Starlight has a great personality and is very easy to talk to."
"Is that so? I'm happy you see me that way, Trainer. But it's true. Until today, I've only managed to make one friend."
"Eh~ Really? Don't you feel lonely?"
"I don't. After all, I have you to keep me company now, Trainer."
Hearing this, Kiryuu Inami's eyes darted around nervously. Her face turned slightly red, and she lowered her head shyly.
"Um, let's call it a day! Let's work hard together tomorrow. I— I have other things to take care of, so I'm heading out first!"
Watching her figure dash away in a blur, Starlight called out with a smile:
"Okay! Let's work hard together, Trainer!"
Now that the other was gone, Starlight stood alone on the stone-paved path. The bushes on either side were dyed a fiery red by the setting sun.
After catching her breath, she headed toward the exit, planning to stop by the convenience store for some food— maybe some bread or cup noodles to replenish her energy after overtraining.
Meanwhile, in a room resembling a club activity office.
An elderly man wearing sunglasses and simple clothing spoke up.
"Seiun Sky. I assume you've already looked into your opponents for the next race."
"Of course. I've checked the backgrounds of basically all of them. Except for one I really couldn't find," Seiun Sky replied with a wave of her hand, leaning back in her chair.
"Hmm? Is she not at Tracen Academy?"
"She should be. It's just that I spent the whole afternoon looking around the training grounds and didn't see a trace of her."
(Starlight: Really? Who is it? Gosh, that's a hard one to guess~)
"What's her name? I happen to have the newly issued data files from the higher-ups right here."
"Uh… eh, I think I forgot. Haha, no biggie, we can just use the process of elimination, right?"
"Didn't you look at it this morning? Fine, since it's come to this, that's our only option."
Is this the true value of a background character?
Using the legendary process of elimination made them feel invincible.
The two crossed off the confirmed Uma Musume one by one, until finally, only our classmate Starlight remained.
However, after the Trainer finished reading her data file, the weight on his heart finally lifted.
Everything was under control.
"Don't worry. Although this Uma Musume is in the Senior High department, she's only participated in one Debut Race. After that, she hasn't raced for a very long time. It's even less likely that she's been doing any proper training."
"Besides, her stats are completely mediocre."
That's right— our Starlight was being treated like a total nobody.
But honestly, it made sense. Imagine if your opponent wasn't strong to begin with, and on top of that, they had a massive gap in their competitive record.
With a contestant stacking debuffs like that, winning would be as easy as flipping your hand, wouldn't it?
Seiun Sky stopped caring as well.
It was impossible for some hidden talent to appear in a tiny little rookie event like this.
Surely... right?
Evening.
Carrying bags of all sizes, Starlight was skipping back to the dormitory.
"Hmm-hmm-hmm~"
She was humming an unknown tune, looking like she was in a great mood. Just as she was about to reach the entrance of the Miho Dormitory, a sudden, piteous kitten's cry came from the bushes.
Stopping in her tracks and driven by curiosity, Starlight decided to take a look. As she parted the bushes, she froze.
A small orange kitten with an injured hind leg was lying on the ground, blood still seeping from the wound.
At this time of day, most Uma Musume had already returned to their dorms. If no one saved it, the kitten's prospects looked grim.
"Is keeping cats allowed in the dorm? It should be fine, right? I saw Grass Wonder's roommate has a hawk."
[Option 1: Take the kitten back to the room and provide medical aid.]
[Option 2: It's a bit of a hassle, I've never raised a cat before. Forget it and wait for some kind-hearted person to come save it.]
'Is there hidden plot content even for this?'
"Maybe I should pass... I really haven't raised one before."
Just as she was about to stand up, the little orange kitten looked at Starlight piteously, as if clutching at its last straw for survival.
"Meow... Meow..."
"This... I'm really not good at this. Don't look at me like that."
"Meow..."
"Fine, fine. I have a spare first-aid kit in the dorm anyway. I'll treat you first. If worse comes to worst, I'll hand you over to Ms. Hayakawa."
Stepping into the brush, Starlight gently scooped the kitten into her arms.
Luckily, the orange cat was well-behaved and didn't struggle or scratch. After patting its head, Starlight didn't linger and jogged toward the dormitory.
She pushed open her door and placed the little orange cat on a foam box next to her bed. Then, she began the somewhat clumsy work of treating and bandaging the wound.
Although the process was a bit of a struggle, she successfully finished it. Looking at the bandage on the kitten's hind leg, Starlight breathed a sigh of relief.
"How's that? My skills are pretty good, right?"
"Meow~"
She picked up the bread she had just bought, tore open the packaging, and placed a small piece in front of the cat.
"Eat up, little guy. If I'd found you earlier, I might have even taken you to the cafeteria for a real feast."
Watching the cat obediently eat the bread, Starlight actually started talking to herself.
"Sigh, you know, I'm the only one living in this room. Once your injury is healed, you can leave. Of course, if you choose to stay, I won't object. But if you do leave, don't forget my kindness."
"Remember to come back and see me, okay?"
"Meow~"
"What do you know? You're just a cat. Forget it. I'm the one with the problem— why am I even talking to you?"
After saying all that, Starlight felt like a bit of a weirdo. She figured it was a lingering issue from her predecessor's long period of loneliness, causing her to unconsciously spout strange dialogue.
[Detection complete. Decision: Option 1. Reward: Nature's Blessing]