The following day.
Myriad Dreams woke up from her slumber only to find that her roommate Yaeno Muteki's bed was already empty.
She gave a lazy stretch, and looking at the meticulously made bed, she couldn't help but sigh, "So diligent..."
After washing up and changing into her Tracen Academy uniform, Myriad Dreams headed to the classroom.
Since she hadn't joined any team and had no trainer to guide her, the regular training courses had nothing to do with her.
She could only sit in the classroom bored out of her mind, listening to the lecture while her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Her gaze fell upon the race schedule she had brought along, her fingers lightly tapping on the desk.
To debut, one must have a team and a trainer. This was a URA regulation, a standard meant to guarantee an Uma Musume's competitive level and safety.
However, Myriad Dreams was naturally averse to restraint.
The mere thought of having to follow orders and stick to early-morning training schedules gave her a surge of inexplicable irritation.
Subconsciously, her hand reached toward her pocket, wanting to fish out a piece of chewing gum to soothe her mood.
However, a voice— solemn yet gentle— rang out just in time to stop her.
"Chewing too much gum is bad for your teeth, and the sound of chewing might disturb others. If you truly wish to eat some, it is best to choose sugar-free."
Myriad Dreams looked toward the sound and sure enough, it was Yaeno Muteki.
She had returned to her seat at some point and was looking at her with a concerned gaze.
"Oh, it's you, Yaeno," Myriad Dreams said with a slight pout.
Yaeno Muteki nodded. "Yes. I noticed your fondness for chewing gum when you moved in yesterday, and it seems you truly do enjoy it."
"However, no matter how much you like it, you must exercise moderation."
Her tone carried a well-meaning reminder rather than a lecture.
Hearing this, Myriad Dreams gave a helpless shrug.
She took the piece of gum she had already pulled out, stuffed it back into its wrapper, and tossed it into the nearby trash can.
Seeing this, Yaeno Muteki smiled slightly.
She walked over to Myriad Dreams' side and followed her gaze to the race schedule on the desk.
"What is the matter? You were lost in thought just now. Are you worried about your debut race?"
Myriad Dreams sighed and laid out her troubles. "I was wondering if there's any way to participate in a debut race without formally joining a team."
She hated being restricted and longed for freedom.
Yaeno Muteki shook her head, her tone gentle yet firm.
"That is not possible, Myriad Dreams-san. URA regulations state that an Uma Musume must have a trainer's guidance and a team's endorsement to compete."
"This is for our own safety and performance, ensuring we stand on the track in peak condition."
Myriad Dreams' hand habitually started to reach for her pocket again, but she paused just as she touched the edge.
She remembered what Yaeno had just said.
This small detail was keenly captured by Yaeno Muteki.
An imperceptible curve formed at the corner of her mouth as she thought: 'What an interesting person. Though she appears free-spirited and unruly, she is surprisingly willing to listen to advice.'
"What a troublesome rule..."
Myriad Dreams muttered under her breath, yet the corners of her mouth curled up slightly due to the other's meticulous care.
"Got it~ I'll be careful next time, Yaeno-san," she added with a hint of teasing.
Yaeno Muteki let out a soft chuckle at her antics. "Honestly, I wasn't trying to lecture you."
Just then, a slightly excited male voice cut in: "Myriad Dreams-san, I believe I just overheard your dilemma!"
The two turned their heads to see Trainer Okino walking toward them, a passionate smile on his face as if he had just discovered a priceless treasure.
He had previously seen Myriad Dreams' independent training on the track. That astounding explosive power and those fluid cornering techniques had left a deep impression on him.
In his eyes, Myriad Dreams' strength was more than enough for a debut race— she was overqualified even for higher-level events.
"Oh, it's you, Trainer Okino."
Myriad Dreams recognized the head of Team Spica.
"Haven't you already recruited Spe-chan? Your team is full of geniuses, isn't that enough?"
"Besides, my goal is to conquer the Classic Triple Crown. I'm destined to go up against Spe-chan and the others. Wouldn't joining the same team make things awkward for you when the time comes?"
Okino rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and admitted honestly, "Ah, sorry, sorry. Whenever I see a talented Uma Musume, I can't help but want to recruit them. It's an occupational hazard."
His thirst for talent was plain to see.
Myriad Dreams' eyes darted around as a bold idea flashed through her mind.
A sly smile crept onto her face as she said to Okino, "So... Trainer, do you have the guts to make a bet with me?"
"A bet?" Okino raised an eyebrow in confusion, unsure of what this eccentric Uma Musume was up to.
"The terms are simple."
Myriad Dreams cleared her throat.
"I will temporarily register under your Team Spica and participate in the debut race as a member of your team. However, after the race is over— regardless of whether I win or lose— I will attempt to escape from the Winning LIVE."
She paused, observing Okino's reaction, before continuing.
"If I can successfully escape while being cornered by the track security, proving I have enough capability to ensure my own freedom, then you only need to continue providing me with registration for eligibility whenever I need it."
"You won't interfere with my training or actions. How about it?"
Okino was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.
The bet sounded absurd, yet it was surprisingly consistent with the impression Myriad Dreams had left on him— someone pursuing ultimate freedom, even to the point of rebellion.
However, in Okino's view, the security measures at the Winning LIVE were tight. For a rookie Uma Musume to successfully escape was an almost impossible task.
He had a very strong chance of winning this bet!
"Interesting!"
A competitive glint flashed in Okino's eyes.
"Alright, I accept. But if you fail, get caught by security, and end up back on the Winning LIVE stage... then you must accept defeat and formally join Team Spica, accepting systematic training and arrangements. How about that?"
Myriad Dreams lifted her chin confidently and extended her hand. "It's a deal!"
"It's a deal!" Okino reached out as well, clapping hands with Myriad Dreams to seal the oath.
Standing to the side, Yaeno Muteki watched this sudden wager with a hint of worry in her eyes, though it was mostly overshadowed by curiosity.
Looking at the confidence and unruly light shining in Myriad Dreams' eyes, she had a faint feeling that the outcome of this gamble might exceed everyone's expectations.