In the middle of the night, Lucian got up to use the bathroom and took the opportunity to check on everyone.
He was worried that with everyone gathered together chatting too much, they might not get enough sleep, which would greatly reduce training efficiency the next day.
Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and Lucian returned to his room to sleep peacefully.
...
The mountain forest awoke slowly in the early morning, lying quietly under a veil of white mist. As the morning light outlined the contours of the mountains, the beautiful scenery gradually became clearer.
After making sure the horse girls had eaten breakfast, Lucian led the team to the open gathering area.
Members of "Rigil" and "Spica" arrived one after another, right on time.
Lucian exchanged a few words with Toujou Hana and Nishizaki Ryo before preparing to begin the day's training.
"Everyone, quiet down. Trainer Toujou Hana has an announcement to make," Lucian said before stepping back to stand slightly behind and to the side of Toujou Hana, with Nishizaki Ryo on the other side—like two guardians flanking her.
The horse girls quickly fell silent, their gazes focusing on Toujou Hana.
Toujou Hana also adopted a serious and solemn demeanor. "Before we begin training, we'll first divide into groups. I'll announce the names of the team leaders, and then the members will line up behind their respective leaders."
The horse girls were curious—previous training camps had never been conducted this way, with everyone training individually.
Toujou Hana continued, "First, the leader of Team 1: Student Symboli Rudolf. Team 2 will be led by Maruzensky. Team 3's leader will be Narita Brian."
The three stepped forward and stood side by side at the front.
All three were seasoned horse girls with formidable strength and illustrious track records, so no one raised any objections.
"Next, when I call your name, line up behind Symboli Rudolf."
A total of 21 horse girls were divided into three teams of seven each.
Symboli Rudolf's Team 1: Silence Suzuka, Grass Wonder, Fuji Kiseki, Tokai Teio, Daiwa Scarlet, Rice Shower.
Maruzensky's Team 2: Special Week, El Condor Pasa, Air Groove, Hishi Amazon, Vodka, Haru Urara.
Narita Brian's Team 3: Seiun Sky, Taiki Shuttle, King Halo, Gold Ship, Dextrous Bailey, T.M. Opera O.
"For the next few days, Trainer Lucian will be responsible for your foundational training, Trainer Nishizaki Ryo will conduct specialized training, and I will record your data and make adjustments as needed."
After finishing, Toujou Hana yielded the center position to Lucian. "Now, Trainer Lucian will say a few words."
Lucian stepped forward and greeted everyone. "For this training camp, each team must not only complete their tasks but also compete against the other teams. The losing team will face punishment."
"Now, someone might ask—what's the punishment?" Lucian continued on his own before pointing to a nearby table. "Take a look here."
On the table sat a cup of green-colored liquid—and by "green," it wasn't referring to some fancy preparation, but literally its surface color.
"This is a beverage I specially developed. You can call it 'Jue Juice.' Like its color, it's green and highly nutritious... as for the taste, hehe." Lucian teased, leaving it at that. "Anyone interested can come up and try it—free of charge."
The horse girls hesitated, but Nishizaki Ryo on the side clicked his tongue quietly.
"That brat says it's free..."
Yesterday, he'd thought Lucian had brought him some high-quality drink, but after one sip, he felt like his whole being had been violated.
Toujou Hana had initially wanted to try it too, but after seeing Nishizaki Ryo's reaction, she quickly dismissed the idea.
"You can take a small sip—just so you know what you're up against." Seeing no one stepping forward, Lucian continued to egg them on. "How about this—each team sends a representative. If not, the leaders can do it."
At his words, the teams began discussing.
In the end, Grass Wonder from Team 1 volunteered, Team 2 sent El Condor Pasa, and Team 3 randomly drew T.M. Opera O.
Lucian poured three small cups. "Enjoy."
The three stared at the green liquid, then at the inexplicable smile on Lucian's face, and suddenly felt a chill.
"T-Trainer Lucian... this drink can't be that bad, right?" Grass Wonder, usually his staunch supporter, now sounded uncertain.
"Of course not—it's packed with nutrients. You can have as much as you want." Lucian felt obliged to give her some reassurance.
"T-That won't be necessary..." Grass Wonder forced a weak laugh.
"Come on, no matter how bad it is, I'll just swallow it in one go!"
El Condor Pasa, ever fearless, remained undaunted.
The Eagle Warrior never removes her mask.
"Since I was chosen, I accept the challenge!" T.M. Opera O laughed boldly, unbothered.
The three raised their small cups simultaneously and downed them in one gulp.
"Blegh—"
Not long after, three retching sounds echoed in unison as the three adopted the expressions of Peashooters from Plants vs. Zombies.
Grass Wonder covered her face, her composure shattered. "It feels like attending a funeral on the Green Green Grasslands..."
El Condor Pasa squinted her eyes tightly. "How does a juice this terrible even exist?"
"Even I... don't want to take another sip." T.M. Opera O frowned, thoroughly defeated.
"Feel free to try again anytime." Lucian was very satisfied with their reactions.
But when his smile fell upon them again, it seemed like the grin of a demon lurking in the shadows.
"Wait, let me try it too." Symboli Rudolf suddenly stepped forward.
"Captain, please don't—I've already experienced it," Grass Wonder pleaded. "The taste is... complicated. My mouth still hasn't recovered."
"It's fine. One sip will tell."
Lucian nodded and promptly prepared another cup. "Enjoy."
Symboli Rudolf took it and drank it all in one go.
The horse girls held their breaths, seemingly waiting for the always-composed student council president to lose her dignified expression.
Tokai Teio, her biggest fan, watched with particular intensity.
For some reason, the thought of the president losing her composure seemed incredibly amusing to her.
But alas, Symboli Rudolf's expression remained unchanged as she strode steadily back to her team.
She turned to her teammates. "Everyone, let's give our all in this training camp. We absolutely cannot come in last!"
Her voice carried such determination that even Maruzensky hadn't seen Symboli Rudolf this fired up in a long time.
Only Lucian looked unsurprised.
He had noticed the slight tremble in her throat—she had just forced herself to hold it back.
"Anyone else want to try? One cup in the morning—nutritious and healthy!"
"One cup to refresh your mind, two cups to strengthen your resolve..."
"Any takers from 'Dream'?"
The horse girls collectively took several steps back, staring at Lucian and the large cup in his hand with fear.
Still, with this little episode, the training camp's atmosphere had been successfully energized.
...