...
"This is a 'special trait' that horse girls possess. During races, their minds and bodies enter a certain perfect state. We in the industry call it the 「ZONE」—the Zone," Toujou Hana explained.
Nishizaki Ryo added, "Lucian, you can also think of it as the absolute limit a horse girl can reach."
Lucian nodded and asked, "Does every horse girl have a chance to enter this state?"
Toujou Hana shook her head. "Regarding the 'Zone,' we currently know very little. But one thing is certain—to enter the Zone, a specific trigger is needed, as well as innate talent and skill."
Nishizaki Ryo continued, "However, once in this state, it drains physical energy tremendously. So it can't be used recklessly. In races, it's the ultimate trump card to decide victory in one move."
After speaking, he couldn't help but sigh. "Entering the Zone once by chance doesn't mean mastering it. Horse girls like Symboli Rudolf, who can control the Zone and enter it at will, are exceedingly rare."
The two trainers' explanations aligned mostly with what Lucian had previously thought.
However, he had oversimplified it before, assuming Symboli Rudolf had merely reached so-called "Stage Three."
Now he realized that entering this third stage was already incredibly difficult, let alone mastering it.
The gap between Silence Suzuka and Symboli Rudolf wasn't as simple as just "one stage."
"Lucian, I'm surprised you didn't know this. I thought you were aware of it," Nishizaki Ryo remarked, relishing the rare chance to teach his junior.
"I appreciate the lesson." Lucian wasn't in the mood to banter with Nishizaki Ryo. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the field, thinking to himself: Suzuka, can you reach that realm?
...
"Such overwhelming pressure... Is this the 'Emperor,' Symboli Rudolf?"
Silence Suzuka's inner fear was no less than anyone else's. Even though there were still about seven horse lengths between them, she felt as if she could be overtaken at any moment.
The situation wasn't favorable. Gritting her teeth, Silence Suzuka burned the last of her stamina.
As the race reached its climax, the audience's excitement soared, chanting the names of Silence Suzuka and Symboli Rudolf.
But blossoms cannot withstand the force of a hurricane. The "Emperor," arriving in person, shattered the intense race with her unyielding hooves.
"The winner is decided!"
...
After Symboli Rudolf crossed the finish line, Silence Suzuka and the others arrived one after another.
"You all... really did well." Symboli Rudolf looked at the three horse girls, seemingly reminiscing about her own days of struggle.
She was now completely at ease—Tokai Teio joining "Dream" had been the right choice.
Silence Suzuka caught her breath and said, "President, thank you for the lesson."
Special Week and Seiun Sky also expressed their gratitude to Symboli Rudolf.
"President, what exactly was that state? Why..." Seiun Sky trailed off, unable to articulate it clearly.
Special Week also wanted answers. "Yeah, even when facing Suzuka, I never felt that suffocating pressure."
"About that, I believe your trainer will explain it to you later. Wasn't that the purpose of him organizing this race?"
Symboli Rudolf was drenched in sweat, her back completely soaked.
As Nishizaki Ryo had said, the "Zone" consumed an enormous amount of stamina.
Moreover, Symboli Rudolf's physical condition was no longer at its peak, making it difficult to maintain for long.
Still, after the race, she was in good enough spirits to joke with Silence Suzuka and the others. "Since I won, what about our bet?"
The three were a little helpless, but no one dared to go back on their word in front of Symboli Rudolf.
Silence Suzuka said, "We'll talk to Lucian-kun about it later."
"Then I'll leave it to you. But I'd like to pass this travel opportunity to Teio. Is that alright?"
This was likely Symboli Rudolf's true intention—she had gone to great lengths for Tokai Teio.
"That's fine. The president is the winner, so of course you have that right," Seiun Sky agreed immediately.
After all, if Symboli Rudolf were excluded, Silence Suzuka would have been the winner of this race.
Special Week, fully aware of her loss, had no objections.
Silence Suzuka also relented. If it was Tokai Teio, there shouldn't be anything to worry about or feel jealous over.
...
After the race, Lucian gathered the team back in the lounge.
"Lucian-kun, that state the president mentioned... You know about it, right?"
"Trainer, tell us quickly!"
"Trainer-san, I still want to get stronger!"
Seeing their eagerness to learn, Lucian felt deeply gratified.
When they responded to failure not with despair but with a desire to improve, it meant they had grown.
"Don't rush. I'll explain it now. Everyone else, listen carefully too."
Lucian methodically explained everything about the "Zone," including his previous "Three-Stage Theory."
Perhaps he could refine this further and publish it as a research paper. It would surely cause a huge sensation.
...
After hearing Lucian's explanation, the horse girls fell into silence.
"Don't overthink it. Focus on your races, wait for the right moment, and don't force it. Once you truly enter that state, the second and third times will follow naturally..."
The girls nodded. Then, Seiun Sky suddenly spoke up. "Trainer, there's one more thing..."
"What is it?"
Silence Suzuka and the other two exchanged glances before haltingly explaining their bet with Symboli Rudolf to Lucian.
Finally, Lucian understood. "So, without my knowledge, I became part of the bet?"
Having unilaterally decided to "sell" Lucian, Silence Suzuka knew she was at fault. "Lucian-kun, I'm sorry."
"Trainer~ You'll agree, right?"
"Trainer-san..."
"Are you sure Symboli Rudolf wasn't joking?" Lucian countered.
Seiun Sky shook her head. "No. The president even said she's giving the opportunity to Teio."
In the next moment, all eyes turned to Tokai Teio.
Tokai Teio froze. The tsundere in her almost made her refuse outright, but then she realized—this was the president creating an opportunity for her! She couldn't waste it!
"Th-The president really didn't tell me beforehand..." Tokai Teio glanced at Lucian. "Trainer, if you don't agree, I'll explain it to the president."
"A bet is a bet. This isn't your fault, Teio." Lucian wasn't unreasonable. "The ones at fault are these three—losing the race is one thing, but losing their trainer too?"
Silence Suzuka: Looks away
Seiun Sky: Pouts
Special Week: Hangs head
"Your punishment will be..." Lucian began, then abruptly stopped. "For now, I'll hold off. But remember—you owe me one."
"Understood~"
"As for the bet, Teio, let's decide after the Arima Kinen. But I might forget. If you forget too, then it's settled~"
"I won't forget! You're treating me to good food and fun!"
"No problem." Lucian nodded.
Tokai Teio suddenly remembered another part of the bet—bringing someone along for photos?
Seiun Sky and Silence Suzuka were immediately ruled out. Finally, her gaze landed on the harmless Special Week.
I choose you, Spe-chan.
...