Tracen Is Heaven
Tracing a horse's pedigree and always ending up at the Three Great Founding Sires—there's something really cool about that (you know?).
My long-awaited dream: Tracen Academy.
That grand school building is now standing right before my eyes. Of course there's no way I'd be late. In fact, I was so excited that I woke up nearly two hours earlier than usual.
"New students, please head this way for the entrance ceremony!"
I turned toward the voice. It was a horse girl I'd never seen before… well, starting today I'm a student here too, so she's technically my senior. Looking around, everywhere I glance, it's full of beautiful girls. Some of them even look like horse girls I saw in my past life. Ahh, my dreams are expanding! This is the best!
Seniors and classmates alike are all beautiful girls… isn't this basically heaven already?
—Ahem, I'm getting sidetracked.
Following her guidance, I started walking.
◆
Passing under the falling cherry blossoms, I arrived at Tracen Academy's gymnasium—currently serving as the venue for the entrance ceremony. Here, horse girls from all over the country, myself included, stand with their eyes on the stage, each of them holding their own feelings in their hearts.
Their gaze is fixed on the chestnut horse girl standing on the podium.
"____ Tracen Academy values both scholarship and athletics. I sincerely hope that you, the new students, will devote yourselves with diligence and courage in both your studies and your racing, striving bravely toward your goals, and also ____"
The Eternal Emperor—Symboli Rudolf.
Though her features are beautifully proportioned like a true horse girl, the overwhelming aura she gives off tells everyone present that she stands at the very top. Everyone could almost swear they hear thunder rumbling behind her. She is the student council president of Tracen Academy.
…But I know the truth. Because she's always dignified and stoic, other horse girls tend to keep their distance from her—and she actually cares about that quite a bit. To close that distance, she earnestly tries weird approaches like telling puns with a serious face.
It's unbearably cute. I already knew these things beforehand, including from my past life, but still—seeing her in person made my brain pump out so many happy chemicals it's not even funny.
"Haa… haa…!"
She's too precious—I can't breathe properly. I didn't think it would be this bad.
Fearsome…! Tracen Academy…!
"…Are you alright? If you're not feeling well, don't push yourself—head to the infirmary…"
"Ah! N-No, I'm fine! I just got a little too excited…!"
"I-I see… Well, let us know if anything happens, okay…?"
Oh no. I made the kind staff member misunderstand. That's not it—I'm just an extreme otaku fan, that's all.
No, no, no—there's no way I can afford to go full-blown fangirl mode every time I see a horse girl. I need to get used to this…! This heavenly land that slays otakus…!
Calm down. I need to take a deep breath, observe my surroundings, and behave properly like a new student should—
"H-Hohh!?"
Wait, wait, wait, wait—no way… could that fluffy chestnut twin-tail horse girl wearing a silver tiara be…
It has to be Daiwa Scarlet!
Which means… even though I can't see her from here, somewhere in this same hall is her rival from the same year—Vodka.
This is bad. My favorite characters—who I've only ever seen through a screen—are now existing in the same dimension as me…! Who was it that said I just needed to get used to this? That's impossible! The holiness— the sheer divinity—it's overwhelming…!
"Fuu~…! Fuu~…!"
And because I made another weird noise, I've drawn even more attention.
My absolute best girl, Digi-tan, endures this level of divine pressure every single day… she's incredible. Experiencing it firsthand makes me respect her even more. My affection for her—already sky-high—is now breaking through the heavens.
"…!!"
Just thinking about my best girl almost made me squeak again with that typical dying-otaku noise. I must control myself… control…
While I'm struggling like that, it seems the entrance ceremony is coming to an end.
Following the announcements, we all headed toward our assigned classrooms.
On the way, I found out I'm in the same class as Scarlet and Vodka, and I nearly died… but I somehow managed to keep myself from making a sound.
◆
Since it was only the first day of school, there were no classes—after an orientation about the school facilities, it was already after school. But during that entire time, the supply of divinity before my eyes never ceased.
"Scarlet-chan! That tiara is so cute! Where did you get it?"
"My mom made it for me. She said it was a gift to celebrate my enrollment. She made it even though she was really busy. So, it's very important to me."
"Wow, what a great mom! It looks perfect on you!"
"Hehe, thank you."
After school in the classroom. Right now, an instant-kill level of adorableness is unfolding right before my eyes. Seriously… the expression Scarlet had when she said "my mom"—that's a national treasure.
And then, Vodka is grinning at her. She's probably teasing Scarlet for acting all proper and honor-student-like. Scarlet is normally very proud and hates to lose, after all.
Ah, she just noticed and her mouth twitched a little. Nobody else seems to notice it, but I've been staring at her face the whole time, so I know.
…This silent exchange born from knowing each other so well. Ahh… how beautiful it is…
As I was watching that scene for a while, our homeroom teacher clapped their hands, drew everyone's attention, and said:
"Everyone! It's great that you're getting along, but you should head to the dorms soon. The dorm leader will explain the room assignments, so make sure to listen carefully, okay?"
Hearing that, Scarlet and the few others who stayed in the classroom began to move. I stood up as well to follow. Or rather, I'm totally planning to follow those two angels after this.
These two are absolutely going to start arguing on the way to the dorm. But it's not like they actually dislike each other, so what ends up happening is… pure and holy bliss.
…Hey, I finally made it to Tracen Academy. How could I not witness it? There's no way I'm missing this.
…And I'm not a stalker. I'm just going to the dorm too. At the same time. That's all. Yes.
And as expected, I follow the two as they start walking. My head is already filled entirely with thoughts of them.
Alright. I'll memorize every little change in their expressions, every sway of every single strand of hair radiating that sacred atmosphere.
And then, I'll replay it again and again in my room. Ahh, just imagining it won't stop—will I even be able to sleep tonight…?
"…Hey. Oi. Are you listening?"
"Wah—Wh-What!?"
When I snapped back to reality, Vodka's face was right in front of mine. …Did she realize I was planning to stalk them?
"Whoa—your voice is loud… you scared me too.
…So, did you need something from us?"
"Huh?"
"You've been staring at us for a while now, so I thought maybe you had some business with us."
I can't believe I got noticed. I guess zoning out from too much holiness was my mistake.
"Ah, uh—no! Nope! I don't have any reason or anything, I was just kinda looking! Don't mind me at all!! S-So yeah, that's it!!"
"Ah, hey, wait! You didn't even tell us your name yet—"
"…You fell asleep during introductions earlier, didn't you…? That kid's name is—"
Before she could finish, I bolted toward the dorms. They called out to me from behind, but I no longer had the confidence to speak coherent Japanese—and more importantly, I refused to commit the grave sin of inserting myself between a precious ship.
So, without stopping, I ran all the way to the dorms.
◆
"Haa… fuuh… I'm tired… Mostly mentally…"
I've been running like an idiot since I was little, so I pride myself on having decent stamina. This shortness of breath is entirely due to the overconsumption of blessedness—purely a mental issue. Anyway, the large building standing before me, bathed in the evening sun, is the Ritto Dormitory, where I'll be living from now on.
At Tracen Academy, there are two dorms: the Ritto Dorm and the Miho Dorm.
In the Ritto Dorm—where I'll be living—are Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, whom I just met, as well as familiar faces like Special Week and Silence Suzuka from the first season of the anime, Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen from the second season, and of course, our beloved Desitan (Agnes Digital). Yay.
The dorm leader is Fujikiseki, a mischievous yet caring and extremely popular ikemen horse girl. I want her to call me "pony-chan" too.
Dorm rooms are usually shared. I'll probably have a roommate too, but I doubt I'll be able to sleep from all the excitement for a while.
"…Alright, here I go…?"
Just as I gathered my resolve and was about to step into the building, I felt someone's gaze and stopped.
"Woaaaah…! A brand-new, freshly-enrolled horse girl…! Her heart full of dreams, hope, and anxiety about her new life, yet still bravely moving forward…! And someday, a superstar might emerge from among them… Ahhh! No matter how many times I see it, it never gets old…!"
…Was that me just now? Did I somehow learn the art of shadow clones?
Jokes aside, that voice came from behind me. Ten out of ten, it's her. I didn't expect to meet her here.
The only problem is… can I stay conscious when I turn around?
…but I can't waste this opportunity. I slowly turn my head.
"…!!"
A big ribbon, pearl-like earrings, twin-tailed pink hair, and aquamarine eyes staring at me—there stood the 143 cm angel herself.
"H-Holy—!! Her face score is SO HIGH!! And she's heterochromatic?! Gold on the left, blue on the right… It's hitting every Otaku nerve…!!"
…Be cool. Calm down. I absolutely cannot faint right now. Even if my ultimate favorite starts talking about me, I at least need to keep the conversation going.
Still, Desitan… she's smaller than I expected. I'm 158 cm, so that's a 15 cm difference… Too cute…
Crap. My oshi is right in front of me. My face is heating up. I have to say something, anything, so I force the words out.
"…ah… nyah… wh-what…?"
What came out of my mouth was barely even a language. But that's my limit. Honestly, I'm doing great considering I'm being crushed by her sheer holiness.
"You're blushing…! Ah! Hello! I'm Agnes Digital, just a humble horse girl otaku! And, um! I would be ever so honored if you could bless me with your beautiful name! I promise I'll leave right after—please!!"
Ah… crap… my oshi… is asking my name… I'm going to pass out…
"M-my name… is Aurore Frigate, ma'am… fwah…"
"A boyish girl too?! Is this a wholesomeness bargain sale…?—Wait, what!? You're fainting—are you okay!?"
◆
"Unn…"
"Ah, you woke up?"
"Kahyuu—!!"
"Ehhh?! You fainted again?!"
"N-no… I-I'm fine… somehow…"
When I opened my eyes and saw Desitan's face up close, I almost ascended. Somehow I held on.
…This is the dorm lobby, I think? Looking out the window, the sun has already set, and two or three streetlights hover in the darkness.
I was lying on a couch in the corner. Did Desitan carry me here…? I bothered my oshi… I need to thank and apologize… I turn to her—and notice someone else beside her. As I turn, the person quickly takes my hand and speaks in a sweet voice:
"Hey there, pony-chan. I'm Fujikiseki, the dorm leader. How are you feeling?"
"Ah—uh, YES!! I feel GREAT!!"
"..."
Silence. I screwed up. She called me pony-chan in that smooth voice and ikemen face, so I panicked and shouted something weird.
"…Pfft. Ahaha! You say funny things. I was worried, but you seem fine."
"Well, um… I fainted because, uh… I was just so excited to finally attend Tracen Academy…"
"So, in short, nerves and excitement got to you as a new student, hm? You really are an amusing little pony-chan."
Well, actually it was because I met my oshi. Also, Fujikiseki, you're one of the reasons too. So please don't get any closer with that handsome face—I will die.
"…I'm just glad you're okay. I shouldn't have startled you like that… How disgraceful, calling myself a horse girl otaku and causing such trouble…! How can I ever apologize…!"
No—no no no, Desitan looks sad. That won't do. I love your smile—it's my reason to live. No way it's my fault you look like that—I need to fix this now!!!
"N-no! It's not your fault at all, Desitan-senpai—!"
"D-D-Desitan-senpai?! W-wait—calling me that all of a sudden is… cu— not fair… kyuu"
Ah. She died of holiness.
No, wait—what am I saying. She fainted. What am I doing. This is chaos.
"Oh dear, first the pony-chan and now Digital. But she faints often; I'm used to it."
"I… see."
Poor Desitan… But her sleeping face is cute. I look away before I get blinded, turning to Fujikiseki.
"Still, I was surprised when she carried you in. I didn't expect you to faint from nerves. From now on, be careful, alright? I'd support you if I could, but as dorm leader, I can't always be by your side."
"Hwaah… so cool… I-I will! I'll be careful…"
Everything about her—the face, voice, demeanor—is too cool. Anyone would fall for her.
"So then… pony-chan. What's your name?"
"Ah—yes. I'm Aurore Frigate."
Aurore Frigate—that's what the high-capacity Uma Soul system gave me. Nobody knows why.
Apparently "Aurore" means "dawn light" in French, and "Frigate" is a type of ship. Sounds nice, so who cares.
Appearance-wise: dark blue-black hair. Since I identify as male at heart, like male-horse-based characters, I wear a simple gold ring earring on my right ear. My eyes are heterochromic—left gold, right blue. My chest is… average. Neither big nor small. I kinda hope it grows when I'm older. Ahem.
"Aurore Frigate, huh. Let's see… Ah, this room here. Look."
Fujikiseki leans close and spreads a dorm layout from her pocket. Her face is close. This should be illegal. My heart won't slow down at all.
"Check your student handbook for dorm rules. If anything's unclear, you can ask me anytime."
"Understood. Um… what kind of person is my roommate?"
"Oh, you'll see. They're in a different grade but not a bad person. A little odd, maybe."
Hmm, no idea who it is. Maybe someone not in the anime or game.
"You'll have a lot to get used to, but I'll support you as dorm leader. Can you get to your room alone? I've got work to finish…"
"Yes… thank you very much! …Ah."
After thanking her and heading to my room, I saw something pink move in the corner of my vision.
"Huh!? W-where…?! Where did the horse girl heaven go…!?"
"You seem to have had a nice dream. Perfect timing. Digital, could you escort this pony-chan to her room?"
…What?
"Foooo… Heaven when awake and asleep…! Ah, yes! I shall gladly accept this honor!!"
"Uh…"
Desitan… is escorting me…? My brain can't keep up.
"Alright then. I'll leave it to you two. See you later."
Fujikiseki leaves before I can close my mouth. Now it's just me and Desitan.
"Well then! Let's go! Please follow me!"
"Uh, th-thank you…"
I don't understand, but I'll take it. I stop thinking.
"Oh, don't mind it! For horse girls, I would jump into fire or water without hesitation!!"
On the way, she passionately talked about her love for horse girls with wild gestures. Like a small animal—adorable.
Phew. I'm finally getting used to this. Otherwise, I'd faint again.
"So! In that scene, the emotions in the tail movement—Ah, sorry! I get too excited…! We're here, Aurore Frigate-san!"
"Just Aurore is fine. Desitan— I mean, Agnes Digital-senpai."
"Ffffuuu!? I-if my defenses weren't up, I'd be dead…! A-anyway, call me whatever you like! Desitan, pervert, otaku—anything is fine!!"
"Desitan-senpai… thank you. And also…"
"Yes! Is there something else?"
Alright. Time to complete the mission. Make her aware of her own adorableness. That is my duty.
"...I… I'm your fan…!!"
No, that wasn't it!!
"Eh? N-no no NO!! What are you saying?! I haven't even debuted yet!!"
"T-then I'll formally be your first fan now!! Ugh, I'm losing my words—anyway, I'm your fan!!"
Why am I chickening out—no, my vocabulary died.
"That—that's all! Really! S-so, excuse me—!"
"W-wait—!!"
Gasping, I ran inside my room and shut the door.
◆
"Aahh… she's so cute… I can't…"
Phew. Finally calming down. Saying my repressed feelings out loud made me sweat like crazy.
This mission is way harder than I imagined. In my head, I can easily say, "You're the precious one," but in front of my oshi, my language level drops.
Still, it was such an intense day… mostly because of Desitan.
As soon as I'm alone, fatigue crashes down. Maybe I'll bathe tomorrow morning. Dinner? The cafeteria lunch was so good I might've overeaten. I'll skip it. I'll unpack a bit, then head to bed—oh, right.
"Who's my roommate…?"
Right now, I'm alone in the room. The roommate isn't here. Out somewhere? But the lights are on.
A breeze brushes my cheek.
I look to the back of the room—the window is open.
Could it be…? I walk closer.
After a couple of steps, a shadow appears upside-down from above the window.
…Huh? What?
"…Yo. Want some pickled vegetables?"
Hanging upside-down outside the window, silver hair glimmering brighter than the moon behind her, purple eyes fixed on me—she said that.
"...I'll have some."
Someone please praise me for responding instantly.
There's no mistake. There's only one horse girl this chaotic. Hanging from a rope outside my window—this ash-gray horse girl.
Her name is Gold Ship.
Her entrance was so outrageous that I could only stare in disbelief.
__________________________
"Hey there, young lady, you know who I am, right?
It's Gold Ship.
Hey, wanna try some pickled vegetables?"