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Chapter 5 - Want water? It cost 150!

Hearing the other's question, Grandpa Longjing slowly lowered his stopwatch.

"Thirty-five point nineteen seconds."

The trainer blinked, scratching his head.

"That's… not particularly fast, is it?"

Longjing smiled faintly, then explained.

"For the final 600 meters, trained horse girls usually clock between 33 and 34 seconds. Some top-tier girls go even faster."

"But Peach Waves ran that time without any characterization, no formal training, and no academy support. She's a complete beginner."

The trainer's eyes widened. Nearby observers who had dismissed her performance now looked on with surprise. Running that time raw—without any enhancements—was no small feat.

Peach Waves jogged over, noticing Longjing's expression.

"Grandpa? What's with that look?"

"Nothing, Peach Waves. Your time is excellent. With talent like yours, getting into Central Tracen Academy should be no problem."

"Haha… I hope so."

She wasn't entirely convinced. Her aptitude panel still read "Rain and Dew"—not exactly promising.

"Anyway, I've prepared a training plan for you. Follow it this month, and we'll test your qualifications next."

Peach Waves took the plan and stared at it.

"Ten miles a day?! Grandpa, are you trying to turn me into a puddle?"

Longjing raised an eyebrow.

"That's standard volume for horse girls. Any objections?"

"Nope! I'll do my best!"

And so, day after day, Peach Waves trained at the seaside field. Her back glistened with sweat, her legs grew stronger, and Longjing watched with quiet pride.

After a month of intense training, the day of her characterization arrived. Longjing closed the restaurant to avoid distractions and waited outside the testing room.

Hours passed. Finally, the door creaked open.

Out stepped a transformed Peach Waves—her pink hair cascading to her waist, her figure graceful and confident. Her ice-blue eyes sparkled, and her presence radiated elegance.

She looked like royalty.

"Grandpa."

Her voice was clear and bright. Longjing rushed forward, eyes misty.

"Good girl… you're okay."

Noticing her in training gear, he asked:

"You're heading out?"

"Hehe, I want to test how my body feels now."

"Alright, just stick to the horse girl lanes."

"Got it!"

She dashed downstairs, greeting Xiao Ning and Tian Si on the way.

"Whoa… is that Peach Waves? She's glowing!"

"She's grown taller too!"

Jogging along the designated path, Peach Waves felt the stares. She curled her lips, slightly embarrassed.

"I'll just run this street and head back."

She pressed her feet down and accelerated, breezing past traffic. Her steps were light, her breathing smooth. She felt powerful—unstoppable.

"Is this what it means to be a horse girl?"

Just then, at a corner, another horse girl appeared—too fast to avoid.

Duang!

They collided. The shorter girl bumped into Peach Waves' chest and fell back, groaning.

"Ow… ow…"

Peach Waves quickly helped her up.

"Are you okay?"

The black-haired, pink-accented horse girl looked up—and froze.

"She's… beautiful."

"Hello? Are you alright?"

"Ah! Yes, yes, I'm fine!"

They stood together, and the girl bowed.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you."

Peach Waves scratched her cheek.

"No worries. I wasn't paying attention either."

"I'm Peach Waves. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Nishino Flower."

Oh! Nishino Flower… it's her!

"Would you like to sit? We're blocking the lane."

They sat on a nearby bench. A brief silence followed.

"Um… that—"

"That—"

They spoke in unison, then laughed awkwardly.

"You first, Nishino Flower."

"No, no, you go ahead, Miss Peach."

"Alright. Why were you out here?"

Nishino blushed.

"I just transferred to Central Tracen Academy today. I didn't bring daily supplies, so I came out to shop. I'm really sorry for bumping into you…"

Peach Waves smiled gently.

"It's fine. Want something to drink? I'll go grab some."

She returned with water, handing it over.

"Here you go."

"Thank you, Miss Peach. You're so kind—"

"150 yen."

Click.

Nishino Flower froze, then scrambled for her wallet.

"Ahaha… sorry!"

She handed over the coins, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip, cheeks flushed.

Just then, a chime echoed in Peach Waves' mind:

[Radish Points +100]

"Oh~ That's a lot."

Peach Waves stood.

"It's getting late. I'll head back. You go finish your shopping."

"Okay…"

As Peach Waves disappeared into the distance, Nishino Flower whispered:

"I hope I meet her again. Maybe… she'll be at Tracen Academy too?"

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