Lin Xiao groaned as he now she crawled up from the ground, her head spinning like she'd just been tossed off. Blinking, she surveyed his surroundings—a narrow, dimly lit street tucked away from the world.
"…This place feels oddly familiar." she muttered. "Ah, right. A few seniors started their arcs here. Guess I'm off to a good start."
She dusted himself off, only to realize something was… off.
Her body had shrunk.
To a toddler.
Three years old, to be exact.
"Tsk. This is getting sketchier by the second. I feel like I'll be arrested just for existing."
Shaking her head to clear the intrusive thoughts, Lin Xiao decided to focus on the essentials.
"Let's open the newbie gift pack first."
Received: Small Cardboard Box
It looks plain, but it's a deluxe model—fully equipped for cozy naps. It can resize at will and even has a chance encounter feature: you might meet an old chef who trains you to become a Racehorse Girl. Reusable, portable, and surprisingly snug.
Received: Horse Mint Physique
Favorability can't be forcibly increased—but this unique trait acts as a substitute. A rare passive that makes you naturally appealing to Uma Musume.
Received Skill:『Triple Thrust』
A legendary move tied to an Uma Musume's rise. However, its narrative connection was mysteriously severed, leaving it as a collectible.
(Hidden Message: Whether it becomes usable later… that's up to the reader.)
Lin Xiao stared at the items, eyes wide.
"…The crash three-piece set?! No way. I'm not about to crash too, am I? I need to chill."
She scrolled down to the next batch of rewards.
Received Skill:『Max-Level Parkour Techniques』
Your parkour antics in your previous life caused chaos for a certain driver. As a parting gift, he upgraded your skills and left a note:
"Run, young man. Maybe one day you'll be tossed in a sack and have your legs broken. That'd be hilarious. Long live joy!"
Lin Xiao twitched.
"…This guy's definitely a Joy Seeker. If they can cross worlds, transmigration's probably just a weekend hobby for them."
She moved on.
Received Skill:『Top Trainer Qualification』
Guaranteed pass on the trainer's exam.
(Note: In this setting, Uma Musume can only race at 18, so no age concerns here.)
Received: First Uma Musume Panel
After activation, you can transform into the selected Uma Musume appearance.
Received: Unlimited Series Potions (2/10)
Training Potion: Doubles training effectiveness. Bone Fracture Recovery Potion: Halves recovery time from fractures (minimum threshold applies).
Received: Immortal Totem ×5
Grants immunity to long-term or permanent negative effects (e.g., bone fractures lasting over six months). Can be equipped post-injury and still work.
Received System Function:『Optimal Training Plan』
Generates the most efficient training regimen for Uma Musume—currently exclusive to the host.
After organizing her loot, Lin Xiao activated the Uma Musume panel.
Suddenly, she felt something sprout from her head and lower back. Reaching up, her touched soft horse ears. Behind her, a sleek tail swayed gently.
"…Alright then. Time to begin my journey as a Racehorse Girl trainer."
But given her current age, she decided to take things slow.
She summoned the cardboard box from her system space, crawled inside, and curled up.
"…This is actually pretty comfy."
Soon, she drifted off to sleep.
"Hmm? What's this?"
An old man stumbled upon the box.
"There's a child inside… and a little Uma Musume too. Breathing and heartbeat are steady. She's alive."
He spotted a name tag: Shadow Radiance
"Abandoned, maybe? Well, no matter. I'll take you home."
He chuckled softly.
"Don't know if you'll follow this old man, but if you do… I'll train you. And teach you how to cook too."