Just as Shadow Radiance and Starlight were about to turn and leave, Shadow Radiance suddenly felt a gaze fall upon her.
Her heart tightened. Instinctively, she turned her head—only to see Rudolf.
In that instant, Shadow Radiance's body froze, as if caught in a paralysis spell.
Wide-eyed, she stared at Rudolf with a terrified expression, as though she had just seen something deeply unsettling.
In her previous life, Shadow Radiance had read countless novels about Racehorse Girls. Many were unfinished, but the memories remained vivid.
Especially the two most infamous stories—where talented Racehorse Girl was abducted by Rudolf.
Just recalling that sent a thin layer of sweat across her forehead. Her heart rate spiked uncontrollably.
Thankfully, this parallel world was different.
While schools for young Uma Musume existed here too, Tracen was specifically built for Racehorse Girls who were already 18 and had completed their full-scale training.
So, in theory, Shadow Radiance shouldn't have to worry about being abducted to Tracen Academy … right?
Still uneasy, she grabbed Starlight and dashed back into the shop, gasping for breath as they entered.
Starlight, trailing behind, collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily.
"Bing… Radiance… why are we running so fast?"
Shadow Radiance leaned against the doorframe, her hand trembling slightly.
She stared out at the now-empty street. Cold sweat soaked the back of her training uniform, leaving dark streaks. That gaze from Rudolph—it was too familiar. Just like the descriptions in those novels: calm on the surface, but brimming with a quiet, terrifying assertiveness.
"Nothing," she said, her voice steadier now. She turned away, avoiding Starlight's eyes. "I saw a wild dog. Thought it might chase us."
Starlight lay sprawled on the floor, her ponytail brushing the ground. "Wild… wild dogs aren't that scary…"
Before she could finish, the scent of curry wafted through the air.
Kiryu Ryu stood at the stove, apron on, spatula clattering. He called out:
"Running like that—did the award ceremony ribbons bite you or something?"
Shadow Radiance didn't respond. She walked straight to the refrigerator and chugged half a bottle of cold water.
The icy liquid cooled her throat and calmed her nerves.
But her thoughts raced: *Why was Rudolf in this town? What was going on?*
Was it just coincidence?
Or… had her performance in the race drawn her attention?
It felt too perfectly timed.
She glanced at the calendar on the wall.
Three full years until she turned 18.
Logically, Tracen Academy wouldn't recruit Uma Musume who hadn't completed their growing phase yet.
After all, that was a critical stage—only after completing it could Uma Musume truly showcase their strength and potential.
Still… anything could happen. The possibility was slim, but not zero.
*She couldn't have noticed me… right?*
If she had, that would be serious trouble.
With a deep breath, Shadow Radiance exhaled slowly.
For now, things didn't seem too bad.
As long as she stayed cautious and alert, everything should be fine.