Leaving the team building, the slightly warm breeze of early summer quickly rushed over Orfevre.
However, it did nothing to ease her mind, instead making her even more irritable.
Unease, anxiety, dissatisfaction... all sorts of negative emotions swirled inside Orfevre, causing her already naturally sensitive nerves to be even more restless.
"Rraaaahhh!"
"This is so annoying!! Get out of my head! I don't want to be angry!!"
Although Orfevre did not have voices in her head or anything of the sort, the constant emotions that suddenly assaulted her sure made her act like she did.
Luckily, after venting her emotions for a while, kicking walls and pebbles, Orfevre felt these feelings vanish, incredulously rubbing her ears after confirming she no longer felt weird.
"Am I going insane...? Do I actually go to a therapist—?"
"—That would be unnecessary, Orfevre. In fact, I think this is a good thing. It shows that you're starting to breach into the next level."
Just then, a gentle female voice suddenly rang out, causing Orfevre to subconsciously look towards the source of the voice.
There, Orfevre saw a cold looking Uma Musume with long black hair, clearly not intending to hide as she walked towards Orfevre with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet'cha, Orfevre. Although this is technically our first time meeting, I've been following you for a while now~ You can even consider me one of your biggest fans~"
"...You, I've seen you before."
Turning to face the unexpected guest, Orfevre fixated her eyes on the black-haired Uma Musume with a wary expression.
"You're the creepy woman who watched me during my mock race with Maruzensky, right?"
"Huh? You actually noticed me...? Ah, I see. You probably noticed my Aura or some thingamajig, right? Can't help it I suppose."
"Well, time for introductions, you can call me Deep Impact."
"Deep Impact? You're the woman Ikezoe mentioned?"
This was also Orfevre's first true meeting with Deep Impact in person, and just from the very first glance, Orfevre knew this Uma Musume was strong.
It was unlike the feeling of strength she felt against someone like Curren Chan or Mejiro McQueen— what Orfevre felt was the feeling of being completely outclassed in every aspect possible.
'This woman... is unbelievably strong' was Orfevre's first thought when Deep Impact made her presence known to her.
Yet, strangely enough, Orfevre was not afraid; instead, her entire body became active, as if overjoyed at finding a worthy opponent.
"Did you come to me because you want to race me? Although I know you are an Undefeated Classic Triple Crown Uma Musume, I won't back down!"
"Hm~ feisty one, aren't you? I like it."
Deep Impact did not take Orfevre's words too seriously, waving her off.
And as for why she chose to meet Orfevre so late at night... she had her reasons.
As one of the closest people to the Chairwoman of the Japanese branch of the URA, gaining free access to Tracen Academy was effortless for her; she could've just gone to meet Orfevre at any time.
But, she specifically wanted to wait here to confirm this exact scene in front of her.
Although Deep Impact knew that such an action would be considered socially abnormal, after seeing Orfevre's performance in the Satsuki Sho, her curiosity outweighed her shame.
Despite Deep Impact's lack of Aura, her Zone, combined with her rich experience with Aura/Zone related events, more or less allowed her to notice some of Orfevre's peculiarities.
The drastic difference between Orfevre's 'race' and 'daily life' modes was something that had always been on Deep Impact's radar; however, she had always just attributed it to being one of Orfevre's idiosyncrasies.
But at the Satsuki Sho, Deep Impact felt a minute change coming from Orfevre... one that felt similar to when an Uma Musume unlocks their Zone or Aura.
In hopes of speeding up Orfevre's growth, Deep Impact chose to 'expose' Orfevre's condition, then give her some advice.
Still, Deep Impact felt that no matter how fast Orfevre grew, she definitely wouldn't be a match for her this year.
Deep Impact had a clear understanding about her own strength; though Orfevre's talent might be superior to hers, as well as having an extremely compatible Trainer guiding her, her gaining the strength to defeat her within the year was wishful thinking on her part.
'However, she could possibly be a good rival for 'that girl.''
Deep Impact's eyes flickered slightly as she recalled one of the only disciples she had taken in so far.
Perhaps, if Orfevre managed to push herself harder, she and her disciple would be able to push each other to grow faster.
"But, you are still too weak. If you really want to race against me, Orfevre, then let's talk about it next year instead."
"Huh? Are you looking down on me?!"
Hearing Deep Impact's dismissive tone, Orfevre immediately stanced up with a frown.
"You chicken? Why don't we race now?! I'll crush you like I crushed everyone else in the Satsuki Sho!"
"Waaa~ so scary~"
Putting up her hands, Deep Impact let out a few cute cries and whimpers in 'fear.'
However, when she opened her eyes again, those flaming eyes, very similar to Rice Shower's, instantly made Orfevre instinctively take a step back.
"So, are you sure you're ready?"
No sooner had Deep Impact finished speaking, her Zone, which had once been opened in the Osaka Hai, instantly enveloped Orfevre.
In that moment, Orfevre felt as if she were thrown into a pitch black cave, the fear of the unknown overpowering all of her senses, making her want to get away as fast as possible.
Almost instinctively, Orfevre wanted to push back with her Aura; yet, for a reason unknown to her as of now, her Aura was 'erased.'
That's right, not dissipated, not overpowered, but nullified. Immediately throwing Orfevre into a panic; this was the first time in her life she had experienced such a thing.
"Wowie~ it looks like you're still quite weak. My Zone isn't even supposed to affect Aura, but it seems the power difference is enough for it to take effect on your Aura~"
"With this level of strength, let alone defeating me, you won't even have a single chance against that Meisho Doto in your team. Heck, you might not even win the Classic Triple Crown~"
Withdrawing her Zone, Deep Impact silently acknowledged Orfevre's talent in her heart.
Still, arrogance was the folly of many great people, and to be arrogant before one's talent had even fully bloomed? That was the act of someone who could not be called anything but a fool.
"Keep your head in check, Orfevre. You just got lucky this time. Who knows? Maybe in the Japanese Derby, one of those 'weaklings' you disdain so much would make you eat dirt! ...Or turf in this case!"
"I say this without any malice: Orfevre, please grow up. Otherwise, the world stage will be nothing but the ravings of a crazed Uma Musume from your mouth."
Saying this, Deep Impact turned around and began slowly walking away, leaving the sweating Orfevre to ruminate on the words she left her.
But, in that instant, an unexpected third party entered the fray.
"—My Orfevre is not for others to lecture, not even you, Deep Impact."
Before Orfevre could even react, she felt a piece of clothing drape over her.
Shivering, she turned to look at the man beside her with slow and hesitating movements.
"Ikezoe..."
"I'm sorry for being late, Orfevre."
Seeing Orfevre's trembling state, Ikezoe immediately caught on to the fact that Orfevre needed to be comforted fast, lest the mental damage she suffered worsens.
"Oh? So you're Trainer Ikezoe."
Turning back around, Deep Impact instantly recognized Ikezoe at first glance.
And, after lingering at the pair for a while, a slight glint of interest shone in her eyes.
These two... seemed like a way more interesting pair than the 'perfect pair' of Wada and T.M. Opera O.
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People in this fic are so rage baity
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.