Watching Zero being taken to the hospital, the Spica members and Teio also looked grim.
They didn't know what had happened to Zero, but they saw it clearly and felt it distinctly.
In that final moment, the radiance that burst from her body, and the terrifying pressure that followed.
If it weren't for Oguri Cap, who stood in front of them, and Tamamo Cross, whose tail stood on end from fright, helping to block it, they might have been left with some psychological trauma.
Her previous displayed strength was already incredibly terrifying; after this breakthrough, what would she be like?
But, in such a serious condition, could she still run?
Among them, Tokai Teio was the most shaken.
She, of course, knew the other Uma Musume; they had met in the Student Council Room a few days ago. She was a very easygoing senior, and she had also achieved the Undefeated Triple Crown that Teio longed for.
She didn't know why Zero would suddenly run so recklessly, even if it meant sustaining such irreparable injuries.
But she saw it—the determination in the other Uma Musume's eyes at the last moment, a resolve as if she had faced death to find life.
Even though she was already so strong, she still sought to break through herself. Could she do the same, she wondered, asking herself.
Would she become complacent after achieving her goals? Because although she loved running, she occasionally stayed up all night to play games with Heavy Gun.
Every time she asked the president when she could debut, the president always said, "You're still missing one thing." Was what she was missing this resolve?
"Don't worry, she'll be fine. She'll be bouncing back in no time." Oguri Cap, seeing the heavy atmosphere, felt she should fulfill her responsibility as a senior.
"Ah, that Uma Musume has strong recovery abilities. This level will at most keep her bedridden for ten days to half a month." Tamamo Cross quickly added, never having considered that something would happen to that Uma Musume that would prevent her from running.
Trainer Okino naturally understood that Zero had many miraculous aspects, and he clapped his hands to attract attention.
"Alright, the track is still barely usable as is, since the outer lane is mostly normal. Get ready for today's training. These two are Spica's assistant trainers whom Zero worked hard to bring over. Do you want her efforts to go to waste?"
Everyone immediately shook their heads and their gazes met the two Uma Musume.
Watching the gazes focus on her, Tamamo Cross felt a bit nervous, thinking she needed to find a way to get Oguri Cap and Inari One to help share the pressure, otherwise, with Oguri Cap's cluelessness plus the teaching pressure, she might faint from anger.
Meanwhile, the Emperor, having received news of Zero's hospitalization, quickly arranged for the news to be sealed, then pushed her work to Air Groove and Maruzensky before heading to the hospital.
She used the excuse, "I've arranged for a better doctor," to take her out and brought her to her private hospital at home, sealing off the news once more.
She was somewhat prepared for Zero to get herself into this state; with her stubbornness, something like this was bound to happen eventually.
She could guess the scenario: the other Uma Musume, knowing she might not have time, went to Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross to try out their domains, then, having gained insights, didn't want to miss the opportunity, so she trained relentlessly, finally breaking through and collapsing at the last moment.
Similar incidents had happened many times, but this one was just more severe. The staff at this private hospital were people she had specifically arranged, accustomed to handling such matters.
Sure enough, after she placed the little one on the hospital bed, the other Uma Musume's eyes immediately opened, looking terrifyingly alert.
"So, didn't you say last time that you wouldn't do this again?" Seeing the other Uma Musume wake up, the Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately adopted a serious demeanor and began to scold her.
"I did it, you know?"
"What...!?" She immediately realized the crucial point.
Although she knew the other Uma Musume's talent was monstrous, this was too terrifying, wasn't it?
She had only asked her about related knowledge that morning, and in the afternoon, she had already mastered it?
Although she looked severely injured, having been here so many times, how could she not know the other Uma Musume's incredibly strong recovery ability? To be honest, the other Uma Musume's growth rate made even her feel a bit jealous.
"And, you know what? I saw it."
"What?"
"My 'goal'."
"...Then you are truly fortunate." Sitting on a chair nearby, the Emperor's face couldn't help but show a look of envy.
"Although it's a bit different from the statues, I'm sure it's them."
"Oh? Are you so certain?"
"Because the clothes are very old-fashioned, they don't look like modern styles at all."
"Pfft, that's certainly your style, www." The Emperor, who had intended to scold the other Uma Musume, was amused.
Only this child would so brazenly complain about the goddesses, right?
After a long silence, Zero suddenly spoke.
"Now, do I have the right to challenge you?"
"Heh, then you'll have to run all of this year's races. According to our agreement, even if you lose one official race, you'll have to give up that goal as I say."
"Don't act like a final boss; you're just an obstacle."
Bantering with each other, the Emperor also enjoyed the rare leisure time.
"Alright, I still have work. You stay here alone."
"Go on, go on. It's not like I need you to keep me company."
With a light chuckle, the Emperor left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
Seeing that she was finally alone, Zero breathed a sigh of relief.
[This time, something really serious almost happened!]
[If we hadn't noticed you in time, you would have been gone, do you understand!?]
[Although the treatment is effective, if you die, then you're truly gone!]
[We will definitely make you change this personality of yours, just you wait!]
Looking at the screen filled with angry and caring words, Zero smiled wryly with helplessness.
She knew her problem, but once on the track, she completely transformed, like a different person. Only after leaving the track would she reflect on her mistakes, only to repeat them next time.
[But congratulations, you really did it, and so quickly too!]
What kind of domain do I have?
[Here, see for yourself.]
She was naturally curious about the effects of her domain, so she quickly looked at the screen.
[Domain — [In the Name of Absolute]: Activated with absolute resolve, the domain covers the entire field, suppressing all Uma Musume, while clearing all negative status effects and restoring a large amount of stamina. It also ensures that no Uma Musume will be injured during this race. Furthermore, upon activating the domain, [Senri Shippu - Shinsoku] will evolve into [Zettai Shinsoku].]
[Zettai Shinsoku: Pushes acceleration to its limit and sprints forward at a speed beyond limits, with speed increasing based on the number of skills possessed.]
I see, so when the skill felt like it became Zettai Shinsoku, the domain had actually been partially activated already... [Exactly! You could have taken it step by step, but you, girl, wanted to get fat in one bite!]
"Well, I promise, there really won't be a next time! I'm sorry! I made you worry!"
[No! This time, you absolutely must wear a backless outfit and dance the Uma Musume Jump Legend for us!]
Eh!? Is that thing really meant for people to wear!? It's too embarrassing!
[And you can't wear anything underneath!]
That's too much! How can that be! The embarrassment level is off the charts!
[Then we will stop the treatment. If you rely on self-recovery, you'll most likely miss the Osaka Hai.]
I'll dance, isn't that enough!?
Watching the other party end the call with satisfaction, Zero could only sigh.
Life is not easy, Rei Zai sighed.
Noticing that the Emperor had also brought her phone, Ling opened it.
Then she saw various greetings in her inbox.
Looking out the window, it was already night, so it seemed she had been unconscious for quite some time. This injury was also the most severe she had ever sustained.
However, the feeling of being cared for was quite nice. Thinking this, she replied to each message one by one.
After replying, she secretly logged into a fake account created with hacking techniques, an account with Trainer privileges.
And the purpose of doing so... was, of course, to access the Trainer-exclusive communication forum.
Ah, today's forum is still filled with countless strange fanfics.
Seeing the number of new posts today, Ling's expression immediately crumpled.
Subway, old man, phone.jpg
These strange fanfics were weirder than the last. So weird, but let me take another look ( ).
Today's time just slipped away like that.