On a small path within Tracen Academy.
Divine Starlight and Dream Journey walked side by side. The early winter weather was quite chilly, but fortunately, both were wearing padded coats.
Gazing at the Uma Musume beside her, Starlight spoke up.
"Say, Dream-chan, what do you do exactly? I feel like I haven't seen much of you around the academy."
"Me? Hmm... I am the President of the Expedition Support Club. I spend most of my time working, so I rarely make public appearances."
"Expedition Support Club? What do they do...?"
"Our primary responsibility is helping Uma Musume with international travel— customizing routes, booking hotels, and providing other auxiliary services."
"We solve the problems everyone faces when traveling abroad, especially for those competing in overseas races."
Starlight covered her mouth in surprise.
"So that's it! What you're doing is truly great, Dream-chan~"
Waving her hand, Dream Journey gave a small smile.
"It's not much. Actually, I personally enjoy traveling, especially the process of organizing and packing luggage before a trip. Doing those things always gives me a sense of peace and stability."
"No wonder you're so composed, you give off a real 'big sister' vibe."
As if a specific memory had been sparked, Dream Journey's tone remained calm, yet carried an undetectable trace of pride.
"Speaking of which, I do indeed have a younger sister. She is very talented and dazzling, just like the sun."
"Getting a review like that... I'm sure your sister would be very happy to hear it."
"After I returned to Tracen, she started coming to the clubroom to find me all the time. She even takes her afternoon naps there."
Dream Journey lowered her head, cupping her chin in thought.
"I'm wondering if I should equip the clubroom with an air conditioner, but what if she catches a cold?"
"True. It's not summer anymore, she really might if you aren't careful."
After reaching the cafeteria and sharing an enjoyable meal, Starlight and Dream Journey parted ways.
'Although the morning had its twists and turns, it turned out quite well. I made a new friend~'
'Time to give it my all for this afternoon's training.'
The training grounds were very lively in the afternoon.
Starlight looked at Rudolf, who was following behind her, and said in surprise:
"You're really going to train with me?!"
"Of course... after all, I've watched every one of your races, Starlight-san. I've benefited greatly from them, but I won't truly understand until I experience it firsthand."
"Alright then, let's begin."
After changing into their training gear and warming up, the two Uma Musume stood at the innermost edge of the turf.
Starlight took the lead while Rudolf followed behind her.
The two began a long-distance endurance run.
Thump, thump, thump...
The cold wind whistled past their ears. Rudolf watched the Uma Musume running ahead of her.
Her eyes were fixed on the other girl's feet as they struck the ground.
The heavy sound made her seem like a completely different person compared to her races.
'No, this sound... this way of exerting power... this isn't the her from the races at all.'
Marveling at the realization, Rudolf clearly felt a violent vibration through the turf every time a step landed.
The force was incredibly heavy— heavy as lead.
Accelerating slightly to pull up alongside Starlight, Rudolf looked at the expression on her face.
Starlight was already dripping with sweat, and her face was flushed bright red.
It didn't look like she had just started... it looked like she had already been through a few reps.
'Impossible. With this level of intensity, even at the end of a session, she shouldn't look this exhausted.'
As the mysteries continued to pile up, Rudolf frowned deeply while observing the Uma Musume's training.
Once the session was complete, she walked slowly over to Starlight's side.
She looked down at the gray Uma Musume sitting on the grass, wiping her face and hair with a white towel.
"I feel like you are in two completely different states during training versus during a race."
"Eh? What makes you say that, President? I think my races and training are the same."
Sitting down beside her, Rudolf recalled everything she had just observed.
"Your footsteps during training are too heavy. Even without trying to exert force, you leave clear footprints on the turf. They are as heavy as muffled thunder..."
"But during a race, it's different. It's like the sound of a bronze bell— clear and resonant."
Listening to Rudolf's analysis, Starlight nodded in agreement. She picked up her water bottle, blew on the steam, and took a small sip.
"As expected of the President, your observations are quite meticulous."
"Then, what do you think I rely on to win my races?"
Looking at her smile, Rudolf voiced her inner perspective.
"A mastery of the situation, unexpected tactics, a solid foundation, and a unique talent..."
Shaking her head with a wry smile, Starlight sighed from the bottom of her heart.
"Talent? Perhaps compared to Uma Musume from other regions, I have a little, but compared to the Uma Musume here..."
She turned her gaze toward the Uma Musume still active on the turf.
Their strides were all different, and their silhouettes appeared strong and unyielding.
"My talent is like a withered, fallen leaf— devoid of life. It can't even cling to the branch anymore—"
As she spoke, Starlight set down her water bottle. She removed the weighted bracelet from her wrist and tucked it into Rudolf's arms.
"This is... a bracelet?"
"Mm. President, try putting it on."
Nodding without fully understanding, Rudolf slipped it onto her wrist.
Then, Starlight's delicate fingers adjusted the settings on the device.
Instantly, Level 3 gravity emanated from the band. It felt as though her entire body had been filled with lead, becoming incredibly heavy.
Even Rudolf, under the sudden pressure of the gravity, nearly tumbled to the ground.
Her body trembled as she forced herself to sit upright.
After steadying her breathing, she looked down at her hands and feet, noting that the area where she was sitting had visibly sunk into the ground.
She turned her eyes toward the silver-haired Uma Musume beside her, who still wore a smile as warm as a spring breeze.
"This... this is the reason... You've been wearing such heavy weights for your training this whole time?!"
Nodding, Starlight looked down at her mud-covered running shoes.
"All I can do is work harder and put in more effort than other Uma Musume."
Turning off the bracelet and returning it to its owner, Rudolf looked at Starlight with a complicated gaze.
She slowly leaned in and gave the girl a gentle embrace.
"Your legs won't be able to hold up... Your risk of fractures or permanent injury is much, much higher than other Uma Musume."
"Mm, I know. Thank you for your concern, President."
Starlight, who had been fiddling with the bracelet, was momentarily dazed by the sudden hug, but she didn't push the other away.
Rudolf lightly patted Starlight's head. The worried words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat, unable to come out.
She let out a sigh.
"Don't push yourself too hard in your future training."
"Mm—"
Releasing her, Rudolf stood up and stretched her body, giving a faint smile.
"Come. Now that training is over, let's have a run. Without that bracelet."
"Sure~ I've been looking forward to a run with you too, President."
As the setting sun touched the horizon, two figures blurred across the turf.
Many Uma Musume gathered by the sidelines to watch this private match between the two. Even those headed back to the dorms stopped on the outer walkways to watch.
Divine Starlight sped forward. Rudolf, trailing closely behind on her flank, offered guidance as she kept pace.
"Lighten the power in your steps when going into the curve, rely on your body positioning... Shift your center of gravity here for the uphill..."
"Mm, okay... I see... So that's how it works... Thank you, President!"
The sun had completely dipped below the mountains.
Outside the clubroom.
Divine Starlight, now back in her school uniform, stepped outside. Seeing Rudolf waiting for her, she said with a smile:
"Thank you for today, Madam President. I honestly thought you came here just to give me a hard time~"