Uma Musume Pretty Derby: To The Basement [23]
Now that he'd successfully secured his trainee and extended his life by another week, Mizuno Sora could finally allow himself a moment to breathe.
But the system, seemingly determined to deprive him of even the briefest respite, immediately issued a new task.
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[Main Quest—(Quest #2) Help Your Trainee Achieve First Place In An Official Race.]
Reward: Doctor's Outfit extended for one week
Penalty: None.
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"First place in an official race?"
Sora glanced at Haru Urara, who'd just finished dead last, and thoughtfully stroked his chin.
Hmm… To be completely honest… This task's difficulty… might actually… be manageable?
Though admittedly challenging to get Urara into first place, it wasn't impossible.
The solution lay in the book he'd studied last night—[From Getting Started as a Trainer! (Basement Ending)].
Sure, the first half of that cursed book practically guaranteed you a swift descent into the basement. But the second half was genuinely useful. Mastering its contents would undoubtedly produce an expert trainer.
Sora had finished reading the latter half, and while he'd understood only about twenty percent, it was still extremely informative.
Watching Urara's earlier performance, he'd already identified several issues with her running posture, tactics, and muscle strength. Addressing these would significantly improve her performance.
Winning the [Arima Kinen] might still be a pipe dream, but securing first place in an OP-level race? Completely doable.
Yet, alongside this confidence, Sora felt a twinge of sorrow.
The book had inexplicably included a chapter titled [Postpartum Care for Uma Musume].
Whoever authored this guide had likely ended up in a sorry state—considering the absurdly detailed postpartum advice, he'd probably suffered greatly at the hooves of numerous Uma Musume. Poor soul.
But back to the task at hand. The difficulty wasn't just achieving first place—it was the hidden time limit.
If no additional tasks surfaced, his Doctor's Outfit would only last him another week.
He wasn't some anime protagonist trainer pulling miracles from thin air, and Urara certainly wasn't the legendary Special Week. To win an official debut race in one week was just delusional.
How to resolve this conundrum?
System, any side quests available?
Sora decided to pursue a strategy of Work-Study.
If training Urara to victory within a week was unrealistic, extending that week by completing side quests seemed like the smarter approach.
"Certainly." The system promptly listed several options:
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[Side Quest—Declaration of Independence]
Description: In front of at least ten Uma Musume, remove your Doctor's Outfit, raise your hands, and loudly shout, "I'm a handsome boy!"
Reward: Doctor's Outfit duration extended by one month.
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[Side Quest—God of Honey]
Description: Convince Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen that you're capable of making an S-Rank Honey Special Drink, and accept their invitation to visit their home.
Reward: Doctor's Outfit duration extended by ten months.
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[Side Quest—Friendship Training]
Description: Befriend a fellow freshman trainer and train your Uma Musume together.
Reward: Doctor's Outfit duration extended by three days.
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Why was there effectively only one viable side quest here? (Annoyed).
"Befriend a fellow trainer, huh?"
Sora turned toward the group of rookie trainers, pondering whom he should approach.
The recruitment frenzy among new trainers had largely concluded:
Kiryuin Aoi, heir of the prestigious training family, had triumphed over Hiroshima Baoza, securing Happy Meek, the winner of the debut race.
The explosively-haired Hiroshima Baoza settled for second-best, using sheer arrogance to successfully recruit runner-up Konankai.
The gentle Kaneshiro Takeru had recruited Hinagiku, who'd placed third.
Other less notable trainers had also chosen their Uma Musume, leaving only a few proud newcomers empty-handed.
After some consideration, Sora identified a potential friend.
But rather than immediately approaching, he decided to wait.
If he approached too soon, it would look too obvious—like he was desperately clinging to someone stronger. "He recruited the weakest Uma Musume and is cozying up for favors," they'd surely think.
Better to wait until that trainer encountered difficulties in training, then offer advice gleaned from the guidebook. That approach would seem natural and less suspicious, improving his chances of success.
For now, Sora's priority was clear—focus solely on training Urara.
"Urara, let's register your information first, then begin training."
"Okay~!" Urara obediently nodded.
Once recruited, an Uma Musume needed to register alongside her trainer, officially notifying the academy and gaining clearance to compete in races.
Tracen's student council oversaw these registrations, meaning Sora would soon meet Student Council President Symboli Rudolf.
Meeting Rudolf didn't worry Sora—she was famously busy, unlikely to notice him personally. No, the real danger was encountering her devoted admirer, Tokai Teio.
During their last meeting, Sora had introduced himself under the pseudonym Hokuto Seiji. He'd assumed they'd never meet again, so the lie seemed harmless enough.
But now, he'd have to use his real name for official registration. If Tokai Teio was present, his earlier deception would instantly be exposed, triggering consequences he couldn't possibly predict.
"I can only hope she won't be there."
Sora sighed, heading toward the council office alongside an excited Urara.
They hadn't gone far before a soft, gentle voice called out to Urara.
"Urara-chan~!"
"Ah, Rice-chan!" Urara happily responded.
Rice Shower?!
"Ah… uhh…" Recognizing Rice Shower, Sora—being an Onii-sama—nearly suffered cardiac arrest.
"Calm down… Deep breaths…" Sora composed himself and quietly stayed to the side.
"Rice-chan, did you see my race? Running feels so good!" Urara eagerly looked at Rice Shower.
"I saw it," Rice Shower softly replied.
In truth, she'd watched from afar, too shy to openly cheer. But as soon as the race concluded, she'd hurried over to find Urara.
"I lost again, though. Everyone's so strong!" Urara laughed cheerfully.
"You ran wonderfully, Urara-chan. Next time, you'll definitely win," Rice Shower comforted her gently.
"Really? Next time, I promise I'll win first place!" Urara proclaimed.
"Go for it, Urara-chan—ganbatte~ oh~!" Rice Shower sweetly raised her hand to cheer.
"Ganbatte~ oh~!" Urara imitated her, enthusiastically raising her hand.
"Gah!" Sora staggered, overwhelmed by the sheer adorableness, collapsing to his knees.
I'm losing blood here! Medic!