I stare at the great round oval of grass in the colosseum. Around it, a larger trail of dirt appears to encircle the grass. In the center I see many specific training and practices being done around other smaller ovals. Director Yayoi, Tazuna and Symboli Rudolf all seem to be watching my reaction.

  “You race here? All this land?” I ask, as I step forward to the railing. “This colosseum?” I use my hands to try to point to the constructed area that overlooks it. I look out to see many figures of horse girls running, instructors that appear mostly taller seem to yell to them, giving them further instruction.

  Yayoi approaches quickly, reaching up to put her arms on the rails. “This is actually the track umamusume and trainers use for practice. We do sometimes have races on it, scrimmages and certain events.”

  Tazuna quickly approaches. “Also, this isn’t exactly a colosseum!” She swiftly attempts to correct. “And scrimmages are simply practice races, it helps trainers get to see umamusume in action.”

  I breathe a slight sigh. “I appreciate you explaining things further.” I turn to Tazuna. “Scrimmages in combat are… much different than practice. It’s normally chaotic fighting.”

  Tazuna smiles to me. “I’ve gathered a few things being around you.”

  Rudolf steps behind me. “Look out there. Do you feel your heart pounding?”

  I slowly nod. “Yes, this is an impressive feat, taking advantage of terrain for the practice area.”

  Rudolf pauses for a moment. “Right. Still the mind of a commander. But do you feel it call for you? Do you wish to be on the field itself?”

  I turn to Rudolf, ears leaning forward. “Well, it seems many are already so busy on it.” I also notice the figures not wearing the red and white uniforms. “Some also appear to be in instructional positions.” My ears droop further. “I must ready myself for further interrogations.”

  Tazuna looks to me, her face with confusion. “Well, that’s not exactly what you should prepare for once you’re down there.”

  I turn to her. “But, we are trying to keep my situation secret, like with that younger looking Rudolf person.”

  Rudolf face looks temporarily surprised but then she smiles. “Right, Teio.”

  I nod, turning back to Rudolf. “You do not wish for me to disclose the truth, I gather.”

  Director Yayoi smiles, opening her fan. “It’s not that the truth isn’t important. It’s just that the truth is unbelievable for most uma and trainers alike!” She begins fanning herself. “Until things are settled, you should do your best to keep the truth contained with the three of us three.”

  I nod. “Right. Yes.” I then look down to the umamusume below. “So, I should prepare for the interrogations.”

  The three stare at me blankly as I watch the way the umamusume move. I hope watching them will help. These are the horses of this world. Yet, the way of training is much different. No galloping, no trotting, no teaching them to charge, they simply run like a human does. But the speed they move… It is comparable to that of a full cavalry charge. Maybe even faster, as they don’t have the armor weighing them down.

  Yayoi seems to watch me examine them. “Young Aven!” She lets out, grabbing my attention. I turn my head towards her, seeing the smile on her face.

  “You are still younger. What is it?”

  Yayoi smirks. “Still showing a bit of insecurity are we?” She points to the men and women in the training areas below. “Some umamusume tend to get trainers that are experts at helping them achieve their dreams.”

  I following her finger, focusing on the figures lacking the red and white outfit. “And I’ll be up against those who have them…” I lean forward on the railing. “I hope this supposed ‘inspiration’ gave me some of the basic skills I need… These are still umas who have adapted to their bodies.”

  Yayoi nods. “Yes. It is still your first day.” She fans herself off. “We shouldn’t be so quick to jump right into running, especially since you’ve been asleep for nearly twenty-four hours.”

  “Besides” Tazuna jumps in. “We still need to get you the rest of your uniforms. Your track jacket and sweats, swimsuit, and anything else.

  I hardly pay attention to what she says, my mind focusing on what I still need to face to get the attention of Archibald. “With myself lacking plenty of understanding of this world. Getting a trainer who would be privy to the truth seems impossible.”

  Tazuna raises her hand slightly. “Well, I’m very familiar with umamusume training. I could give some tips when I’m available.”

  “That would be helpful, thank you.” It will probably be best to practice when there are much less people around. As my mind wanders, I remember that running should be my main goal in finding my best friend. So I should make sure I understand the logistics of my stay. “I don’t mean to overstep. But how exactly are lodging situations going to be figured out?” I ask, turning to the three of them. “Am I expected to sleep in the infirmary?”

  Yayoi jumps back, seemingly caught by surprise by my last question. “Of course not!” She points her fan at me. “You are under the protection of Tracen Academy! You will have a dorm with the other umamusume!” She quickly composes herself. “Tazuna and I will see to it that you are given a dorm room and it will be registered on the computer!”

  “Computer?” I ask, confused by the new word.

  Tazuna shakes her head. “Don’t worry about that just yet.”

  Yayoi continues. “Symboli Rudolf. I will trust that you will keep an eye on Aven while she is in the dormitories.

  Rudolf nods, giving me a smile, as if already gathering the question that forms in my head she continues. “Staff are not allowed inside the dorms. So specific students are put in charge as dormitory heads.”

  I give a simple nod. “Very well. Such is a change from back when I was in military academy.” I pause, thinking about the bed in the infirmary. “The beds in the dormitories. Do they have the same… recoil those in the infirmary have?”

  “Hmhmhm!” Yayoi smiles to herself, as she fans herself off. “Of course! Practically every mattress nowadays have the same spring technology you wondered about earlier.”

  Before I’m able to ask the predictable, “how” Tazuna jumps in.

  “You see, there’s something called ‘mass production’ now. So a lot of people are able to automate the process of making goods.” She tilts her head with a smile. “So don’t worry about how things end up where they are just yet. We want to make sure your only worry is getting used to Tracen Academy.”

  I sigh, before nodding. “I suppose that is what should be expected right now. I should not worry of the magic beyond until my current situation is... manageable.”

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  “If everything makes sense, we will take you to the next building.”

  I look out to the center of the arena one last time. Running of all types, practices. Praises from trainers. I need to look at this like just another academy, it is the best way to adapt to the situation. I am no veteran here. I am simply a new recruit.

  I nod, turning back to the three. “Very well, I suppose I shall be reacquainted with this place in the future.

  “That’s the spirit!” Director Yayoi smiles. “Now if you’ll follow us...”

  My eyes stay ever aware following the mortared path. I keep in mind the location I am relative to the center building. The sooner I get used to everything, the sooner I can begin hunting for Archibald. Although the goddesses said if I run, he should find me. But I was his rider, I cannot depend on him to seek me out alone. But that runs into the bigger question, couriers, hawks, and messages are all no longer considered options here. What must matter is the thin electric magic slabs. But even trying to comprehend all they can do… it doesn’t mean I understand how to use it. Besides, I have nothing to my name currently. Even this uniform I wear is owned by Tracen Academy. To gain access to such a thing, I need to find a career. A career in a world where horses don’t exist? All my prior experience does me no good here. Stablehand? Cavalry? Outdated.

  “Young Aven!” Yayoi interrupts my thoughts.

  I instantly jump, turning to her, seeing we have arrived at the destination, another building.

  “You look worried!” The director says, smiling towards me. “For now, only focus on what’s ahead!” She smiles, opening the door. “Here is the dance studio! It’s where umamusume practices for the winning concerts!”

  “Right… Those things.” I sigh. “I suppose seeing where that… ‘dancing’ can be practiced will help me envision things easier.”

  We enter the building, seeming to be a large hallway with plenty of rooms on each side. However, I hear music. Curious, I begin to step closer through the hall. I peek my head into the room, seeing umamusume with different hair colors and styles and of different heights. They appear to be dancing in front of a wall made of mirrors. The girls appear to be practicing, wearing the same red and white clothes that those at the colosseum wear, they are moving their bodies, watching themselves in the mirror. I notice a severe lack of instruments and people performing in the room, yet music is being made.

  I turn back to the three, Rudolf, Yayoi and Tazuna, who appear to be standing behind me. “Where is the music coming from?”

  Yayoi sighs folding her arms. “And here I was hoping you were going to be super excited about dancing…”

  Tazuna smiles, raising her hand up slightly. “You see, the music is recorded on devices built for it, then we are able to repeat the song.”

  “Devices built for it…?” I mumble.

  Rudolf steps forward. “Devices powered by electricity, like the smartphones we mentioned earlier.” She pulls out her communication slab.

  I stare at it then fold my arms. “Right, but, how… is the sound being played? Are the instruments in the ceiling?”

  Yayoi folds her arms. “Don’t worry about that beyond lightning magic for now!” She nods approvingly.

  Tazuna looks concerned. “Director-!”

  Yayoi turns to Tazuna briefly. “For now, worrying about the details won't do this uma any good! Just know, it is a normal thing for electricity to be able to play sounds without needing instruments.”

  I hear the song lyrics in the room behind me. “Make Debut!” I hear the girls sing, trying to replicate it.

  “Debut… That means entrance, right?” I mutter, peeking into the room again.

  Yayoi nods. “Yes! You see this song is commonly played after Debut Races! Which is where an umamusume officially enters the pretty derby!”

  “That means… that’s my first step… right?” I say, face serious. “I’d have to win a debut race. To begin getting the ‘fans’ to help me find Archibald?”

  As I turn back to look in the room, I notice the tall umamusume with white hair staring at me through the reflection.

  A shorter uma perks up, her light brown hair is tied into two pigtails with her ears poking up. “Roe, what’s wrong?” She asks, looking at the tall girl.

  “Oh, it just appears we have an audience.” She says, not breaking eye contact with me.

  The third girl on her left turns, she has pitch black hair as she looks to myself as well. “Is she a fan of Falco’s?”

  Fan, I recognize the word in the context. Someone who helps spread attention, it’s what the Director mentioned earlier. It’s what I need to gain in order to be reunited with Archibald. “I am an umamusume. Not a fan.”

  The tall one known as Roe folds her arms, “Ah, it appears you have a rival Falco.”

  I notice someone enter the room past me, my vision moves to catch Symboli Rudolf. I assume she doesn’t want there to be a misunderstanding.

  “Falco, Flash, Roe.” Rudolf acknowledges each of them, nodding. “Don’t mind us, I’m showing the new transfer around.”

  The uma, Roe, with white hair and tail nods. “Ah, I see. Isn’t that a bit above your level?” She raises an eyebrow as she tilts her head with a smile. “I don’t recall my first day being honored by being shown around by the emperor herself.”

  My eyes widen, turning to Rudolf. Emperor? This entire time she never mentioned anything about her nobility, other than being a student council president. Have I been intruding the entire time with someone of such high status?!

  Rudolf smiles casually to Roe. To be so humble with such status? Is this simply a change of the world? Or is Symboli Rudolf just so humble and presentable?

  “I needed to stretch my legs, and our new transfer has some culture shock.” She smiles, as her eyes gaze towards me. “So this was a good excuse.”

  The uma with shorter black hair going by the name “Flash” steps forward. “This interruption is unexpected.” She quickly steals a glance at her communication slab. “We have approximately twenty-two minutes and forty-seven seconds left to help Roe practice.”

  Falco nods. “Yeah, we need to make sure Roe feels comfortable about performing. She’s anxious about doing it for the first time! So she asked an umadol for advice!”

  Roe folds her arms, averting her gaze with an expression of mild frustration. “I’m not anxious about performing at all. I just feel I should get an appropriate amount of practice with my debut soon.”

  Debut? I step forward. “Excuse me. But, how long have you been practicing for racing?” I need a timeframe, enough practice to assure I can gain these “fans” that I’ve been tasked with getting, while also remaining reasonably realistic to see my best friend again.

  “Practice for racing?” The white haired uma’s ears lean steeply forward. I can quickly recognize it as a horse feeling anxious. “There’s no clear cut answer. Since I started running I suppose.” Her gaze lingers on me, as if eyeing me up. It appears she didn’t like what she saw, her face becoming stern. “Many umamusume try their hardest, yet are unable to even get close to performing at Tracen’s level.” A brief flicker of anger flashes in her eyes before she takes a deep breath. “I would... reevaluate how you ask that question in the future.” She looks to Rudolf. “What’s her name?”

  Rudolf pauses for a moment. “Aven Doram.” She says, repeating the name I had given to Teio earlier.

  “Aven...” Roe pauses looking to me. “I like your name. But you’d do well to not underestimate how hard others have worked to get to this level.”

  Rudolf smiles folding her arms to Roe. “Don’t worry about her. Everyone in Tracen Academy is serious about running, and each has their own reasons for doing so. Aven is cautious, but desperate to debut as well.”

  Roe stares down at me again and sighs. “I’ll trust your judgement, Emperor.” She turns back to her own reflection.. “I need to make sure to prepare the moves for each role of the concert.”

  Flash looks to her communication slab. “Twenty-one minutes and fifty-eight seconds. We should continue if we want to stay on schedule.”

  Rudolf smiles to the three of them. “Excuse us then.” Rudolf turns around and I follow her out.

  I see Tazuna and Yayoi waiting for me eagerly by the front doors as Rudolf leads me back to them.

  “Already making friends, young Aven?” Director Yayoi asks, unfurling her fan.

  “The tall one seems very serious.”

  Yayoi nods. “Yes!” As quickly as she unfurls her fan she snaps it shut, pointing it in my direction. “So you should get along perfectly! You have that in common!”

  Rudolf turns to me, as we exit the building. “That was Eishan Flash, Smart Falcon and Roe.”

  I stare for a few seconds. “Interesting names...”

  Tazuna smiles. “Well, we brought it up earlier, but it’s believed that all umamusume get their names from other worlds.” She places her finger to her chin. “So, any different names are given to them, as if... inspired by the three goddesses?” She finishes with a smile.

  “I suppose that makes as much sense as anything...” I turn to Rudolf. “I have a much more important question. Why did you not tell me you are an emperor?” I quickly get on my knees, placing my fist to the ground before her. “I did not know of your status, if you can forgive any impertinence I may have shown.”

  Emperor Rudolf pauses, before she begins snickering. “Ah, you took that literally. I am an em-PER-hour. Depending on how long I spend in the student council room.” She chuckles lightly to herself, seemingly proud of her comment.

  My head rises to look at Emperor Rudolf. I blink a few times. What she said does not make any sense.

  “Hmhmhm!” Yayoi nods, before pointing her fan at me. “You are mistaken, young Aven! You see, umamusume get titles after proving themselves in races! Titles like “emperor” no longer relate to a leader of an empire, like you’re thinking!”

  Tazuna smiles. “Historically, there hasn’t been a major empire in nearly one hundred years.”

  I pause, before slowly standing up. “What you’re saying... is...” I fold my arms, tilting my head to the left then the right. “No, that’s not right. Who’s in charge of governments? This cannot be the result of anarchy.”

  “Democratically elected officials!” Director Yayoi smiles, arms folded.

  “Demo.. cratic?.” I pause. “This information, I will worry about it another time.” I fold my own arms. “For now, my focus must be racing to find Archibald, my position is not one nearing governments, I am a civilian, yes?” My mind redirects itself. “Titles earned through racing? If they cannot get me closer to Archibald then I do not care!” I say as my right arm stretches to the sky.

  Yayoi nods. “That’s the racing attitude, young Aven!”

  “I am still older than you.” I mumble out before continuing. “To run, I need energy, to get energy I must know where I am able to resupply my body with nourishment and rest. Nothing else matters other than training now!”

  Symboli Rudolf nods, her expression serious. “Very well. Now you are thinking like an umamusume.”