"!"

Facing the ambush from his two seniors, Mizuno Sora's mind raced.

Just before the two clubs smashed into his head, Mizuno ducked backward, narrowly avoiding the strikes.

"This kid's no joke!" The two seniors were astonished by Mizuno's reaction.

To react and dodge so quickly meant he definitely had some training, probably an heir to some powerful family.

But even if he was from a big-shot clan, they no longer cared.

Night after night of endless "horse-girl hopping" had completely worn away their once kind-hearted natures. To get back to their dorm tonight, they would do anything!

This was their struggle!

"What are you guys doing?" Symboli Rudolf asked suspiciously, looking at the trio near the doorway.

"Hehe, President Rudolf, don't worry about it. This is just senior trainers showing some care toward a junior," Washuin smiled innocently at Rudolf.

"Yeah, exactly!" Kiyoshi chimed in.

"Huh?" Mizuno was shocked by how shameless his seniors were.

You call this caring?! You're obviously just after my [Doctor's Outfit]!

"President Rudolf, save me!"

Facing Mizuno's plea, Rudolf merely smiled.

Rudolf was smart enough to realize this wasn't some playful prank—clearly, the two trainers were trying to steal Mizuno's presence-erasing [Doctor's Outfit].

But she didn't help. Instead, she seized the chance:

"Mizuno-san, if you agree to become Teio's trainer, I'll step in."

"Damn it!"

Seeing Rudolf wouldn't help Mizuno, the two seniors were overjoyed.

"In that case, we can act freely!" Grinning, Washuin and Kiyoshi approached Mizuno from either side with clubs raised.

"!"

Spotting an opening, Mizuno squeezed past the seniors and bolted away.

"Don't run!"

Mizuno fled desperately, but Washuin and Kiyoshi pursued relentlessly.

But it didn't matter. Mizuno believed he'd soon outpace them; after all, both had limited mobility, so there was no way they could catch him.

I have the advantage—normal guy versus disabled seniors!

But Mizuno was stunned to find, upon looking back, that Washuin in his wheelchair and Kiyoshi with his crutches weren't trailing at all—in fact, they were almost overtaking him!

"What the heck! How are you so fast?!" Mizuno blurted out.

"Experience, kid!" Senior Washuin replied proudly.

"I've spent ten years in this wheelchair, racing my trainee every day—if I win, I go back to the dorm; if I lose, it's a date. My wheelchair-driving skills are unmatched!"

"Kiyoshi here's the same. Six years on crutches—soon he'll become a trainer and qualify for his wheelchair license."

"You can't even begin to imagine the experience we trainers have accumulated!"

"So give up peacefully and hand over that outfit!"

"Damn it!"

They were closing in fast—Mizuno would soon be caught.

Luck, save me!

Out of options, Mizuno cried for help.

[Right away, Mizuno-dono!]

[Ninja Art: Summon Uma Musume!]

Warm energy surged from Mizuno and disappeared off somewhere unknown.

A moment later, an Uma Musume darted out from a corner, blocking Washuin's path.

"Darling~!"

"Welcome Drink?!" Seeing his own trainee Welcome Drink appear, Washuin screeched his wheelchair to a halt, eyes widening in panic as he hurriedly tried to retreat.

But Welcome Drink rushed forward, firmly grabbing the handles of his wheelchair.

"How lucky~! I actually ran into Trainer-san here! Perfect timing~! Let's go on a date, Darling~!" Welcome Drink's eyes sparkled with hearts as she effortlessly carried Washuin, wheelchair and all, away.

"Molimoli~♪"

Seeing his teammate "sacrificed," Kiyoshi wasn't sad at all—quite the opposite; he was thrilled.

Now, when he caught Mizuno, no one would fight him over the outfit.

However, as Kiyoshi passed by another corner, a slender hand shot out, gripping him by the collar.

"No—!" With a despairing cry, Kiyoshi was dragged forcibly into the shadowy corner, fate unknown.

This chase ended with both seniors dragged off by their own Uma Musume.

"Whew… I'm safe." Mizuno breathed a sigh of relief.

He stared at the now-empty corridor behind him, feeling reflective.

Even though Washuin and Kiyoshi had intended harm, Mizuno was grateful—they'd taught him yet another valuable lesson: always stay vigilant, or someone could ambush and snatch his precious [Doctor's Outfit].

Of course, the one he needed to thank most was Luck, who'd just saved him.

Thanks, Luck.

[Hehe…]

What's wrong?

[Summoning that Uma Musume drained my last bit of reserve energy... I'm hungry now…]

...

But didn't I just hear the summoned Uma Musume say she was lucky to meet her trainer?

[It was lucky for the Uma Musume, but bad luck for the trainer. The two canceled out, so I got no energy.]

Oh, I see.

[Mizuno-dono, how about doing a task? That'll replenish my energy!]

[Side Quest—Human Heater]

Description: Certain Uma Musume have been affected by misfortune energy, displaying cold-like symptoms. Although they'll naturally recover in a few days, your lucky energy can speed their recovery and generate even more luck energy.

Reward: Luck gets a filling meal.

...

Mizuno looked troubled.

What's up with this weirdly named quest? And that reward isn't even for me.

I really don't want to do this…

[Daddy~ I'm sooo hungry~]

...

[Daddy~]

Fine, fine! I'll do it, alright?

Mizuno finally gave in to Luck's pleading.

After all, Luck had used up her reserve energy to rescue him—he couldn't leave her starving.

Alright then, I'll check on Tokai Teio later and help her recover quickly.

By the way, Luck, is there a way to make those Uma Musume who've seen my face forget about my "horse-nip" effect?

[There's only one way.]

What is it?

[Make them fall in love with your soul instead. Then they won't care about your appearance.]

...

Isn't that essentially the same thing?!

[Of course, there's another way: Physical amnesia! You just knock them unconscious so they forget. But that's only if you can defeat them, Boss.]

[But sneak attacks generate misfortune energy, speeding up Misfortune Goddess's release.]

...

Isn't there some kind of memory-erasing magic?

[Mizuno-dono, I'm the Goddess of Luck—good things aren't meant to be forgotten. I don't have that kind of power.]

Fine, fine…