To complete the mission and check on Tokai Teio, Mizuno Sora arrived at Tracen Academy's Ritto Dorm.

However, just as he approached within fifty meters of the dormitory, he suddenly realized a critical problem.

This is the girls' dorm. Wouldn't it be improper—and possibly dangerous—for a guy like me to enter?

He might even get handcuffed by the dorm manager before stepping through the door.

Even if he made it inside, he still needed to go directly to Tokai Teio's room. A closed, confined space—practically a tour of the "Teio Basement" itself.

Mizuno shivered at the thought.

Making matters worse, Luck was currently offline due to exhaustion from lack of energy.

[I'm starving...and sleepy...]

[Mizuno-dono, I can't hold on anymore. I'm taking a nap. Be careful.]

[(Luck is now offline.)]

Great. Now even my early-warning system is down.

But if he didn't finish this mission, Luck might never wake up.

Summoning every ounce of caution, Mizuno crept up to the dormitory entrance, carefully peeking inside.

The hallway was silent. Sitting at the entrance was a handsome, princely-looking Uma Musume—Fuji Kiseki, the dorm supervisor.

Currently, Fuji Kiseki slumped limply in a chair, eyes vacant, her expression completely lifeless.

Observing her briefly, Mizuno confirmed she wasn't sick, just deeply depressed over something unrelated to him. She lay there, utterly deflated, like an elderly man giving up on life.

Not knowing why she was so down but certain it had nothing to do with himself, Mizuno crouched low, quietly sneaking past her.

The stealthy passage was a success—Fuji Kiseki remained oblivious as he slipped safely through.

Even though Mizuno wore the [Doctor's Outfit], rendering him essentially invisible anyway...

"Alright, next step: find Tokai Teio." Mizuno headed upstairs.

Shortly after Mizuno left, Fuji Kiseki weakly turned over, murmuring:

"Three Goddesses… please grant me your guidance again…"

...

Upon reaching the upper floor, Mizuno suddenly remembered another crucial issue.

Which room is Tokai Teio's?

Mizuno had no idea.

Going upstairs without knowing Teio's room number—this was embarrassingly foolish.

Should I ask Mejiro McQueen? She probably knows... But wouldn't a guy asking for a girl's room number make me look like a pervert?

Just as Mizuno puzzled over how to solve this dilemma, a door opened down the hallway, and three Uma Musume emerged.

He immediately recognized them.

They were none other than Haru Urara, Rice Shower, and King Halo.

As Teio's close friends, they'd clearly just finished visiting her.

"Teio, we're leaving now~ Remember to rest well!"

After bidding farewell to the bedridden Teio, the three Uma Musume left.

Oh, so that's Tokai Teio's room.

Mizuno mentally noted the crucial intel.

He decided to wait for Rice Shower and the others to leave before sneaking in.

The trio approached, and as they passed Mizuno—who stood flattened against the wall—Rice Shower suddenly paused.

"Onii-sama?" Rice Shower tilted her head, puzzled by the sight of Mizuno.

Why would Onii-sama be in the girls' dorm?

Could Onii-sama actually be a pervert?

Rice Shower immediately shook her head.

No way! Onii-sama is so gentle! He could never be a pervert!

Perhaps she'd just missed him so much, she was seeing illusions...

Suddenly, Rice Shower vividly recalled Mizuno holding her that day, gently touching her ears and tail...

"Uwah!" Her face flushed bright red as she hurriedly covered it and dashed off.

"Eh? Rice-chan, wait for me~!" Not understanding why Rice Shower had abruptly fled, Haru Urara quickly followed.

"Geez, Urara-chan, no running in the hall!" King Halo chased after the two.

This is my chance!

Mizuno swiftly silenced his phone and dashed into Tokai Teio's room.

Inside, besides Tokai Teio lying weakly in bed, Mejiro McQueen was present. Another small, adorable orange-haired Uma Musume—Teio's roommate, Mayano Top Gun—was also there.

Mejiro McQueen knelt gently beside Tokai Teio's bed, tenderly stroking her hair.

"Teio, is there anything you'd like to eat? I'll get it for you."

"I...want Trainer-san's honey drink..." Teio answered in a hoarse whisper.

"Alright, I'll go find him now. You rest and sleep well in the meantime, okay?"

"Mmm..."

After reminding Teio once more to rest, McQueen stood up and quietly left.

As the door closed, only three remained in the room.

Ah… This really makes me look like a pervert, doesn't it?

"Teio-chan, how are you feeling now?" Top Gun asked anxiously, dark circles prominent under her eyes.

Since Teio caught a cold from the rain yesterday, Top Gun had tirelessly cared for her without rest. Now she was utterly exhausted.

Seeing Top Gun's exhaustion, Teio forced a weak smile.

"Don't worry, I'm Tokai Teio, the future undefeated Triple Crown champion. It's just a little cold—I'm feeling much better already. Go get some sleep; after a nap, I'll be fine."

"Alright… I'll rest for a bit..." Top Gun yawned deeply.

"If you need anything, just wake me up, okay?"

"Mm." Teio nodded feebly.

Top Gun gently changed the wet towel on Teio's forehead before collapsing into her own bed, quickly drifting into sleep.

"Haah…haah…cough cough…" Once Turbo was asleep, Teio started gasping softly, suppressing her coughs.

Top Gun didn't realize, but Mizuno immediately understood.

Teio had pretended to feel better so the exhausted Top Gun wouldn't worry. In truth, she was still suffering greatly.

If one removed the intimidating "Teio Basement General" filter, Tokai Teio was just a kind-hearted little girl, deeply considerate of others' feelings.

Does just being near her really help?

Leaning quietly against the door, Mizuno waited to see if his mere presence could actually dispel her misfortune energy and speed her recovery.

After a short while, he noticed Teio's strained expression gradually relaxing, her breathing growing steadier.

It really does work! Mizuno thought, genuinely surprised.

Understanding now, he realized he just had to stay here as a human heater until Teio's condition improved.

Given the rapid improvement he'd just witnessed, Mizuno figured he wouldn't have to wait too long.

However, just staring at a sleeping Teio wasn't an option—it was undeniably creepy—so Mizuno sat cross-legged and began reading a book to pass the time.

About ten minutes later, Tokai Teio, still asleep, suddenly twitched her nose.

A faint, sweet honey scent lingered in the air.

Did McQueen bring the honey drink already?

Anticipating eagerly, Teio slowly opened her tired eyes and glanced towards the doorway.

But there was no Mejiro McQueen.

Instead, she saw a figure in black clothing sitting quietly on the floor in the corner.

"Eh? Trainer-san?"