Chapter 208

Dance, a performing art.

It is also a sacrificial rite.

In the banquet displaying vigor and abundance, young men and women offer tribute to ancestors or deities with cheers and dance.

Even before becoming deities, the three goddesses once paid homage to thunder and storm in the same manner.

The victor's stage may be a remnant of a simplified ritual, part of the horse girls' ascension process, to awaken the radiance etched into their souls from the moment of their birth.

——《Analysis of the Development of Horse Girl Races》

At the rear stage of the Canaan racecourse, the soaring Ilaro melody is being unleashed.

As the Takarazuka Memorial champion Tony Bianca is an Ilaro-region horse girl, she naturally listed the Ilaro region's piece on the entry list as her victory ode, but this caused the two Jidong-region horse girls accompanying her dance to feel embarrassed.

Fortunately, it was only embarrassment.

After all, the second-place Mejiro McQueen and third-place Golden City are horse girls who never missed dance class.

Though somewhat unfamiliar with the Ilaro-style dance music, it wasn't to the point of being a mistake.

The mistakes were made by some of the more peripheral backup dancers.

The lighting technician can always save the scene, but if you insist on staring at those who mess up in the dim light, there's nothing to be done.

For example, the Qianming representative who stared at the stage edge and laughed loudly obviously recalled her own past experience of singing "heats" on the victor's stage.

At that time, she also caught the backup dancers off guard, though she herself was having a blast.

Of course, she's still having a blast now.

Just now she was greeting Maruzen Sukī: "Maruzen, I think I can go find that Tony underclassman later to chat!"

Then she slapped the shoulder of Miura Bourbon: "Bourbon, look over there at those two, hahaha!"

At this moment Ailisuzhi intervened, pulling Miura Bourbon back: "Bourbon, ignore her, focus on the stage."

Although I'd be happy to see the cyber horse girl's mechanical grammar improve, letting the 'mechanical guinea pig' I favor be led astray by that troublesome senior is absolutely out of the question.

At this point Ailisuzhi's attitude was naturally firm, which made Miura Bourbon tilt her head and say: "Suzi team member, you're a bit like a master."

She recalled that tug on the track back then; the trainer was likewise firm, preventing her from colliding with Tamamo.

Of course, the mere chatterbox m-volume isn't as dangerous as Tamamo running full tilt, but in Ailisuzhi's eyes it might not be so safe.

"I'll think you're scolding me," the researcher said speechlessly, glancing at the mechanical guinea pig that suddenly uttered such words, "You should be watching the stage; I recall your dance classes are seriously biased?"

"Confirmed, skilled in dance: mechanical dance."

"... You're also quite good at raising the difficulty for the backup dancers, and what song is the mechanical dance?"

"Not yet confirmed."

"Guinea pig-kun's training plan still needs some tweaking..."

——

"Singing and dance training, well, for this kind of plan, aside from letting the horse girls strive on their own, there's really no other option; the trainer can't possibly sing and dance with the horse girls, right? Ah, singing is possible though."

At the exit of the Canaan racecourse, Aomo was walking together with Xiqí Feng and Dazhenhan.

Although Zhouri Ningjing said something about having Aomo take over, looking eager to leave, he knew it was just hot air—how could the Ura Association's Zhouri committee not keep an eye on the prisoner?

Right now Qianming hasn't come either; a problem that could be settled in one go doesn't need to be so complicated.

However, Miss Dazhenhan's current state is not calm; her greeting upon first meeting when the group converged was somewhat offhand, clearly preoccupied, so he also didn't feel comfortable bringing up the topic of True Person Dongzi.

At present, during the victor's stage segment performance, he brought up this training, hoping to dilute the heavy and stagnant atmosphere.

However, speaking of singing and dancing, Aomo's arrangements for the two horse girls weren't quite as meticulous.

Just as most people inside and outside the industry don't really emphasize the "victor's stage" segment, Aomo is among them.

Horse girls' popularity and pursuits lie in running; as for getting on stage to sing and dance… horse girls all take the idol route—what's good about the idol route?

The good thing is that ability can be compensated for by looks, cuteness, handsomeness, and the like!

Although nowadays average looks are high, horse girls still have an edge in being all-natural—provided you don't treat the horse soul plus the three goddesses' blessings as a processing step.

And under such preferential treatment, many trainers and horse girls don't pay much attention to this segment.

This results in the obvious current state of disparity in song-and-dance ability among horse girls.

As for this, Xiqí Feng's view is:

"How can we not do it together!! It's just singing and dancing!!!"

Aomo: 6

As the image spokesperson for trainer Prince Xiqí, his speech is just tough!

Aomo recalls that he indeed once performed related talent displays on variety shows, which is probably part of an artist's professional competence.

Then it's indeed that you're stronger, Aomo thought silently.

Seeing his reaction somewhat bland, Xiqí Feng added: "Don't underestimate the victor's stage—aren't you researching the ascetics' cultivation?"

"?"

Aomo looked surprised; indeed he had brought up a bit of importance, while glancing at the dazed Dazhenhan nearby.

"How so? Is that rumor true?"

Regarding the rumor that horse girls all walk the path of ascetic cultivation, it says that racing itself is cultivation, and the victor's stage is a sacrificial rite—this itself has never actually been proven; Aomo had paid some attention before, but he wasn't particularly concerned.

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"It's indeed true; Deep once received the three goddesses' blessings on the victor's stage of the Satsuki Sho."

"——!"

Ben, who had been looking elsewhere, suddenly saw Dazhenhan lift her head, while the two trainers also turned to look at the woman standing ahead on the road.

True Person Dongzi, and besides her, Zhouri Ningjing leaning against the vehicle.

The latter seemed rather impatient.

But the one who spoke was the former, and she even added another explanatory sentence:

The factor liberation of Uma Musume is not limited to becoming official; each time they perform on the winner's stage, it will further deepen their growth.

Indeed, that's the case...

…?

Beside him, Xī Qífēng made a "I knew it" gesture with a fist-palm, causing Aomo's brow to twitch.

"So you're not sure?" he couldn't help asking in a low voice.

"This is life experience I discovered and summed up myself!" Xī Qífēng also said softly, carrying a bit of dissatisfaction at being questioned by his juniors.

Why are they speaking softly?

Just as the somewhat impatient Zhouri Ningjing didn't scold Aomo on sight, everyone felt some reservation, wary of the one standing beside Xī Qífēng who was now slowly stepping forward—Dazhenhan.

At that moment, Aomo silently stepped back, just as Zhouri Ningjing also rose and slightly increased the distance.

The only difference was that, while retreating, Aomo also raised his hand and gently pushed Xī Qífēng.

Having once been acquainted with True Person Dongzi and now serving as Dazhenhan's current trainer, you may opt not to join the conversation, but you cannot completely avoid us like we do, Trainer Xī Qífēng—

——In Xī Qífēng's astonished turn, Aomo tried to convey that meaning with his gaze.

How much could be conveyed, in fact, was not something to expect.

But Aomo felt this senior should at least have adequate emotional intelligence, knowing to stay beside or behind Miss Dazhenhan.

Seeing that the other party indeed did not retreat, Aomo himself instead made a slight detour.

He turned to Zhouri Ningjing's side.

Next, he casually set up a soundproof zone and asked, "How was the ruling?"

Zhouri Ningjing clearly had not yet gotten over the displeasure from the earlier communication; she gave him a displeased glance, then looked far down the deserted street and sighed:

"'Infringing on privacy rights results in compensation; seriously endangering public safety carries a one-year prison sentence.'"

"'Really lenient, it sounds like only one monster's R&D is illegal.'"

"'Yeah, the R&D of that negative-energy monster is also legal; we can only dig up that she once had illegal research in her past.'" The black-haired Uma Musume said coldly.

It was clear her mood was at rock bottom.

Considering whether his own contribution in this was major or unknown, Aomo should have stayed silent, yet he still spoke up:

"'Are the procedures for the Uma Musume who underwent the experiments all legal?'"

"'Forty-two, only three are non-compliant,' Zhouri Ningjing answered, 'The HR department has admitted guilt there, and the project team here has been dealt with leniently.'"

"'Only three...'"

"'The recruitment benefits are very generous—aside from pay, there's follow-up medical care for mental health; for students it's indeed quite attractive,' Zhouri Ningjing said, sighing again, 'Even a girl under my command took part in it—truly foolish.'"

"'They never considered how they'd be viewed once word got out that they helped create monsters.'"

Is this why she wanted to settle privately? No, perhaps it's also the consideration of the Xiangzheng family; even though Zhouri Ningjing despises the Xiangzheng family, she largely agrees on suppressing this matter.

Aomo speculated, but did not ask directly.

Asking about the case was enough; such talk remained within what the other could tolerate, but bringing up oneself was another matter.

She is extremely averse to being understood through one's own speculation—Aomo also has this self-awareness.

As for whether to ask, using the excuse "I could look after you a bit," if she is a student from the central…

Or maybe just forget it; Aomo turned his head to look into the distance.

The soundproof barrier works both ways; Aomo couldn't hear their exchange either, only able to see that the conversation among the three seemed relatively calm—uh, a misjudgment.

Aomo saw a visible, colorless yet tangible clash of mental sparks between the two; in demon vision it would be even clearer.

Also, as he switched, he saw one side's defense broken, and immediately Dazhenhan rushed forward with a jio.

Truly utterly simple and pure, it made Aomo turn to Zhouri Ningjing and ask, "What's the medical standard of the prison she's been assigned to?"

Zhouri Ningjing, who felt no pity for her, nonetheless did not hide her regret: "She won't die anyway; the medical resources in the Junction Gate District have a specialized focus."

Whether it's Uma Musume who occasionally develop problems in training or competition, or personnel who suffer internal or external injuries from contact with Uma Musume—all can be trained into the corresponding medical professionals, which could also be called a kind of 'natural selection'.

"'But this isn't Jinnan City, is it?' Aomo said with a subtle expression, 'Looking at where that kick landed and the reaction, it feels like at least two ribs are broken.'"

Although his combat experience isn't rich, he, who always has abundant injury diagrams and explanatory videos, couldn't help recalling that tense period.

Although there are no test papers to burn, who isn't ecstatic after a test from the relief?

"'Isn't she an Ascendant? She won't die; even if she only has a breath left, she can be pulled back,' Zhouri Ningjing mocked, 'By the way, you seem quite concerned about that guy.'"

"'We always need something to say to get through this awkward time; if we don't mention her, do you want me to bring up that old lady?'"

Seeing Zhouri Ningjing immediately raise her eyebrows, Aomo added:

"'She left the Saichang with our batch earlier; she must have had some urgent matter…'"

"'Which direction? Let's go check!' she said, full of enthusiasm."

"'?' That reaction slightly exceeded Aomo's expectations."

He had expected the other party to be on guard, or perhaps angrily grab his collar to pull them apart.

After all, Zhouri Ningjing's demeanor before him always seemed like a raging flood beast.

But the opponent now seemed to have taken on the mantle of Moses, daring to charge toward the great waves.

What exactly…… is their relationship?