The Decisive Racetrack

The Decisive Track

Almond Eye did not fully understand what it meant to "run her own race."

But her long-term training had taught her exactly what kind of stride frequency and rhythm suited her best.

More importantly, she faintly sensed that the seniors she had been watching most closely—Senior Oguri Cap and the others—seemed completely unmoved by the fierce battle for position ahead.

In her perception, they were merely maintaining their own rhythm, steadily staying toward the rear as though patiently waiting for the right moment.

Since even her seniors had made no move, perhaps—now was not a good time to fight for position.

With that thought, she instinctively chose to follow their example.

Now, it seemed that had undoubtedly been the right decision.

The opponents who had desperately surged ahead at the start had visibly slowed down by now. She could even hear their somewhat ragged breathing; clearly, their reckless sprinting earlier had drained too much of their stamina.

And as the leading pack collectively slowed due to waning stamina, she—just happened to be in an ideal late-run position.

This accurate judgment of how the race was unfolding made Almond Eye feel even more at ease about the current situation.

At the same time, it filled her with deeper admiration for the insight and experience of those legendary seniors ahead, along with a powerful yearning.

Even after being retired for so long, was their control over the race still this formidable—?

Then defeating them—really would not be so easy.

But—it was not as though she had no chance at all!

Her spirits rose. Almond Eye's ears twitched slightly as they caught every faint footfall and breath around her, while her eyes swiftly swept over the track ahead.

The field had stretched into a long line, like an exhausted giant