After looking back at Satono Diamond, Anjing Zhen quickly organized his thoughts.
Rather than offering comfort, he continued from his earlier analysis:
"You weren't wrong about Little Kita. Stamina is indeed her strength, and sustained acceleration over long distances is also one of the standard instructions I would give her.
"But simply knowing that is nowhere near enough.
"I mean, only understanding an opponent at that superficial level is far from enough."
As he spoke, his tone grew more earnest, even carrying a hint of severity:
"Without any false modesty, Little Kita's stamina reserves and ability to control the pace are among the best of all active Horse Girls.
"No, even compared to Horse Girls throughout history, she might not fall short by much.
"More importantly, she can now flexibly adjust her Running Style according to the race situation and her opponents' condition.
"Just like that race earlier. She most likely noticed your targeted pursuit, so she played along and gave you a test."
Though she was still immersed in her complicated emotions, Satono Diamond heard that Anjing Zhen was saying something important and hurriedly composed herself, focusing again.
"A test?"
She asked in confusion, unable to stop herself from looking at her elder sister.
"What kind of test?"
Satono Crown had also looked somewhat puzzled, but her gaze flickered before realization dawned on her.
"It was... a test of how we would respond to a Great Escape?"
"That's right."
Anjing Zhen nodded approvingly.
"Or, more precisely, it tested how you would react to sudden changes in the race situation.
"Essentially, every race is like this. The situation can change in an instant.
"I said earlier that Diamond classmate's choice was perfectly conventional. Under normal circumstances, there would be nothing wrong with it.
"But in a rapidly changing race, this