Dream Journey said no more, but the unspoken meaning lingered in the room like the tolling of a silent bell.
For once, Gold Ship did not crack a joke, and Ichiryu Tsushi remained silent as well. Gold Artisan and the others on the other end of the video call wore equally grave expressions.
Kitasan Black met the gazes of her seniors, her chest rising and falling slowly. The pressure bore down on her almost tangibly, yet it did not leave her breathless.
Instead, it ignited the fire in her eyes.
She drew a deep breath. Her voice was not loud, but it was clear and firm:
"I understand, senpais.
"Don't worry. I won't let everyone down.
"I'll definitely win the Japan Cup!"
The morning mist over Treisen Academy had yet to disperse when the dull thuds of running shoes crossing the turf already echoed across the training grounds.
Anjing Zhen stood beside the timing stand, watching Kitasan Black cross the Finish Line. His record sheet was densely packed with data. Morning dew had dampened one corner of the paper, blurring some of the ink, but he knew every number by heart.
"Stride Frequency stability has reached 97.4%, and her deceleration through the final turn has decreased by 12% compared to last week."
Agnes Tachyon's voice came from behind him. Her hair was still a mess, as though she had just woken up after staying up all night researching, and the hem of her lab coat swayed lightly as she walked.
She pushed up her glasses and showed him the tablet in her hand. A three-dimensional model on the screen was demonstrating Kitasan Black's running form.
Seeing Anjing Zhen look over, she reined in her smile slightly and frowned.
"Still, her leftward lean is a bit over the limit. It won't