King Halo's story

Gosh, I've already said this a million times!

I do have talent! I'm going to prove it at the tryouts and procure myself a first-rate trainer! If you don't believe me...

Then there's nothing more I have to say to you. Goodbye!

Sigh... Geez, doesn't she know that I don't have time to talk on the phone right now...

Aaah! Wh-who are you? A stalker?!

Oh, is that so? Well then, excuse me. But consider yourself lucky that you were able to catch me by surprise. It's a rare sight, so let's call it even.

...Hey, what's with the face? Do you not understand how grateful you should be right now?

Don't tell me... Do you not know who I am?!

My goodness me, what a travesty! We mustn't waste any time, follow me!

All right everyone, assemble!

Okaaay!

What's happening, King?

Who's this?

A new trainer. But for some reason, this person has no idea who I am! Isn't that just absolutely tragic?

That's why it's time for a proper introduction!

You got it!

Hehe, that's what I like to hear! Let's begin!

What's my name?

King!

What am I?

A winner!

How's my future?

Bright and beloved!

That's right! For I am the one and only...

King Halo!

...Hey, what's with that empty look on your face? Where's my applause?!

I just went out of my way to do a whole self-introduction for you! You should be crying tears of joy while clapping!

Indeed it was. I'm sure the introduction has told you all that you need to know, that the elegant, charming, and dignified King is a first-rate racer.

Surely now you understand the sheer magnificence, the intelligence, and the expectations that I embody. And how it's only natural for the entire school to be captivated by me?

What?! How could that possibly have flown over your head? You... good-for-nothing!

Geez... Very well, once more from the top! Everyone, get in your positions!

But King, shouldn't you get going soon?

Yeah, didn't you say you were going to be training with the others today to prepare for the tryouts?

...Ah.

Pant, pant... Ohohoho! I'm sure you were all dying to see me! Ohoho... Cough.

Well, well, if it isn't King. Did you sprint all the way here just to make it in time? Take a little break and catch your breath, okay?

As if I need a break! There are more important things right now. Look around you, all these trainers have gathered here to observe my prowess!

Rest is for the weak! Ohohoho!

Well... You do you, I suppose.

Hey, King! I'm glad you came too. I was about to start training. Do you want to join?

Of course! Sky, come with us too. I'll give you the honor of eating my dust!

Okay! Last one there bites the dust!

Hey! No cheating!

What, are we starting already?! Wait for me!

Haha, well if it isn't the trickster Seiun Sky, the hard-working Special Week, and the well-to-do King Halo.

They certainly have their own quirks! I'm excited to see how those three will perform in the tryouts!

Ohohoho! Everyone, bear witness to how a first-rate racer runs!

It looks like you're in a good mood today, King!

Indeeeed I am! I'm feeling fully recharged and confident in my preparations!

By the end of today, every trainer will be fighting over me, for I plan to make a bold statement in all 12 races!

Whaaat? You're going to run in all 12 races?!

Why, of course. The more races I participate in, the higher my chances of getting scouted become!

Hmm, wait a second... I thought you get disqualified if you sign up for more than one race.

...What?

N-no one told me that!

Well, she certainly has made an impression already.

Given her mother's background as a legendary first-rate racer, she certainly has a lot to live up to. Let's see if she inherited those skills!

The 1600-meter turf race has officially kicked off! What kind of performance will we see today from our contestants?

The race is off to a bit of a slower start. The front is starting to bunch up!

Pant, pant, pant...

King Halo has made her way to the middle of the pack! But she's in a tough spot, the path forward is blocked!

Tch... You all have some real guts getting in my way!

Hmm. Looks like King Halo keeps trying to advance, but she can't find a good position.

She's always going on about first-rate this, first-rate that, but it doesn't look like she has the substance to back up her words.

If anything, it seems like her pride and desperation are bringing her down.

Is there something wrong with King Halo? She still hasn't made her move yet! The leaders have already broken off into a sprint!

Wait, what?! They're going already?!

Aghhh! What a waste of time going at this pace!

King Halo has finally kicked into high gear! What a spectacular display of power! The gap is rapidly closing!

Of course... It's because I'm the kiiing!

Dang, she's so fast! She caught up to the front in no time! Maybe she really does have the skills!

But it's too little, too late! The leading runner is across the line! King Halo finishes in second place!

Pant, pant... Ugh.

Of course. Who do you think I am? But such results aren't befitting of me. How could I possibly finish second...

Hang on. You're the trainer from earlier, aren't you? Did you come to scout me?

Hehe, it looks like the first wave of recruiters has already arrived! Very well, I'll give you the honor of marketing yourself to me!

I'm all ears, tell me about yourself. What kind of trainer are you?

...No.

I don't care to know what you'd do for me, I want to know who you are as a person.

But given how little substance your answer contains, I'm going to have to pass.

I'm only looking for first-rate trainers. I won't settle for anyone less. Right now, you just don't have the qualities I require.

One day? And when is that exactly?

For you trainers, you can keep cycling through different racers until one of them gives you the results to call yourself "first-rate".

But it's different for us. The actual racers. We only have one chance to prove ourselves on the track.

Hey, King! Sorry to interrupt, but your phone is ringing...

Ah, is that so? Thanks for letting me know. I'll be right there.

Anyway, I'm going to take my leave now. Goodbye.

Looks like you just got dumped. Don't let it get you down though! That princess is only going to make it to G3 or G2 races at best.

Yup, she's just a small fish in the pond who's in for a rude awakening. The only thing she's got going for her is her pride. It's better to not waste time on her.

Halo! You ran really well at the tryouts! I might be one of the newer trainers, but we'd make a great team!

Rejected. A self-admitted inexperienced trainer like yourself wouldn't benefit me. Go ask someone else.

King Halo, I loved the way you ran! How about joining me? I can help you be as successful as your mother!

Rejected. I don't bask in past glory, least of all hers. Is her history all you're capable of seeing? You're unfit for me too.

Sigh... None of you are good enough. Please stop wasting my time!

Are you still thinking about that stuck-up princess? Sure, she might've inherited a bit of talent, but I wouldn't touch that personality with a ten-foot pole.

Her pride outweighs her skill. Placing 2nd in the tryouts doesn't mean she'll be able to stand her ground in the Classics.

...Well, if you say so. Don't say I didn't warn you though. Oh, speak of the devil.

Hey, King, I heard all about it. You turned down every single trainer?

Hmph, sadly no one is befitting of a first-rate racer like me.

Ahaha, you're picky as always.

But I've got good news for you! Drum roll, please... Congratulations! You've been invited to participate in the upcoming scrimmage! ♪

It's gonna be a great chance to draw lots of attention. Tons of trainers are gonna be there. What do you think?

...Wait a second. I'm pretty sure you got invited to it, not me.

Now, now, don't think too much about it. Don't you wanna race again?

...Yeah, you're right. Count me in.

I'm going to show off my skills to everyone and find the perfect trainer for me!

All right! Looks like I'll be able to skip the race then. Thanks, King!

Skip?! Wait a second, Sky! Gosh, why do you always do this?!

Pant, pant... Phew. Hah... hah... phew. Let's see my time... Hmm, not bad.

Oh... it's you again.

Sorry, if you're here to scout me again, my answer is still the same. I'm not going to accept anyone less than first-rate...

Ugh, who is it now?! I swear, people always pick the worst time to call!

...It's Mother.

...

It doesn't matter. I already know what she's going to say.

"Have you found a trainer? No? See, I told you. Give up and come back home already."

Ugh... I wish she would stop thinking she knows better than me! Just because she won a few G1 races in the past doesn't give her the right to decide my future!

When I told her I wanted to race, she completely blew up and refused to hear me out!

She kept saying things like, "The racing world isn't for the weak." and "Don't follow in my footsteps."

Worried? ...Heh, as if.

She's never paid attention to me. Not while she was still a racer, nor when she left the track and started working. And now she wants to play the role of a worried mother?

She'd insist that I have no talent, that I should give up and find something else that'll make me happy.

My happiness? My talent? Who is she to judge?!

The only person who gets to decide what I do with my life is me! That's why I'm never going to give up, no matter what!

I'm going to win and prove to her that I have the talent. I won't stop until she acknowledges that I'm also first-rate!

That's right. No matter how many times I fall, or how many people laugh at me, I'll make sure everyone knows my name.

It doesn't matter muddied I become. My head will always be held high. I will never back down.

I don't care what other people say or think of me. I am King Halo, the first-rate racer, and victory will be mine.

That's why I won't compromise when it comes to finding a trainer.

If the trainer doesn't have the same level of commitment as I do, they'll never be able to truly support me.

...I think I've spoken enough. It's time for me to continue training.

If you don't mind, I'll be taking my leave.

Wow, this place is packed with people! I'm not surprised though, Grass Wonder's going to be racing today!

The track doesn't look too good after all that rain... but I'm sure this is nothing for Grass.

Hello, King! Let's have a good race today.

I'll give you the honor of facing me, Grass! I'll show you what a first-rate running style looks like!

…So, you're here again.

Hmm... You're more stubborn than I expected.

...I don't mind though. If that's how badly you want to watch me run, then I'll give you a show! Ohohoho!

Looks like King's doing just fine.

Nyahaha, nah. I didn't have much to do today, so I'm just here to kill some time.

Anyway, looks like the race is starting. You better pay close attention. If she finds out you weren't properly looking, she'll get all upset.

Clear the way! I'm coming through!

Whoa, King Halo's charging to the front! Maybe she's good at races that require power, just like her mother?

Who knows. It's too early to say for sure yet. Let's keep watching.

Pant, pant... I will... prove that... I'm first-rate!

Oooh, this is new from King. I guess she doesn't wanna get stuck again in the middle of the pack like at the tryouts.

But her body's stiffening up under all that energy she's putting in. This always happens to her whenever she gets too pent up about something.

Ah, what a shame. If only she learned to relax and run more freely...

It's the final stretch! Look, Grass Wonder's coming!

Hnnngh!

She's a force to be reckoned with! I don't see a hint of weakness in her gait! The gap between her and King is rapidly increasing!

Hmm... Looks like Grass ended up being the star of today's show.

I always knew Grass Wonder would win.

It doesn't look like she's accepting any scouting offers right now, but I'd love to have a chat with her at the next tryouts.

Me too! As for King Halo... well, I'm sure she got a reality check after seeing today's results.

Pant, pant...

Ohohoho! Next time will be different! Get ready everyone, because you all haven't even seen my best yet!

That's right, pay careful attention! Remember my words, I am King Halo, the first-rate racer!

What?

Huh?

Umm... are you okay? Did you mistake her for Grass Wonder?

You do realize the person in front of you is King Halo, right?

Murmur...

...Hey, you.

Are you sure you have what it takes to push the boundaries of my overwhelming talent?

Are you sure you're ready to become an unstoppable force and spread my name around the world?

...Very well. Everyone here, listen up!

From this day forward, I, the first-rate King Halo, will join hands with this first-rate trainer!

Get ready because we're going to take the Twinkle Series by storm and win every race! Better grab a pair of sunglasses so you don't get blinded by our glory!

Come, Trainer. We have documents to sign!

...Honestly, why on earth did you do that?

Do you truly understand what calling yourself "first-rate" in front of everyone is going to do?

People are going to laugh at you and make fun of you behind your back. The world will crush your shoulders. But you can't take those words back.

Heh, what a dummy. You're more stubborn and clumsy than I could've ever imagined!

...But I guess it's not a bad thing.

Ah, it's Mother again...

Huh? A statement?

...Hehe. Now that's what I like to hear!

All right, I'm going to answer now. Are you ready? On three! One, two...

Hello, Mother? I have an announcement to make. No, I'm not going home. In fact, let me introduce my new trainer to you!

One! Two! Three!

Pant, pant... It still feels like I'm not hitting that last turn well. Once more, then...

Ugh, I know, I know. Don't be so impatient. No one likes being rushed.

Just let me focus for a bit longer. I stumbled in the middle of my last winning concert...

Oh, you didn't see it? Well then, my recovery must've been perfect.

But it doesn't matter if people noticed or not, a failure's a failure. I won't allow myself to make the same mistake twice.

That's what it means to be first-rate.

So please, let me go through it one more time. It's fine if we push training a bit later.

Indeed. Once more until I'm satisfied with my performance.

Hm? Did I stutter? I don't think so.

Ohohoho! Did you really think I would leave a flaw as-is? I won't move on until it's perfect!

I'll give you the honor of starting the music. Together, we will push my dancing skills to the highest level!

Okay, let's start training. Are you ready?

What do you mean? Gosh, we're fine. Relax a little bit.

Besides, I know the schedule for this course. I'm positive we've got ample time to spare.

Anyway, that's enough talk for now! Hurry up and get ready for practice already!

...It's my policy to always give it my all, whether it's dancing or training. Everything must be perfect...

Training time has ended. The course will now undergo scheduled maintenance. Students, please collect your belongings and exit quickly.

Gasp.

Ngh... A-as if I'd forget something so crucial! And besides, it's not like I have to practice at school. I can go run somewhere else.

Hmph, you can leave. Training alone isn't a big deal anyway. I'll be fine by myself!

All right, shoo...

Huh?

But I'm sure you have other things on your to-do list today. You don't have to come with...

...

W-well, you better get ready to stay for hours and hours because I'm going to keep running until I'm satisfied!

Ohohoho! That's the energy I'm looking for! I hope you're prepared!

You're late! What time do you think it is?

If I say 9 a.m., then I mean 8 a.m.! Gosh, how could you keep me waiting for a whole hour?

Making me, a first-rate Umamusume, stand alone at the back of the line...

As your punishment, you'll have to treat me to some tea before we head back. Hmph, be grateful that I'm letting you off the hook this time!

Please, I'm practically being magnanimous. Anyway, enough with the chitchat, hurry up and get in line!

There are so many people here that it might be hard to see the stage.

Of course it's popular... Perhaps you don't fully comprehend the significance of today's event, so let me enlighten you.

Today, only the finest brands will be shown. We'll see the best outfits from the best designers! Truly a first-rate experience!

The show's going to be so good that you won't even want to blink. Don't even think about looking away for a second!

Especially when it comes to...

It's almost time for the show to start, but we've barely moved forward... I can't see anything from here...

I hope they didn't make us wait all this time just to tell us that they've already reached max capacity...

Why on earth would I do that? Today's show is...

Excuse me, are you King Halo?

Ah... yes, that's right. Who might you be?

Aha, I had a feeling. I'm part of the event operations team. I wanted to say that it's been an honor to work with your mother on the show...

Ah, I see.

I'm well aware that my mother's designs are the main event and will be showcased as the grand finale.

So you're interested in her work as well? Of course, you're her daughter after all. I've heard from your mother that you've been fantastic at Tracen...

Are you sure that's what you heard?

Please, spare me the platitudes. I know well what she would say, and especially what she wouldn't. Like you said, I am her daughter.

Oh, my apologies... Well, if you'll excuse me then...

I guess he was one of my mother's acquaintances.

Hm, it looks like you've got something to say. Well, don't make me wait, just get it out already.

After my mother retired from racing, she became a professional designer for signature racewear.

It pains me to say this, but she truly embodies "first-rate". She surpasses everyone's expectations with each and every dress she makes.

Her designs are timeless, crafted with perfection for all racers. There's a lot to be learned from her work.

...Well, I suppose not all racers. She never made anything for me.

It doesn't matter though. Her talent in design didn't carry over into sewing. Honestly, she's terribly clumsy.

Despite her own shortcomings, she's always been overly competitive and vain. She's loath to show even her own daughter something less than perfect.

I remember how she bought a birthday cake for me, watched me eat it, then hid in another room to eat her own failed creation.

It's ridiculous. I wish she'd just acknowledge her weaknesses and failures.

Not at all!

Everyone, thank you for waiting! We'll now begin guiding you all to the event hall!

It's about time. Come on, let's get going.

...They better show some excellent dresses. Otherwise, I won't forgive them for making me wait so long.

And that concludes today's event. Thank you for coming. Please return home safely.

That... was... amazing! Did you see the new designs by UMADA? Oh my gosh, I love how they designed the switching skirt!

But the prettiest one was definitely...

...Never mind!

Hmph. Just you wait and see. I'm going to surpass my mother's race record in no time.

And I won't just have one signature racewear, I'm going to have a whole closet full of them!

Because I'm a first-rate racer, the one and only King Halo!

Ohohoho! I'm glad you're on the same page as me! Excellent! ♪

Let's head back to the academy now. We've got lots of planning to do for tomorrow's training schedule!

Trainer, I think I've done enough practice at the beach.

Hehehe. ♪ I guess I'll have to enlighten you.

A little bird told me about a top-secret, first-rate training area used by G1 racers!

There's supposedly a super advanced course in the forest behind our camp. I bet you're unaware of it.

Ohohoho! Of course you're unaware, it's not easy to come across this info after all! Even I was only able to find it thanks to my internet sleuthing skills.

Well, a lot of posts did warn that amateurs are in for a world full of pain, but that doesn't apply to me.

I'll handle all the planning, so don't worry! Just follow my lead!

Whaaat? King, are you really going to run in the forest tomorrow?

Yeah, why do you ask?

Are you sure it's a good idea? I heard that the course is kinda questionable...

Heh-heh, no need to fret! As a first-rate racer, I'll show you that I can run any course thrown at me!

Ohohoho! Good morning, Trainer! Today, I grant you the honor of accompanying me as I put my perfect practice plan into action!

I've prepared thoroughly for this moment.

I spent last night researching everything I could about the course. Every important place has been marked on my phone's map!

Oh please, we're in the digital age now. I don't need anything else when I've got everything on my phone.

On the other hand, it looks like you've still got lots to learn. I don't know why you brought such a heavy backpack with you.

Well, as long as I don't have to carry any excess luggage, I'm perfectly happy. All right, let's not waste any more time here! Follow me!

Phew... running on this mountain trail is exhausting. There are too many uneven areas and natural obstacles in the way.

The roads aren't paved and the humidity is way too high. I wonder what temperature it is right now... Ah, where's my cellphone...

Ahhhh! There's a b-b-bug!

T-T-Trainer! Hurry up and do something!

Pant, pant...

I-I'm okay. This isn't enough to make me give up. All right, let me check the next destination...

...Huh?

Hey, Trainer, did you happen to see my phone anywhere?

O-of course not! I'm just asking a question! A first-rate racer would never lose her phone...

Come on, think... think... Aha!

That must be it! Trainer, remember the place where that bug attacked us? We have to go back there!

I believe it was at the second rest area. Okay, that's a great start. I've got everything under control. I just need to check the GPS on my phone...

which I don't have!

I-I'm doing perfectly fine! This minor setback isn't going to faze me...

I'm gonna find my phone, I'm gonna get out of this forest, and I'm gonna go back to the camp...

Nnngh, what could you possibly be doing right now?

Wait, is that a map and a compass in your hands? And that red line... is that the road we've taken so far?

Oh my gosh, that's amazing, Trainer! With this, I'll be able to find my...

Nngh... Yes... please...

Somehow, we managed to return in one piece...

Nope, not a single scratch on me, or my phone...

But, I'm surprised by how much preparation you were able to do in such a short amount of time. I told you about the course only yesterday.

Hmph, don't let that get to your head. But I admit, it was my fault this time. I didn't do nearly enough planning.

If you hadn't brought that map and compass with you, we would've probably found ourselves in an even bigger mess.

So I'm... sorry for putting you through all of that.

...Hmph.

Since today's special, I'll give you a bit of praise. You've demonstrated traits worthy of being with a first-rate racer such as myself.

Anyway, we should review what we did today and prepare for tomorrow's forest training. This time it'll be perfect.

Of course! Who do you think I am? Words like "impossible" and "give up" don't exist in my dictionary!

Let's hurry and go back to the camp now! A first-rate trainer wouldn't dream of making me wait, right?