WiseTL

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [60]

While Yasui Makoto sorted through race data in his temporary office, Kitasan Black sat nearby, watching race footage on his tablet.

Once finished organizing the documents, Yasui walked over to his Uma Musume and glanced down at the screen.

“Oh? Wakaba Stakes?”

“Ah? Yup.”

Lifting her eyes from the tablet, Kitasan smiled wistfully. “This time tomorrow, Gold Ship-senpai will be racing just like this, won’t she…?”

Her eyes brightened again, quickly re...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [59]

Honestly, Yasui Makoto wouldn't normally describe an Uma Musume as "problematic," but the Golden Family was truly something else…

It wasn’t that they had problems exactly—it was that each member was even stranger than the last.

For example, one had tried biting her opponents’ tails during a race, another refused to enter the gate when throwing a tantrum, another argued openly in the paddock, and yet another tried hunting down her trainer after losing…

Yet, paradoxi...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [58]

Kitasan Black didn’t truly grasp what Daiwa Scarlet meant by her “valuable mindset,” but she never doubted the words of her senpai or trainer.

If Trainer and the senpai say it’s important, there must be a reason. I just haven’t learned enough, practiced enough, or raced enough yet to fully understand.

Thus, despite not getting a clear answer from her senpai, and not pressing Yasui Makoto either, she still felt motivated throughout the rest of training.

But...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [57]

Conversely, insufficient bursts of speed also posed problems.

The conditions of a race were incredibly complex, and there were only limited moments ideal for accelerating.

If the timing wasn’t right, speeding up would consume more effort and stamina—another kind of waste. And if an initial burst was insufficient, you'd have to make up for it later, which was just as detrimental as overexertion, again risking the chance at victory.

Still, Yasui Makoto wasn't worried.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [56]

Yasui Makoto spoke in Japanese, causing Kitasan Black to jump in surprise.

“Huh? Trainer, you're speaking Japanese…”

In the next instant, her tail shot straight up in astonishment.

“So you're Trainer Yasui after all. I doubt there's another trainer as young as you, not just in Central Tracen—but in the entire industry.”

Surprisingly, the foreign woman named Kris was also speaking fluent Japanese.

Quite fluent, in fact, even with a hint of a Kantō acc...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [55]

Satono Crown was genuinely curious about Yasui Makoto.

She had watched Kitasan Black’s debut and her second race closely, even quietly listened to her family's trainers analyzing and dissecting the performances afterward.

All the trainers at home had concluded that if Yasui's debut strategy had been intentional, he was either a prodigy or being advised by an incredibly seasoned trainer behind the scenes—perhaps his father or another experienced mentor. After all, ordinary youn...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [54]

Two weeks later, on a Friday afternoon at the training field.

Standing at the edge of the track, a group of Uma Musume dressed in sports T-shirts and shorts listened attentively as their teacher held a clipboard, calling out loudly to the gathered students.

“Everyone, please make sure you review today’s practice thoroughly after class. Those of you who've already debuted, follow your trainers’ guidance first. If you find any differences between your trainer’s instructions ...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [53]

Originally, Yasui Makoto hadn’t intended to say too much. He'd planned to simply glance through Kitasan Black’s investigative notes, praise her effort briefly, and leave it at that.

But now, seeing her enthusiasm and genuine concern, he decided to be more open.

Besides, the notebook wasn’t exactly professional, but every line was earnest and meticulous, clearly imitating his own style from regular training sessions. This showed that Kitasan Black was attentive not just for t...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [52]

Receiving the little notebook, Yasui Makoto feigned confusion.

“What’s all this? Why the secrecy?”

“Hehe, you'll see once you take a look, Trainer!”

Kitasan Black eagerly wiggled her ears, her tail swaying excitedly behind her, as she clenched her fists in anticipation.

Beside her, Vodka leaned over curiously.

“Eh? What’s all this mystery about? Can I have a look?”

“Mm-hmm! Actually, senpai, I wanted your opinion on it anyway!”

“...

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: From Getting Knocked Ten Meters Away [51]

After explaining the broad outlines of his plans, Yasui Makoto refrained from giving a detailed breakdown of his training arrangements.

It wasn’t that he intended to hide anything.

In accordance with the academy’s procedures, overall training schedules—just like teachers’ lesson plans—had been submitted well in advance. More specific adjustments depended on the Uma Musume’s daily condition, making these finer points more of a post-training summary than pre-planned inst...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [95]

“So, this is Night Raid’s base?”

Standing atop the cliff and gazing down at the hidden building deep within the forest, Esdeath smiled faintly. She hadn’t expected the chance to confront Night Raid directly to come so soon.

“Your instincts truly are extraordinary, Stylish.”

Esdeath glanced appreciatively at Dr. Stylish beside her. To prevent Night Raid’s escape, Stylish had already dispatched his infantry to encircle their entire base.

As for why they had...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [94]

Clatter! Clatter! Clatter—!

The echoing sound of rubble rolling down from the ruins filled the empty, shattered space.

Suddenly, an armored hand burst forth from beneath the debris.

BOOM—!

A surge of power flung countless pieces of rubble aside, as an armored figure clutching a spear leapt upward into the air.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Sharp cracking sounds erupted from the armor, which shattered into fragments and scattered away j...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [93]

“We can’t stop him!”

Despair crept into the voice of the green-haired woman with large ears as she listened to the constant commotion below. Within this prison, nothing remained capable of stopping Emiya Shirou.

Numbers alone meant nothing before Shirou’s overwhelming combat power. Even if she tried to pile bodies upon him, there simply weren't enough to subdue someone like him.

Although the Empire had many prisoners, Dr. Stylish wasn't the only one requiring experim...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [92]

"Target has defeated Speeding Assault! I repeat, the target has defeated Speeding Assault! All soldiers proceed immediately to capture the fugitive—repeat, proceed immediately!"

The large-eared woman anxiously shouted orders. Who could have imagined that a prisoner locked up on the fifth basement level could defeat Speeding Assault so quickly?

After defeating Toby, Shirou didn't pause. Picking up the spear he'd tossed aside earlier, he sprinted down the corridor.

Normally,...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [91]

"Alert! Target has breached directly from basement level five into level four! All units, intercept immediately! The target possesses the ability to pass through floors—I repeat, the target can pass directly through floors!"

Inside a dimly lit room, a woman with bright emerald hair urgently shouted commands into a nearby device. More astonishing than the information she relayed, however, were her remarkably oversized ears, reminiscent of Dumbo—extraordinarily sensitive and seemingly...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [90]

Drip, drip, drip.

The incessant sound of water droplets echoed in Emiya’s ears, his vision blurring and consciousness flickering in and out.

All around was darkness, broken only by scattered flickers of torchlight dancing before his eyes. Occasionally, he caught glimpses of a man in a white coat drifting hazily in and out of view.

The surreal experience felt as if he were trapped inside a dream.

Caw! Caw!

A raven’s shriek jolted Emiya slight...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [89]

Shirou had long memorized Esdeath’s swordsmanship.

Much like studying a boss fight pattern, Shirou had tirelessly analyzed their battles since his second encounter with Esdeath, searching desperately for a way to defeat her.

Strength, speed, endurance, special abilities—Esdeath surpassed him in every aspect.

Even the lightning-fast Thunder Breathing couldn't match her raw speed.

But there was one area Shirou could surpass Esdeath in—technique. His Projection Mage...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [88]

From the moment Tatsumi had delivered the news, Shirou had struggled to contain his rage.

Aside from telling Shirou that his opponent was a ruthless murderer, Tatsumi had shared something else—news that ignited Shirou’s fury. Esdeath had massacred the entire Northern Tribes.

Until now, Shirou had known very little about Esdeath's recent actions.

When he returned to the Empire alongside the Three Beasts, he’d heard the common reports of Esdeath’s overwhelming victory....

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [87]

The blazing sun poured its relentless light onto the entire coliseum.

Excitement filled the stands as nobles eagerly leaned forward, bloodthirsty anticipation in their eyes. They hadn’t witnessed such thrilling carnage in ages.

Such a large-scale, brutal fight hadn’t graced the imperial arena in decades.

Executioners who had slaughtered hundreds, slaves twisted by cruelty and abuse, ambitious young fighters, notorious and reviled criminals—all had gathered on this stag...

Emiya Shirou Doesn't Want to Work Overtime [86]

Shirou himself wasn't quite sure how he'd managed to forge the blade.

From the moment he'd first raised the hammer, his awareness of the outside world faded completely. Every shred of his focus became centered solely on the piece of iron before him.

His thoughts had practically ceased; his body moved mechanically, striking the anvil rhythmically. It felt like thinking without thinking—conscious, yet empty.

Shirou entered a profoundly mystical state, oblivious to the two pe...

Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [70]

While Jean was agonizing over Mondstadt’s future, Artem was issuing new orders from the Goth Grand Hotel.

At all costs, assassinate Crepus Ragnvindr, master of Dawn Winery, and his son Diluc Ragnvindr.

The Fatui had never been ones to waste time. As soon as the order was given, Leonid led a team out to lie in wait near Dawn Winery, hoping for an opening to take Crepus’s life.

That wasn’t the end of it.
No sooner had Leonid left than Artem rattled off severa...

Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [69]

In the days that followed, no new turmoil erupted in Mondstadt City.

All the bad news came from outside the walls.

For example, Stormterror launched another assault on Ginsborough Port, destroying every merchant vessel and dealing a devastating blow to Dawn Winery.

And there was a new face leading the city’s response—a change from Grand Master Varka. The job now fell to the fifteen-year-old Dandelion Knight, Jean Gunnhildr.

The eldest daughter and heir of the Gunnh...

Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [68]

After finishing their discussion of the next steps, Dottore set out to prepare the dragon he’d brought, leaving the city to make his arrangements.

Artem returned to his room.

As soon as he entered, he saw Eula standing motionless by the window, her expression somber.

“Thinking about the Mondstadt refugees?”

From the moment they’d come back into the city, Eula had worn that same look. Even if she said nothing, Artem could more or less guess what was on her mind....

Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [67]

Staring at Boreas as he gradually faded into nothing, Artem waited expectantly.

But even after Boreas had completely vanished, there was still no trace of the “dregs of a god” he’d imagined, nor any of the usual game drops.

Boreas simply dissipated into the air—without a trace.

“…?”

Artem blinked, glancing suspiciously around the ruins, even taking a few deliberate sniffs.

Only then was he sure. There wasn’t just no residue—there was no trace of...

Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [66]

(Content warning: the chapter ends with material that may be distressing to some readers.)

With Artem and Eula working in concert, Boreas was grievously wounded by the [Glacial Seal].

Now he lay on the ground, barely breathing, his form growing more and more insubstantial. After being seared by black fire laced with a god’s power and struck by the [Glacial Seal], this body—woven of nothing but ice and wind—was on the verge of collap...

Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and the Romance System [110]

The surface of the water was inches from his face—Thomas could feel the tip of his nose already submerged. He was just about to spit out a fabricated name, anything to buy time.

But before he could get the lie out—

Allen shoved him back into the water.

This time, the submersion dragged on.

Long enough for Thomas’s lungs to flood, his chest to fill, and the soft tissues of his lungs to soak through—only then was he yanked back out.

He emerged chok...

Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and the Romance System [109]

“We were ambushed on the return trip.”

As Philip’s voice fell, Sauros visibly froze for a moment—then his face twisted.

Without warning, he lashed out and kicked Philip again.

This time, with far more force.

Philip was knocked off his feet, crashing onto the ground and bouncing slightly on impact.

Sylphy glanced toward Allen, who had remained unusually silent throughout, then hurried over to cast a healing spell on Philip.

Philip waved her off with ...

Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and the Romance System [108]

Roa City looked very much like a fortress.

Actually, that wasn't unique to Roa. Throughout the northern territories of the Asura Kingdom—even in the capital—cities were built in fortress-style layouts, a lingering architectural legacy from the Human-Demon War centuries ago.

Four hundred years ago, the Demon Race had chosen to invade from the northern edge of the Central Continent. The Asura Kingdom had been the first line of defense.

Nowadays, although that martial desi...

Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and the Romance System [107]

The sound of hooves echoed through the morning mist as the carriage rocked gently along the path to Roa.

Of the four carriages that had set out the night before, only three remained.

Given their limited numbers, losing one carriage shouldn’t have posed a problem—four people per carriage would fit just right. That was Philip’s suggestion, anyway.

But it was that exact suggestion that sparked the quarrel between Rudeus and Eris.

People tend to get emotionally volat...

Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and the Romance System [106]

“Milady?”

Bathed in the morning glow, Eris ran straight to Ghislaine, though her eyes never left the side of the beastkin swordswoman.

In her field of vision, Allen stood holding Sylphy, looking both helpless and a bit awkward as he tried to comfort her.

Eris stopped just a few paces in front of Ghislaine, her head still turned, gaze fixed to the side.

But at the sound of Ghislaine’s voice, she jerked her head around so fast it was almost like lightning had struc...