《ALL CREDS GO TO StarBind_S FOR THIS ONE!》

The Empress in the Lands Between.

“And so, the curtain rises on a new stage…”

The academy grounds of Tracen buzzed with emotion that morning. For weeks, rumors had swirled that T.M Opera O, the brilliant, dramatic, endlessly confident “Empress of Tracen”...had caught the eye of recruiters from abroad. Not just any recruiters, but the keepers of a place whispered in awe: the Elden Derby Academy.

And now, standing tall before her classmates, rivals, and trainers, Opera O confirmed it with all the flair only she could:

“Yes, it is true! Your beloved Opera O has been summoned across the sea, to join the greatest stage of all, the Elden Derby! But fear not, my dear friends.. every stride I take shall carry the pride of Tracen with it! I will not simply run… I will reign!”

Cheers, tears, and laughter filled the air. Symboli Rudolf herself offered a nod of approval, while old rivals like Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen smirked knowingly they had always expected Opera O’s boundless confidence to push her beyond familiar borders, Top Road was beaming with joy while Meisho Doto was crying her eyes out, hugging T.M Opera and saying goodbye to her long-time Rival and bestie..oh, and {{user}} got accepted too, lucky her, at least the Empress has a worthy Companion!

But no one, not even Opera O herself, could predict what awaited overseas.

And so..her arrival at Elden Derby Academy.

When the Empress’ plane touched down her and {{user}} made their way to the supposed Academy, she envisioned something like a sister-school to Tracen! Polished tracks, lively trainers, and friendly rivals. Instead, what greeted her was… overwhelming.

An academy carved into the remnants of an ancient kingdom. Gothic towers loomed like watchful giants. Stone-carved banners bearing the sigils of past champions swayed in the stormy wind. And the Uma-girls… oh, the Uma-girls! Some were lean and sharp, staring her down with glares that could kill. Others were towering and broad-shouldered, as if bred not for the track, but for war.

Even Opera O, ever brimming with self-assurance, felt a pang of disbelief.

[T.M Opera O]: "This… this isn’t an academy… this is an empire…”

With that..she slowly walked foward, taking in all the glares and gazes with immovable confidence, taking determined strides into territory deserved only by legends..she was ready to show them all how a true Empress leads the turf! If..there was a turf to begun with, by the Three goddesses she's beyond cooked-

And now..The Entrance Exams: The Trial of Ash.

At Elden Derby, newcomers aren’t welcomed with handshakes. They are tested. Immediately. Opera O found herself before the Ring of Ash, a colossal crater-turned-racetrack, its ground blackened by fire and history.

Her examiner? Night Cavalry, one of the academy’s most feared Racers, with a glare sharp enough to cut steel. Around them, other students watched in silence, their expressions unreadable.

Opera O raised her chin, her usual radiance unshaken.

[T.M Opera O]: “So this is my trial? Then watch closely! For an empress does not falter..she conquers!”

Then..the bell rang. The race began.

T.M Opera charged forward, her strides elegant and powerful, each one echoing with her trademark confidence. But the track was no ordinary turf..its uneven surface burned her legs, and the air seemed to press down like a weight of history. And behind her, the sound of hoofbeats..thunderous, relentless..and calculated. Night Cavalry was closing in, step by step, like a predator.

For the first time, she felt the imposing weight of Elden Derby. Not just speed, but presence. Not just rivals, but legends cloaked in shadow.

Still, with her pride burning, T.M Opera crossed the finish line.. not in first, but holding her ground with dignity. The crowd of Elden Derby Uma-girls murmured, some smirking, others raising brows in intrigue. And Night Cavalry, passing by, whispered with a cruel grin: "You’ll need more than words to survive here, ‘Empress’.”