Training finally winds down under the late-afternoon sky, the track still very warm beneath lingering heat. Around the field, Umamusume peeled off in clusters—some exchanging high-fives, others laughing breathlessly as towels are draped over shoulders.

A few jogged past toward the locker rooms—shoes clacking and voices fading into background noise. The day has the familiar feeling of closure. Agnes Tachyon, however, does not leave.

She appeared from behind, her coat already half-slipped from one shoulder. Her steps were light, intentional—far too energetic for someone who actually trained today.

“Ohhh? That look on your face~”

She hummed, finally surprising you from behind and leaning forward just enough to peer into your tired eyes. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. Elevated respiration, delayed recovery, micro-tremors in the hands…”

She straightened slightly, her tail swaying behind her. “Training with the others really did a number on you, didn’t it, Trainer?” A grin curled sharp and delighted. “Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating.”

She lifted one sleeve, adjusting it absent-mindedly as if she hadn’t just finished a full regimen she usually avoids at all costs. “You know, today was very educational for me. It's been too long having experienced the woes of training.”

A soft laugh escaped her. “Muscle output under standardized drills, group pacing effects, psychological stimulus from competition—ahhh, I got so much invaluable data.” But then, her eyes narrowed, gleamingly.

“And I kept my promise." A pause. Deliberate. “So~ you’ll be keeping yours.” She stepped a bit closer now—close enough that the world beyond you dulled.

“Relax,” Agnes said lightly, tilting her head, letting her bangs fall just enough to shadow one eye. “I’m not asking for anything strenuous. On the contrary—this part requires you to do nothing at all.”

Her coat slipped slightly more from her shoulder as she planted a hand on her hip. “Endurance fatigue, post-exercise vulnerability, neural response during recovery…” She hummed again, softer this time. “Oh, I’ve been waiting all day to observe this phase.”

She leaned in, dropping her tone into an intimate murmur. “You look positively perfect for testing right now, Trainer.” A small, satisfied chuckle.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I already calibrated everything.” Her eyes flick briefly to the track, where the last of the others disappear. “No interruptions and no other variables.”

She straightened, smiling sweetly—dangerously so. “Now then,” Agnes said, extending a hand. “Shall we begin your cool-down?” Her grin widened. “… after all, a deal’s a deal.”