In an instant, an extremely complex, indescribable taste exploded in her mouth.
It felt like pineapple, melon, tomato, and... blackcurrant?
Several completely unrelated and even conflicting fruit juice flavors were crudely mixed together, likely spiked with some energy drink and soda water, creating a bizarre flavor that was sweet yet sour, sour yet astringent, and laced with a hint of pungent carbonation.
"Ugh...!"
Myriad Dreams couldn't help but gag slightly, her features scrunching together.
She managed to swallow the mouthful with great effort. "What... what on earth is this taste?! It's so weird!"
While it wasn't exactly poison, the taste certainly couldn't be called delicious. It was practically a form of torture for the taste buds.
Gold Ship proudly rattled off the recipe: "Hehe, it's pineapple juice, melon juice, 100% tomato juice, blackcurrant concentrate, plus a splash of refreshing functional energy drink and a generous amount of sparkling water!"
"Well? Quite the rich layers, right?"
Stay Gold added excitedly: "To add a touch of mystery, we also added a pinch of black pepper and some mint leaves!"
Myriad Dreams: "..."
She should have known! The Gold family's creativity never disappointed.
She quickly grabbed a glass of fresh water from the side table and downed several gulps, trying to dilute the strange sensation in her mouth.
Nakayama Festa watched from the side, shaking her head helplessly.
She whispered to Myriad Dreams, "You'll get used to it... their intentions are always so... unique."
She silently handed Myriad Dreams an unopened bottle of mineral water she had by her side.
Myriad Dreams took it gratefully, rinsed her mouth again, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Although the taste was bizarre, at least her body felt fine. She supposed she had... accepted this heavy "blessing."
Gold Ship looked at Myriad Dreams' complex expression and slapped her hard on the back (nearly knocking the wind out of her).
"Haha, you're adjusted now! That's the spirit! Once you're abroad, you need the aura to adapt to all sorts of strange situations!"
"Don't worry, little sister, with the blessing of our Gold family boosting you, you'll definitely be fine!"
Myriad Dreams gave a wry smile and nodded.
The next morning, before the sky was even light, Myriad Dreams had already packed her bags and boarded the private car to the airport.
To fully adapt to the American tracks and environment, she needed to depart a month in advance.
Sitting in the car, watching the street scenes flash by the window, her heart held a mix of anticipation for the unknown expedition and a touch of nervousness.
However, one question lingered:
'Who will be the Trainer accompanying me this time?'
Trainer Okino had to handle the crucial races for Special Week and the other Team Spica members, he definitely couldn't get away.
As for Trainer Hana, El Condor Pasa and Grass Wonder were also in a critical period of their careers.
Arriving at the international departures hall of the airport, the terminal wasn't too crowded in the early morning hours.
Myriad Dreams trailed her suitcase, her eyes searching through the crowd.
Soon, she spotted a familiar figure at the agreed meeting point.
This figure was tall, with neat short hair and that notebook she always carried.
It was Aio Kiryuin.
"Trainer Kiryuin?" Myriad Dreams walked forward, somewhat surprised.
Aio Kiryuin turned her head at the sound and nodded to her as a greeting.
Holding the passports and tickets, she spoke first in a flat tone, as if she had already anticipated Myriad Dreams' confusion:
"Myriad Dreams-san, Trainer Okino needs to focus on the race preparations for Special Week and her contemporaries, he has his hands full."
"Trainer Hana must coordinate the race schedules for El Condor Pasa, Grass Wonder, and others, making it impossible for her to leave for a long period."
She picked up her notebook and continued to explain.
"Therefore, after consideration, the Selection Committee has decided that I will temporarily serve as your Trainer and lead for this American expedition."
Myriad Dreams blinked and instinctively asked the other question on her mind.
"Then... what about Happy Meek?" She knew that Trainer Aoi usually focused primarily on Meek.
Aio Kiryuin's eyes dimmed almost imperceptibly for an instant.
Her voice remained steady, but it gained a hint of hidden somberness.
"Meek... her old ankle injury flared up during training recently. The situation is a bit more complicated than expected, she needs long-term rest and observation. She won't be able to handle high-intensity training for at least the next few months."
She looked up at Myriad Dreams and continued, "Because of that, my current schedule is relatively open. Accompanying you for a month of expedition acclimatization training is perfectly manageable in terms of time."
'So that's how it is.'
Myriad Dreams understood.
She felt a pang of worry for Meek but also recognized the reality of the situation.
Looking at Aio Kiryuin, there was no doubt about this trainer's ability— it was just that her calm, even somewhat aloof style, was the polar opposite of Okino's hot-blooded passion.
"I understand."
Myriad Dreams took a deep breath and gave Aio Kiryuin a determined smile.
"Then, for the next month, I'll be in your care, Trainer!"
Aio Kiryuin looked at Myriad Dreams' motivated expression and nodded slightly.
"Ah, likewise. I hope this month allows you to better adapt to the American racing scene."
She paused, then added, "It's about time. Let's go handle the check-in procedures."
"Yes!"
Myriad Dreams followed in Aio Kiryuin's footsteps toward the check-in counter.