This event was different from before. He hadn't lost consciousness or jumped through time. The continuity was strong; in the blink of an eye, these people had "come to life."
Luo Cheng usually distinguished the two worlds as "Real" and "Game," but in truth, they might just be two different modes of the same world: reality with human consciousness, and the system-controlled world.
With this thought, he found Agnes Tachyon and explained his theory. He asked her about his recent behavior from her perspective; the result was more or less the same.
"So now we should research how I can prove I am not a game character as you say," Tachyon said.
How could a game character prove they aren't one? Perhaps the proof itself was part of the character's setting. Like human "fate"—the act of resisting fate is itself part of fate. Such philosophical questions were beyond them.
"But that is no reason to give up. The world always operates according to 'Rules' and 'Methods.' Wherever you are, these two always hold true."
Luo Cheng nodded, then asked, "Tachyon, is there anything you like?"
"Something I like? Is that the key to your 'return'?" she quickly deduced.
"Yes."
Luo Cheng suspected that the condition for triggering a random event was talking about something a horse girl liked. Fishing was Sky's favorite activity; if he talked about what other girls liked, he might trigger more events.
Tachyon thought for a moment. "Black tea and sugar. I like those two well enough, but I don't think it's that simple. If the condition was just talking, you would have discovered it sooner. There must be a trigger—their behavior, what they're doing, or what they want to do. Since you're a 'ghost' in that world, you should observe them closely, Guinea Pig-kun."
In Tachyon's memory, Luo Cheng had come to her room yesterday too. She had explained her research results to him, and then today he said he had "returned." From an outsider's perspective, he was suffering from mental dissociation, unable to tell where he was or what he was doing. Tachyon thought so too, but she didn't accept it as the only answer. she liked to grab the "impossible" option and study it.
Beyond her unique brain, there was another reason.
After thanking her, Luo Cheng left. Once he was gone, Tachyon drank her tea, set the cup down, and walked to the table. The angle of the table corner was just right.
Why am I like this? Tachyon clutched her chest. Her heart was hammering.
Rustle, rustle... Half an hour later, the subtle sounds finally stopped. Tachyon returned to her seat and let out a long sigh, the flush on her face fading. To think it would be like this... Even she was surprised by the depth of her desire for the Guinea Pig. After resting for a few minutes, she prepared to resume her experiments. But first, she had one more important task: go back to her room and change her clothes.
Meanwhile, Luo Cheng was searching the internet for fishing knowledge. If the trigger was linked to the girls' interests, he needed to know what they liked. If he found the pattern, he could return to reality whenever he wanted. Today it was Sky; tomorrow it could be Teio.
He wondered if only his own horse girls could trigger events. If so, he needed to sign more contracts. Uma Musume were raised one by one anyway; their attributes barely grew unless you entered their story mode, so signing multiple girls wouldn't hinder their growth.
Let's do it! Luo Cheng took out his phone and contacted Manhattan Cafe. Using the event time, he intended to sign several more girls.
Soon, the black figure arrived. she took off her shoes, her pale thighs peeking out between her stockings and skirt. Walking up to Luo Cheng, Cafe clasped her hands obediently behind her back.
"Trainer... you called?"
"Cafe, I'm 'back'."
"I see. I just ran here from the dorms. Please let me take a shower, or I'll smell."
"Wait, that's not why I called you." Cafe blinked, looking confused. "Cafe, you like looking at stars, right?"
"Yes... in truth, I like the night. I love the quiet atmosphere."
"Cafe, you always call me Trainer, but I'm not officially yours yet. So, if you're willing, would you sign a contract and become my horse girl?"
The moment he said the words, Cafe's eyes widened, and a gentle smile appeared on her porcelain face. "Trainer, I too have wanted to be yours. Not... not just your horse girl. I want to be your only, most important existence." Cafe approached him with an imposing air, the man's face reflected in her golden eyes. "Please enter into a soul contract with me. Let us... stay by each other's side forever."
"Okay..." Luo Cheng swallowed. The signing process with Cafe felt heavy—like signing a marriage certificate. she solemnly wrote her name and handed him the form.
"When can I start training under you?"
"As soon as I submit the form. Oh, and Cafe—my experience isn't great. If there are problems with your training, tell me. Especially your bonus—it's 30% to Stamina, even though you don't really need that much. Tell me if it feels wrong."
"Stamina... 30%?" Cafe nodded, confused. "I understand. I will make up for what you lack, Trainer. We will grow together." she took his hand, pressed it to her face, and gently nuzzled it. "Trainer's scent... is wonderful." she nibbled his fingertip. "Now... I am yours."
A moment later, the rich aroma of coffee filled the room.
────────────────────────────────────────
Support me here: https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Spring Sale Special – 20% OFF!
Uma Musume: Inside the Game (40 Chapters – Ongoing)
Join the journey and become part of the story!
────────────────────────────────────────