Agnes Tachyon understood clearly that Kitahara Sota didn't want anyone else to know about these secrets; otherwise, he wouldn't have disguised the whole thing as an accident.
So she deliberately kept her voice low. Leaning close enough that her breath brushed softly against his cheek, she ensured nobody else could overhear.
Watching Kitahara's changing expression, she smiled faintly, sensing checkmate.
"So, how about it? Want to reconsider becoming my trainer? I might seem carefree, but I'm actually quite strong as an Uma Musu, you know. There aren't many who can beat ."
Kitahara fell silent, mouth twitching slightly.
"You're really just looking for a guinea pig, aren't you?"
"Trainer, guinea pig—does it really matter what I call you?"
Her smile widened, clearly amused, as she pulled out a prepared docunt.
"Co now, just sign it. Don't worry; although they all say I'm reckless, I'm actually quite reasonable…"
"I refuse."
"…Eh?"
Agnes Tachyon froze.
Kitahara sighed, suddenly relaxing his tense posture.
"Go ahead, tell whoever you want. I don't care anymore."
He had completely given up.
Truthfully, he didn't want Agnes Tachyon to spread his secrets around. But even that risk seed preferable to becoming her trainer under threat.
On the surface, accepting Agnes Tachyon's offer might seem like the smart choice—but who knew what bizarre things she'd force him into afterward?
One wrong step could lead to endless regret. Rather than sinking deeper into the mire and regretting it later, he'd rather decisively cut things off here.
Besides, this was Agnes Tachyon.
Who knew how many bizarre experints he'd be subjected to if he beca her trainer?
Even if accepting her offer would ensure his secret remained hidden, who could guarantee that the consequences of becoming Tachyon's trainer wouldn't end up being worse than his secret getting out?
So he chose to give up completely.
Do your worst; I'll just lie here and accept whatever cos.
His blatant surrender montarily stunned Agnes Tachyon.
In all her years, she'd encountered countless trainers and Uma Musu, but she'd never once encountered soone who gave up this decisively.
She was smart and had many tricks up her sleeve—but in the face of pure resignation, none of her tactics held any power.
Is there sothing wrong with his head?
She couldn't help wondering.
"Say, Trainer Kitahara… Do you know how to weigh pros and cons?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Kitahara asked, puzzled.
"Of course it does," Tachyon sighed, counting off points on her fingers.
"Firstly, as a rookie trainer, your understanding of Uma Musu is quite limited. anwhile, I'm an expert in this area. I can share data and insights you desperately need…"
"Secondly, as an unknown trainer, you'll find it nearly impossible to attract talented tantou—especially soone strong like . High-ranking Uma Musu are incredibly picky…"
"Who said I don't have any tantou?" Kitahara stared at her strangely.
Agnes Tachyon paused, surprised. "Aren't you a new trainer? You've barely started working here, right?"
"Yeah." Kitahara nodded. "But what does that have to do with whether or not I have a tantou? Haven't you seen the recent posts on the forums?"
"No," Agnes Tachyon shook her head. Her reputation online was poor enough; she had no intention of voluntarily reading things that would upset her.
Besides, she'd been engrossed in experints lately, barely leaving her lab. Even als had been instant noodles, let alone entertainnt or researching a new trainer who'd barely arrived five days ago. Before coming here, she'd only briefly skimd his profile on the school's website, unaware of anything that had occurred afterward.
"Who's your tantou, then? Soone famous?" she asked curiously.
"You could say they're sowhat famous," Kitahara paused briefly. "Eclipse and Tokai Teio."
"…That Tokai Teio?" Agnes Tachyon asked blankly.
"What is it with everyone always asking that?" Kitahara said, confused. "Is there a second Tokai Teio at this school or sothing?"
Agnes Tachyon fell silent, then smiled again.
"I see. It makes sense—soone besides must've noticed your hidden qualities."
Seeing her soften slightly, Kitahara relaxed.
"Now that you know I have a tantou, how about we forget this conversation? Keep my secret, and in exchange, if I have ti and ability in the future, I'll help you out a bit. Fair enough?"
"Absolutely not." Agnes Tachyon smiled sweetly, eyes sparkling mischievously. "There's no limit to the number of tantou a trainer can have at Tracen, you know?"
"But—"
"No buts. Relax, I won't reveal your secret," she interrupted him lightly. "I never intended to threaten you in the first place—that was all your imagination. If you truly don't want to, I won't force it. However…"
She waved the vial of orange liquid playfully in front of him.
"You probably need this, right? Or rather, you need my reputation."
"If you just say I made this potion for you, you could openly use it. I'd gladly back you up—feel free to attribute any strange substances to ; I won't mind at all."
"What's the catch?" Kitahara wasn't naive enough to think she'd offer this freely.
Agnes Tachyon considered briefly.
"In exchange, occasionally help with small tasks—testing new potions, gathering research materials—little things. In return, I'll assist you as well. You can request any kind of potion; if I have it, it's yours… though obviously, not for free."
Kitahara hesitated, tempted.
Agnes Tachyon was undoubtedly dangerous—but her talent matched that danger. With the academy banning her potions, she likely had many useful (if slightly risky) items stockpiled. Though most might backfire, surely so could significantly improve his survival odds.
Moreover, now that she already knew part of his secret, and clearly held interest, outright rejecting her could escalate matters further. Better to cooperate for now, then plan carefully.
After a long deliberation, Kitahara finally nodded, sowhat reluctantly.
"Alright."
Agnes Tachyon bead happily, extending her hand toward him.
"Then, let's have a pleasant partnership, Guinea Pig-kun."
"…Pleasure working with you."
Agnes Tachyon left shortly afterward.
She'd already achieved her objective, had a mountain of work awaiting her, and thus didn't linger long, leaving after a few brief exchanges.
Once she departed, the other trainers pulled back their curtains, casting Kitahara sympathetic looks.
Poor guy—being targeted by her of all people. He's in for hell.
Kitahara felt utterly miserable, but after a mont of despair, he abruptly let it go.
Whatever. It's already done—no point feeling miserable now.
And so he continued to lie there motionlessly, embracing his fate, utterly indifferent to anyone's gaze or whispers. He looked like he'd lted into the bed itself.
Evening arrived, and soon, the sound of footsteps echoed outside as Uma Musu finished classes and training, flooding into the infirmary to visit their injured trainers—quickly pulling their curtains shut afterward.
Before long, only two trainers remained unvisited:
Higashimori Yosuke and Kitahara Sota.
"Want to grab dinner outside?"
Listening to various voices filtering through the curtains, Kitahara's face darkened steadily.
Though none of the sounds were particularly outrageous, couldn't they be slightly more considerate of others nearby?
Higashimori, equally embarrassed, nodded hurriedly, preparing to leave his bed.
But at that mont, more footsteps sounded outside, and two Uma Musu appeared at the infirmary door.
One—a brunette Kitahara didn't recognize—imdiately fixed her gaze upon Higashimori. His face paled dramatically, and before he could utter a word, she firmly pushed him back onto the bed and quickly pulled the curtain shut.
The other—carrying a food box—was Oguri Cap. She blinked quietly at Kitahara.
"I brought you dinner."
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