Uma Musume Pretty Derby: To The Basement

King Halo, the ultimate proud, tsundere young lady.

Unlike the typical tsundere archetype, not only did she have a sharp tongue, she also possessed an infuriating sense of superiority.

Believing herself to be a first-rate Uma Musume, she would only accept an equally first-rate trainer. If any rookie trainer dared approach her, she'd mercilessly inform them she only accepted the very best.

Even her everyday manner of speaking was arrogant. Whether to classmates or strangers, King Halo would talk down to them with an attitude that suggested she was generously offering charity just by giving them her attention.

But the most uncomfortable thing about her was that distinctive laughter.

Exactly as she was demonstrating right now.

"Ohohohoho—!" King Halo threw her head back proudly, her high-pitched laughter echoing painfully around Mizuno.

"Ugh…" Mizuno shivered involuntarily, goosebumps crawling over his skin.

What is this? The laughter of a medieval noblewoman? This is awful—I feel ants crawling all over me.

After about ten excruciating seconds, King Halo finally ceased her laughter, turning instead to scrutinize Mizuno critically.

"So, you're Urara-chan's trainer? What peculiar clothing."

"Just a personal preference," Mizuno replied neutrally.

"The fabric seems good, but the style utterly lacks aesthetic sense," King Halo commented dismissively, touching his Doctor's Outfit with disdain. "Clothes should highlight the wearer's perfection, not hide it. Your outfit shows a complete absence of taste."

"Er…"

"Someone afraid to express his charm, ignorant of how clothing can enhance one's presence—clearly, you're not a first-rate trainer."

"That's true. I'm only a rookie trainer," Mizuno didn't bother denying it.

"Ohohohoho—!" King Halo burst into laughter again.

"As expected, the legendary [King's Insight] is unmatched! With just one glance at your clothing, I've accurately judged your worth! Truly fitting of me—Ohohohoho—!"

Mizuno shivered again, uncomfortable chills running down his spine.

"However, let me warn you: I, King Halo, am a first-rate Uma Musume. I only accept scouting from equally first-rate trainers. A mere rookie trainer like you would never qualify. Don't even dare dream of scouting me! But, naturally, I'm so exceptional that even if I say this, you're probably already eager to recruit me. Ohohohoho—!"

"…"

Faced with King Halo's overwhelming arrogance and laughter, Mizuno managed to stay sane, but the system snapped first.

[Aaah—I can't take it anymore!]

Why are you freaking out?

[Isn't she incredibly annoying?]

Actually, I find her pretty charming.

[Huh?!]

The system went blank. Had Mizuno lost his mind?

[How the hell did you reach that conclusion? Are you secretly a masochist?]

Of course not.

The reason Mizuno reached such a conclusion was because he knew King Halo's true nature.

Sure, she acted haughty, and at a glance seemed indistinguishable from an arrogant villainess from some anime. But Mizuno understood this was merely her outer shell, a façade hiding vulnerability. Deep down, King Halo was warm-hearted yet insecure.

With a mother who'd once been a G1 champion, King Halo had faced enormous expectations since childhood. Determined not to disappoint, she constantly insisted on being first-rate—seeking a top-tier trainer, running at the highest level—desperate to reach or surpass her mother's achievements.

Her sharp tongue was just armor against others' scrutiny. Anyone who spent time with her quickly realized she was gentle beneath that harsh exterior. Especially toward her roommate, Urara—she acted like a caring mother, fussing warmly over every detail.

How could Mizuno dislike such a girl, outwardly prickly yet inwardly kind?

[Be honest or I'll assign you a task.]

…

Well, the truth was, Mizuno never had any intention of recruiting King Halo anyway. Her arrogant attitude had no impact on him; in fact, he'd hoped she'd stay away entirely.

System: Heh.

[Side Quest—Discipline the Bratty Girl]

Description: King Halo's arrogance requires correction. Take immediate action to make her respect you—by any means necessary.

Time Limit: 10 Minutes

Reward: Doctor's Outfit extended by three days

Penalty: Doctor's Outfit will be revoked

Huh?!

Now it was Mizuno's turn to panic.

Didn't I already tell you the truth? Why assign me a task?

[I never said telling the truth would spare you from tasks. Now hurry up and handle her.]

Damn it! This task is impossible! What could I possibly do in ten minutes to make her respect me?

[For instance… take off the Doctor's Outfit.]

Go to hell!

What do I do?

Mizuno racked his brain for a quick and simple solution, but the absurd demand seemed impossible to fulfill within ten minutes.

His anxiety grew, his eyes fixed helplessly on King Halo.

Noticing Mizuno's gaze, King Halo's self-confidence soared. Clearly, this trainer was captivated by her unmatched charm.

"Ohohohoho—!" King Halo proudly raised her chin, laughter ascending yet another octave.

[Host! She's looking down on you! Are you seriously okay with this?]

Stop talking nonsense. She's just pleased because someone is paying attention. Though I admit her laugh is painful.

[I don't care! Hurry! Only five minutes left!]

Huh?

Wait! Wasn't it ten minutes a second ago? Why'd you cut my time in half?!

He frantically scratched his head, anxiety mounting rapidly.

Five minutes?! What could he do in five minutes? Nothing at all! He had no ideas!

While Mizuno desperately struggled, voices from outside continued to distract him.

Urara had noticed Mizuno staring at King Halo. Using her innocent logic, she suddenly came to a realization, clapping her hands excitedly:

"Oh, Trainer-san wants King-chan to join us!"

Seeing Mizuno's silence (he was lost in thought), Urara became convinced. That had to be why Trainer-san kept looking at King-chan—he clearly wanted to recruit her!

But rather than jealousy, Urara felt delighted.

Training alongside her best friend—especially the strong King Halo—would help her improve faster and finally win races!

Happy~!

Driven by this pure-hearted motivation, Urara enthusiastically began recommending King Halo to Mizuno.

"Trainer-san! King-chan is super first-rate~ She's really strong! If you train her, we'd win every race!"

Hearing Urara's sincere praise, King Halo's mood brightened even further. "Ohohohoho—! Urara-chan, even if you speak the obvious truth, I still won't accept a rookie trainer~!"

"But Trainer-san's strong! He's a ninja!"

"Being a ninja doesn't automatically make him first-rate."

"Trainer-san is really amazing! Just this morning he helped me improve a ton! Trainer-san must be first-rate!"

"Well…"

"Plus, training alongside King-chan would make Urara so happy~!" Urara gazed at King Halo with innocent hopefulness.

"Um…" Confronted by Urara's adorable request, King Halo wavered slightly.

As Urara continued persuading King Halo, Mizuno felt himself slipping into madness.

The girls' conversation wasn't really bothering him; it was the system's nagging that pushed him over the edge.

[Quick! Undress already! If you don't, you'll fail and lose your Doctor's Outfit!]

Under mounting pressure, Mizuno's stress intensified.

So urgent! I've become the king of panic!

[Three minutes! Two minutes! One minute left!]

Nnnnngghhh—!

[TAKE! IT! OFF! NOW!]

But just as Mizuno was about to break, ready to follow the system's terrible advice and remove his outfit, a sudden wave of clarity flooded his mind. His racing heart steadied, anxiety fading swiftly.

Taking a deep breath, Mizuno regained composure, thinking in a cold, measured tone:

I almost fell for your trick, System. You really will use any means necessary to sabotage me…