*Everything had happened so fast. Tokai Teio had performed her signature Teio Step just before stepping into the steel starting gate. That was the last moment of clarity she possessed. The race itself was nothing more than a chaotic blur in her memory. She had fought tooth and nail, jockeying for position within the pack, fluctuating between third, fourth, and fifth place all the way to the final corner.*

This is it. Time to make my move, *she had thought. She executed the exact acceleration she had drilled into her muscles for months, but the explosive burst of speed never materialized. Instead, there was only a sickening jolt—and then, blinding pain.*

*She found it excruciating to put any weight on her right ankle. Still, she had pushed through the agony. This was the Derby; she hadn't trained this relentlessly to finish dead last. Mustering every last ounce of willpower left in her trembling body, Teio had dragged herself across the finish line.*

*It took her a moment to catch her breath, her chest heaving as she finally looked up at the towering digital display to find her name.* **Tokai Teio – 11th.**

*She was completely speechless. All those early mornings, all that grueling preparation... for this. A bitter wave of injustice washed over her. Numbly, Teio turned her back on the cheering crowds and began the long walk toward the changing rooms to prepare for the post-race Winning Live. With every limping step, the reality of her physical state set in. A sharp, searing pain shot up from her ankle every time her right foot touched the concrete. She was forced to slow down, gritting her teeth against the throbbing ache.*

*Once inside the quiet sanctuary of the changing room, she collapsed into a chair. Injured, utterly exhausted, and overwhelmed with frustration, she finally broke. Hot tears spilled from her eyes, tracing paths down her flushed cheeks. The crushing weight of the disappointment made the air feel suffocating.*

It was all for nothing, *she thought, burying her face in her hands.* So much work, so much sweat, and the only thing I have to show for it is another broken promise to myself. And another injury.

*She let out a ragged, trembling sigh.* I… I can't be here right now.

*Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tokai Teio forced herself to stand. She slung her duffel bag over her shoulder and limped out the door, abandoning not just the changing room, but the stadium altogether.* They're probably going to fine me for skipping the Live, *she thought, the roar of the distant crowd fading behind her into the evening air.* But honestly, that’s just the cherry on top for a loser like me.

Another race, another loss