Ace, Marianne, and Derek spent the day exploring various booths and participating in numerous games throughout the campus. They indulged in a variety of foods and drinks, making the most of the festive atmosphere. The best part was that everything - from the booths to the food and games - was free for students. This allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the experience, sampling different treats and engaging in fun activities without any restrictions. Their day was filled with laughter, excitement, and memorable moments that they would cherish long after the event had ended. The next day marked the much-anticipated horse racing event, with Marianne, Derek, and Ace among the participants. As they prepared for the tournament, they were approached by Nathan, who taunted them confidently, "Haha! You losers! I will surely win this tournament...!!" His words were filled with bravado, adding an extra layer of competition to the already tense atmosphere. Despite his provocation, Marianne, Derek, and Ace remained focused on their preparations, determined to give their best in the upcoming race. As the horse racing commenced, Ace and Nathan swiftly took the lead, leaving the other racers trailing behind. Their exceptional horse riding skills were evident as they skillfully maneuvered their horses, displaying a remarkable level of control and finesse. The crowd watched in awe as Ace and Nathan showcased their expertise, their horses galloping with grace and speed. It became clear that these two competitors were on par with each other, their abilities matched in every way. Their synchronized performance captivated the spectators, creating an exhilarating atmosphere as they raced towards the finish line, leaving the rest of the racers far behind.
In a surprising turn of events, Marianne suddenly surged ahead, overtaking both Ace and Nathan. Ace blinked twice in disbelief as he witnessed Marianne swiftly pass by them. Intrigued and determined to keep up, Ace swiftly increased the speed of his horse, determined to follow Marianne's lead. The unexpected competition between the two friends added an exciting twist to the race, as Ace pushed himself to close the gap and regain his position. The spectators watched in anticipation as the dynamic between Marianne and Ace intensified, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling horse race. In an impressive display of skill and strategy, Marianne continued to maintain her lead as the first placer in the first lap. Ace closely followed behind in second place, with Derek not far behind in third, and Nathan trailing in fourth. As they entered the second lap of the race, the intensity heightened. Each competitor was determined to make their move and secure a better position. The crowd eagerly watched as the four racers navigated the track, their horses galloping with determination. With each passing moment, the race became more exhilarating, as Marianne, Ace, Derek, and Nathan pushed themselves to their limits, vying for a coveted spot at the top. In a stunning turn of events, Ace managed to secure the first position in the second lap, surpassing Marianne who now held the second position. Derek maintained his steady position in third place, while Nathan struggled to keep up, finding himself in fifth place. As they entered the third and final lap, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The racers knew that this lap would determine the ultimate winner of the race. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they urged their horses forward, pushing themselves to their limits. The crowd held their breath as Marianne, Ace, Derek, and Nathan raced towards the finish line, their determination driving them to give their all in this final lap.
Nathan's frustration got the better of him, and he resorted to cheating. With a devious plan in mind, he discreetly attacked Derek's horse with his power but instead of Derek's, Nathan mistakenly aimed Marianne's horse. The unexpected attack caught Marianne off guard, causing her horse to stumble and lose precious momentum. The crowd gasped in disbelief as they witnessed it. As confusion and concern filled the air, Vale questioned what had transpired, seeking an explanation for the sudden chaos. Elena's voice rang out in distress, urging Marianne to rise and persevere despite the injury. Asherton, filled with a mix of worry and encouragement, shouted words of support to Marianne, hoping to inspire her to push through. However, Marianne's injury proved to be severe, rendering her unable to get up. Adding to the turmoil, her horse, in a state of panic, broke free and veered off in a different direction. The scene was filled with a mix of emotions, as spectators and fellow racers watched with a combination of worry, empathy, and hope for Marianne's well-being. Ace became aware of Marianne's plight, but instead of turning back to assist her, he made the decision to continue racing towards the finish line. Determined to secure his position, Ace pressed on, leaving Marianne behind. Meanwhile, Derek, displaying a remarkable act of sportsmanship and compassion, halted his own race and rushed to Marianne's aid. With utmost care, he helped Marianne to her feet, showing a selfless act of support amidst the competitive atmosphere. As a result of Derek's act of kindness, Nathan capitalized on the opportunity and surged ahead, now racing as the second-place contender.
In a thrilling conclusion to the race, Ace emerged as the victor, crossing the finish line as the first-place winner. Nathan, who took advantage of the situation, secured the second position. Unfortunately, Marianne and Derek were unable to continue the race due to Marianne's injury and were subsequently eliminated from the competition. Derek, however, received a well-deserved ribbon of sportsmanship for his noble act of assisting Marianne in her time of need. Despite the intense events that unfolded, the spectators and onlookers remained unaware of the true nature of Nathan's cheating and the circumstances surrounding Marianne's injury. To them, it remained a mystery, leaving them in the dark about the unfairness that had occurred during the tournament.