The Rukomachi Racetrack wasn't crowded; the locals seemed to lack enthusiasm for Umamusume races. The participating Umamusume were similarly unenthusiastic. Some stared blankly into space, while others chatted idly. Umamusume who had never appeared at the Training Track seemed to materialize out of thin air.
"For them, participating in races is just a job," Yurei explained with a smile, stepping out from behind Kousei's radiant figure. Her words implied that she already considered Kousei a Central Umamusume. "Even Rukomachi is an NAU-approved Earth location, so there's prize money. As long as you place, you'll get a substantial reward, though it can't compare to what they offer in Central."
"Your Personal Racing Outfit looks pretty good," Yurei remarked.
Kousei glanced down instinctively. This time, her outfit wasn't the usual white but a brand-new black.
"Like stars in the night sky," Yurei commented.
Kousei scanned the surroundings. It seemed only she and Yurei were wearing their Personal Racing Outfits. These outfits reflected one's mindset, indicating that only the two of them truly cared about the outcome of this race.
"Yurei-san," Kousei called out, catching Yurei slightly off guard. After all, Yurei had initially intended to maintain a casual, friendly demeanor before the race.
"I will utterly defeat Rukomachi," Kousei declared.
A sudden, overwhelming pressure crashed down, instantly freezing the playful Umamusume. Spiraling crimson gas surged forth, solidifying into palpable hostility. Standing closest to Kousei, Yurei felt the full force of this oppressive aura—undeniably the legacy of the Destroyer.
"What the hell? Isn't this girl supposed to be a loser? What's with this berserk energy?"
The Umamusume broke into a cold sweat. Every participant in the NAU promotion races was technically a "loser," but they had never encountered anyone like this among their ranks.
A berserk Ghost... Yurei was now certain Kousei was the mastermind behind the Takarazuka Kinen incident.
"It's been ages since I've encountered someone like this. How exhilarating!" Yurei grinned, abandoning all pretense of courtesy as she strode past Kousei toward the starting gate.
My dormant spirit reignites.
"Rukomachi won't be defeated by a 'Villain'!"
Blowing a longing tune on his trumpet, the journalist smiled knowingly as he snapped a photo.
The Umamusume fidgeted anxiously, circling the starting gate without committing to enter. The race staff frowned in concern—Rukomachi had never encountered such widespread resistance from Umamusume, let alone such a large group collectively refusing to enter the gate.
"What's going on? It's like they're terrified of something."
Genbao's face was etched with worry as his premonition proved correct. Gazing at the restless Monster within Gate Seven, he unconsciously clenched his fist.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Little Belle!" Genbao murmured, his eyes fixed intently on the racetrack, as if facing a formidable enemy.
Inside the Gate, Kousei tested the ground beneath her hooves. Though called a "grass track," it resembled more a sandy expanse, with wisps of dust swirling across the barren surface. The central stretch was harder and more conducive to speed, reflecting Central's ideal of the swift and decisive Umamusume.
Umamusume who excelled in speed were highly favored in Central, whereas regional preferences varied, resulting in distinct training philosophies and breeds. This made cross-domain challenges exceptionally difficult, explaining why those who dared embark on expeditions were invariably paragons of courage and strength.
"I've never raced on this type of ground before," Kousei told herself. "Better take it easy at first and let my hooves adjust."
Yet the wind filtering through the Gate felt intoxicating, its touch like a Demon's finger stealing her heartbeat.
I can't endure another day without running...
Faster! Faster! Let me!
Hmm?!
A sudden hiss pierced the air, sending shivers down their spines like a thorn in the back. The Umamusume couldn't fathom the emotions behind it.
Kousei finally understood Narita Brian's desperation—the burning desire to run, to savor the ravenous hunger of her rivals.
"No wonder you're a monster, Brian!"
Bang!
The gate swung wide open.
"Take the inner track!"
Yurei swiftly surged forward, veering inward to break free from the pack and gain a tactical advantage. This was her standard strategy in past races.
"Once you've seized the lead, maintain a steady pace."
By employing the Front-Runner tactic and pacing herself strategically, Genbao had planned a low-risk path to victory for her. Under normal circumstances, this would have worked flawlessly, but today... it was doomed to fail.
The world suddenly turned a lurid crimson. Yurei's legs felt leaden, each step heavy and laborious. An ominous red mist had materialized, radiating an aura of foreboding. Yurei was struck with terror, having never witnessed such a spectacle before.
"What's happening?!" The strange sensation in her legs and the surreal changes on the track left her utterly disoriented.
"No overtaking allowed."
A dazzling figure suddenly appeared to her right, crimson vertical pupils gleaming in Yurei's eyes. The figure wore a blissful smile, completely absorbed in the moment.
So provocative.
"You vile creature!"
Kousei surged ahead, snatching the lead from Yurei in a single, decisive move.
Yurei shadowed her closely, now acutely aware that this race was unlike any she had run before. A true challenger had emerged, a catfish stirring the stagnant waters of the competition.
"Kousei, your very presence shatters the first second of eternity! Show me the true power of a Central Umamusume!"
Burning with competitive spirit.
Kousei struggled to adapt to Rukomachi's grassy track. Compounding her disadvantage, she was ill-suited for soft ground and lacked experience as a Front-Runner. Despite securing the lead, her stride and pace remained poorly adjusted.
Yurei, by contrast, thrived in her home environment. Perfectly adapted to the racetrack, she eagerly closed in on Kousei.
"Next turn: a gentle right. Maintain this speed, and I can exit the turn at maximum velocity."
Yurei had raced this track countless times; every detail was etched in her mind. The experience accumulated over countless races would not go to waste.
"Yield the lead!"
True to form, Yurei surged forward at the midpoint of the first turn. Her flawless execution suggested countless repetitions in training.
"Excellent! Miss Yurei has taken the lead!"
As the local Umamusume Idol, Yurei's early lead brought immense excitement to the spectators.
Securing the advantage, Genbao breathed a sigh of relief.
"Looks like there's nothing to worry about. Little Belle knows this track better than anyone. Even Central Umamusume can't beat her here."
Yurei Belle, brimming with confidence, surged past Kousei's dazzling lead, giving her a significant boost in morale.
In contrast, Kousei seemed to still be adjusting her stride, her lack of adaptability glaringly apparent.
"Mr. Genbao! Miss Yurei is definitely stronger, right?" a racetrack staff member asked excitedly.
"Ah? Uh, yeah," Genbao nodded hastily.
At first, everyone had been worried. The newspapers were plastered with hype about Kousei, and the so-called "Silver Demon" had indeed caused some concern.
"It's okay! Miss Yurei is strong! She'll definitely win this year!"
Despite the exhilarating moment, Genbao noticed an unusual glint in Reiko's eyes.
"Has... it gotten foggy today?"