The Japan Cup had barely concluded before the racing world turned its eager eyes toward the Champions Cup. Following in the footsteps of Silverstone and Elgutz, the powerhouse Stahlarmecore was set to challenge the dirt tracks. Waiting to intercept her was Japan's proudest dirt duo: Lady Saber and Amazing Dyna. With a host of other dirt specialists throwing their hats into the ring, the atmosphere was already reaching a fever pitch.
"Hah... A total defeat. Maybe I'm finally over the hill," Elgutz sighed.
"I highly doubt that," Olta replied.
"Yeah, and I highly doubt you two should be in here," Rampage grunted, not looking up from her desk. "Why are you here, exactly?"
Rampage was buried in paperwork in the team room. Meanwhile, Elgutz and Alternative Seven (Olta)—the two foreign stars who had just run the race of their lives in the Japan Cup—were lounging on her sofa, sipping green tea and snacking on wagashi while watching anime.
The two had decided to stay in Japan for some sightseeing before heading home. Olta had just come from the Symboli estate after visiting "Su-chan" (Symboli Rudolf's predecessor) and had intended to greet Rudolf herself. However, realizing Rudolf was still in class and didn't want to be a nuisance, she had let Elgutz drag her here.
"We figured since we're here, we'd ask you to be our tour guide," Elgutz chirped.
"Unlike you, I actually have trainer duties to attend to," Rampage snapped.
"But... what you are doing does not look like typical trainer duties," Olta noted, peering at the documents.
"Well, you're not wrong."
Currently, Rampage was drowning in logistics for "The Finals" and the "Legend Race," as well as dealing with the political fallout of her sudden rise. There were many in the old guard who saw Rampage's growing influence as a threat to their authority. Rampage, however, was not the type to play nice. She constantly carried a voice recorder for self-defense and felt zero hesitation when it came to legal action. She had already dispatched several "cease and desist" letters via the Mejiro family's legal team.
" 'A pre-event gathering to exchange words... attendance is voluntary... please join us if interested...' There," Rampage muttered, sealing an envelope.
"Are you hosting a party?" Elgutz asked.
"Something like that. A commemorative party for the finalists. Travel and lodging on me. Su-chan and Asama insisted on it. They said since it's the inaugural year, we have to do the networking right. Personally, I think it's a pain, but I'm not about to argue with those two."
"Could we... perhaps... enter the Legend Race?" Elgutz asked hopefully.
"Not a chance in hell. I'm keeping it domestic-only so I can keep a lid on the chaos. I already had to tell Sunday Silence the same thing."
"...A pity, but understandable," Olta conceded. She was far more reasonable than Elgutz, which Rampage appreciated.
"Look, if you're fine with evening plans, I can take you to my favorite local joint tonight," Rampage offered, her voice softening slightly.
"I'll hold you to that! Keep your weekend open too!" Elgutz beamed.
"Good grief, you people are so demanding... Fine, whatever."
"Thank you. I would guide her myself if I could, but so much has changed since my time that I'm quite lost," Olta admitted.
Despite her rough exterior, Rampage's kindness was leaking through. Contrary to the "Tyrant" rumors, she wasn't actually half as selfish as the public believed.
"Still... this Legend Race lineup is absolutely insane," Rampage muttered, rubbing her temples.
She looked over the entry list again. It was a nightmare. Inari One and Oguri Cap had registered. Even the "Big Sisters"—Super Creek and Tamamo Cross—were on the list. She had worried for a moment about the state of the Dream Trophy League, but she'd heard they were managing fine. Still, with the "Eternal Three" and Tamamo all entering the Mid-Distance bracket, the race had become a literal demon's den.
"There's me, Ryan, Maruzen-nee-san, the TTG trio, and Katsuragi Ace. Then there's Tamamo-senpai, Oguri-san, Inari-the-Boss, and Creek-nee-sama. And the Emperor (Symboli Rudolf) is coming too... My head hurts. Can I switch to a different block?"
"It sounds difficult," Olta said sympathetically. "Shall I massage your shoulders? My grandmother always enjoyed it."
"No, I'll pass... My soul is just heavy right now."
"In times like this, the Japanese saying is... Hahahaha! Zamaa nai ze! (How pathetic/Serves you right!), was it not?" Elgutz laughed.
"Right, that's it. I'm fixing your Japanese right now, you brat," Rampage growled.
Who on earth taught the Arc de Triomphe winner such a phrase? (Author's Note: It was Su-chan. "Tehe! ♪")
Despite the complaining, a part of Rampage was genuinely thrilled. This race had been born from her desire to compete against the very legends she had met during her career—to face the "Literal Legends" as equals. And she wasn't alone; the Mid-Distance bracket was filled with monsters who all shared that same hunger to challenge a dream.
"Honestly, I don't know how you do it," Elgutz said, her tone turning serious. "I could never manage all of this."
"I agree," Olta added. "I have studied business and leadership, but the scale of this..."
"It's just momentum, honestly," Rampage shrugged.
To her, "The Finals" was the realization of her ideal. There were finalists coming from local training centers and even general education schools. The Legend Race, however, felt a bit too much like it was revolving around her personal history—but she figured that was unavoidable for the first year.
"Since you're here, you should watch The Finals. I'll guarantee you the best seats in the house."
"Of course! One of my friends is supposed to be competing, after all," Elgutz said.
"Oh? Who?"
"Search me," Rampage said, opening her laptop. "What's the name?"
"Ah... well... we had a bit of a falling out a long time ago," Elgutz mumbles, looking away. "It's... a bit awkward to see her."
Rampage's eyes flashed with mischief. "Right. I'm setting up a meeting. Mandatory attendance. I'll handle the scheduling with the government if I have to. Leave it to me."
"Do you even have a heart?!" Elgutz shrieked.
"I didn't nearly die and go to the afterlife for nothing, kid."
"What kind of life have you lived?!"
The lively bickering continued. Later that day, the two foreigners watched the training sessions, got teased by Sunday Silence, and watched in awe as the "Imperial Trio"—Rudolf, Ramonu, and Mr. C.B.—challenged Sunday to a "rematch" under the guise of a joint practice session. It was just another day at the Tracen Center.
Character Profile: Mejiro Dance-O (Colt)
The twelfth foal of Mejiro Rampage. His sire is the "Overlord of the Century's End," T.M. Opera O. His name comes from the association of "Opera" with musical theater/dance.
Born from the "Dictatorial Tyrant" and the "Overlord of the Century's End," Dance-O was a monster who inherited the most terrifying traits of both parents. He possessed his mother's blistering speed and his father's legendary cardiovascular strength. He entered the Satsuki Sho undefeated but suffered a narrow defeat, placing 2nd. However, he went on to win both the Tokyo Derby and the Kikuka Sho, achieving a "Two-Crown" status and completing a father-son Triple Crown legacy (counting the Derby/Kikuka).
Dubbed the "Dictatorial Overlord," he was feared for his overwhelming power. While many expected him to dominate the domestic Senior circuit like his father, he followed his mother's footsteps and transitioned to the international stage, much to the relief of the domestic stables.
Jockey: Ryuji Wada (T.M. Opera O's legendary partner). Wada remarked that when the horse ran in earnest, his power and speed were "truly terrifying." He famously said, "If I hadn't gripped the reins like my life depended on it, I would be dead." Despite these harrowing comments, the horse was remarkably affectionate. Cameras often caught him licking Wada's face and acting like a giant puppy the moment the race was over.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"