The inaugural URA Finals had concluded in a landslide of unexpected results, and by all accounts, they were a resounding success. Five champions had been crowned, each marking a new chapter in racing history. Following the trophy ceremonies and the requisite interviews, the winners had taken to the stage for a spectacular Winning Live.
While a victory gala had been considered, the logistics were a nightmare—hosting separate parties for the Finals winners and the Legend Race winners would have been an act of cruelty toward the catering staff. Instead, it was decided that one grand celebration would follow the Legend Races. Besides, after the intensity of the Finals, the girls needed their rest.
"So, the day is finally here..."
The public's fever for the Finals showed no signs of breaking; news cycles were dominated by the shocking upset. The scorecard was a brutal reality check for the establishment: three wins for the Regional Trecs, two for the General schools, and a staggering zero for Central. The commentators who had smugly predicted a Central sweep were now eating their words on national television. Some tried to save face by arguing that Central's "true" elite—the graded stakes winners—hadn't participated.
Rampage's own televised response to the debacle had been characteristically blunt:
『It's only natural that the graded winners didn't show. Their priority is the Twinkle Series, as it should be. The Finals were organized on short notice; it would have been weirder if they had upended their entire season schedules for this. To me, these results make sense. Racing is only interesting because you never truly know what will happen until they cross the wire.』
When asked if a "Legend" like her felt the same uncertainty, she simply replied that during her career, every step felt like it could be her last—or her next step toward immortality.
Now, as the sun set on the eve of the main event, Rampage found herself standing on her balcony.
"I can't stop shaking," she whispered, looking at her hands.
It wasn't a tremor of fear. It was mushaburui—the shivering of a warrior before a great battle. Oddly enough, she felt more electrified now than she had before the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Breeders' Cup. The quest for world-best status and the title of America's fastest on dirt paled in comparison to the sheer, raw joy of what was coming tomorrow.
"Well... let's see what destiny has in store."
She spoke with an almost detached air, though her body remained taut as a bowstring. Lighting a herb cigar, she watched the smoke curl into the night air. Her mind had already reverted to its "active" state—a predatory focus she hadn't felt since her final run. She looked up at the bright moon and offered a silent prayer. Not for victory, but for a race worthy of the legends about to run it.
December 31st: The Day of the Legends
『Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over! Broadcast live from Fuchu's Tokyo Racecourse, I am your announcer, Akasaka! Joining us today is a man who needs no introduction—the comedian, MC, and world-class racing commentator, Mr. Saito!』
『Hello everyone! Looking nice, as always! It's a pleasure to be here for the big one!』
『The pleasure is ours! The heat from yesterday's Finals is still simmering, but today—New Year's Eve—the atmosphere has reached a boiling point! Television specials are airing across the country, but nothing compares to the spectacle about to unfold here. Today, Fuchu hosts the festival of dreams: The Legend Race!』
The roar from the crowd was physical, a wall of sound that vibrated through the stadium. As exciting as the Finals had been, they were merely the opening act. Today was about the names that had defined eras.
『For those just joining us, a quick refresher: The Legend Race operates on the same principles as the URA Finals, but with a "High Difficulty" setting from the start. Mejiro Rampage has assembled a roster that reads like a hall of fame—names like the TTG trio and Maruzensky. This is the stage where dreams of running alongside the greats become reality!』
『And it's not just the retirees! Current stars from the Dream Trophy League have been granted special permission to invade this bracket. In today's main event—the Middle Distance—we have names like Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, Super Creek, and Inari One all lining up!』
For any horse girl, the chance to test herself against the pillars of history was irresistible. Whether they were currently in the Twinkle Series or the Dream Trophy League, the pull of the Legend Race was a siren song that no true competitor could ignore.
In the waiting room, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation. Rampage had handed off the hosting duties to Minamisaka and Asama for a single reason: she needed to sharpen her soul. She was currently practicing a meditation technique she'd learned from Shinzan himself.
"..."
She sat in Zazen—the lotus position—eyes closed, facing the abyss of her own mind. Normally, sitting like this would stiffen the joints and ruin a runner's condition, but Rampage was channeling the "God of Racing's" own pre-race ritual. She held her body in a state of extreme tension, as if sealing a volatile power behind a heavy gate.
(It's strange... I was so hyped I thought I'd lose control, but now... I'm perfectly still. Total relaxation.)
The technique was working better than she'd ever imagined. She lost all sense of time, sinking into a void where only the rhythm of her heart existed. Finally, a light touch on her shoulder brought her back.
"Rampage-san. Rampage-san."
"---Minami-chan? Is the opening ceremony over?"
"What are you saying? The Mile race is already finished."
"Wait, for real?"
She checked the clock and blinked in shock. Over an hour had passed, though it had felt like ten minutes.
"Sakura Bakushin O claimed the crown in the Sprint, and Nippo Teio took the Mile," Minamisaka reported.
"Heh. Names that actually make sense."
Bakushin O was the undisputed king of short distances, though Rampage couldn't help but wonder how he'd fare against her own "Rabbit" Parabellum. A winning time of 1:07.3? Pure speed.
"I didn't know you practiced Zazen," Minamisaka noted. "Advice from Shinzan-san?"
"Sharp as ever. I asked the old man how to handle the nerves, and he told me to just sit down and shut up. Not the usual advice you give a girl about to run 2400 meters."
"Normally, your legs would be numb and your joints locked... but you seem fine."
Rampage stood up and stretched. Her movements were fluid, devoid of any stiffness, her muscles primed and ready.
"Right then. I'm off."
"Good luck out there."
They shared a high-five, and the Tyrant began her walk toward the light.
『The battles of the Sprint and Mile have set the stage! Now, finally, it is time for the main event! The Legend Race, Middle Distance Division: Turf 2400m!』
『The goosebumps are unreal, folks! Look at this!』
『The legends are emerging from the tunnel!』
『The first Japanese winner of the Japan Cup, the girl who toppled the Triple Crown legends Symboli Rudolf and Mr. C.B. in a single night! The Ace of Japan: Gate 1, Katsuragi Ace!』
『Next, the Gray Monster of Kasamatsu, here to challenge his rivals once more on the grandest stage: Gate 2, Oguri Cap!』
"It's been a long time since I felt this air," Ace grinned. "God, I love this."
"March... watch me," Oguri whispered.
『The Crimson Flash. Many have tried to catch her; none have succeeded. The speedster returns! Gate 3, Maruzensky!』
『The Green Assassin of the TTG trio, who prefers the complexity of a three-way brawl to a simple duel: Gate 4, Green Grass!』
"Hiiii! Is everyone feeling good!?" Maruzensky waved to the crowd.
"You certainly seem to be," Green Grass replied dryly. "As am I, I suppose."
『The White Lightning who electrified Japan in her duels with the Gray Monster: Gate 5, Tamamo Cross!』
『The Pegasus of the TTG, the girl whose stride was so light she seemed to dance on the air: Gate 6, Tosho Boy!』
"Let's put on a show, White Lightning," Tosho Boy said. "Let's leave a crack of thunder in the sky."
"You bet. Just don't blame me if the lightning leaves you scorched," Tamamo shot back.
『The star of the Derby who paved the way for overseas expeditions years before the Tyrant's reign: Gate 7, Sirius Symboli!』
『The Elegant Steayer, one of the Eternal Three, whose grace masks a terrifying power: Gate 8, Super Creek!』
"I look forward to racing you, Senpai," Creek smiled warmly.
"Don't get too comfortable," Sirius smirked. "I won't wait for you."
『The Great Flower of Fuchu, who stood against the Tyrant and claimed two crowns on this very turf: Gate 9, Agnes Flora!』
『The Noble Young Prince of the TTG, returning to recreate the legendary dead-heat of the Arima Kinen: Gate 10, Ten Point!』
"Even against legends, I won't lose," Flora declared. "I represent the strength of the current generation."
"I like your fire," Ten Point replied. "Come and take it."
『The Queen of Meteors from Hokkaido, an unstoppable force challenging the throne: Gate 11, Akari Point!』
『The Fox of Ohi, the final piece of the Eternal Three, ready to seize the world: Gate 12, Inari One!』
"You don't look nervous at all," Inari noted. "I like that."
"I'm going to make the title of 'Queen' a reality today," Akari vowed.
『The War God of the Regions, the legend who conquered Central with sheer military precision: Gate 13, Hosho Tsukige!』
『The Enthroned Emperor of the TTG era, the man who defied the odds to snatch the Derby: Gate 14, Crime Kaiser!』
"A War God and an Emperor in the same bracket? Nyahaha! Talk about good luck!" Tsukige laughed.
"Criminal how good those names look on the board together!" Kaiser added with a grin.
『The Mejiro Triple Crown winner, the girl who followed the Emperor to greatness: Gate 15, Mejiro Ryan!』
The legends had gathered. But one name remained. The one who had built this stage from the ground up.
『30 starts, 30 wins. The undefeated Triple Tiara, the World Record Holder, the Absolute Dictator of the Turf! The Sovereign Tyrant: Gate 16, MEJIRO RAMPAGE!』
Rampage stepped into the light, her eyes burning with a cold, terrifying joy.
"It's been a while," she said, her voice carrying across the quieted track. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
The field was set. The world held its breath.
Legend Race: Middle Distance (Turf 2400m)
Katsuragi Ace
Oguri Cap
Maruzensky
Green Grass
Tamamo Cross
Tosho Boy
Sirius Symboli
Super Creek
Agnes Flora
Ten Point
Akari Point
Inari One
Hosho Tsukige
Crime Kaiser
Mejiro Ryan
Mejiro Rampage
The gates are about to open.
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