The URA Finals were heating up. With the sprint and mile divisions wrapped, the stage was finally set for the prestigious middle-distance races—the true high road of racing. Nationally, middle-distance events held overwhelming popularity, boasting the highest number of qualifying entries. It was precisely why this path was crowned the "Royal Road."
"Man, the crowd is out in full force today," Kamimizuru remarked from the trainer stands.
"It's the premier distance, after all," Sakahara replied, leaning back. "Plus, they split the middle-distance category into two separate lengths starting this year."
Both trainers watched the bustling turf. This year, prominent Umamusume from the elite Central Tracen Academy had stepped up to enter the Finals. Whether it was because regional and general school runners had humiliated Central in the inaugural year, or because they were irked by Rampage's indifferent attitude toward Central's defeat, no one knew for sure. Regardless, multiple Graded-race winning Umamusume had battled through the qualifiers and earned their spot in the main tournament.
"I bet they'll expand the long-distance division by next year too," Sakahara added.
"Maybe even dirt races?" Kamimizuru mused. "Right now there's only one dirt event, but they might add more given the demand. After all, our team trainer went wild in the dirt division, too."
"True. That might actually happen sooner."
A few Central trainers nearby threw cold, judgmental glances at the pair, entirely unable to comprehend why they were so unfazed after regional runners had served Central such a bitter defeat. To Kamimizuru and Sakahara, however, the overall surge in competition was a net positive. Besides, Rampage's take on the matter—"Central lost because none of their Graded-race winners showed up. Why are Graded winners even entering this instead of focusing on the Twinkle Series?"—made total, logical sense.
"First up is the 2000-meter..." Kamimizuru scanned the race card. "Who's your favorite, Sakahara-san?"
"Hmm... Oro Zipangu put up a great performance last tournament. She's a strong contender. If last year's champion, Cedar Blade, were running, I'd bet on her, though."
Looking over the roster again, the field was stacked with real Graded winners: Silk Grayish, Nifty Dancer, Hokusei Amber... Umamusume who had claimed victories in major races just this year. Just as Kamimizuru was wondering whether these top-tier runners shouldn't be prioritizing the Twinkle Series, a certain name caught his eye.
"Sakahara-san, do you know this name?"
"Hmm? Yeah, I know it... wait, actually..." Sakahara paused, tilting his head. "Is it just me, or...?"
"You feel it too, right?"
Both trainers stared at the entry list in mild confusion. It wasn't a question of why she had entered the Finals; she was definitely registered at Central Tracen, likely a senior high student. Yet, her presence was almost phantom-like. It wasn't that she lacked aura, but rather that no one had ever seen her race—or even heard her speak.
"Vanishing Point... Just what kind of racing style does she have?"
Vanishing Point—nicknamed "Bunny" by those around her—was an enigmatic, ethereal Umamusume. Had Rampage been there, she undoubtedly would have remarked, "She gives off heavy Neo Universe vibes."
At that moment, Bunny stood quietly in front of the gate, gazing absently up at the sky. Completely ignoring her quiet presence, another Umamusume stepped forward, projecting a vibrant, booming voice that echoed like a flamboyant monarch.
"Aah, Your Majesty!! My beloved, divine Empress Rampage!!" Oro Zipangu declared with theatrical passion. "What a grand honor to be in your presence once more! I failed to convey the full depth of my love last time, but today shall be different! I have trained relentlessly for this very moment! Today, I shall claim victory in this race and pledge my eternal devotion to you once and for all!!!"
While Zipangu made her grand declaration, a chaotic side-incident was brewing just out of view.
"Get out of my way! I need to teach that little brat a lesson!" a nearby fanatical Umamusume yelled, restrained by staff. "I refuse to lose to anyone when it comes to my love for Rampage-san!!"
Meanwhile, near the track...
"Whew! Declaring love to someone without a shred of embarrassment? Now that is super cool!" a runner chuckled.
"Hahaha! You understand me, my friend?!" Zipangu beamed, turning to her. "Wait, why are you backing away?! I merely wished to express that your wonderful attitude is worthy of praise! How about we grab a bite after this—woah, you're retreating at incredible speed?! Even that side of you is quite charming, though!"
"Easy there," another runner interjected smoothly. "She's probably just camera-shy. Though I have to admit, calling that 'cool' was pretty bold."
"Oho! Is that you, Meteor?!" Zipangu turned, eyes sparkling. "You've grown even more breathtaking... and is that Richemont beside you?! Ah, meeting everyone again like this feels like a miracle..."
"Long time no see," Richemont replied with a dry smile. "Good to see your flattery is as sharp as ever."
"Always the same, isn't she..." Meteor giggled, turning to pat another runner. "Go on, Hic-chan, give her some love."
"She's so cute~!" Hic-chan squeaked, hugging Zipangu.
"Oho?! I am the one being doted upon?! Well... I suppose this isn't bad either..."
The Central Umamusume in the paddock watched the bizarre interaction with wide, incredulous eyes. They had felt a strange energy during the qualifiers, but standing here now, it was painfully obvious: this arena possessed a completely different atmosphere than the refined Twinkle Series they were used to.
Yet amidst the chaos, only Vanishing Point watched the scene with quiet amusement. Slowly, she looked up at the sky once more—and a gentle, knowing smile broke across her face.
"I see," she murmured softly. "So you really are the focal point of this world... Rampage."
"Oh?!" Zipangu's ears perked up instantly as she turned around. "Did you just speak Her Majesty's name?! If it's a conversation about Her Majesty, please, allow me to join! And if you wouldn't mind, let us exchange contact information post-haste!!!"
"If you don't quiet down, they're going to drag you out of here..." Meteor warned with a sigh.
Even faced with Zipangu's overwhelming energy, Bunny's gentle smile never faded. If anything, it grew warmer.
She was a Central Umamusume, yet even her classmates barely knew her. She rarely showed up to class, and on the rare occasions she did, she would appear out of nowhere and vanish just as quietly. "Enigmatic" was the only word that truly fit her.
However, there was one place she was guaranteed to appear. Whenever Rampage's active races were broadcast live on the cafeteria screens, Bunny—who otherwise never made herself seen—would always claim the single seat with the absolute best view of the wall-mounted TV, watching intently from start to finish.
When classmates had once suggested, "If you're that invested, why not go watch her live at the racetrack?" she had simply shaken her head.
"No, it's fine. Here is where I need to be."
She was a complete mystery of a runner. But the fact that she had reached this stage meant her talent was beyond question. Several Central trainers in the stands were already making notes, quietly planning to monitor her performance and scout her if the opportunity arose.
Bunny took her position at the gate, her gaze shifting toward the track ahead.
"My run..." she whispered softly. "I'll show it to you... Rampage."
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