Beneath the gaze of the entire world—
The golden-haired maiden knight, with her luminous wings unfurled, was galloping with a brilliance and glory unlike anything ever seen before! Amidst the most fervent cheers and celebrations!
Eleven lengths—a magnificent, crushing victory!
The announcer's triumphant cry swept through the entire spectator stands, reaching the ears of the global audience!
[And they've crossed the finish line! Without a doubt, this is a dominant victory for The Radiant Knight—!]
[Tell me! What do you call a legend who defeats other legends?!]
[The Radiant Knight has seized the ultimate crown! She has earned the right to compete for the title of G.O.A.T. with the likes of Secretariat and Man o' War!]
[How fortunate we are to witness such a glorious victory with our own eyes, to see a race that will be recorded in the history books!!]
[A massive winning margin—that is the ultimate proof of strength!!!]
The commentator's voice was completely unrestrained, soaring with excitement, having lost all the rationality and calmness expected of a professional.
But even more incredible… was how the commentator's shouts and praises were almost drowned out by the surrounding noise.
That noise… came entirely from the stands!
Before anyone realized it, the entire stadium was shaking with earth-shattering cheers. Countless roars of excitement tirelessly echoed throughout the vast venue.
From English, to French, Japanese, and more—languages from all over the world rose up, all celebrating The Radiant Knight, Nearl, and her unbelievable, staggering victory.
The names Nearl and Flightline had long spread across the world. This climactic showdown had attracted audiences from countless countries!
And from this unceasing wave of crowd reaction, which almost completely overwhelmed the stadium's PA system, it was clear that these international spectators felt their trip was more than worth it.
"The strongest!! The strongest!! This is the strongest!"
"I thought Platinum was invincible, but I never expected the dirt circuit to have a monster like her!"
"So it's truly ['Nearl of the South, Platinum of the North']?! Both are Pegasus who've shaken the world, and both possess unique Uma Musume special effects!"
"In-incredible! So this is The Radiant Knight, Nearl? She's infinitely more impressive than what I've seen on TV broadcasts."
"Nearl! Nearl! Nearl!!"
"I've always been a Pegasus fan! I used to like Platinum, but now I like both Platinum and Nearl!!!"
Among the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands, praises and excited shouts for the victor, Nearl, filled the air.
Some, who had previously only loved turf races, had their stereotypes completely overturned after this race.
Who said Pegasus fans could only stan one—either Platinum or Nearl?
Aren't they both Pegasus? Since when are Pegasus fans such an unlucky lot!
The stands also held many Uma Musume who had come to watch.
Alongside retired legends with impressive records like Man o' War and Seabiscuit, there were also those who had raced against Nearl before, like Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, and Holy Bull.
Two lesser-known Uma Musume spoke to themselves in relieved, battle-shy tones.
"That's Nearl for you. Boundless stamina, overflowing power, adaptable to any distance. She has a Domain, can apply pressure, is immune to others' Domain pressure, and can still unleash a killer late kick even after setting a brutal pace. Once she surpasses you… Aaaaah! Next time, I'm staying in the stands to avoid her!"
"Challenging Nearl back then was pure audacity. Thank goodness I didn't end up like Miss Sham."
"Facing a monster like that, just finishing the race uninjured and in the placings is a success!"
--+--
Meanwhile.
The seemingly delicate, yet incredibly strong maiden who finished second crossed the line.
Flightline's pupils were filled with a scene she found unbelievable.
'This world… is truly full of outstanding talents!'
Not only had she failed to win, but she had lost to Nearl by a full eleven lengths?!
And behind Flightline, the giant-killer Prove Out finished just five lengths behind her.
That single-digit margin was the normal gap expected between top-tier competitors. But that Radiant Knight, soaring through the sky, had defeated her with an absolute, massive difference?
Flightline didn't understand, and she was utterly shocked.
Beyond the constant recollection of Nearl's golden figure surpassing her—a figure she felt no amount of effort could ever match—!
The moment Nearl crossed the finish line, a fleeting image recorded itself within that maiden knight's exclusive [Pegasus Hall of Fame] in Flightline's mind.
"Urgh…"
As she gradually slowed to a stop, Flightline recalled not only her defeat and Nearl's strength, but also that unique Pegasus Hall of Fame.
A profound chill settled in Flightline's heart.
She clenched her silver teeth, filled with bitter frustration, and could perceive with absolute clarity that her body was exhausted to an unprecedented degree.
This race had pushed Flightline's notoriously weak constitution to its absolute limit, leaving not a shred of strength remaining.
The faint ache in her feet and the weariness coursing through her limbs made her feel almost instinctively like she was about to collapse. If there had been a bed before her, she would have fallen asleep instantly.
'This feeling… it's familiar. Very familiar from over a year ago.'
'It's exactly how it feels… when an injury is setting in!!'
Following the frustration, panic swiftly took hold of Flightline's heart.
No Uma Musume could remain indifferent to [defeat].
But what weighed even heavier on an Uma Musume's heart than defeat was one thing, and one thing only… [Injury]!!
After all, even after losing a race, one could always try to regroup in future races and seek revenge.
But an injury was different. It meant a long recovery period. If it dragged on, it would require additional time for rehabilitation and regaining form. For an Uma Musume's tragically short prime career, averaging just two to three years, this was a massive waste.
Not to mention… some injuries never fully healed.
The more outstanding the Uma Musume, the more formidable her opponents tended to be.
Even the slightest decline in form, a momentary lapse, could turn a winner, a champion, into second place, or even third or fourth.
So, even internationally renowned Uma Musume, upon sensing excessive fatigue or unexpected pain, would find it hard to stay calm.
'Not long after my debut, I got injured and was sidelined for a long time.'
'Missing the Classic Triple Crown later was also related to my poor physical condition. If I hadn't been injured back then… I could have at least contested one leg.'
'Since then, I've managed my physical condition and race schedule very carefully. There haven't been any accidents.'
'Until—now… Huh? N-no, that's not right.'
Flightline bent down, gently touching her feet where she had felt that faint ache moments before.
Among the few Uma Musume associated with Dr. Lin, she had the weakest constitution and was thus the most concerned about her physical state.
As the "wealthy little lady" and "rich young miss" who provided the clinic space rent-free—not letting that certain black-hearted young doctor pay a single cent—she had, of course, naturally learned some basic techniques from Dr. Lin for checking for physical injuries.
Flightline realized the pain wasn't intensifying as it normally would with a standard injury. Instead… it was gradually fading?
This situation struck her as extremely peculiar.
Even if it wasn't a standard injury, just temporarily exceeding her body's limits, the discomfort should at least persist for a while. How could it be fading and dissipating like this?
The next moment, Flightline's eyes widened sharply, as if she had remembered something.
During the final leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, some time ago, many challengers had stepped up.
Among them were talented maidens returning from injury, like Easy Goer, and also… some Uma Musume who had conserved their strength, hoping to defeat the battle-weary Nearl at her peak.
But the final result was the same as the first two legs: Nearl, with her terrifying pace, shattered the pursuing pack and secured an easy, massive victory.
That kind of fast pace, that kind of dominant win, undeniably pushed the chasing Uma Musume to their limits, overloading their bodies to the breaking point and causing injuries.
During the first two legs, at least a few Uma Musume had been injured that way.
But after the third leg, nearly half the field left the track showing signs of pain, discomfort, and were in terrible condition.
However, post-race, most of those who should have been injured were bouncing around fine. Easy Goer and Sunday Silence, who should have had more serious injuries, only had minimal issues that healed completely soon after, allowing them to return to training.
That unbelievable scene had left many Uma Musume puzzled at the time.
And now!
Flightline seemed to have realized something.
Was she experiencing what those seemingly injured fillies did at the Belmont Stakes?
And the only common factor between then and now was—The Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl!!
At this thought, Flightline's feelings became incredibly mixed.
If this was true…
Not only had Nearl beaten her, but Nearl had also… saved her?!!
"The only common participant in both these races is Nearl herself! The answer is obvious."
"No matter what, I must properly thank her."
Once she realized, Flightline didn't hesitate for a second.
She wouldn't blame Nearl for her defeat, nor would she think Nearl was somehow obligated to protect every Uma Musume on the track from injury.
Logically, the more Uma Musume got injured, the more it would highlight Nearl's strength and fearsome reputation.
In the future, enthusiasts studying the legend of Nearl might even count how many Uma Musume were 'pulled to the point of broken legs or injury' by The Radiant Knight, making it part of her legend.
But instead, Nearl had actually helped her opponents? Without seeking any credit, never proactively explaining, never asking the young ladies from great families to remember her favor?!
'This… this could almost be described as… ['greatness'], couldn't it?'
Even Flightline was utterly convinced now.
Not only had Nearl defeated her in terms of pure ability, but her magnanimity, her impact… it was a height Flightline was witnessing for the first time.
Immediately, Flightline moved her feet—now free of pain, though still weary—and walked over to the tall, golden-haired maiden not far away.
This move instantly caught the attention of many in the stadium.
From the event staff and directors backstage, to many fans in the stands, curiosity sparked.
Even when the director immediately switched the big screen to a close-up of the two legendary Uma Musume conversing face-to-face, in that environment, it was impossible to tell what they were discussing.
Was it praise from Flightline?
Or a vow of revenge?
Or perhaps…?
--+--
Under countless curious gazes.
Even the golden-haired maiden herself seemed a little puzzled, not expecting Flightline to block her path.
"Thank you, Nearl."
Flightline's gratitude was stated directly.
This straightforward manner was exactly what Nearl was familiar with from Flightline. Beneath that seemingly fragile exterior lay not only a fierce will to win, but also quick reflexes and a clear sense of love and hate.
The Radiant Knight suddenly understood. She nodded gently, indicating she knew.
--+--
[Passive: Under the dominion of her Domain, injuries sustained by herself or her opponents while racing are reduced by one level. While the Domain is active, slightly reduces stamina consumption, and slightly increases acceleration, power, and explosiveness. A small portion of the stamina consumed by protected Uma Musume is transferred to The Radiant Knight.]
[In the name of The Radiant Knight, she protects all!]
[The family motto is—Don't be afraid of hardship and darkness!]
--+--
This was part of Nearl's Domain, possessing a remarkable protective effect.
The low-key Radiant Knight wouldn't actively publicize her merits, wouldn't specifically state how many Uma Musume she had protected to incur debts of gratitude or seek fame.
But when those she protected offered thanks proactively, Nearl would acknowledge it, not hide away fearing the act might be discovered.
The honest, humble, yet sincere knightly maiden then responded earnestly.
"It only reduces injuries by one level. I assume your injury, Senior Flightline, wasn't severe to begin with, which is why it's almost completely recovered now."
"Even without me, it wouldn't have been a major injury. Please don't worry about it. Get some good rest."
But the elegant, delicate literary maiden decisively shook her head.
"No. Even a minor injury… depends on the person, doesn't it?"
It was like a common cold. Some people might get better naturally in a day or two without medicine.
Those with weaker constitutions might need medicine and still take several days to recover—a big difference compared to healthy, robust individuals.
And Flightline's constitution was notoriously weak even among Uma Musume of her caliber!
Not to mention, she had also activated that costly ['Domain Passive'], a double-edged skill that significantly prolonged her post-race recovery period.
Flightline dreaded to think how long it would take her to return for her next race if that passive were combined with an actual injury…
So, while eliminating what seemed like a minor injury might not sound dramatic—not a major injury becoming minor—for Flightline, the help was substantial.
"For someone like me, my recovery cycle is much longer than a normal Uma Musume's. I'd probably miss the Breeders' Cup entirely."
"But your help, your healing, allows me to make it to the Breeders' Cup, the most important dirt race. Isn't that significant? Should I really not mind it?"
Flightline then smiled slightly, looking at the ['little niece'] of the young doctor she was interested in.
"As expected of Dr. Lin's little niece. Even on the racetrack, you can heal Uma Musume, just like him."
"I'll remember this kindness, Margaret!"
Flightline's thanks and praise, along with her figure turning to leave, were all taken in by Nearl.
"Now, go prepare for your solo dance, shining Pegasus!"
Shortly after, the golden-haired maiden allowed a slight smile to grace her lips. Bearing her sword-spear, she continued on her path towards the winner's podium.
--+--
Simultaneously.
The rewards from the race schedule activated.
[Race: Pacific Classic Stakes]
[Reward: …]
--+--
A short while later.
As a legendary Uma Musume with immense popularity…
And having just had that curious post-race conversation with Nearl…
Flightline was immediately surrounded by numerous reporters and live broadcast crews the moment she left the track.
"Miss Flightline, could we have a moment?"
"Could you tell us what you and Nearl discussed after the race?"
"I'm Natsuki Aya from the Bunbun Daily. May I ask what was said…"
Faced with these uniformly curious questions.
The calm literary maiden, live on air before many viewers, paused slightly.
The next second, she offered the highest praise.
"I was thanking her."
"She is a true Pegasus. She surpassed me, and she ['protected'] me."
Protected?
Protected!!
Instantly, many Uma Musume reporters' eyes widened. For a moment, they couldn't comprehend or figure out what this meant.
"During the Belmont Stakes, many Uma Musume faded badly or were injured. But after the race, they were all fine. That was part of Nearl's Domain at work, protecting them."
"And just now, I too became one of those she protected."
Flightline, a legend herself, explained the so-called "protection" in meticulous detail before the whole world.
Nearl wouldn't say it, and almost no one knew until now. So, she, who had been helped by Nearl, would say it!
With this answer, the truth was completely exposed! It was destined to become a storm sweeping through the Uma Musume world, shocking countless Uma Musume!!
—This world truly contained a great being who protected even her opponents?!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.