[Queen Anne Stakes (Completed)]
The unscrupulous young doctor set down his newspaper, gazing at the system reward panel displayed before him.
Currently, the Pegasus Uma Musume Platinum had won yet another major race.
The remaining races were now only the Breeders' Cup Turf, the Breeders' Cup Classic, and finally… the [Dream Cup]!
And among those three major races, The Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl, was sure to take part in at least two.
That meant the only race left for Platinum was the [Breeders' Cup Turf]!
"After retiring following the Breeders' Cup Turf, she could just… take it easy, right…?"
"Then wait for the next generation's king to be born, and go hunting when interested?"
"Wait a second, doesn't that sound like the big bad guy in those fantasy novels?"
Lin Anran recalled that in those xuanhuan novels, there was often an ultimate villain who wouldn't appear easily.
When a new powerhouse emerged, the villain would come out of seclusion to hunt and devour them?
The key point was, given Platinum's current physical condition, forget about declining in a year or two… she'd probably still be at her peak even two or three years later?
She could actually pull this off!
Whenever a new, seemingly invincible queen was born, she could make her see what a [threat from beyond] truly was!
Especially in Europe, where new-era Uma Musume always replaced the old.
Looking at the historical win rates for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the probability of a young classic-year star rising to the top was particularly high.
Lin Anran could easily imagine a scenario: a young genius filly, freshly crowned world champion, eager to test the retired-and-returned Pegasus, might boldly declare before the race:
"Let's get one thing straight—you're the challenger!"
"You're just a mediocre talent born in an era without me!"
'If the opponent is Platinum, it might be tricky.' 'Could I lose?' 'I'll win!'
'Relic of a bygone era! Don't even show your face…'
'All this time, I've always had a slight doubt… whether you were ever truly stronger than me.'
And then… she would have to face the full might of the Pegasus, whose peak was terrifyingly, truly long-lasting!
"If it really goes like this, popping up every now and then over the next few years…"
"Wouldn't that mean the Platinum Era never actually ended?"
Lin Anran sighed, though he wasn't all that surprised, honestly.
After all, this was a descendant of the Pegasus, from the Kuranta tribe of that vast land.
Just like in the story, Margaret's uncle, Młynar Nearl, was already middle-aged. He'd been a salaryman for ten years, worn down into a corporate drone…
But even then, Młynar Nearl, sitting on a bench reading a newspaper, could still intimidate the superior Lazurite of the Armorless Union, creating an iconic scene.
So clearly, the peak competitive period for the Kuranta tribe… was definitely not short!
At the very least, they wouldn't decline rapidly after three or four years like regular Uma Musume.
So this business of 'assassinating' the young fillies of the new era… not only was it possible, it seemed like she could probably do it at least two or three times?
"When future generations describe Platinum, or describe this period of history, they might even call it…"
"The Celestial Emperor's Reign…"
Ahem, perhaps they'd use [The Pegasus Era] to describe it?"
The expression of the unscrupulous young doctor turned complex as his interest was piqued, muttering offhandedly to himself.
Then, he shifted his focus back to the reward panel in front of him.
"Alright, let's just claim the reward first."
[Reward: Claim]
Immediately, the system panel began to refresh, and after a moment, new text finally appeared.
[Reward: Obtain Slight Constitution of Młynar Nearl]
[Note: Reward is not limited to transformed Uma Musume form; includes original body]
"? "
When Lin Anran clearly saw the specific content of this reward line, along with the text in the [Note], he was stunned.
??
Huh?
This reward… wasn't just for one of them individually?
Lin Anran remembered perfectly clearly that previous system rewards, in terms of [stat boosts], were always prepared either for him, or for a specific Pegasus he transformed into.
For example, increasing the maturation progress for Platinum or Nearl.
Or, enhancing his original body's pelvis, or giving a slight endurance boost from Młynar Nearl or something similar.
There were also… unlocking similar but distinct special effects for the two Pegasi, or obtaining items that boosted stats.
But this time, it was given to everyone, and even his original body—who wasn't from the Kuranta tribe and wasn't an Uma Musume—could receive it?!
"This… is practically a triple reward."
After processing it, the black-haired young doctor Lin Anran, after his initial shock, couldn't help but be impressed.
"So just how significant is this boost going to be?"
[Constitution]!
This… was quite remarkable, a very comprehensive summary of the physical body.
In other words, it included strength, endurance, explosiveness, and more. So even the domain skills of top-world-class Uma Musume rarely touched upon [Constitution].
Usually, it was slightly boosting oneself, or weakening an opponent's strength or speed—it never reached this all-encompassing level, never rose to the level of the entire constitution.
This time, not only was it a full-spectrum upgrade, but it was effectively [tripled], distributed at once to the two Pegasi and to Lin Anran himself?
"And it's from [Młynar Nearl], from the real uncle himself!"
"First, we got his vacation time, then we got his endurance, and now it's his constitution…"
"Next time, it wouldn't be his Originium Arts, his ultimate move 'True Golden Slash,' would it?"
Immediately, Lin Anran stood up, wanting to feel just how much his constitution had improved.
Even if it was "slight"…
But wouldn't the slight effort of a billionaire likely still surpass the all-out effort of someone with ten thousand to their name?
But as soon as he stood up, Lin Anran looked around his familiar clinic, at the bookshelf and medicine cabinet behind him filled with medical texts and documents, and fell into silence.
This wasn't a gym; there were no equipment to use.
Sitting back down, Lin Anran focused on sensing his own body and muttered to himself.
"This boost… it's probably enough to make people think I've been hitting the gym and using enhancements, isn't it?"
"Tragic news for the bodybuilding world—"
Clang!
Clang!
The next moment, sounds from the street outside the clinic entrance grew closer, interrupting his thoughts.
Following the noise, Lin Anran turned his head to look.
When he clearly saw the figure entering his line of sight, Lin Anran's pupils constricted sharply.
It was… a tall, stunning figure in a vibrant red, cold and imposing like a volcano ready to erupt, staring him down with intense focus!
The Big Red Monster, Secretariat, had arrived!
She actually… really came?!
Half an hour earlier.
The big red Uma Musume was humming coldly, her gaze icy as she stared at her phone screen.
Displayed on it was a text message from Flightline, sent yesterday.
[Flightline: Sorry, Secretariat, my training form has been a bit off the last couple of days, so I'm taking a rest tomorrow.]
Flightline's text expressed regret about canceling today's training session.
But Secretariat felt no regret whatsoever.
On the contrary, she was filled with displeasure and rage, furious at herself for being so foolish.
"I actually… underestimated the determination of Flightline and Ruffian!"
"One must remember, every Uma Musume is inherently a monster forged from the desire to win."
Currently, based on what had happened over the past few days, Secretariat had pieced together the truth behind it all.
For the past three days, Ruffian, who had been training with her, was inexplicably in poor form.
Three days later, as if taking over from Ruffian, Flightline showed up to fill in—but her condition was even worse than Ruffian's, who had just returned from injury.
How could Flightline, a Man o' War from the classic generation, perform so much more poorly than Ruffian during training?
This was the same Flightline known for her fierce competitive spirit and strong pride, always chasing after the strongest. If she were truly in bad physical shape, she would've called it quits before the first day of training was even over…
That kind of recklessness, looking back, felt a bit off.
"Besides, I've been preparing for the upcoming [Breeders' Cup] and my future showdown with the Radiant Knight, Nearl, so I didn't pay much attention to Ruffian at first."
It wasn't until yesterday, after training ended—the second day of observing Flightline—that Secretariat finally caught on.
Flightline was never that reckless.
But the problem was, realizing it now was a little too late!
Ever since she last tasted Dr. Lin Anran's… flavor, Secretariat had to admit she'd grown a bit lax, too focused on the upcoming races.
After all… Dahlia and Sea the Stars were still overseas.
Dahlia was still on her way—
And as for the American-based Ruffian and Flightline, one had just recovered from injury, and the other had only recently lost to Nearl.
As for that shameless Sham, she'd probably be busy until the off-season, chasing enough glory before she'd have time to return and compete in the [Lin Anran Cup] again.
So from a conventional standpoint, there shouldn't be any need to worry about someone stealing her spot—not in the short term. The advantage was hers!!
And then—
Now, Secretariat was sure: her spot had been stolen.
And what's more, she'd been stolen from by two little fillies teaming up against her!!
Secretariat could no longer bring herself to say "the advantage is mine." She didn't want to keep thinking she had the upper hand, only to end up stuck at the very bottom of the [Lin Anran Cup]!
So Secretariat decided: no training this morning. She was going straight to find Dr. Lin!
"Right now, I'll go see Dr. Lin."
"If Flightline took time off and can't keep an eye on me, she's probably having Dr. Lin return to the clinic temporarily to throw me off."
In front of someone who's already suspicious, too much cover-up can sometimes deepen their doubts.
And Secretariat wasn't just suspicious anymore—she was certain!
She understood Flightline far better than Flightline realized!
"Alright, time to go."
"Just as I thought—!"
The fiery red-haired beauty stepped into the clinic, her presence as intense as an erupting volcano…
Yet, in the next instant, it was as if something sealed that intensity away.
And the one who could seal away the legendary, strongest dirt-track Uma Musume, Secretariat, wasn't any other Uma Musume.
It could only be… the young doctor she'd been longing for, Lin Anran.
"Dr. Lin, you smell… a little different today."
Secretariat walked up to Lin Anran's desk, her crimson eyes locking onto him like a hunter sighting prey.
In the next moment, she sat directly on the desk, crossing her legs, her full thighs and delicate feet on full display before him.
"There's none of that unpleasant disinfectant smell, nor the mixed scents of countless little fillies' perfumes."
"So, Dr. Lin, even though you claimed you returned several days ago… you've only just reopened, haven't you?"
Lin Anran's pupils contracted sharply.
Before he could say anything, Secretariat leaned in and nipped his ear.
She didn't bite hard, but it still stung a little.
In the next instant, her warm breath brushed against his ear.
Flightline stealing her spot? Then she'd steal something too!
Every strategy boils down to stealing the home ground!
"Alright, since the last few days belonged to them…"
The unscrupulous young doctor never expected that the [Constitution Enhancement] he'd just acquired would come in handy so soon.
"Then these next few days… should belong to me, shouldn't they?"
--+--
Europe.
The British Uma Musume scene, the Irish Uma Musume scene, the French Uma Musume scene…
Nearly all of them were in chaos, all at once.
At the headquarters of British racing officials.
Many high-level decision-makers had gathered, every one of them serious—clearly discussing something of great importance.
"To think Platinum would retire this soon!"
"We must do everything we can to secure her final race—it's destined to be a legendary retirement match for the history books!"
"Indeed, Platinum isn't just any legend. She's a legend among legends—no one on the turf can even compare."
Generally speaking, there are quite a few GI races in Britain alone, and across Europe and the world, they're too many to count.
So, where would Platinum choose to hold her retirement race? Where would she bring her legendary career to a close?
This was something the entire world was watching closely!
Even the British racing authority—one of the oldest and most established in the global Uma Musume world—had already begun internal discussions. They were holding high-level meetings on how to offer Platinum special treatment and how to invite her to a British GI.
"Offer more money! Show our sincerity!"
"Miss Platinum has ties with us too, doesn't she? Her first international GI was our Epsom Derby."
"We must do everything to invite Miss Pegasus!"
And this was just the discussion within British Uma Musume circles!
Worldwide, various racing jurisdictions had already begun their own discussions and follow-up actions!
After all, even the race commemorating the legendary Eclipse achieved GI status internationally.
Europe has the Eclipse GI race, and America has the Eclipse Awards.
And Pegasus Platinum… she had already surpassed Eclipse, creating a new myth!
Who wouldn't want a race under their banner to be the one Platinum chose for her retirement?
The American Uma Musume scene.
Discussions within the racing authority had also begun.
But compared to the eager, heated debates in other jurisdictions, the atmosphere here was somewhat subdued.
In fact, some of the higher-ups spoke in hushed tones.
"The Breeders' Cup… might be in a bit of danger."
"We thought the legendary showdown [Nearl vs. Secretariat] might be as epic as Frankel vs. Platinum—something to capture the world's attention."
"But… Platinum is retiring already? I'm afraid the buzz and impact of her final race might rival even the Nearl-Secretariat matchup."
"Just when we thought the Breeders' Cup had a chance to reclaim its spot as the world's number one race… it seems we're still in danger…"
Many senior members nodded in agreement.
Until…
A staff member wearing a [PLATINUM IS THE STRONGEST!!] t-shirt spoke up calmly.
"But… why don't we try inviting Miss Platinum to the Breeders' Cup as well?"
"The Breeders' Cup isn't just dirt races, is it?"
For a moment, the room fell completely silent.
Then, in the next instant, many people stood up and enthusiastically voiced their support.
"That's right! Let's bring together the [Twin Pegasus] combo, both appearing on the same day at the Breeders' Cup."
"Wouldn't that… not only solidify it as the world's premier race, but also capture the world's attention completely?"
"For the first time, two Pegasus Uma Musume meeting officially! What would happen when Platinum and Nearl cross paths?"
--+--
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.