The Pegasus Platinum!
Thirteen lengths!
Past the finish line, after the diminutive Ruffian had crossed the final stretch… she could only stare helplessly at the silver-white figure ahead of her.
"How… how can she be this strong?!"
Second place, Ruffian!
The moment she confirmed she had been utterly defeated, left as the shameful runner-up.
Ruffian turned her head, looking back behind her.
Her gaze then settled upon that… exclusive [Hall of the Pegasus] belonging to the Pegasus Platinum.
Behind the vast throne of the hall, the closest figure was a sculpture capturing the galloping form of a buxom crimson twin-tailed girl.
That was none other than the legend—[The Uma Musume Closest to the Pegasus], [The Crimson Queen Worthy to Dance Beside the Pegasus], the Japanese Triple Tiara Empress, Daiwa Scarlet!
And Ruffian, having lost by thirteen lengths, was positioned a distance behind Daiwa Scarlet.
Although the gap was visibly clear, with a definite distance between the two sculptures, compared to the thirty-one length loss of Manhattan Cafe, or the other Coolmore Group Uma Musume trailing by over thirty lengths…
Ruffian's sculpture was actually placed in the upper-middle section, which was quite respectable.
But at this moment, Ruffian, that petite and proud girl, was practically steaming as she glared at the [Daiwa Scarlet] at the very forefront of the Hall of the Pegasus.
Historically, the American Uma Musume circuit had always been globally recognized as first-tier, significantly stronger than the second-tier Japanese circuit.
So logically, there should also be a gap between their respective Triple Crown Uma Musume, with the American Triple Crown winner being superior to the Japanese one.
And now… Ruffian, the American Dirty Triple Crown Empress, was ranked lower in the Hall of the Pegasus than Daiwa Scarlet, the Japanese Turf Triple Crown Empress!
How could the proud and fiercely competitive Ruffian ever accept this?
But when she saw that even the illustrious Harbinger and Sea the Stars, both undoubtedly her equals or better, had been defeated by even greater margins…
That feeling of resentment immediately faded somewhat.
'If only that legendary Daiwa Scarlet raced on dirt. Otherwise, I'd definitely go to Japan during the off-season to challenge her in a training match or a real race!'
The historical record of Daiwa Scarlet's [five-length] victory was permanently solidified, destined to be passed down through generations unchallenged, with only the final turf battle remaining!
The [Breeders' Cup Turf], the very event that had once broken the strongest legend of a European era, the great Dancing Brave, would serve as Platinum's final race before retirement, the last leg of her attempt at two crowns in a single day!
—The Pegasus's final dance was approaching.
--+--
Currently, in the Uma Musume's lounge.
It was already afternoon, and this year's Breeders' Cup was mostly over.
The blazing sun cast sharp, bright spots on the floor through the large glass windows.
The air conditioning in the lounge was on, maintaining a comfortable temperature for the resting Uma Musume, yet many of them were sweating profusely from watching the races.
It's worth noting that the number of remaining Uma Musume in the lounge had unknowingly dwindled to just over a dozen.
In the morning, it started with over a hundred, bustling with activity, but now it barely reached double digits.
After all, two of Platinum's races and one of Nearl's, together forming the three [main events], had already concluded one.
And currently, Galileo and the others had already gone backstage, preparing for their next race at any moment.
So those remaining in the lounge now were all participants in the final [Breeders' Cup Classic].
This included both the dirt specialist, the Big Red Monster Secretariat, and also…
The tall, golden-haired knightly maiden Nearl, clad in her victory uniform!
Their gazes were fixed on the large screen hanging in the lounge, watching the live broadcast of Platinum after her finish.
"What a monster."
The sigh that broke the silence came from Flightline in the corner.
This legendary Uma Musume, known for her fragile constitution, was hugging her knees, her expression a mix of awe and envy.
As the most physically fragile among the three legends of the Breeders' Cup Classic, she always felt a surge of envy whenever she saw Uma Musume like Nearl, Secretariat, or even Platinum, who could endure numerous races while maintaining excellent form.
And now, watching Platinum effortlessly crush Ruffian by a huge margin while still holding back… Flightline was both shocked and deeply envious!
—And that wasn't even her full power!
—Platinum hasn't had much time to train specifically for dirt!
Remembering these two key points, even the self-assured Flightline could feel nothing but envy, and utter bewilderment.
Just how formidable was that Pegasus's body?
Probably, even within the dirt racing world, Platinum's physique ranked among the top three in history. How could such a terrifying Uma Musume exist?
But Secretariat wasn't thinking about that.
This Big Red Monster was famous for her own incredible physicality; she didn't envy other Uma Musume' constitutions.
"Platinum… truly fascinating."
Secretariat's crimson hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her piercing scarlet eyes gleamed with a strange light.
It seemed this monster legend, a contender for the title of strongest dirt racer in history, had her fighting spirit thoroughly ignited.
"If Platinum went all out, and specifically trained to adapt to dirt!"
Secretariat muttered to herself, but didn't finish the thought.
The other Uma Musume present, though silent, each had their own answer.
Approaching a super-sized winning margin? Or… actually achieving one?
Even legendary Uma Musume like the great Seabiscuit or Dancing Brave couldn't have managed that.
The last Uma Musume to have defeated Ruffian so decisively was none other than the Radiant Knight, Nearl, who was expected to defeat Secretariat and surpass Man o' War!
The potential Platinum displayed, that boundless possibility, clearly marked her as a contender for the title of [Strongest in History] among dirt Uma Musume.
"How can a Uma Musume, after dominating every turf distance, also possess such limitless potential on dirt?"
"Is she the Three Goddesses' favorite daughter, or are they themselves??"
Some of the surrounding Uma Musume finally voiced their astonishment, utterly dumbfounded.
"But Platinum, she's going to retire! She won't run anymore!"
"What a shame. Platinum is still in her prime."
"Is losing such a strong rival a good thing, or a bad one?"
Many younger fillies didn't quite understand, but were thoroughly amazed!
Secretariat didn't join the discussion. Instead, she turned her head.
The direction she looked towards was…
Not far behind, right where the Radiant Knight, the Pegasus of the Dirt, Nearl, stood!
What slightly surprised Secretariat was that the imposing golden-haired knightly girl, with her head slightly bowed, had a face as calm as still water.
Even she and Flightline, two of America's current three active legends, were amazed by Platinum's final dirt performance, yet Nearl remained completely unruffled, utterly composed?
It was as if no one in the world understood Platinum's strength better than Nearl, as if the Radiant Knight had fully expected Platinum's dominant, large-margin victory.
Secretariat didn't dwell on it much. After all, having challenged for the [Lin Anran Cup], she knew about the relationship between Margaret Nearl and Dr. Lin—niece and uncle.
And Dr. Lin was very close to Platinum too. During that year he spent in Japan, Platinum was his first, and only, exclusive contract Uma Musume!
And for Margaret Nearl's debut race, Platinum had specifically come to watch. She definitely had some connection with Lin Anran as well.
So in Secretariat's view, these two young Pegasus girls probably had a very good relationship, perhaps close friends or even confidantes. It was only natural they'd understand and appreciate each other's abilities.
"Nearl, what do you think of Platinum's historical standing in dirt racing?"
Then, Secretariat posed her question, her tone serious.
This question made the surrounding Uma Musume, who were either discussing or marveling, pause almost in unison. Most turned their attention to Secretariat and Nearl.
She was asking… about the historical ranking of the strongest turf Uma Musume in history… on dirt?
"From [now], it's enough to place her within the historical top thirty. A performance worthy of a super Uma Musume, a king among Uma Musume."
Nearl stated her reply in her cool, steady, and authoritative feminine voice.
Only two races!
And both were dominant, large-margin victories against talented Uma Musume with significant achievements of their own. That was enough to immediately surpass many veteran monster competitors who had worked for two or three years to build their records.
"Top thirty… In other words, somewhere around the twenties, right?"
Secretariat said leisurely, in a tone of affirmation.
When her words rang out, the pupils of several surrounding Uma Musume abruptly constricted, as if they instantly grasped the implication behind Secretariat's question—and the meaning behind that response!
"Gulp…"
"Twentieth-something… just one step away from the [Dream Cup]?!"
Flightline suddenly understood the hidden message in Secretariat's words.
The Dream Cup!
Generally speaking, the maximum number of entrants for a single race was just over twenty.
Take Japan's G1 race, the Arima Kinen, or the world-renowned turf G1, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—as long as entry conditions weren't overly strict, there had been plenty of instances in history where the number of participants reached or even slightly exceeded twenty.
Any more than that, however, was usually unlikely.
Too many competitors would make the starting field overly crowded, potentially harming the race's appeal and fairness.
So, in theory, the Dream Cup capped its entrants at just over twenty, with only those meeting specific historical rankings qualifying.
And based on Nearl's assessment, Platinum's results in those two races placed her somewhere in the twenties—just a few spots away from that crucial twentieth or twenty-first position.
A razor-thin margin! Could she really miss qualification by just a handful of spots, by a heartbreakingly small gap?!
Nearl's tone remained calm, devoid of any regret, as she added:
"But—that's now."
Logically speaking, Platinum had already announced that the recently concluded [Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile] would be her final race on dirt.
Everything about that turf Pegasus on dirt should have been set in stone.
"Exactly, only for now."
Secretariat nodded immediately, agreeing with Nearl.
When it came to boosting one's evaluation without relying on future races, there were usually two scenarios.
The first was somewhat special: some Uma Musume had defeated future champions in the past, and when those defeated rivals later achieved great results, the earlier victors saw their own ratings rise.
They didn't improve themselves, but their past opponents worked hard enough to lift them… a free ride to glory!
The widespread talk about Daiwa Scarlet losing to Platinum by only five lengths was a similar case.
The second scenario occurred when a runner retired under certain circumstances, leaving behind enough mystery and legend to become a "Phantom Champion."
For instance, if Tokai Teio hadn't been injured before the Kikuka Shō, she might have become an Undefeated Triple Crown winner!
But the Dream Cup was approaching too soon—it would begin in just a month or two.
Both of those rating-boosting possibilities required considerable time, making it impossible for Platinum's dirt rating to jump from the twenties into the top twenty in such a short span.
"Next, we'll see her final dance on turf… after being drained by Ruffian," Secretariat murmured to herself, a slight smile playing on her lips, her expression one of anticipation.
"This is not only her final retirement race—it's also her last hope to qualify for the Dream Cup!"
Other Uma Musume, after retiring, could only pray that their past opponents would indirectly boost their ratings or that they'd become some kind of phantom champion.
But Platinum was different. She didn't need to pray for any of that! In fact, many Uma Musume enshrined in the Pegasus Hall were the ones praying that Platinum would grow even stronger!
Only Platinum, only she, dared to attempt the [Double Crown in a Single Day]—a hope that could break through limitations and continue charging forward!
"If Platinum can win, it will absolutely prove that her final dirt race wasn't run at full strength."
"Then, without needing time or relying on opponents, it would directly boost her standing in the dirt racing world, lifting her from the top thirty into the top twenty, securing that Dream Cup ticket."
"If she can win by a huge margin again, it might even push her into the top ten or teens in dirt history."
If she dominated the next turf race—one where she should have been exhausted—wouldn't that mean she was "slacking off" or conserving energy against Ruffian?
In other words, Platinum's double crown challenge was interconnected; her chance at the Dream Cup wasn't dead yet!
The Big Red Monster crossed her arms, standing proudly as she gazed at the large screen.
The next race—the [Breeders' Cup Turf]—which would determine whether Platinum could end on a high note and secure her qualification, was about to begin!
"If she wins by a super large margin… that would be unprecedented: just two races, and a top-ten ranking!"
"In the name of the Big Red, I will be here to witness just how high a Pegasus can soar."
After speaking, Secretariat's gaze returned to that gleaming golden-haired girl.
"Nearl, would you welcome that uninvited guest?"
Nearl didn't speak, merely gently stroking her lance-sword.
A moment later, Margaret Nearl, illuminated by the fierce sunlight through the glass, gave a slight nod, her gorgeous, radiant golden hair and the pure white cape behind her swaying with the motion.
It was as if this knight was ready at any moment to rise and march into battle.
"I'd say… I'd be delighted."
In the Dream Cup, the iron rule of [Kings Never Meet] no longer applied.
Lance-sword and bow.
Knight and assassin.
Pegasus and Pegasus.
Would they… meet?!
--+--
Some time later.
The silver-haired girl walked forward calmly.
She pushed the door open and returned to the all-too-familiar Uma Musume preparation room.
Well, just a little while ago, she'd been sitting right here.
And now, after such a short time, it was already time for Platinum's [encore performance]!
"Long time no see."
Platinum greeted Galileo when she saw her.
"We just saw each other in the lounge."
The black-haired girl didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but she replied anyway.
Then, Galileo's sharp gaze locked firmly onto Platinum, scanning her from head to toe.
In an instant, Galileo's view of Platinum shifted from that of a familiar friend to a deadly rival she must be wary of.
But soon, she frowned slightly upon seeing Platinum's relaxed and effortless demeanor, which showed no signs of fatigue.
The race would begin soon, and Galileo knew Platinum wasn't some cunning, strategic-type Uma Musume—there was no need for her to play mind games with a former rival she'd already defeated.
So… Platinum truly was in decent condition, at least not to the point of exhaustion.
'Stay sharp, this isn't just Platinum's retirement race—it's mine too.'
'Can't afford to look bad!'
--+--
Time flashed by.
Inside gate number eight.
The silver-haired girl, carrying her long bow, stepped in as calmly as if she were on a leisurely stroll.
The Pegasus's final dance had arrived!
--+--
T/N: Mihoyo x Multiverse Fanfic Up!
--+--
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.