Japan, Tracen Academy.
The vast campus was eerily quiet, even more so than during Japanese holidays or New Year celebrations.
After all, it wasn't just the many Uma Musume who were influenced by the Pegasus Platinum, viewing that silver-haired girl as their idol.
Even many of Tracen Academy's teachers and trainers had bought tickets and flown to the venue to watch the race live.
But most people simply couldn't get tickets, and had to watch this [Breeders' Cup] from their homes, dorm rooms, or screening rooms.
The sprawling campus and training grounds of Tracen Academy were nearly deserted, yet every single screening room was packed!
"This popularity is just insane."
"I heard even the URA employees started a 'strike' just to watch Platinum's race live!"
In one corner of the screening room, the petite director and Uma Musume, Akikawa Yayoi, was chatting with the green-hatted demon, Hayakawa Tazuna, beside her.
"That's right. Several G2 and G3 graded stakes were originally scheduled for today, but most have been postponed. Rumor has it it's an internal staffing issue—from the competing athletes to the support staff, everyone's busy watching Platinum's retirement race..."
Hayakawa Tazuna then voiced her profound admiration.
"I've heard that in Australia, they call the top-level G1 sprint, the [Melbourne Cup], the [Race That Stops a Nation]."
"When it's held, some areas even take the day off, and a huge portion of the nation tunes in."
"But that's achieved through the entire event, the city, the organizers, and many, many years of tradition."
"And Platinum, all by herself, a lone Pegasus racing for just three years, has actually surpassed the Melbourne Cup!"
Yes, surpassed!
So what if the Melbourne Cup can stop a nation?
When you get down to it, it's just a sprint G1 popular mainly in [less mainstream racing circuits], only really big in Australia and Hong Kong—its reach is quite limited.
But the Pegasus Platinum?
That Pegasus who dominated every circuit, both mainstream and niche—her final dance, her retirement race, has become a major phenomenon, something that countless international G1 races and official racing bodies around the world are falling over themselves to be a part of.
No matter how proud those official organizations are, they're willing to make exceptions for Platinum, significantly raising the prize money for her chosen race specifically.
Platinum hasn't just made Japan stop; she's sparked a massive wave of excitement overseas. That level of influence is absolutely incomparable to the Melbourne Cup, which primarily only impacts Australia!
Hayakawa Tazuna smiled slightly, her gaze fixed on the live broadcast screen where the silver-haired girl was poised to start, still the top favorite to win.
"The Pegasus's final dance."
"No... perhaps not. If she wins this one, even if she retires, she might just qualify for the [Dirt Dream Cup], don't you think?"
This statement made the petite director beside her startle, even forgetting to wave the folding fan in her hand.
"Huh? The Dream Cup? But... aren't the requirements incredibly strict...?"
"It's the opportunity legendary Uma Musume dream of. Those legendary turf mares desperately want to participate, but this one is a dirt-type Dream Cup."
Truth be told, most legendary Uma Musume throughout history, despite their long careers, never get the chance to face other legends head-on.
And those monsters who reach legendary status are almost invariably extremely competitive—the more they see outstanding Uma Musume, the more they want to challenge them.
But... It's lonely at the top. Often, only one legend is born in an era. The recent super golden age of the last couple of years is an unprecedented exception.
Thus, the ultimate legends are the undisputed, absolute rulers of their respective generations, unchallenged by other legendary Uma Musume.
This has effectively created a situation of [Kings avoiding Kings].
Yet, almost every legendary Uma Musume hopes to measure themselves against other "Kings," other legends, but such opportunities are exceedingly rare.
Man o' War, Seabiscuit, Sea Bird... from dirt legends to turf legends, all are like this, without exception!
Only the legendary, very first true [Dream Cup] could potentially allow past legends to briefly return to their peak, in their best career form, to battle against the kings and legendary Uma Musume of various eras.
But the so-called Dream Cup, the circumstances of the first Dream Cup winner Eclipse... in the world of Uma Musume, these have become almost like myths and legends.
And the Pegasus Platinum has even surpassed the myth of Eclipse, making those senior legends surely dream of facing the Pegasus.
Unfortunately, a certain Senior Eclipse already collected the [Turf Dream Cup Tax] for the next hundred years, leaving later generations of turf Uma Musume seemingly 'paying off the debt' right up to the present.
And now, the second Dream Cup has rotated to the [Dirt Dream Cup]. Who knows if the next Turf Dream Cup will be another hundred years from now?
While other turf legends, including the currently active legend Sea the Stars, deeply envy their dirt counterparts...
Their representative, the new era's strongest turf Uma Musume, the Pegasus Platinum who surpassed Eclipse, it seems...!
—It seems she might be able to participate in the Dirt Dream Cup?
If that happens, it would likely turn into a scene where all the turf legends and historical-grade Uma Musume are left watching teary-eyed, full of envy, as their representative 'defects' to the other side.
"Other turf Uma Musume aren't qualified for the Dirt Dream Cup, but Miss Platinum... perhaps she has that chance."
"Everything, everything depends on this final retirement race."
The green-hatted lady revealed an expectant smile and nodded.
"Let us wait, and hope."
--+--
Meanwhile.
The moment Platinum stepped onto the Breeders' Cup venue once more, she felt an illusion—as if the entire world was holding its breath.
The blazing afternoon sun poured down upon Platinum and the path ahead, its golden rays intertwining with her [Platinum] name.
In the spectator stands, the atmosphere was electric.
Tens of thousands of spectators had flocked from all over the world, waving flags and support boards, shouting Platinum's name at the top of their lungs.
Some had eyes shining with worship, while others watched with anticipation and tension, as if about to witness the birth of a myth... and its conclusion!
"Platinum! Platinum!"
"Sniff... is this really the final battle?"
"I haven't had enough, simply not enough! Will Miss Platinum have any future [rerun] opportunities?"
"What do you think this is, a gacha limited character? A rerun? A rerun? Once she retires, she's not coming back, unless it's for the Dream Cup."
"Sniff... Platinum's last race... I don't want that to happen!"
Many among them were Platinum's devoted fans, with some Japanese supporters having followed her since her debut, witnessing her growth and glory every step of the way.
Now, everyone knew this was Pegasus Platinum's final career race. No one wanted to miss this historic moment!
"Darn it, why is everyone only talking about Platinum's retirement race? Has no one noticed Senior Galileo is also having her last race?!"
"Platinum VS Galileo! Their first international G1 showdown! Are we getting a rematch now? Who will achieve a beautiful finale?"
"Come on, regardless of victory or defeat, it must be a final race worthy of the Pegasus legend."
There were also juniors or fans of Galileo, along with some neutral spectators, all eagerly awaiting the start.
The cheers of the crowd rose and fell like waves, one after another.
And within those cheers, there was a palpable sense of reluctance and regret.
Clad in her gorgeous, sacred race uniform, Platinum moved with an unhurried grace, like a moon goddess ascending to her own palace.
The silver-haired girl took each step with firmness and composure, as if she already knew the glory that awaited her.
Until—
She fully entered the track!!
--+--
A short while later, all the Uma Musume had entered the track.
This popular 2400-meter turf international race had attracted a full dozen competitors.
All twelve Uma Musume gathered their focus, listening intently for the countdown to begin.
[3!]
The current Galileo, as the second favorite, was not the top pick to win.
This intelligent and immensely charming European young lady wore a solemn expression, her eyes fixed intently on the starting gate ahead.
'There are many participants, a full twelve.'
'It seems quite a few local American turf Uma Musume think they can seize an opportunity here, trying to make a name for themselves?'
Galileo knew that under normal circumstances, the number of participants in the Breeders' Cup Turf was usually around this figure.
But... this was a race Platinum herself had entered!
Ever since Platinum had ascended to legendary status, whenever she challenged a race, many Uma Musume would choose to withdraw, fearing they'd add a crushing defeat to their records.
You could say—when faced with a Pegasus, her opponents either fled in haste or were utterly defeated.
Even in Europe, which boasted a top-tier development scene for turf Uma Musume, it was widely accepted that avoiding a race Platinum had entered wasn't shameful or disgraceful in the least.
After all, sometimes charging into a race you clearly can't win, risking not just defeat but potential injury, could be considered pure recklessness.
It was far from rare for world-renowned Uma Musume to steer clear of the Pegasus Platinum.
But now, many American turf Uma Musume were instead filled with fighting spirit, anticipation burning in their hearts instead of avoidance?!
'They have no idea what kind of monster they're about to face.'
Galileo wasn't surprised. America itself was primarily dominated by dirt races; their turf scene lagged significantly behind.
'These American turf Uma Musume still have narrow horizons. Seeing a Pegasus is like a frog at the bottom of a well looking up at the moon.'
'Once they become strong enough to be recorded in the history books, then facing Platinum would be like a mayfly beholding the vast blue sky!'
Keeping her expression calm, Galileo stopped her train of thought. She listened for the start of the race, making her final preparations.
[2!]
[1!!!]
As the commentator called out the final numbers, every Uma Musume in the starting gates focused intensely, their concentration reaching its peak.
Finally—
All the gates flew open at once! The dozen or more Uma Musume on the field burst forward simultaneously in a swift and spectacular scene!
The silver-white maiden, Platinum—already the center of attention as the [Sole Favorite to Win], [Challenger for Two Crowns in One Day], and [Top Pick]—not only had a smooth start from the gate, but one that could be described as perfect!
Her petite yet fiercely swift figure shot out of the gate and made a choice similar to Galileo's, who was in the gate slightly to her left and closer to the inner rail: they both began veering towards the inside.
"No, no good... her break is too strong!"
"Incredible. Shouldn't that Pegasus monster be more fatigued in her second race? Why does she feel even more terrifying than the last one?"
"Wasn't Platinum holding back in her last race? From what I saw, she stayed behind at the start. How is her break faster than mine now?!"
"Isn't she worried about fading later?"
The American Uma Musume near Platinum's gate position had almost all been watching her. Witnessing her perfect break and dash for position, a sense of unease stirred within them.
Before this, many had harbored the dream of being the dark horse that defeats the weary Pegasus, making a name for themselves in one legendary race.
After all... this was Platinum's retirement race!
Defeating her in her final race would not only shatter her undefeated record, preventing a perfect finale, but also cement their own names in history.
Moreover, since Platinum was retiring after this, they wouldn't have to worry about her holding a grudge and hunting them down in future races.
So in theory, facing the Pegasus aiming for two crowns in one day should be high risk, ultra-high reward.
Driven by that immense potential payoff, these American turf Uma Musume quickly steadied their minds and focused.
They didn't panic or grow overly tense from just the break; they were merely somewhat startled.
If they got nervous from just this, how could they hope to surpass Platinum later?
Struggling to maintain their composure, the American Uma Musume also began steering towards the inner rail.
In the moments after the initial break was complete!
The most-watched sole favorite, the Pegasus Platinum, and the second-pick Uma Musume, Galileo, both moved towards the inside, coming into each other's line of sight.
Both Platinum and Galileo held a significant interest in the other.
You could say they were "old rivals." They'd first met in their respective debut international G1 races, and now they were meeting again in their final international G1.
Instantly, both Platinum and Galileo stopped holding back their presence. An unprecedented seriousness filled their eyes.
The two Uma Musume, reunited after so long, finally stood once more on the same turf, beginning their contest of strength!
[The break is complete! The race has only just begun, but the tension is already palpable!]
[The Pegasus Platinum, whom many considered 'unpredictable at the start,' has executed a perfect break in her second race, where she should be fatigued and declining—matching Galileo and surpassing all other Uma Musume!]
[Is this the power of the world's top-tier Uma Musume when they get serious?]
[And Galileo, leveraging her gate advantage, is unhesitatingly pushing for the inner rail. She's securing an excellent position, challenging the Pegasus.]
As the commentator described the situation,
On the track, on the soft turf, the silver-white maiden and the captivating lady, Galileo, were already locking eyes intently.
Feeling the pressure emanating from the Pegasus, Galileo, holding the more inner position, remained remarkably calm. Her hair fluttered slightly as she gradually began to increase her pace.
Galileo, the renowned noble lady of Europe. In this golden era brimming with more than one legend, it was easy to overlook her own formidable strength.
But let it be known, she was a genius who had effortlessly reached world-class level even during her classic years!
Compare her to someone like Japan's Crimson Queen, Daiwa Scarlet. By facing Platinum and sparring with other top Uma Musume drawn by her reputation in training races, Scarlet's growth had been extremely rapid.
But Galileo, in terms of innate talent, training partners, race opponents, and resources, visibly surpassed Daiwa Scarlet!
With "assistance" from her own legendary sister, Sea the Stars, and under the pressure from Platinum, it was only natural that this world-class genius lady had now quietly approached, or even reached, [Historic] heights.
From the very next moment, the black-haired maiden Galileo fixed a sharp, icy gaze straight ahead.
Holding a leading position with the inner rail advantage, she began closing in on those ahead!
'What a terrifying break. From gate eight, and in her second race...'
'But I must hold a forward position if possible. Better not let Platinum open up too much of a gap.'
Having steeled herself in an instant, Galileo was met with a startling sight the very next moment.
Because... an overwhelming, surging presence erupted from the silver-white figure she could glimpse not far to her side!
The presence of the Pegasus Platinum, condensed in a deep blue hue, vast and powerful as the ocean, began to spread across the entire vast racecourse.
The silver-white maiden, like a hunter or assassin locking onto its prey, allowed a slight, interested smile to touch her lips.
"Can you handle it?"
"My... full power!"
In the next instant, to the profound shock of her devoted fans,
The young Pegasus, having just left the gates, suddenly unfurled jet-black wings from her back.
--+--
[Pegasus Form (Passive): Greatly increases power and acceleration. Significantly enhances presence. Effects scale with presence...]
[Pegasus Form (Wings): Expends a small amount of stamina...]
--+--
No more holding back!
The moment she was out, she immediately began her... dash!
No, that wasn't all.
The presence commanded by Platinum abruptly rose to the level of a [Zone].
--+--
[(Pegasian Sight): Activated]
[Will activate at least three exclusive Zone skills most suited to the current situation, and greatly enhance...]
[Passive (Auto-Sustained): Slightly reduces own speed. Moderately increases power and enhances stride frequency...]
--+--
Since this was the final battle!
The so-called last dance—of course, the more spectacular, the better!
Her amber eyes swept past Galileo beside her one last time, then fixed firmly ahead.
The next moment, Platinum began her all-dominating, full-throttle, Great Escape!
--+--
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.