[Pegasus Form]!
[Pegasian Sight]!!
And then... a soft whisper.
"[Armor On]!"
In an instant, the maiden knight clad in gleaming, frosty silver light armor! Or perhaps she should be called the knight-killer, Platinum, curved a death god-like smile.
Everything characteristic of this silvery-white maiden was activated at full force, right from the starting gate.
No thought, no hesitation.
There was only... her promise to the Galileo before the race, to give it her all!
Against enemies, especially excellent ones suited for a life-or-death, head-on clash, Platinum would not be stingy with the arrows in her quiver.
She couldn't help but want to grant her the piercing arrow as fast as possible! To shoot her down!
Especially since this was an old rival she'd known since her first trip overseas.
Because she was familiar, she wanted to shoot her even more!
And so, Platinum got completely serious, activating her serious form to properly [respect] the Galileo, who was also running her retirement race.
And before anyone realized it, high in the sky, the twin moons of Terra had already appeared, replacing the blazing afternoon sun!
One bright, one dim, two moons slowly rising!
The sun had been replaced in an instant.
It was as if day had been forcibly reversed into night.
The unique twin moons of the Terra continent manifested just as Platinum unleashed her aura!!
The Twin Moons of Terra! Blotting out the Sky and Sun!
Kazimierz Knight Arena!
And at the center of the hall stood a throne, and upon that throne was a figure almost identical to the maiden Platinum, only more ethereal and majestic, like Platinum in a divine form!
The spectral image of the maiden goddess sat high upon the throne, bow drawn and arrow notched, just like—the Huntress Goddess under the moon, beginning her patrol!!
And behind the throne stood many sculptures, symbolizing the countless powerful enemies Platinum had defeated in her campaigns.
Each sculpture was a lifelike young Uma Musume, all clad in either gorgeous or elegant victory uniforms, their expressions largely frozen in the moment they witnessed the Pegasus achieving a shocking, large-margin victory, utterly stupefied!
Aside from the red-haired, curvaceous girl at the very front, Daiwa Scarlet, the two sculptures of the charming maiden Galileo in the middle were particularly eye-catching.
They instantly drew the gaze of all the Uma Musume present.
Feelings of shock or dismay rose in the hearts of these ambitious American turf Uma Musume.
The Daiwa Scarlet at the front, whose fame was already worldwide, and Galileo's double sculptures, were the most famous scenes known to the public.
And now... if they weren't strong enough, not diligent enough, forget about surpassing the sculptures of Frankel and Daiwa Scarlet, they wouldn't even qualify to stand behind Manhattan Cafe!
Only one Uma Musume could have the 'honor' of entering the Pegasus Hall per race. Whose sculpture would be added in this race...?
"That's... my sculpture!!"
Running in the leading positions, the maiden Galileo, who had just been caught up by the spread wings and activated Pegasian Sight, felt her calm face twitch slightly.
Like the famous Ultraman scene of 'Ultraman recognizing his own grave,' Galileo instantly recognized the sculpture of her defeat.
Then, Galileo tried her utmost to stay calm, to not look at her own sculpture tucked away in the farthest corner.
Huff... huff...
Calm, I must keep a calm mind. Can't let the rhythm get disrupted.
The currently sharp and experienced Galileo knew perfectly well that to maximize her performance, she had to maintain a calm response to have any chance of victory.
Feeling the terrifying pressure from the Pegasus's domain and the helplessness evoked by her own sculpture, she still managed to hold onto her thoughts, not completely breaking down.
But in the very next second, the silvery-white maiden Pegasus spread her jet-black wings, contrasting with her overall color scheme, as if ready to soar past the entire field at any moment.
Galileo, running beside her, who had the advantage of the inner lane and the earliest momentum, was recognized as the most popular after the Pegasus...
Was actually being overtaken so quickly, right after the gate and before the first turn!
The one mercilessly passing and showing no attachment towards that European genius maiden champion... was none other than the Platinum seat, spreading her black wings and unleashing her full flight!
--+--
In the mid-pack position.
The American Uma Musume gathered here watched with difference and astonishment this [Pegasus Hall] that had appeared so early.
And the raised black wings, the knight's light armor donned, all greatly shocked these ambitious American fillies.
Five lengths!
Six lengths!
The Pegasus Platinum was so quickly closing the gap between the second-place leader and a massive margin.
"W-Wait, why is the Pegasus... so fast?"
"S-So fast? Is she starting a Great Escape already!?"
"Wait, is she... not considering the possibility of fading at all?"
"In the previous test of speed, a 1600-meter dirt mile, and now this 2400-meter turf race testing endurance and burst, she's actually... [Great Escaping]!?"
"Is she really going to burn everything from the start, either win big or lose terribly? Not leaving even a shred of a way out?"
Many American Uma Musume felt their hearts in their throats, their faces full of surprise.
Typically, the dominant running styles in American Uma Musume circles were [Leader] and [Front Runner], but... that was for mainstream dirt races.
The Breeders' Cup Turf, however, was special; it was the mid-pack [Stalker] style, or [Front Runner] staying behind the leader, that were more common.
The runaway style Platinum was deploying now was an unfamiliar and shocking tactic for the local turf Uma Musume.
Even though currently, America had two legendary monsters named Nearl and Secretariat, both capable of winning freely with Great Escapes, making the audience and Uma Musume somewhat familiar with this rare 'Great Escape' style.
But... that was on dirt!
Both Nearl and Secretariat might have turf talent, but at least they hadn't shown it yet.
And not only that, the Breeders' Cup Turf was somewhat unusual.
The reason was one of the systems of the [Breeders' Cup] race day... it rotated through several major American racecourses.
The slope changes at each racecourse weren't just for show; they were key elements directly affecting race rhythm and victory.
It wasn't just simple, common uphill or downhill sections, but terrain with undulations at key, important positions, greatly increasing the importance of timing acceleration, thus testing the Uma Musume' decision-making and overall physical qualities.
And some racecourses had slope positions favorable to Stalkers, while others benefited front-running Uma Musume.
The racecourse for this current iteration was the type unfriendly and challenging for front-running and leading Uma Musume! That's why there were especially many who chose to be Stalkers.
Each had its characteristics, each had its benefits through constant rotation, thus full of uncertainty. For American local Uma Musume who had fought many battles and run through major racecourses, they could possess some [home field advantage], familiar with the terrain and reducing the probability of mistakes.
Correspondingly, for foreign Uma Musume on expeditions, it would be a challenge, big or small.
And Platinum, doing the opposite, chose to stay behind in the previous high-intensity [Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile].
In the [Breeders' Cup Turf], suited for staying behind and conserving stamina, she actually switched to a rampant Great Escape!?
But right now...
"This, this is good! They've chosen a high-risk, low-reward running style."
"I was worried about whether there was a chance for an upset, but now maybe there really is!"
"A strong dragon cannot suppress a snake in its old haunt; with my home field advantage, I might really have a chance!"
"Platinum just ran a 1600-meter race and is now running a Great Escape in a 2400-meter race. She's looking down on the world's heroes too much. The chance is here!"
More than one American Uma Musume had their eyes shining, spotting the opportunity.
The first favorite, Pegasus Platinum, was leading with the riskiest runaway style!
As for the second favorite, the European elite genius Galileo, she was maintaining a pace faster than the other front-runners, almost a leader's style, trying hard not to let Platinum widen the gap!
The two most threatening expedition Uma Musume had both chosen running styles that, in their view, didn't suit this racecourse's environment well.
Even if Platinum was an existence surpassing legendary Uma Musume, but...
Platinum had just run a mile race in the previous event, and it was in the dirt Uma Musume world next door!
This sudden switch between different environments and race schedules would affect performance, right?
And the two races combined weren't [4000 meters] just like that, it would significantly impact Platinum's subsequent explosive power and final kick acceleration.
And this [Breeders' Cup Turf], as a 2400-meter, the longest race in the middle-distance category, actually had a relatively short final stretch, famously testing both endurance and, more importantly, explosive power.
Not only that...
In the past—!
The most prestigious, famous legendary European Uma Musume, Dancing Brave, had foundered right here!
Even if Platinum was stronger than Dancing Brave, she had run a full extra mile race, more battled than any so-called battle-hardened Uma Musume, so her physical functions must have taken some toll.
Precisely because of this, so many American turf Uma Musume refused to avoid the challenge like the European Uma Musume did, wanting to try for an upset and make their name known worldwide.
The many American Uma Musume fixed their expectant, hunting gazes on the leading Pegasus Platinum, staying in the mid-pack and watching the silvery-white Great Escaping figure dash further and further ahead.
Nine lengths!
Ten lengths!
--+--
In the spectator stands.
In a front-row spot, one with a perfect view of the entire track.
A chestnut-haired maiden sat together with another sweet-looking, pink-haired maiden Uma Musume next to her. Sitting side-by-side, they seemed to be on good terms, both watching intently, seriously observing this final battle of the Pegasus Platinum.
They were...
Sea the Stars!
And Treve!
Both were talented genius maidens, and also close, good friends.
Ever since a while back, Sea the Stars had been tied up with a packed race schedule and couldn't get away. Yet, she was worried about some sneaky "stray cats" back in the U.S. and anxious that her older sister, Galileo, might pull off something big in the [Lin Anran Cup].
So, she went and hired a "mercenary," roping in her good friend Treve for help.
Now, Sea the Stars was finally in her off-season and had the perfect excuse to visit the U.S.—a trip she'd been dreaming of—to watch her sister compete.
Well, mostly to watch her sister. The Lin Anran Cup came second!
"These American Uma Musume… they're really confident, aren't they?"
Sea the Stars' gaze swept over the American runners in the mid-pack, her tone flat and utterly unreadable.
But the little pink-haired foreign girl actually understood where the American Uma Musume were coming from.
I mean, how could anyone make sense of a Uma Musume who'd just won a 1600-meter dirt race, then immediately turned around to run on turf, going even longer at 2400 meters—and doing it with a reckless, all-out Great Escape without a hint of restraint?!
Add to that her familiarity—or lack thereof—with the track…
After the initial shock wore off, feeling a bit of confidence wasn't so strange.
Treve remembered how, in a past Breeders' Cup Turf, one of the favored Uma Musume had misjudged the rhythm on an unfamiliar sloped course, accelerated at the wrong time, and ended up losing because of it.
"I've seen some data," Treve said, her eyes fixed on the vast racecourse and its sloping track.
"When the slope causes frequent position changes, it increases stamina drain and magnifies the impact of timing your acceleration."
"In the end, it raises the chances of a 'come-from-behind upset' or a 'shock result' in the final stretch by over 30%."
"And Platinum… she's already pushing her limits with two championship races in one day, plus she's using that aggressive front-running style that burns stamina fast and is easily affected by slopes…"
"Maybe Galileo and the American Uma Musume really do have a shot at winning?"
Having never raced against Platinum herself, Treve was relying on what she'd learned from her mentor, the great Urban Sea.
But Sea the Stars just shook her head.
"That one… she's definitely a monster from another planet."
"So, Miss Treve, let's not judge an alien Pegasus by common sense."
What seemed like a wise, rational strategy—perfect for the Breeders' Cup Turf—looked like a risky move in the eyes of Sea the Stars, a legend in middle-distance racing herself.
"From their perspective, Platinum doesn't understand the Breeders' Cup," Sea the Stars remarked calmly.
"But to my sister and me, it's them who don't understand Platinum."
That made the pink-haired foreign girl nod with a slight smile.
"Mmm, it really makes me itch to experience the Pegasus's power for myself."
"But what a shame… she's retiring after this. I won't get the chance."
In the end, Treve could only murmur to herself with a touch of regret.
If a certain Pegasus had heard her words, she might have said…
"No, there's still a chance!"
[Unbelievable! This year's Breeders' Cup Turf is a seriously demanding test for any Uma Musume.]
[And yet, right after dominating a dirt mile race, the Pegasus bursts out of the gate and charges ahead like she owns the track!]
The commentator's voice was thick with astonishment. Then, rising in pitch, he continued with booming intensity.
[Combined, these two races add up to a mythical 4000-meter challenge for Platinum! And that's with unfamiliar slopes and a whole new set of rivals!]
[And yet… it's only spurred the Pegasus into an even fiercer front-run?!]
[We're only at the first turn, and Platinum's lead has already stretched to ten lengths! A legendary, massive lead achieved in record time!]
[Will she crown this with a glorious finish, or will it end in heartbreak? Let's wait and see!!]
As the commentator continued, he updated the positions.
--+--
Out on the turf track…
In third place: Galileo.
This celebrated and powerful "King of Charm" from Europe stared ahead with deep apprehension.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
"It's only the first turn, not even halfway, and she's already opened up a huge lead?"
And the gap was still growing.
Even more absurd—the second-place front-runner had already caved and sped up slightly.
For Galileo in third, the margin was even wider.
She couldn't make sense of it. She was stunned.
In just a few moments, Platinum had left her behind—so far that Galileo could no longer catch her in her peripheral vision. For a second, her breath hitched.
But the next instant, she regained her icy composure, her sharp gaze locking onto the silver-white figure slowly pulling away.
Because… Galileo wasn't one to admit defeat. And she'd braced herself for this.
"Good. Show me what you've got, Pegasus. Your real, full power."
No matter how strong you are, bring it on!
As far as Galileo was concerned, nothing could shake her anymore.
As the Uma Musume who'd lost to the Pegasus more than anyone else in the world, she figured: if this is her retirement race, let's go all out!
What's one more loss?
Besides, the Pegasus was running two races in one day. Galileo was fresh for 2400 meters, up against a Pegasus tackling 4000 meters. She had the advantage.
Even if she lost, how bad could it be?
To Galileo, Platinum was the ultimate benchmark—the pinnacle every Uma Musume measured themselves against. Her incredible physique and peerless closing speed could support any running style.
The sheer margin the Pegasus had in races was just terrifying.
But for her final race, the Pegasus was turning up the heat, recreating the Dubai World Cup!
'Little Star, and Dr. Lin…'
'My most important family, and someone I'm interested in—they're all watching from the stands.'
'Platinum is strong, but I'm no pushover. I've got to show my spirit!'
The seemingly lazy, often unmotivated black-haired beauty now had a blazing fire in her eyes.
But she hadn't lost her reason.
For now, Galileo didn't plan to engage directly. She intended to stalk the Pegasus and wait for her moment.
'I have to let Platinum set the pace for now, but that doesn't mean I can't close the gap.'
'The opportunity… is still there. As long as I don't let the lead grow too much!'
She was ready to accelerate at any moment!
[We have a change in position! Galileo, previously in third, is no longer content to sit behind the leader.]
[She's starting to wind up, moving into second place.]
[But even so, the gap between her and Platinum is enormous.]
[Fifteen lengths! Sixteen lengths!]
The commentator called out the widening margin as the Pegasus flew through the first turn, noting the shifts behind her.
Galileo's brilliant eyes remained fixed on the silver-white form ahead, calculating the daunting gap.
Sixteen lengths!
Seventeen lengths!
And… it kept growing, barreling toward a [super massive lead]!
Galileo knew all too well that a "massive lead" and a "super massive lead" were entirely different beasts.
Hadn't the so-called "strongest G2 Uma Musume in history," Harbinger, lost the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes after falling into a super massive lead?
Even with Harbinger's brilliant closing speed—powerful and dazzling as a shooting star—she'd only managed to claw back from a super massive lead to a dozen lengths or so before completely falling short and becoming just another name in Platinum's list of conquests.
Even if it wasn't a super massive lead yet, this was already dangerously close!
So… it was time to go all out, open her Domain wide, and fight to close the gap!!
Not even halfway through the race, Galileo's vast experience and sharp intuition told her to burn the boats and accelerate now.
The next instant, her Domain—a world-class, uniquely personal manifestation of her power—unleashed without restraint.
The King of Charm, famous across Europe and the world, now had eyes filled with nothing but fierce, serious resolve.
--+--
[Domain: Monarch of Charm — Activated]
[Passive: Automatically drains stamina at a low rate. Significantly reduces fighting spirit and slightly diminishes competitive drive for all Uma Musume on the field. Slightly reduces Speed, Acceleration, and Power.]
[Note: Effectiveness is reduced if opponents possess strong motivation or a "Mint" affinity.]
[Once-in-a-Century Unconventional Legend: Moderately enhances personal charm. Slightly siphons stamina-recovery skill effects from all Uma Musume on the field. Slightly increases own Speed and Acceleration.]
[Chasing the Star: Slightly boosts Endurance, Speed, and Resilience…]
--+--
This was the Domain known as [Monarch of Charm]—a power unique in all of Uma Musume history!
An overwhelming aura erupted, transforming into a Domain that instantly pressured the entire field, stunning almost every Uma Musume present.
Before they could even process it, the American runners felt it—a terrifying tidal wave, one capable of sweeping up and swallowing every last one of them!
Galileo's Domain announced it clearly… the real battle, the true clash, had officially begun!!
Not even halfway.
The Pegasus's final, white-hot duel.
—The Pegasus, charging toward a super massive lead VS The Monarch of Charm, going all out from the start!!
--+--
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.