Liberty Island was a genius.
From her early days at Northern Farm to her acceptance into the elite Central Tracen Academy, neither the Chairwoman, Northern Taste, nor Dream Weaver herself ever had a reason to disagree.
Carrying the mantle of a prodigy—a title even the world-class Uma Musume, Dream Weaver, acknowledged—Liberty Island had been bathed in the spotlight long before her official debut.
But the word "genius" can be a hollow thing.
To truly paint a picture of her natural gifts, one needs a vivid, undeniable example to show the world exactly why she earned such a title.
And Liberty Island did not disappoint those who watched her with bated breath.
During her debut race at Niigata Racecourse last year, she showed the world the true meaning of talent.
In that final six-hundred-meter straight, she unleashed an unbelievable burst of acceleration.
Like a blade cutting through silk, she pierced through the pack of Uma Musume ahead of her, seizing victory by a staggering five lengths.
Post-race records revealed that her closing speed over those final six hundred meters shattered every debut record held by any Uma Musume to date. It was, in every sense of the word, unprecedented.
It was this terrifying record that led people to speak her name in the same breath as Equinox.
Though her honors couldn't yet compare to hers, the world was already silently anticipating the inevitable clash between the titan and her successor.
But as her trainer, Dream Weaver knew that Liberty Island's genius went far deeper than that.
"Beyond the physical perks common to prodigies—like high training efficiency or an explosive closing kick—Liberty Island's greatest edge is her ability to learn," Dream Weaver noted.
"Front-running, pacing, stalking, or closing—she can execute any strategy with total fluidly. Tactics that an average Uma Musume would spend a lifetime trying to master, she switches between as easily as taking a breath."
"And the advantage of this brilliant mind goes far beyond just having options on the track."
Dream Weaver turned her gaze toward Sugar Lights as she spoke.
"Thanks to the Virtual Dive Device, she's able to duel legendary opponents she'd rarely encounter in normal simulations. Over and over again, she absorbs racing techniques and combat experience at an almost frightening pace."
"Even though she's only in her second year since her debut, her technical skill is already on par with veterans who have spent years on the turf."
Sugar Lights offered a soft smile and a nod of agreement.
"Based on the parameters of the Virtual Dive system, she has likely already unlocked most of the skills recorded in our database."
Agnes Tachyon narrowed her eyes, watching the crimson streak on the screen pierce through the crowd like a sword. There was a touch of pride in her voice, as if she were admiring her finest masterpiece.
"Combined with the specialized formulas I've tailored for her, her training efficiency has skyrocketed without the risk of injury. At this rate, it won't be long before she's fighting for victory against the true G1-level powerhouses."
"I can already see it... the distance between her and that goal—"
Before she could finish, Dream Weaver finished the thought with practiced synchronicity.
"The only thing left is the Zone."
At the mention of that heavy word, both Agnes Tachyon and Sugar Lights fell silent.
A few seconds passed before Sugar Lights gave a somewhat wistful smile, her hand instinctively brushing against her legs.
"The Zone, huh? Such an alluring concept. Sadly, no matter how far I develop the ST-2, or how perfectly our hearts might beat as one, I doubt I'll ever reach that miraculous realm."
"Sorry, Dream. I'm afraid I can't help you there."
Agnes Tachyon's expression shifted subtly, as if she were lost in a memory. The eccentric smirk she usually wore had vanished without a trace.
"If there is one thing that represents the absolute potential of an Uma Musume, it is the Zone."
"Depending on the individual, the track conditions, the pressure from rivals, and one's own mental state, the Zone manifests in countless ways. Every Uma Musume's Zone is unique."
"And the feeling of stepping into it... that's something only another Uma Musume can truly understand."
"It is... a world of pure possibility."
Possibility?
Dream Weaver repeated the word in her mind.
Tachyon loved to toss that word around, but this time, it carried an indiscernible weight.
Regardless of whatever emotions Tachyon was hiding behind the term, Dream Weaver agreed with the assessment.
Having faced countless formidable foes and witnessed numerous Zones firsthand, she knew better than anyone what "possibility" really meant.
The crushing pressure of T.M. Opera O, the solar radiance of Orfevre, Narita Brian's reconciliation with her inner beast, the free-spirited wind of Mr. C.B., and the pure, unadulterated strength of Shinzan.
Every Uma Musume sprouts a different Zone based on who they are.
Yet, in this moment, Dream Weaver wasn't thinking of them.
She was thinking of the flames of rebirth—the burning Tokai Teio.
Liberty Island shared a certain similarity with Tokai Teio.
Both were geniuses, and both faced a rival that seemed like an immovable mountain. Using Teio as a benchmark, Dream Weaver felt a genuine flicker of worry for Liberty Island.
If her obsession with Equinox caused her to awaken a Zone like Teio's—one that trades the self as fuel for a single chance at victory—Dream Weaver wouldn't be laughing.
To Weaver, the "script world" was just another world, but to Liberty Island, it was the only reality she had.
If something happened to her in her pursuit of Equinox, Dream Weaver—who was currently low on points—wouldn't be able to exchange for items to save her.
She took a deep breath, thinking to herself how both of her trainees were such a handful.
With that thought, she added a new line to the mental checklist of her plan: Monitor the awakening of Liberty Island's Zone at all times. If necessary, intervene.
"Is it just me, or do I feel like I'm being left out of the loop?"
Hishi Miracle looked at the three of them, puzzled by how the conversation had turned so somber. She tilted her head in confusion.
"This is a race! It's the Oka Sho! Is nobody else going to actually watch the track?!"
"There's no need to watch anymore."
Dream Weaver shook herself out of her thoughts and shook her head.
She pointed toward the track; though her eyes weren't quite focused yet, her voice was absolute.
"The moment she accelerated, 'Liberty' had already won."
Her words were like a prophecy. No sooner had they left her lips than a thunderous roar erupted over Hanshin Racecourse.
The announcer's voice blared through the speakers, rising above the wave of cheers that threatened to drown everything out.
"The cherry blossoms dance in the April sky, as the Uma Musume storms through the spring breeze!"
"Representing Central Tracen, she has lived up to every expectation! She claims the cherry blossom crown for her own! Liberty Island is our Oka Sho Champion!"
On the turf, the Uma Musume wearing the cherry-blossom hair ornament gathered her racing silks.
With the poise and elegance of a high-born lady, she gave a gentle, refined bow toward the stands.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.