"Haaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
Even now, fully aware of the certainty of her defeat, Ines Fujin's stride never faltered. In fact, one truth burned brighter than ever, invigorating her.
'Nearl's back is so close! I've never been this close before! I can go faster! I can definitely close this gap!'
This single thought consumed her, like throwing oil onto a dying fire.
It would only make the wood burn to ashes faster, but there was no denying it—for this brief moment, the flames roared higher, fiercer.
She ignored the stinging pain in her feet. The icy chill spreading from her heart couldn't stop her either. Right now, Ines Fujin had cast her own body aside.
'I'll probably need a long rest after this race… but at the very least, hold on until the finish line!'
A foolish decision. But that was the essence of an Uma Musume.
They stepped onto the track pursuing many things, yet at the peak of their struggle, what drove them forward was a simple, pure desire.
Victory. Or the sheer joy of running unfettered.
The emerald energy swirling around her seemed to diffuse. Ines Fujin felt her mind growing hazy.
"That's strange… Why did the turf track turn golden?"
The world before her eyes had transformed into something utterly different, awash with a brilliant, golden radiance that left her disoriented.
But with her next blink, it all vanished without a trace, as if it had been nothing but a hallucination.
'Did I push myself too hard? Am I just seeing things?'
Fujin tried to rationalize it, to convince herself, but a lingering sense of strangerness was hard to dismiss.
She couldn't shake the feeling that something was around Nearl, yet no matter how closely she looked, she couldn't pinpoint what.
However, Fujin's peculiar state was glaringly obvious from a certain observer's perspective.
"Incredible. The makings of a genius. To think the younger generation has produced such a remarkable junior without me even realizing."
Maruzensky rested her right hand above her eyes, a gesture of focused observation, her full attention fixed on the sprinting form of Ines Fujin.
"Already qualified to touch the threshold of a Domain on her first G1 stage? Her future is certainly something to look forward to."
"But then again, those who possess Domains are meant to be the ones who lead their generation. It's hard for them to truly shine in an era like this. Who knows if a presence like little Nearl is a blessing or a curse for all of you."
Maruzensky watched the golden flash ahead cross the finish line, feeling a pang of concern for Ines Fujin and all the promising juniors yet to come.
"Nearl crosses the finish line! Another resounding victory! Despite a highly unorthodox start, she has once again answered the calls of her supporters, proving herself the true and worthy Radiant Knight who brings glory!"
"The winner of the first jewel of the Triple Crown is decided! Do we have a chance to witness that supreme glory once more this year—an Undefeated Triple Crown?"
"Ines Fujin crosses the line! She has broken the Satsuki Shō record set before today! Truly remarkable. Today, she finally displayed her full potential, living up to her reputation as an excellent Uma Musume!"
"Following right behind Ines Fujin is Mejiro Ryan, claiming third place! An excellent result, though she herself might feel somewhat disappointed."
"But Miss Ryan must keep her spirits up! We all witnessed her brilliant performance today. She proved the Mejiro family truly lives up to its name as the 'Enduring Mejiro'."
"…"
The commentator's voice flowed on, narrating the general outcome, his words traveling through televisions and radios into the ears of countless people.
The outcome of the Satsuki Shō was now widely known. No one could any longer doubt Nearl's strength. They knew the era had changed. Japan might have truly produced a world-class Uma Musume.
"Haah… haah…"
After her final sprint, Ines Fujin collapsed onto the turf, splayed out like a starfish.
She managed to roll onto her back, avoiding a mouthful of dirt.
"Ugh… it hurts… My heart feels like it's going to burst, and my throat is so dry every breath feels like it's cutting me…"
Now that the race was over, the consequences of pushing her body far beyond its limits came crashing down. Agony wracked her entire being.
In truth, that final sprint of hers was something no Uma Musume should have attempted.
If it weren't for Nearl's Domain enveloping her, forcibly mitigating the damage, she would have collapsed right there on the track.
With the race ended and Nearl's Domain withdrawn, all the repercussions surged forth at once, leaving Ines Fujin utterly "wrecked."
"Would you like some water? Your throat is dry from uncontrolled breathing during that short burst. A sip will help significantly."
"Of course, it's just a mouthful—to prevent you from gulping down too much at once. You shouldn't drink large amounts immediately after a race."
There were no words of thanks—or rather, Fujin had no breath to spare for speech. She took the water bottle and drank about 60 milliliters.
It really was just a mouthful…
"Haah… Thanks, Nearl. That water saved my life."
After the water soothed her throat, Ines Fujin could finally speak somewhat clearly.
"Ines, your final sprint was excessive. Do you know what the consequences could have been?"
"Mhm. At best, severe muscle strain. At worst, a hospital stay."
Ines Fujin nodded. She knew exactly what awaited her, but she felt no regret.
The sensation of that exhilarating, unrestrained run still lingered in her heart. If she had to choose again, she would make the same decision in that same moment.
"…"
Nearl said nothing. She didn't leave either. She simply stood there, watching. Finally, after a long moment, she sighed.
"Sigh… Since you were fully aware of the consequences at the time, no one has the right to interfere with your choice. In the end, you alone are responsible for yourself. I won't lecture you."
"Heh, thanks, Nearl. Your understanding is one of the things I admire about you."
"Save your breath. Let me help you up. Your trainer is waiting at the exit."
"Ah, her…"
An apologetic look crossed Ines Fujin's face.
"I'm probably in for a serious scolding. I promised her before the race I wouldn't overdo it. It's over… I can already imagine the punishment."
"On that point, I fully support your trainer. Those who don't cherish themselves deserve to have their running privileges revoked."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 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.