Rice Shower's world.
In her sleep, Rice Shower dreamed of a red light.
Afterward, she received an invitation from an umamusume and took part in a race. Just as she defeated that umamusume, the other party suddenly said:
"Rice Shower, I have already felt your love for races and dreams. I have decided to bestow upon you this power symbolizing Courage. I hope you can always maintain this original heart."
"Come participate in the tournament, Rice Shower!"
She woke from the dream.
Rice Shower opened her eyes. A gentle breeze blew in from outside the window, and warm sunlight passed through the curtains. That strange dream, and the strange power now appearing within her body, both left Rice Shower somewhat confused.
"What was that just now?"
Rice Shower asked as if talking to herself.
In the next moment, one of her eyes changed color, and an icy voice came from Rice Shower's mouth.
"Someone secretly invaded our mind. The only ones capable of doing such a thing are the Three Goddesses."
"Eh?"
The Three Goddesses?
Rice Shower was somewhat frightened.
The Conqueror said coldly, "Go find McQueen and the others. The Three Goddesses would not approach only us. They should also have received invitations, and we should be able to obtain the answer from the system."
"Oh, okay."
Rice Shower hurriedly got up, changed clothes, washed her face, and prepared to immediately go to the system space to discuss this matter with Sister McQueen and the others.
At this time, in the system space, Kitasan Black, who had just won another major race, yawned. She had already filled out her panel. What remained was only to master the power of Mimicry through repeated practice.
She had a strong premonition that as long as she could freely switch Mimicry styles during a race, she would be able to enter the next realm and become unimaginably powerful.
"Whew, I'm so hungry."
Looking at the convenience-store bread she had bought, Kitasan Black could not help sighing. If Senior Teio were here, that would be wonderful. Senior Teio would definitely have prepared a delicious and abundant breakfast for her.
But recently, she could never see Senior Teio.
She had also gone to the main world to ask Teio and McQueen about Senior Teio's situation, but the reply she received there was that they did not know. Senior Teio had already resigned from that side.
And if she wanted to go to Senior Teio's story world, she needed Senior Teio's permission. Kitasan Black truly felt too embarrassed to apply to Senior Teio for a visit over such a small matter.
"I miss you so much, Senior Teio!"
She bit into the bread. Although it was not bad, it really could not compare with Senior Teio's cooking. At this moment, Kitasan Black's longing for Senior Teio reached its limit. She was far too hungry.
Rice Shower entered the system space at this time.
"Kita?"
When she saw that the one using the system to practice was not Sister McQueen, but Kita, Rice Shower truly had not expected it.
Because with Kita's personality, shouldn't she still be sleeping in right now? Why did it look like she had just completed a series of training? Was this hardworking person still that lazy Kita?
"Senior Rice Shower, have you eaten breakfast?"
"Not yet..."
Rice Shower said hesitantly, then reached out and caught a piece of bread Kitasan Black handed over, thanking her.
Although it was only convenience-store bread, Rice Shower felt the taste was fine. She was not as particular as Kitasan Black. While eating the bread, she asked, "Is Sister McQueen not here?"
"No. Senior McQueen has been coming very late recently."
"Then I'll contact Sister McQueen."
Rice Shower walked to the door and used the system's permissions to send a visit request to McQueen's world.
At this time, McQueen, who was enjoying morning tea with her sisters in the White Family courtyard, suddenly paused. After apologizing to the others, she excused herself.
Mejiro McQueen arrived in the system space.
"What is it?"
"Sister McQueen, I think I dreamed of the Three Goddesses."
"...A dream?"
Mejiro McQueen's expression suddenly became serious.
After hearing Rice Shower's answer, she did not think it was merely an ordinary dream. After all, if it were only an ordinary dream, Rice Shower would have no reason to come so urgently to discuss this matter with her.
"Tell me the details first."
McQueen went to the refrigerator and took several drinks, then walked to the sofa and sat down. Kitasan Black also left the computer and came over, naturally taking the bottle of cola and sitting on the sofa on the other side.
Rice Shower sat down as well and began to explain.
The course of this matter was not actually complicated.
Rice Shower had a dream.
In the dream, she met an umamusume who seemed to be a goddess. Then, at the other party's invitation, she took part in a race.
Then Rice Shower won very easily. According to Rice Shower, the goddess in the dream also failed to resist the power of Fusion. After being fused by the Conqueror, the other party very decisively admitted defeat. What came next was the key part.
That goddess-like umamusume did not take her own power back from Rice Shower. Instead, she handed that power to Rice Shower and invited Rice Shower to participate in a tournament.
As for what tournament it was, Rice Shower did not know.
Because she had already woken up then.
And that goddess-like umamusume had not explained clearly.
"The Conqueror said the system might have the answer."
Rice Shower also stated the Conqueror's opinion.
Finally, she hesitantly asked McQueen and Kita, "Sister McQueen, Kita, did you not dream about it yesterday?"
McQueen shook her head and said, "No. In this life, I rarely dream. I did not dream of a goddess last night either."
"...Uh, I stayed up all night running races."
Kitasan Black scratched her cheek with a finger. From what Senior Rice Shower said, that goddess seemed to give away skills for free. Did she miss out on a fortune? Although she felt a little regretful, she did not particularly care.
Because she did not think a goddess's skill could be that strong.
Could it be stronger than her Mimicry?
"Although it's a good thing that you've become motivated lately, your schedule still needs to be regulated. You are not allowed to stay up all night again tonight."
McQueen's voice did not change.
But Kitasan Black could feel a chill.
"Yes!"
Then Kitasan Black hurriedly shifted McQueen's attention.
"Um, should we ask the others?"
Although Mejiro McQueen knew Kitasan Black's little trick, she did not pursue the matter. Instead, she nodded and agreed with this decision, rising and walking toward the door to summon everyone over for discussion.
In different worlds, everyone who received Mejiro McQueen's visit request put down the matters in their hands one after another and came to the system space.
However, just as all of them arrived, Demon King Gold Ship suddenly exposed malicious intent, making the atmosphere tense for a moment.
Demon King Gold Ship's gaze swept toward King Halo and Rice Shower.
"Hmph!"
"Just as the great me expected, the other two divine skills really are in your hands. But the final divine skill appearing on you really is a little beyond the great me's expectations. Rice Shower, by what method did you obtain that divine power?"
Hearing Demon King Gold Ship's words, Mejiro McQueen understood a few things. Although she was somewhat curious, she did not choose to intervene in this matter, because she truly had no thoughts about the so-called divine power.
Hearing Demon King Gold Ship's question, Rice Shower once again explained her situation to the group. When Demon King Gold Ship heard that Rice Shower had been approached by the Three Goddesses themselves, her expression became rather unhappy.
"Tch. What partial goddesses."
Hearing Demon King Gold Ship mutter, everyone wanted to laugh a little.
Because they all knew Demon King Gold Ship's irreverent thoughts toward the gods. For a Demon King who wanted to rebel, she really had the nerve to say such a thing.
"So something like that happened. But compared with the divine skills you obtained, I'm more curious about that tournament the goddess mentioned. It sounds as if this matter will be quite interesting."
Tokai Teio revealed a competitive smile.
She looked toward Mejiro McQueen.
Sensing Tokai Teio's confident fighting spirit, Mejiro McQueen secretly nodded and also began to look forward to the upcoming tournament.
Although she did not know what Tokai Teio had researched, it should not be simple. Otherwise, Teio would not show this attitude.
Demon King Gold Ship also noticed Tokai Teio's state, but she only curled her mouth disdainfully and sneered.
"This tournament has nothing to do with second-rate fellows like you. You don't think you can still compete with us, do you? Don't make me laugh. Has the crushing defeat last time still not woken you up? You've already fallen behind!"
Tokai Teio frowned. Although she often argued with Demon King Gold Ship before, this was the first time she had seen such obvious malice.
"Demon King, it looks like you're really inflated right now."
"Heh. As a mortal, you wouldn't understand."
This girl was now far beyond merely mischievous.
After snapping at Tokai Teio, Demon King Gold Ship confidently looked toward Mejiro McQueen and said arrogantly:
"McQueen! Your era is about to end. The next era belongs to this Demon King. You had best stand up from that throne and yield it to this Demon King!"
Kitasan Black looked at Senior Demon King in surprise.
Wow. You're so brave, Senior.
She looked toward Senior McQueen's reaction.
Mejiro McQueen's face remained expressionless. She was completely unmoved by Demon King Gold Ship's provocation and said coldly as always:
"If you want this position, then come take it yourself."
"Hmph! Then just you wait!"
Demon King Gold Ship turned her vicious gaze toward King Halo and Rice Shower.
"But before that..."
"This Demon King will first deal with you two!"
King Halo's face was solemn, and she did not speak.
One of Rice Shower's eyes changed color, and she passively released her aura. The Conqueror said mercilessly, "Arrogant fool."
The three of them seemed about to start fighting.
Kitasan Black lay on the sofa and did not get up.
Senior matters were best left alone.
She would just watch the show.
Tokai Teio left her original position, walked first to the computer, and opened the system to search for relevant information.
Mejiro McQueen calmly watched this farce. She looked toward King Halo, who, under the auras of the Demon King and the Conqueror, was weak yet never shaken. Appreciation appeared in Mejiro McQueen's eyes.
Strong independence, very hardworking, and also rational in personality.
And now, she had obtained that so-called divine power.
She was an opponent worth looking forward to.
As for Demon King Gold Ship?
Forget it.
Demon King Gold Ship's problem had never been a problem of strength.
It was her mentality that always became inflated.
And now, Demon King Gold Ship was more arrogant than ever. Mejiro McQueen did not think such a Demon King Gold Ship could become her opponent this time.
At this moment, Tokai Teio suddenly shouted from her side, "All of you calm down first. The Conqueror's guess was right. A new event has appeared in the system. Come take a look."
Demon King Gold Ship glanced at King Halo and Rice Shower, took the initiative to withdraw her aura, then walked over with arrogant steps.
Mejiro McQueen and the others followed behind.
Kitasan Black flipped up from the sofa.
At this moment, on Uma Musume's main interface, an event notice appeared in the upper-right corner. The title written on it was:
Divine Power Awakens! The Tournament That Decides the Strongest!
After Tokai Teio controlled the mouse and clicked in, a preview trailer appeared on the screen.
Three dark silhouettes appeared with different colored backgrounds.
Earth / Discipline (Yellow)
Sun / Courage (Red)
Sea / Love (Blue)
"Umamusume from every world, the trophy tournament that decides the strongest has officially opened. This tournament will introduce brand-new rules, and the prizes of the tournament are none other than the Three Goddesses' divine skills!"
On the screen appeared powerhouses from various worlds and various eras. The group even saw their own figures among them.
"Do you want to become radiant?"
"Do you want to become stronger?"
"Pursue a higher realm. The umamusume's prayers for their dreams have received an answer. In this tournament, participants will receive infinite possibilities. They will transform and evolve through races. Under the gaze of the Three Goddesses, charge toward that supreme trophy!"
"This is the tournament that decides the strongest!"
The silhouettes and titles of the Three Goddesses merged into one.
The trailer ended.
The event interface opened.
Several sections appeared on it.
Tournament Rules
Match Tournament
Point Rankings
Point Shop
The rules of this tournament:
1. This tournament uses a matching system and is divided into team races and individual races. Victory in team races is decided by first place, and every member of the winning team will receive a base 5 points. In individual races, first place receives 10 points, second place receives 5 points, and third place receives 2 points. In team races, first place receives 5 points, second place receives 3 points, and third place receives 2 points.
2. In individual races, failing to enter the top three, and in team races, losing, will deduct 5 points. If a participant's points become negative, she will lose her qualification as a contestant and automatically convert to spectator status.
3. All race venues are random.
4. The first 18 contestants to obtain 100 points will qualify to enter the final, and the venue for the final will still be drawn randomly.
5. Contestants possessing divine skills will appear in this tournament. Defeat them in a race to seize their divine skills.
6. Points obtained through races can be used at the shop to purchase items and skill books. Please proceed to the shop yourself for details.
The moment White McQueen and the others opened the event interface, umamusume from different worlds and different eras also learned of this tournament through different methods.
Although only runners still in active service could register, because this invitation broke through the limits of time and space, situations would arise where a middle-aged self had missed this opportunity, but the younger peak-period self obtained qualification to participate.
There would even be situations where versions of the same self from different worlds, yet truly in the same period, participated and became each other's opponents.
And naturally, White McQueen and the others' friends and family also learned of this tournament.
The Divine Cup...
Officially opened.
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"