The initiative Rampage was driving forward, alongside the Chairman and Tazuna, was nothing less than the realization of the URA Finals—an event previously known only within the digital confines of an app.
Unlike the Arima Kinen, the year-end spectacle centered on the Central Tracen Academy, the Finals would be a comprehensive grand prix. It was designed to encompass every category: Short Distance, Mile, Intermediate, Long Distance, and Dirt. Preliminary rounds would be held for each division, culminating in a gathering of the finest thoroughbreds for the main event.
However, the critical divergence from standard racing protocols lay in Rampage's strategy: a direct alliance with the Regional Tracen Academies scattered across Japan.
"I must say, it was brilliant of you to conceptualize this. Not that I hadn't considered the possibility myself, but implementing it alone would have been… difficult," the Chairman admitted, stroking his chin.
"Well, influence is meaningless if you don't use it at times like this," Rampage replied easily.
"It has certainly evolved into something far surpassing the original URA concept," Tazuna added with a pleased nod.
"Hearing you say that… almost makes me feel like all the blood, sweat, and tears were worth it. Almost."
The Finals were structured to hold qualifiers nationwide, with the Regional Tracen centers serving as the hubs. The beauty of the system was its lack of restriction. Central, Regional, or independent—it didn't matter. As long as a horse girl passed the qualifiers, she earned her ticket to the main stage. It was a massive opportunity for scouting new talent and a golden ticket for regional horse girls dreaming of a transfer to Central.
The response from the local centers had been even more enthusiastic than anticipated.
"And regarding the Legend Races?" Tazuna asked.
"I've already cleared it with Maruzen-neesan, and Ace-san was eager, too. The TTG trio practically shouted that they were 'raring to train' for it," Rampage reported.
"It really was the right move to have you handle the negotiations, Rampage-san," Tazuna said with a wry smile. "If we had approached them, I suspect the response would have been far less favorable."
"Indeed!! As expected of our Rampage!!" the Chairman bellowed.
"I never thought this level of popularity would actually come in handy," Rampage muttered, scratching his cheek.
Compared to the widely accessible URA Finals, the threshold for the Legend Races was incredibly high. By definition, the participants were living legends or retired titans of the turf.
For a long time, Rampage had harbored a doubt regarding the Dream Trophy League. Is this truly the stage of dreams?
It was a question born from running directly alongside the likes of Maruzensky, Katsuragi Ace, Mejiro Monseny, and Shinzan—even if only for instruction. Certainly, watching modern powerhouses like Rudolf, Ramonu, CB, and Oguri clash was dreamlike. But… had they never wished to test themselves against the titans of the past?
There's no way they haven't, Rampage thought. A horse girl's instinct wouldn't stay silent. If the stage doesn't exist, then I'll build it. A stage where they can run to their heart's content.
Establishing this league had been, frankly, the easy part. All it required was Rampage utilizing his personal connections to issue invitations. However, because the opponents were literal legends, the difficulty spike for challengers was far steeper than the Finals. The Legends would serve as the ultimate gatekeepers, ensuring the competitive balance of the Finals wasn't overrun by sheer numbers.
"Whew… I feel like I'm doing a lot of stuff that isn't really 'me' lately. Good grief… working this hard for the sake of others? What a catch I am."
Muttering theatrically, Rampage flopped onto the bed in his dorm room. It felt like ages since he had laid down for any reason other than sleep. He had traveled to Kasamatsu, popped up at Oi, and made an appearance at Kawasaki. The welcome he received was overwhelming, though considering his reputation, perhaps it was to be expected.
Carrying that sense of accomplishment, he flicked on the TV just as a race special began airing.
『Ikuno Dictus! Ikuno Dictus is stretching out from the inside with incredible force!! She's caught Mejiro Crown! She's passed her!! Nishino Flower is hanging on, but she's struggling! And… Goal!! Ikuno Dictus takes first place!! Second is Nishino Flower, third is Mejiro Crown!!』
"Ooh. Ikuno won."
He had been too busy to go cheer for her in person, but today was Ikuno's Queen Elizabeth II Cup. The Iron Lady, who had competed fiercely against him in the past, had torn up the inner rail at full speed to leave the pack in the dust.
Flower came in second. She had narrowly missed the Oaks with a third-place finish, but after winning the Shuka Sho, this would have been her second tiara. Unfortunately, the opponent was just too bad a match for her today.
"So, she's heading to the Japan Cup from here… Two years ago, I was in the same boat… Actually, the lineup for this year's Japan Cup is looking ridiculous."
Well, if anyone could handle the schedule, it was the Iron Lady. Ikuno, Twin Turbo, Teio, and Silverstone were all slated to run. In history, this was the race Teio won, but in this reality… who knew what would happen?
"…What should I do, I wonder."
"Oh? How rare. You look like you're hesitating."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, his roommate returned. It was the Jewel of the Mejiro clan, Ramonu. Fresh from the shower, her hair was glossy and damp, lending her an air of sensuality that made her look even more like a dangerously attractive housewife.
"Even I have worries occasionally. But leaving that aside… how was that?"
"More effective than I imagined," Ramonu replied, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "It's been a long time since I've felt this serious."
Resting in the palm of the glossy, smiling Ramonu was a Shinzan Iron.
To prepare for their race against Sunday Silence, she, Rudolf, and CB had decided to retrain their bodies from scratch. They had acquired the weighted horseshoes through Rampage and were now devoting themselves to the grueling regimen. Rudolf, in particular, seemed the most pleased; she had wanted to introduce them in the past but had abandoned the idea due to injury concerns. Now, she was overjoyed to finally use them.
"The next WDT is going to be quite entertaining… Fufufu."
"Senpai, you're honestly terrifying. You look like a witch."
"My, how rude."
However, with those three retraining in earnest, Rampage couldn't shake the feeling that the Dream Trophy League was about to become something far more intense than ever before.
"Rudolf and CB are full of motivation," Ramonu purred. "I'm looking forward to the time for revenge…"
"She's really holding a grudge about this, huh."
"Oh? Don't think you're safe," Ramonu said, her smile widening. "You're one of them, too. You're joining us for parallel training next time."
"Seriously…?"
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