That was a hall belonging solely to The Radiant Knight, Nearl!
That was a hall capable of projecting past duels across the entire venue!
Moreover, many spectators heard, during the projection of [Nearl VS Platinum] within the hall… the resolute voice of Margaret Nearl!
—"A knight is one who illuminates the entire land with their nobility!"
The scene transitioned from the evenly matched imagery of [Nearl VS Platinum] to Nearl's two overwhelming victories over Sunday Silence in the first two legs of the Triple Crown…
Leaving everyone not only reluctant to see it end but also completely awestruck.
In an instant, the vast racetrack, the astounding sea of spectators in the stands, and the hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide were utterly stunned to the core.
Without a doubt, this moment was destined to become an [iconic scene] passed down through the ages, much like the Japan Cup where Platinum first revealed her Uma Musume special effects visible to the public—a battle worthy of being recorded in history!
Not only that—
Fans of the Pegasus Platinum worldwide had felt a tinge of regret that her first showcase of special effects occurred in the mere [Japan Cup].
How perfect it would have been if her [debut stage] had been a world-renowned race like the Epsom Derby, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, or the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Compared to those ultra-prestigious international GI races, the Japan Cup indeed fell short, becoming a slight blemish in the eyes of Platinum's fans, like the "Armless Venus."
But now!!
The world's second Pegasus, the second Uma Musume capable of manifesting her own unique hall, had unveiled it on the grandest stage of all—her pursuit of the American Triple Crown crown.
In terms of sheer spectacle and perfection, this was truly the most flawless grand performance, displayed at the Belmont Stakes.
These two Pegasus had now become the [White Moonlight] in the eyes of countless spectators.
And so… the pressure fell entirely on the two highly popular Uma Musume on this dirt track.
They were: second-favorite Easy Goer and third-favorite Sunday Silence!
Easy Goer was under immense pressure, her heart filled with tension, yet she struggled to remain as calm as possible.
"I have to win this race!!"
"This race is just like the [Platinum VS Galileo] in the Japan Cup—second place would make you the biggest loser!"
The runner-up would undoubtedly be the ultimate loser.
This Belmont Stakes would surely attract even overseas viewers who typically had little interest in dirt racing, all eager to witness the legendary second [Pegasus Hall] firsthand.
Just like… how Platinum's victory over Galileo in the Japan Cup had skyrocketed Galileo's global recognition—though whether that counts as [positive fame] is debatable.
Some Uma Musume might believe any fame is good fame, even infamy is better than obscurity. But Easy Goer was certainly not one of them!
To avoid repeating the fate of that young lady from the Sea family, to achieve worldwide recognition through honorable victory rather than becoming the biggest loser in some historic duel…
Driven by this desire for victory, Easy Goer clenched her silver teeth, her heartbeat quickening, her body leaning forward slightly, ready to unleash her full acceleration.
Not only that, the aura radiating from her entire body surged rapidly in that brief moment, unconsciously breaking through a certain limit.
Thus—it transformed into a genuine [Zone]!!
Elite contenders aiming for the Triple Crown often awaken their Zones during the classic races. As one exceptional enough to be called "Third Generation Big Red," how could she not have mastered hers?
In fact, right after the first leg, the Kentucky Derby, having experienced the radiant and powerful Zone of Nearl, Easy Goer had already broken through her limits and awakened her own Zone.
Even though she had to skip the second leg, the Preakness Stakes, due to injury, during her recovery—aside from resting appropriately—she had also gradually resumed training following the advice of that gentle young doctor.
Thus, she was now well-rested, primed, and at her peak!
As a noble young lady, not only was she well-prepared, but she had also received special training from Secretariat, the strongest dirt racer. Her conditions were incredibly favorable, beyond what most ordinary Uma Musume could ever dream of.
For the proud Third Generation Big Red, this was a race she absolutely had to win!
'Come on, Nearl!!'
'After resting for five whole weeks, how could I possibly lose to you, who's been pushed to your limits through relentless battles?'
Fully prepared, Easy Goer believed her past efforts and strategies were finally about to bear fruit.
The next instant, she unleashed her Zone on the racetrack for the very first time.
--+--
[Zone: Expand]!!
[(Path of the King): When in the first half of the race, slightly increases speed, fighting spirit, and momentum; when in the second half, slightly increases stamina and explosiveness.]
[(Yesterday's Grudge, a Thorn in the Flesh!): Locks onto one Uma Musume; the closer the distance to the target, the more intense one's fighting spirit becomes…]
[(The Lone Challenger): The fewer Uma Musume nearby, the more one's speed increases…]
[(The Inheritor): When positioned near the front, slightly increases…]
--+--
Immediately, from the inner track position.
The crimson figure of the girl dashed forth like a sudden storm—relentless and incredibly fast!
From Easy Goer's scarlet form emanated a powerful, endless aura, as if containing boundless strength!
Compared to the knightly girl charging freely from the far outside, Nearl,
Easy Goer chose a head-on confrontation, accelerating with all her might, closing in!
From the far outside and the innermost tracks, the two top favorites, both kings in their own right, had chosen the same Great Escape strategy, racing fiercely toward the front!
Nearl, Pegasus Hall!
The current Sunday Silence had already taken in every detail of the hall's special effects.
When she first saw that breathtaking movie-like CG of [Nearl VS Platinum], watching Platinum using arrows as melee weapons against Nearl's lance, then retreating to shoot from a distance…
The question lingering in Sunday Silence's mind was—Is this what training matches between you Pegasus are like?
If duels of this intensity were something both Platinum and Nearl were accustomed to, even routine…
Then she would no longer wonder how those two Pegasus could be so incredibly strong!
As Sunday Silence watched the final moment—Platinum firing a thunderous arrow while Nearl hurled her lance in response, a [beam struggle] straight out of a movie—
The next instant, her face froze completely.
Because… the scene shifted to this dark-haired girl's crushing defeat in the Kentucky Derby!
After that clip ended, another segment featuring Sunday Silence followed!
One duel after another, just moving on to the next?
Wait, why is it all me?
'Have… have I lost too many times?'
Finally snapping back to reality, the shame rising in Sunday Silence's heart was instantly transformed into…
Indignation, which then ignited into a blazing fighting spirit!
A true champion wouldn't let their performance be easily swayed.
In Sunday Silence's view, if she could turn the tables and achieve victory in such a critical race, then those previous losses might not be entirely shameful after all.
They might even be seen as a story of perseverance, culminating in a perfect revenge ending!
Chasing this possibility, Sunday Silence maintained a rapid pace, nearly neck and neck with a conventional front-runner.
But… it still wasn't enough!
"So… so fast…"
The dark-haired, slightly petite girl fixed her hawk-like sharp and fierce gaze intently ahead.
Sunday Silence, having secured second place behind Nearl in both previous Triple Crown races, was undoubtedly one of the most watched talents.
Even if her popularity didn't quite match her skills, making her truly more capable than famous.
"Easy Goer, has she changed this much?"
"This shift in tactics… it's insane!"
Sunday Silence's deep red eyes looked ahead to the inner track, where the familiar crimson girl had already opened up a significant lead.
She wasn't surprised by The Radiant Knight's front-running strategy, as that was her signature style.
But Easy Goer was different—she was also accelerating, activating her Zone as early as the first turn, chasing after Nearl?
That was clearly… a fight to the death between monsters?!
After a moment's hesitation, Sunday Silence chose to trust herself and wait for an opportunity.
'I'm… not really suited for front-running; I don't have exceptional stamina.'
'If I abandon my own expertise and strengths to fight on someone else's terms, I might not even secure second place!'
Having made her choice, Sunday Silence's small, dark figure was unconsciously left behind as the two accelerating figures ahead pulled further and further away!
[Unbelievable! After breaking from the gate, Nearl revealed her unique hall… and her acceleration is even faster and more explosive than ever before?!]
[W-wait? Easy Goer on the inner track, her pace is also… accelerating?]
[Approaching the second turn, not even halfway through the race, they've already opened up a lead of thirteen or fourteen lengths over the third-place Uma Musume!]
[The third-generation Big Red, who should be holding a forward position, is displaying acceleration characteristic of the second-generation Big Red, going head-to-head with The Radiant Knight?!]
The commentator's voice was filled with astonishment.
At the very front, two front-runners were positioned on the outer and inner tracks simultaneously!
Their rate of acceleration was utterly astounding, quickly opening up a shocking lead over Sunday Silence, who was positioned fourth.
Easy Goer's overflowing determination and immense courage were fully ignited!
Finally…
The race of [Pegasus VS Big Red Monster]…
No! It should be called the one-on-one duel exclusively between them, had officially begun!
Easy Goer seemed unwilling to yield an inch, her speed as swift and dazzling as a meteor! With her Zone fully activated, she was almost neck and neck with Nearl on the outer track?!
This scene felt eerily familiar!
Because, during last year's Belmont Stakes, although Secretariat—as usual—feared being bumped by nearby Uma Musume at the start, causing her to break slowly…
Her acceleration timing was incredibly early, defying expectations, as she shifted from a closer to a front-runner in a very short time.
Back then, Sham had chosen a similar strategy, accelerating early as well, engaging in a insanely intense battle.
How similar was that scene to the current one?!
The reversal now was that the pursuer was the second-generation Big Red's junior, while the second-generation Big Red herself was serving as a guest commentator in the booth.
[How familiar…]
A slightly surprised remark escaped Secretariat's lips.
[This is Easy Goer's resolve; her fighting spirit is no less than Sham's or mine from last year.]
[In a duel like this, there are only three outcomes: decisive victory, crushing defeat, or even… injury. Only these three possibilities!]
[One-on-one, a duel, three outcomes!]
[Now, with neither yielding, a battle to the finish… begins!]
--+--
At the very front.
On the far outside.
The Golden Maiden had already completed [gearing up], donning her knightly armor, launching a charge that seemed capable of piercing the heavens.
Even though she was positioned on the outside, for Margaret Nearl, the outcome seemed inevitable.
"Activating your Zone at full power this early?"
Nearl's peripheral vision clearly and sharply detected the figure of the crimson-haired girl maintaining a certain distance on the inner track.
Nearl firmly believed that Easy Goer was filled with the determination to defeat her, hence the fearless, decisive early use of her Zone.
Not only that, Easy Goer had also activated her skills! The intense, bloody scent had already been detected by The Radiant Knight's keen eyes and judgment.
Nearl had never disliked fearless and excellent opponents.
Especially since… she herself had already activated her unique third Zone [Blazing Sun's Obeisance] early on!
--+--
[Passive: Under the Zone's influence, injuries sustained during racing by oneself or opponents are reduced by one level. While the Zone is active, slightly reduces stamina consumption, and slightly increases acceleration, power, and explosiveness. A small portion of the stamina consumed by protected Uma Musume is transferred to The Radiant Knight.]
[In the name of The Radiant Knight, protect all!]
[The family motto is—Do not fear hardship or darkness!]
--+--
Margaret Nearl's mysterious Zone, activated on the racetrack for the first time, could extend its protection to all Uma Musume on the field—even her opponents!
It's worth noting that, even the most exceptional, broad-minded Uma Musume, including historical legends, could at most design their Zones to protect themselves and reduce injury risks.
Some might even indirectly increase opponents' injury risks to improve their own chances of winning.
But Nearl's [Blazing Sun's Obeisance] extended its protection to all competitors on the field without exception!
Under the illumination of her Zone, even rare "major injuries" would be reduced to minor ones that could be healed with rest, and minor injuries would vanish entirely.
Even injuries beyond major ones—"career-ending injuries"—would be significantly mitigated.
This… aligned perfectly with Nearl's intentions!
Because racing itself was about competition and rivalry. If the risks were too high, she would feel regret and sympathy for other competitors.
But if protection eliminated all injuries, creating an overly safe and comfortable environment, that might actually harm them, preventing them from adapting to races without Nearl's presence.
They couldn't forever chase The Radiant Knight's shadow, never standing on their own, always aiming for second place, right?
Thus, this level of protection—reducing injuries by one degree—was perfectly balanced, offering security without excessive comfort.
And—now Nearl could finally set her mind at ease.
She could rest assured, without fearing a repeat of the Sham incident.
Her ignited fighting spirit no longer needed to be restrained or suppressed out of concern for opponents' injuries.
She could protect her precious opponents while fighting all out with peace of mind!
The calm and steady golden-haired girl, clad in knightly armor, revealed a full smile.
"Activating your Zone this early, chasing me head-on, trying to overtake me?"
Nearl's Zone skills were finally activated.
--+--
[(O Sun, Please Nod for Me): When the racetrack is illuminated by sunlight, slightly increases acceleration and explosiveness, and continuously restores a small amount of stamina.]
[(Do Not Fear Hardship or Darkness): Moderately negates suppression from opponents' Zones, moderately increases power, slightly increases speed and explosiveness…]
[(The Fearless): When only one Uma Musume is nearby, moderately increases fighting spirit, slightly restores stamina, increases power…]
[(Nod of the Radiant Sun): …]
[(Unilluminated Glory): …]
[(Twilight): …]
[(Sword Rain Torrent): …]
--+--
Her orange-eyed focus returned to the track ahead.
The next instant, the golden-haired girl defied conventional wisdom, accelerating even further. As a front-runner who had already raced half the track, she showed no signs of slowing down, instead executing a second burst of acceleration.
"Then—I'll respond in earnest as well!"
--+--
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.