Pegasus!
Double Wings!
And at this very moment, alongside the unfurling of those breathtakingly beautiful, night-black wings, the widely renowned domain of Platinum herself erupted onto the scene!
Since her token could enhance the effects of skills with long intervals, why not deploy it right from the start?
Then, in the latter half, when the other Uma Musume were also kicking into their top gear, she could unfold that despair-inducing... next form!
Beyond the not-too-distant finish line, the spectral image of a Maiden Goddess materialized once more, a sight that felt both familiar and shockingly awe-inspiring to the countless fans watching the broadcast and the live audience in Australia!
This sacred, ethereal, and majestic apparition of a maiden goddess sat high upon a throne, standing within the [Pegasus Hall]. With a serene expression, she drew back her bow...
Then, the first arrow shot by the Maiden Goddess transformed into a blazing, brilliant trail of light, soaring high into the sky.
--+--
[Pegasian Sight: Activated]
[Will unlock at least three exclusive domain skills most suited to the current situation, significantly increasing aura suppression pressure, and causing extra stamina drain to all Uma Musume on the field...]
[Passive (Auto-sustain): Will slightly reduce own speed, moderately increase power and enhance stride frequency, slightly improve insight and reaction time...]
[Speed Shooter: The closer she gets to the Uma Musume ahead, the faster her speed increases. When no one is ahead...]
[Knight Slayer: The more Uma Musume she cumulatively overtakes, the faster her speed increases. When no one is ahead...]
--+--
The moment it activated!
The most iconic domain effect from Platinum, the [Kazimierz Knight Arena], which covered the vast racecourse and even the entire stadium, manifested completely!
That silver-white, radiant figure, with the jet-black wings sprouting from her back in a stark contrast, painted an unbelievable picture of extreme prowess in the eyes of the many spectators!
Platinum's strides... no, it was more like she was skimming just above the ground!
Hanging high in the sky was no longer the blazing sun; it was shrouded by the black twin moons of Terra, like an endless, profound eternal night.
And Platinum, with her black wings spread, undeniably became the most striking and mysterious Pegasus under those twin moons!
This scene became a moment of immense shock for many Australian spectators present who didn't closely follow overseas races, leaving them dumbstruck and wide-eyed.
If Australia was like a minor pocket realm in a fantasy novel, then the Pegasus Platinum was equivalent to a peerless monster who fought her way from a remote corner of the continent all the way to the central region, forcing even the prodigies there to acknowledge her as the one and only true genius! And then...
She descended upon that minor pocket realm, Australia, to show the spectators and even the local prodigies what a 'threat from beyond the heavens' truly meant?!
"Wh-what... what kind of spectacle is this?"
"Such incredible acceleration! Paired with those contrasting black wings behind her, it's just too beautiful."
"This is... this is like a myth playing out before our eyes! What era am I even living in?"
"Wait, have the Three Goddesses spoiled her too much? Not only does she have large-scale weaponry and transcendent special effects, but she can also have this many other effects?"
"Even the invincible Short Distance Empress, Black Caviar, couldn't deliver this level of shock and awe in the first half."
"Wasn't this supposed to be the [Clash of the Three Sovereigns]? It looks more like the mythical Pegasus flying solo! Where are the opponents? Where are Black Caviar and Winx?"
Amid the torrent of voices filled with astonishment and delight!
Unnoticed by many, a significant number of local Australian fans who had sworn unwavering support for their homegrown Uma Musume, desperately hoping for Winx and Black Caviar to embody the 'Australian Battle Wolf' or 'Australian Generalissimo,' were now almost completely captivated by Platinum's dazzling, accelerating flight!!
Unfaithful Black Caviar, Winx fans.JPG
It wasn't that they switched sides too quickly, but after being accustomed to Australia's conventional short-distance races...
Suddenly witnessing the flight of an ancient Pegasus' wings, something that existed only in myths predating even Eclipse... how could they not be deeply moved?
Even the original fans were displaying such stunned reactions, and this immense pressure...
Then settled heavily upon the hearts of all the Uma Musume on the track!
[Unexpected changes in positioning! The only thing that went as expected was Winx's habitual slight slow start.]
[But what's completely unforeseen is that Platinum, the top favorite to win, not only didn't have the slightest delay, but her break from the gate was even more explosive than the battle-hardened Black Caviar's, allowing her to easily push ahead by a nose!]
[Not only that, she... has begun a real acceleration! That knight arena covering the entire field has appeared! That goddess-like phantom sits high in the hall overlooking everything!]
[Without a doubt, Platinum is the true Pegasus! Fully embodying the legendary ancient Pegasus with wings! She's practically flying low to the ground!!]
[In just an instant, the silver-white Pegasus, with her domain active and wings spread, overtook all her powerful rivals from Winx to Black Caviar, and seized the lead position at the very front!!]
[Defying common sense!! Transcending understanding!!]
The Australian commentator's voice, while reporting the developments and the changing positions, was filled with a surprise and astonishment that anyone could hear.
If a professional commentator was reacting this way, one could only imagine how excited the spectators and fans must be!
--+--
And at the very front of the turf track!
As the vast Kazimierz Knight Arena manifested, causing many wide-eyed Australian spectators to turn their heads in admiration, constantly taking in the sight,
Some viewers chose to shift their gaze to the [Pegasus Hall] near the finish line!!
Within that hall, behind the throne where the maiden goddess phantom sat, stood numerous statues.
Most of these statues, depicting Uma Musume maidens, were quite unfamiliar to these Australian spectators. However, there were still some among them that even they had heard of, famous names.
For instance, Europe's middle-distance masterpiece, Sea the Stars! America's renowned former dual-wielding GOAT, Dubai Millennium!
And they stood there, as if Ultra Warriors defeated by Hipporit aliens, seemingly petrified and sealed into lifelike statues!
"So many statues... they're all the great warriors defeated by Platinum."
"Sniff... Miss Winx must win! I'll lend you my light, you mustn't become Platinum's captive too! You mustn't turn into a statue!!"
Aside from the many Winx fans captivated by Platinum, some loyal supporters still had their hearts set on their idol, fearing she would share the fate of Sunline and Sea the Stars.
"Strange, why is there a pile of debris and rubble in the corner?"
"Why would such a majestic and sacred hall have these useless piles of rocks?"
Furthermore, some sharp-eyed spectators noticed these highly irregular piles of stone fragments within the holy Pegasus Hall.
Before knowledgeable visiting Pegasus fans could step in to explain and introduce these masterpieces from Platinum's past exploits of tearing through encirclements...
In a certain row of seats, several Uma Musume from the Coolmore group, who had been watching intently, collectively stiffened.
In the middle, Fame and Glory's face turned bright red, the blush spreading down her neck and ears in extreme embarrassment, and she hurriedly buried her head low.
'Even here, watching the race live, I'm still being subjected to this relentless roasting?!'
'Next time... I'm just watching the stream...'
--+--
On the turf!
At the very front!
Having easily taken the lead, the silver-white Pegasus maiden
was flying forward with a dazzling, breathtaking freedom.
Not far behind her was Black Caviar, the consensus top contender in this championship race, the one most expected to uphold the dignity of Australian Uma Musume, who hadn't trailed by much in the popularity polls.
But even as Black Caviar accelerated, she was still gradually being left behind.
Two lengths!
Three lengths!
The margin had already opened to a difference measurable in single-digit lengths.
And this was no middle-distance 2400-meter race, let alone a long-distance event!
A full length margin, not just a neck or half-length, established in the first half, was already a clear lead, a not-insignificant advantage.
Faced with such a result, the silver-white Pegasus maiden with black wings wore not her usual calm expression, but… something approaching what could be called [Ruthlessness], like an assassin who had confirmed her target and was about to strike!
Within her amber eyes, a rare fighting spirit burned intensely, declaring that the Platinum of this moment was far from lazy or casual.
'Such a lead is far from enough.'
This Platinum was incredibly strong, and excessively cautious on top of it!
'I've heard short-distance specialists focus on power and explosiveness, each with an exceptional final kick. The short distance leaves no room for fading; my stamina advantage will be significantly reduced.'
'Especially Black Caviar. She's the pinnacle of their training, a once-in-a-decade genius for short distances.'
'Therefore, the lead before the final straight must be as large as possible, at least achieving a "big margin" lead.'
Platinum would absolutely not accept any outcome other than victory!
As an assassin, having confirmed the superior strength of her target on the mission plan, she naturally needed to be steady and cautious, formulating her own strategy for the ensuing hunt.
That's why, for her first attempt at a short-distance race, she had unusually dedicated some time pre-race to understand and even train for the super-fast pace unique to this unfamiliar and specialized distance.
The current Miss Pegasus could be said to have not only paid a high entry fee but also invested time in pre-race training.
The cost of this race for her was absolutely unprecedented!
Losing here wouldn't just be heartbreaking; she absolutely couldn't let this world-class prize money slip away!
Gold coins! Right before her eyes!
And so, the cautious Platinum was constructing the super pace she deemed appropriate, flying freely at the front of the pack.
In the blink of an eye—!
Platinum had already passed the first turn and was advancing towards the not-so-distant second turn.
Under the cover of the black Terra twin moons, the silver-white assassin with black wings skimmed the ground, wantonly expanding her unique advantage!
"Night has fallen. Vanish."
--+--
Second place!
The tall, wheat-skinned maiden brimming with wild charm frowned solemnly, gazing ahead.
Ahead of Black Caviar was only that one figure, who seemed incredibly petite among the short-distance Uma Musume.
Even the other front-runners had been overtaken by her and Platinum.
'Platinum activated her domain far too early.'
'So, I must respond in kind!'
It's only polite to return the favor!
Black Caviar didn't hesitate in the slightest. The surging aura erupting from her already tall and robust physique caused the pupils of many Uma Musume behind her to contract.
--+--
[Zone: Activated]
[Short-Distance Tyrant: While active, slightly increases power and explosiveness, and slightly reduces suppression effects from other domains.]
[Rare Talent, Stunning Scene: Increases stamina consumption rate, slightly boosts speed, grants extra acceleration on turns, slightly reduces stamina consumption on turns.]
[Heaven-Sent Courage: Moderately increases fighting spirit, slightly enhances power. In the latter half of the race, slightly recovers stamina and increases speed.]
[Fearless Leap: While active...]
--+--
Her strides became incredibly rapid, almost leaving no room for holding back!
In Black Caviar's view, Platinum's pace was simply too fast.
And she absolutely had to match Platinum's rhythm, whatever Platinum did, she needed to keep up completely.
As a top-tier contender of her era, a name destined for the history books, Black Caviar had absolute confidence in herself. She would never stoop to passively praying for her opponent to fail to adapt or make a pacing error.
Since Platinum had unleashed her legendary wings and even her domain, it was time for her to fight back with all her might!
The moment Black Caviar's domain activated, not only did its extremely high-intensity aura pressure bear down heavily on the entire field, severely suppressing those who hadn't activated their own domains...
But the figure of this top favorite also visibly accelerated, quickly putting a significant margin of several lengths between herself and the Uma Musume behind.
Even the original front-runners were immediately left behind by a margin measurable in single-digit lengths!
"Guh... It's Black Caviar's signature domain alright! Even though it's an enhancement-type domain, its suppression is comparable to a pure suppression-type! Truly the strongest in short-distance!"
"Wait, even for a short-distance race, accelerating early is normal... but accelerating to this extent, activating the domain in the first half... isn't that going too far?"
"But Platinum is doing the same, and her suppression isn't inferior to a full-power Black Caviar's. Will they wear each other out, giving me a chance to become the dark horse?"
Some sharp and imaginative Uma Musume even saw this as an opportunity!
But regardless, for now, they could only watch as the two figures at the front flew forward, widening the gap.
At the very front... a [One-on-One Duel] had begun?!!
"No, how could I let you two have all the spotlight?"
From a leading position!
A voice, pure white and luminous, rang out.
Winx, too, had activated her own powerful domain.
Despite her usual slow start that typically placed her mid-pack at best, she had unobtrusively worked her way into a leading position among the front runners.
That exceptional, almost terrifying acceleration was a testament to her strength.
And Winx's extremely sharp instincts told her that no other Uma Musume in this race had what it took to become a "dark horse."
If she accelerated too late, the two monsters ahead might simply run away with the race! The gap would be impossible to close!
Therefore—
Winx, full power ahead!
Three of the most powerful monsters in Australian history had almost simultaneously activated their domains for a showdown!!
--+--
[Zone: Activated]
[Hope is Not Here: Affects domains weaker than her own. Reduces acceleration and power slightly to moderately based on aura strength. The greater the effect on the entire field, the more her own stamina recovers.]
[Imagine Breaker: Slightly reduces negative effects from domain skills of opponents of similar level, and converts a portion into positive effects for herself.]
[Peak Hunter: Judges the strength of all Uma Musume on the field, seals one or two of their domain skills...]
[Chasing the Dream Moment: Will according to...]
--+--
The moment Winx's domain activated!
Almost every Uma Musume on the field collectively faltered, their strides noticeably slowing in a clear loss of form.
Even the Short Distance Empress Black Caviar, who had already activated her domain, though not slowing much, saw her fierce acceleration visibly affected.
But then something happened that made Winx's own pupils contract, a rare eyebrow raise as she stared fixedly ahead.
Because!
The Silver Pegasus Maiden, the girl with black wings skimming the ground, not only didn't slow down, but her acceleration seemed completely unaffected?
They were both top favorites! Even the mighty Black Caviar was affected, so how... what was up with Platinum?
—The Pegasus, unaffected?
"What in the world..."
"What kind of monster is she?!"
Under Winx's astonished gaze, before she could formulate her next move,
Her extremely sharp attention was captured by the maiden goddess phantom on the throne within the Pegasus Hall near the finish line.
That maiden goddess phantom actually stood up, drew an arrow, and spoke a brief message audible across the entire field:
"One."
In the next instant, the arrow shot by the maiden goddess phantom seemed to transform into an endless, dazzling stream of light, shooting straight towards the outermost lane position!
Winx, who had intended to give Platinum a surprise, instead found herself facing her idol's pointed judgment, the moment of the hunt?!
--+--
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.