"PLATINUM!! PLATINUM!! PLATINUM!!"
"Black Caviar ran an absolutely brilliant race, but what a shame she had to face Platinum!!"
"Remember when they used to say Eclipse couldn't hold a candle to… well, the other Eclipse? Well, they can't say that anymore, can they?"
Countless roars poured from the spectator stands on both sides, proclaiming…
Just what kind of unbelievable shock had this ultimate pinnacle of sprint races delivered to audiences worldwide!
In the eyes of many spectators at this moment, the Pegasus Platinum no longer needed titles like 'Eclipse's Successor', 'The Second Coming of Eclipse', or 'Eclipse II'.
Such epithets were usually bestowed upon a younger Uma Musume when, despite lacking somewhat in achievements or raw ability, the sheer awe she inspired felt eerily similar, inevitably reminding everyone of that previous legendary figure.
But that was only on the premise that a clear gap did exist, making the younger successor feel fortunate and honored to bear the name.
For instance, the third-generation 'Big Red Monster', Easy Goer.
Secretariat, however, was a rare exception to this rule, because her real name was literally [Big Red]! 'Secretariat' was the second name, more like a stage name for this Uma Musume.
So for Secretariat, accepting this wasn't so much about a title, but rather about being called by her original name again, something she welcomed gladly.
But Platinum? She clearly didn't fit this mold.
And this legendary battle, destined to be etched into the history of Australian—no, worldwide—Uma Musume racing, was more than enough to completely shake off any 'Second Coming of Eclipse' moniker!
Platinum was Platinum! She was her own legend!
And there, in the front rows of the stands!
Amidst the wildly boiling sea of people!
That curvaceous, elegant young lady from a prestigious Japanese family was also caught up in the frenzy, her fingers tightly interlocked with excitement.
"That was Black Caviar and Winx! And Miss Platinum beat them by a [massive margin] in her very first attempt at a sprint?!"
"In-incredible!! Miss Platinum has completely matched Eclipse now, hasn't she?!"
"After all, this decisive victory proves Miss Platinum is an absolute legend in sprinting too!"
This was the first time in the modern era of Uma Musume racing, since the four major race categories were clearly defined, that a single Uma Musume had achieved the status of [Greatest of All Time] in two major categories simultaneously!
On the fiercely competitive sprint stage, where victories were often decided by the narrowest of margins, in one of its premier peak races…
To utterly dominate with an overwhelming victory, surpassing the two strongest Empresses in the history of Australian sprinting, their home turf… What kind of earth-shattering achievement was this?
One must remember, before Platinum, any turf Uma Musume who managed to win G1 titles in two of the four major categories—say, middle-distance plus long-distance G1, or mile plus middle-distance G1…
Would typically be considered an exceptionally talented, monstrously powerful genius Uma Musume.
And those who could actually do it were few and far between.
But Platinum hadn't just done it; she had proven herself a legend, the Greatest of All Time, in both middle-distance and sprinting!
In other words, from now on, Platinum alone represented half the prestige of the entire turf racing world across its four major categories!
Unprecedented, and likely to remain unmatched!!
With such an seemingly unbreakable record to her name, it signified that Platinum was now permanently engraved in the [Uma Musume Textbook] and [World History].
Before this… when people mentioned Platinum, they'd express awe, but always with the qualifier 'has the potential to rival Eclipse'.
But now it was different!
The first legendary sprinting Uma Musume!
The strongest middle-distance legendary Uma Musume!
The only legendary Uma Musume to conquer two major categories!
The GOAT, wielding dual prowess on both dirt and turf!
With this single race, she had already reached the level of that invincible Eclipse from a century ago, also setting records that seemed impossible to break, destined to last forever!
Not to mention, Eclipse competed in an era where the strength of opponents was generally more uneven, unlike Platinum, who had truly conquered the world through her campaigns.
Winning from Japan to Dubai, from Europe to Australia, gathering nearly every title of significance into her embrace!
Thus, Platinum firmly cemented her titles as [Legend Among Legends] and [Eclipse's Equal].
No longer merely a 'second generation' or 'another coming', but truly 'equal', 'on par'!
Kitasan Black, equally a fervent Pegasus fanatic, and naturally lively to begin with, reacted the same way, overflowing with joy.
"Yesss!!!"
"Miss Platinum's victory is absolute!"
And in Kitasan Black's field of vision, she noticed something rather subtle and peculiar about the Australian spectators not too far away.
Some of them held support boards that originally read 'Black Caviar is the best!!' or 'The Reclusive Empress is the strongest!', but now a good number of those boards had been scribbled over or crossed out.
Replaced instead by—[Pegasus GOAT! Platinum is Number One!]!
Even among the remaining fans of Winx and Black Caviar, many had already come to acknowledge in their hearts: if anyone could match, perhaps even surpass Eclipse, it was this Pegasus.
Because…
Wouldn't belittling Platinum only make their idols, who had just been soundly defeated, seem even weaker?
The stronger Platinum was, then Black Caviar and Winx's defeat wouldn't be such a disgrace, right? Just like the triple crown Uma Musume defeated by Man o' War back in the day—no one thought she was weak.
And so…
Here in Australia, on what was essentially Platinum's 'away' debut, countless fans of the two local Empresses were utterly astonished by the Pegasus's prowess and willingly acknowledged her supremacy.
Quite a few were directly 'converted', completely transforming into Platinum fans, choosing to side with sheer strength!
This roaring, sea-like chorus, collectively praising the name of the Pegasus, was a spectacular, magnificent sight to behold!
And at this very moment, Satono Diamond suddenly felt a spark of curiosity.
Now that she had seized the victory in this peak race, establishing herself as the strongest sprinter with just one outing…
Then… what race would Miss Platinum challenge next?
"Kita-chan, Kita-chan."
Satono Diamond immediately called out to the excited, fervently cheering Kitasan Black beside her.
"Huh?"
"What is it?"
Kitasan Black tilted her head, snapping out of her reverie to look at her friend.
"What do you think Miss Platinum will challenge next?"
Satono Diamond wanted to hear Kitasan Black's thoughts.
Generally speaking, after an expeditionary campaign and achieving the expected success…
Future race plans usually fell into one of three scenarios.
First: continue challenging in that same region! Riding the hot streak and high morale to take on other Australian G1s.
Second: return to the region where she frequently competed before the expedition—Europe—and challenge the classic middle-distance G1 circuit again.
Third: take a rest period back in Japan, readjusting her form while dominating lesser competition.
Compared to battling Australian Empresses, or taking on European middle-distance kings and tearing through scheming syndicates…
Racing in Japan, even with a busy schedule, would still feel like a 'rest'!
After all, the level of competition simply wasn't in the same league.
Even though… currently, Japan boasted two major talents: the Golden Tyrant Orfevre, who won the Classic Triple Crown, and the Triple Tiara victor, Daiwa Scarlet!
"First off… let's rule out the first one."
"That is, the possibility of Miss Platinum staying in Australia is actually the lowest."
"Because Miss Platinum doesn't seem to have much interest in boring races."
Despite her usual bubbly and cute demeanor, Kitasan Black's instincts were surprisingly sharp. She stated her view with near certainty.
"For example, even though the prize money for the peak race is high, and has increased a bit, it still can't compare to the combined purses of the Dubai World Cup's dirt world cup and the turf Classic Series races."
"And after Miss Platinum already achieved the legendary feat of winning two crowns in one day at Dubai earlier this year, she could have easily gone back to replicate it this year… but she chose to campaign in Australia instead."
"That's enough to prove that Miss Platinum prefers interesting races, or rather… races where there's suspense, opponents worthy of her challenge?"
Kitasan Black's assessment made Satono Diamond nod repeatedly in full agreement.
That didn't leave many options.
In an instant, after Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond looked at each other, they spoke in unison, voicing the same thought.
"European G1s!"
--+--
Beyond the finish line!
The silver-haired maiden had already crossed it, decisively seizing the victory of this sprint G1 for herself.
And the moment she crossed the line as champion…
The twin dark, profound moons of Terra hanging high in the sky, and the vast Coliseum of Kazimierz, did not immediately dissipate.
Because the race wasn't completely over; behind her, other Uma Musume were still competing for placements below first.
On the final stretch, the snow-white, silent maiden fixed her unwilling gaze on Black Caviar, who had surpassed her by a length and now seemed impossible to catch.
As Winx was about to cross the line, her position firmly locked in third place, her eyes finally shifted to the familiar figure beyond the finish line.
In that instant, the thought that spontaneously bloomed in her heart was…
—So beautiful.
The cool, mysterious twin moons hung in the sky behind Platinum, their light cascading down, adding subtle hues to her originally silver-white hair.
Paired with her ruby-like, dazzling brown-red pupils, Platinum's lazy yet mysterious glance back, and the pair of still-unfurled black wings that no one could ignore, it all merged into a breathtaking picture!
It was exactly like the Pegasus from myth… no, even a mythical Pegasus couldn't possibly shine so brilliantly, be so beautiful, could it?
"So… so beautiful!"
Rushing across the line reluctantly, the third-place loser Winx unconsciously uttered a praise born from being utterly captivated.
Even if it was a soft, involuntary murmur, even if it was a whisper lost amidst the sounds of intense racing…
It was laid bare before the silver-haired maiden's keen hearing.
Platinum tilted her head slightly, her gorgeous brown-red eyes gaining a trace of bewilderment as she looked back at Winx.
Who was she talking about?
Is this something you say during a race?
"Ah…"
Even though she was the more senior, more mature one, Winx found herself flustered when the Platinum ahead actually looked back at her, as if having heard her praise.
Her exquisitely pale skin, even her face, instantly flushed with a rosy hue, like someone caught sneakily watching their crush, awkwardly turning her head to avoid eye contact.
After all, though crowned an Empress, Winx was actually an extremely socially anxious 'homebody'.
Avoiding eye contact like an ostrich, her heart filled with shame.
And she had just lost like this!
Forget about the saying that the best tribute to your idol is surpassing them… she couldn't even manage to be the closest challenger, the runner-up right behind the Pegasus!!
If someone like her tried to exchange training gear with Platinum…
Would she gain Platinum's recognition? Would Platinum even agree?
The socially anxious homebody wrestled with hesitation, a fierce internal struggle!
And behind her…
The dozen or so Australian Uma Musume were all gritting their teeth, faces full of shock.
As these Uma Musume crossed the finish line, the peak race officially drew to a close.
But some of the Australian elite young ladies, even if their final placing wasn't particularly bad, were filled with intensely complex emotions.
"I was seven or eight lengths behind even third-place Winx. And Winx was thirteen, fourteen lengths behind Platinum?"
"Added up, I lost by over twenty lengths? A super massive margin?!"
"Seriously, such a gap is incredibly rare even in middle-distance races… let alone in sprints, where creating large margins is twice as difficult!"
"Losing to the Pegasus, who surely prepared meticulously for the sprint, isn't shameful, but the margin… it's just too much."
"Next time… can I win next time? At the very least, I need to close the gap. I can't lose to Platinum this badly again."
The blow from such a devastating gap was a heavy, sobering lesson for any Uma Musume with high self-expectations.
That certain silver-white Pegasus, with just one race, had initiated her 'bullying' of quite a few elite young ladies from Australia!
Of course, there were also exceptionally easy-going sprinters who had fully expected the loss, even a crushing defeat.
"It's just one BO1! We let her have this one!"
"No matter how strong Platinum is, she can't beat me in a BO5! I only lost one race to her!"
Naturally, Black Caviar was in no position to be quite that philosophical.
Without an absolute desire to win, it was impossible to reach her level at the pinnacle of the sport.
This tall, wheat-skinned maiden, who looked wild and uniquely charming, was breathing heavily, feeling an unprecedented exhaustion both physically and mentally.
And yet, this was just a race that had lasted a very short time.
Why… did it feel more draining than three or four days of continuous high-intensity training?
Could Platinum really be that powerful?
As the loser 'closest to Platinum', the strongest sprinter beneath the Pegasus, Black Caviar had a much keener insight into Platinum's performance than even Winx.
'Lost by twelve lengths… My first loss to her, and it had to be a crushing defeat like this!'
'Even more unbelievable than the massive margin is that Platinum's actual proficiency in sprinting isn't as high as I imagined.'
'In other words, this isn't even her ceiling! If she puts in more effort, she could perform even better?!'
Some Australian Uma Musume thought that once they got familiar with Platinum's domain, understood her running style, they could narrow the gap in future matchups.
But Black Caviar, far stronger than them, and more capable than any other sprinter of seeing the potential hidden like the submerged part of an iceberg…
The tip of the iceberg only showed one-seventh, one-eighth of its true size.
Beneath the water's surface lay the iceberg's real form! It was, unmistakably, a level of power that inspired despair.
It was as if this was Pegasus Platinum's final mercy—the weak didn't even have the qualification to witness her full strength, to perceive her true form.
And Black Caviar, who possessed that qualification… was utterly stunned.
"And… there's no chance for revenge."
Black Caviar stated with certainty, letting out a soft sigh.
After all, both she and Winx…
They were universally acknowledged as the ultimate gems of Australian Uma Musume racing, the two top monsters of their home turf, and both had fallen to the hooves of the Pegasus Platinum in this single race!
She could also tell from Platinum's past race choices that she preferred interesting, suspenseful races, enjoyed challenging noteworthy opponents, so the likelihood of her staying in Australia for new races wasn't high.
While it was true that Winx couldn't possibly perform at her absolute career best in this sprint peak race—she was primarily a miler to short-middle distance (1500m-2000m) Uma Musume.
In a way, you could say Winx specialized in the mile, with 2000m and sprints as secondary categories.
But…
Winx, in the grand history of the mile category, could only be called 'the Mile Monarch who dominated her era'.
Dominant in her era!
A Monarch!
But not the one deemed the Mile GOAT; that title belonged to someone else.
If you considered the worldwide stage, above her existed a presence akin to an Emperor, even a deity!
That Mile Emperor's name was—Frankel.
Winx was undeniably powerful, but if comparing her mile prowess to Frankel's… even her most loyal fans would likely remain silent.
And silence, in itself, was an answer and a choice.
Therefore, the probability of Platinum challenging Frankel was far greater than her challenging Winx again, making it even more unlikely she'd remain in Australia.
"So—what will she challenge next?"
--+--
A short while later.
Interview segment.
"Miss Platinum, may we ask what race you plan to challenge next?"
"I'm taking my talents to—"
--+--
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.