"Don't blame me, my future little niece Margaret!"
Ruffian was filled with an absolutely unyielding, soaring fighting spirit and determination for the one-on-one duel scheduled for a few days later.
After all… she was acutely aware of the gap in time that existed between herself and that Big Red Monster, Secretariat.
Debuting a full year later was a massive disadvantage. To catch up and overtake Secretariat's legendary status head-on, to replace her and Man o' War as the new GOAT, was an immensely difficult task.
To put it plainly, even if Ruffian fought relentlessly, winning one standard G1 per month for an entire year, it still wouldn't be enough!
The stature of a legend, a GOAT, was no longer something achievable through mere number of races. It required victories that would be recorded in history, remembered for generations.
That level of achievement couldn't be bridged by quantity alone; it required "quality"!
And when it came to quality, when it came to formidable opponents, who could possibly surpass The Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl?
Of course, no one!
"Even including Prove Out, who recently, as a super dark horse, pulled off a stunning upset and defeated that Secretariat."
"Even though she's starting to be called the Giant Killer, the Hall of Fame Slayer."
"But it's obvious, she's not a legend, and the Secretariat she defeated has mysteriously dropped a level in form."
This proud, tyrannical young girl had conducted research on all the top-tier rivals in contemporary American dirt racing.
Be it Flightline, or Nearl, or Prove Out, none were exceptions.
"As for Flightline, her ability should be approaching Legendary too."
"But her constitution is too weak. She runs one race and has to rest for months. She has the talent but not the sustained influence; she isn't recognized as a legend by the outside world either."
Prove Out had an excessive number of losses. Flightline had a critically low number of starts. All things considered, neither was perfect.
Even if they defeated a strangely out-of-form Secretariat, or reached legendary levels of ability, they clearly lacked the transcendent influence a true legend should possess.
Thus, wasn't Nearl the only candidate, the one placed right before her eyes, for someone who yearned to surpass Secretariat?
Moreover, Nearl's influence and popularity were absurdly exaggerated, to a degree that even astonished Ruffian.
"Margaret Nearl, her popularity is incredibly high, her influence tremendously strong. I'm afraid that looking across the entire hundred-year history of dirt racing, she ranks among the very top."
"She is the most suitable opponent, bar none!"
A showdown between two Triple Crown winners, under the gaze of the entire world – neither side wanted to lose!
"Margaret is strong, but… I won't lose!"
The tyrannical young girl, her fighting spirit burning bright, prepared to continue her training.
She was strictly regulating her training load, fearful both of training too little and losing form, and of training too much and becoming fatigued for the race.
After all, the race distance Ruffian had chosen for this match was quite special.
"2200 meters, a very rare and unique distance."
"This is both a danger and an opportunity. It might be my best chance to defeat Margaret!"
The classic middle-distance range is between 2000 and 2400 meters. The most common middle-distance races are almost always the shortest, 2000m, and the longest, 2400m.
The former, 2000m, tests power and explosiveness; those with a superior final kick typically find it easier to win.
The latter, 2400m, due to its length, also tests endurance considerably. It demands an [all-round] capability from the Uma Musume and is the distance that best showcases her upper limits.
Yet Ruffian, defying convention, chose 2200m, right in the "middle" of those two standard middle-distance courses!
"It tests pace management and endurance more than the 2000m middle-distance or 1800m mile races."
"Yet it's faster than the all-round-testing 2400m, and the physical demands aren't as extreme."
"For The Radiant Knight, it's her first time facing this unfamiliar distance. She might not adapt well to this peculiar, niche 2200 meters!"
This was precisely why Ruffian had specifically chosen the 2200m distance.
In return, she set the location as Nearl's proficient "home ground," Belmont Park, the very place where she had just ascended to legend.
"But… originally, I thought Nearl would refuse, that she would [negotiate], [bargain] to change the distance."
"Just like when Seabiscuit senior challenged War Admiral, and War Admiral refused twice, only agreeing after the third time when terms were discussed."
"Yet, reportedly, Nearl agreed without the slightest hesitation!!"
Ruffian had assumed Nearl would also refuse initially, or negotiate terms like changing the distance, to steadily maximize her own advantages as much as possible.
So, Ruffian had prepared for the possibility that, after some back-and-forth, the distance might become 2000m or 2400m. She thought it might take half a month to a month of wrangling to finally settle the race details.
But she never expected… Nearl agreed just like that, without a moment's hesitation. Didn't she even think about creating an advantage for herself? She didn't even resist the unfamiliar 2200m?
Actually, Ruffian wasn't afraid of negotiation or dragging things out. On the contrary, Nearl's instant agreement made her somewhat nervous, even breaking out in a cold sweat.
It was like being in a ranked game draft, where after she banned the heroes her opponent was most known for…
Her opponent, Nearl, left her ban empty. She banned nothing!
In such a situation, the pressure was even greater than if your own strong, favorable heroes had been banned!!
And Nearl was the equivalent of [leaving her ban empty]. She didn't fight for even a sliver of advantage for herself, just calmly and composedly accepted the challenge. What incredible boldness and courage was that?
It was almost like a top-tier smurf account playing in a lower-ranked game that wasn't theirs, not deeming any bans necessary.
Doing nothing at all came off as far cooler and more imposing than doing everything!
Now, Ruffian, who seemingly held the advantage, was the one feeling the pressure. This tyrannical, solitary young girl was almost drenched in cold sweat.
"No matter what, I must win."
"Carrying the hope of securing Dr. Lin, I absolutely cannot lose!"
Her soaring fighting spirit, however, had not diminished in the slightest.
After all, Ruffian had to consider that this might be the only chance she'd ever get in her lifetime.
For Dr. Lin, it was her duty!
Just as Ruffian, filled with resolve, was about to throw herself back into training…
Her phone, placed nearby, rang with an incoming call.
Ruffian walked over and picked up the phone.
Upon answering, she heard a familiar, somewhat playful and cheerful female voice.
"Contestant Ruffian, your application for the [One-on-One Duel] has officially passed review."
"Both distance and venue have been approved, with consent from both parties. It is scheduled to officially commence four days from now. Please be prepared."
Since it was a formal race requiring application by the Uma Musume, it was naturally a bit more cumbersome than simply signing up for a regular race.
But this voice made Ruffian's ears twitch slightly.
She had heard this voice before, both when she clinched her third crown and when she watched Nearl and Platinum race, where its owner had taken the stage as a heavyweight guest commentator.
That was… the all-time most popular dirt racer, Senior Seabiscuit?!
Seabiscuit, despite being a high-ranking official in the racing organization, was personally posing as a staff member, like some customer service rep, like a part-timer?!
Although it was a jest, it was enough to see how seriously she, and even the American racing officials, regarded this [One-on-One Duel].
In terms of popularity and influence, Seabiscuit had always been the number one American Uma Musume, an existence that far exceeded the norm.
That level, so high it defied belief, was often achieved under special historical circumstances, breaking conventions to become a popularity that transcended limits.
Just like in Japan, during the economic crisis, Oguri Cap became a pillar for many Japanese viewers. Rising from common origins to the central circuit step by step, she inspired countless people.
Therefore, Oguri Cap's popularity and influence also surpassed that of the former strongest Uma Musume, Symboli Rudolf, and she was regarded as a "hero," the "Cinderella."
And Seabiscuit was similarly famous for being inspirational, motivating audiences and later generations, a classic example of "the times producing their heroes."
Under normal circumstances, even if a successor could surpass her in ability or achievements, it was extremely difficult to overtake her in popularity. For example, the exceptionally talented Secretariat's current popularity still hasn't surpassed Seabiscuit's.
The current Nearl's popularity is quite formidable, having achieved a magnificent Undefeated Triple Crown in this golden age of Uma Musume. But Secretariat's existence inevitably splits the popularity.
But a certain Big Red, due to being infatuated with the beauty of the unscrupulous young doctor Lin Anran, lost a race.
Counting it up, Secretariat's losses now amount to more than one, and her popularity has already been caught up to by the incredibly young Nearl!
As long as The Radiant Knight can win this one-on-one, she can surpass Secretariat's popularity and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Seabiscuit herself! She can rise from being among the top to becoming the [Most Popular in History]!
So, this one-on-one duel was absolutely a crucial battle for The Radiant Knight as well.
But Ruffian had no intention of losing!
Hearing the notification from Senior Seabiscuit, she quickly regained her composure and gave her response.
"I understand, Senior Seabiscuit."
"Please watch closely. The one who will surpass you and Ms. Man o' War will be me."
The young, fiery tyrannical girl declared her vow of supremacy!
At the last moment, the light laugh Ruffian heard in response from that legendary senior carried a tone of seriousness and gravity.
"As a senior, I sincerely hope you can all become stronger."
"Come, show me your full power. I'll be waiting for your arrival in the Dream Cup!"
--+--
The day before the race.
The pink-haired foreign young lady, having just finished her training for the day, looked well-behaved and cute with her hands cupping her face, watching the black-haired young doctor Lin Anran who was holding her delicate foot.
For some reason, Treve felt that when she was quietly alone with Dr. Lin…
That inexplicable sense of security grew stronger and stronger.
And over the past few days, the daily check-ups and training adjustments from Lin Anran, done with such focus and dedication, were indeed as gentle as her best friend Sea the Stars had mentioned.
Not only that, but what truly surprised Treve was that Dr. Lin actually ended his work as if on a "nine-to-five" schedule, never staying late, showing no desire to find ways to spend extra time and get closer to her, a young lady from a prestigious family and a future rising star.
And yet, he still provided her with care and attention!
He didn't seek extra contact, leaving immediately after work, yet still offering guidance… Why was that?
Because, on this pink-haired foreign young lady's phone, these past few evenings, she had been receiving messages sent by Lin Anran.
It was truly incredible!
As Treve quietly observed the young doctor before her, Lin Anran stood up.
"Your legs are showing some signs of fatigue."
"To be safe, I'll monitor it for a few more days. No need to increase the training load starting tomorrow."
"Get some good rest then. It's time for me to head off work too."
With that, the black-haired young doctor turned and left, just like an office worker clocking out at five.
--+--
Night.
The tall, incredibly heroic golden-haired girl held her phone.
It was filled with missed calls from Seabiscuit.
So, as soon as she got home, she transformed, ready to reply.
When Nearl called Seabiscuit's number, it was picked up instantly.
"Finally returning my calls?"
"You don't bring your phone when you train? Not bad, that's a good habit to have."
Seabiscuit's voice held a trace of surprise.
After all, who goes about their daily life without their phone these days?
Clearly, Nearl must have deliberately left it behind during training.
"Alright, it's nothing major, just the final routine pre-race notification for the [One-on-One Duel]."
"Tomorrow's one-on-one race, it's no exaggeration to say the whole world is watching."
"The data I've received, the broadcasting rights sold to overseas TV stations and streaming platforms…"
"Both the number of sales and the total price have surpassed your Belmont Stakes with Secretariat, and exceed any Breeders' Cup Classic in the past decade!"
Seabiscuit revealed the staggering level of attention.
The Belmont Stakes, where both Secretariat and Nearl were vying for the Triple Crown, should have been prime for publicity.
And the Breeders' Cup Classic goes without saying – its status is directly equivalent to the turf world's premier race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, or Japan's Arima Kinen.
Who would have thought the influence and global attention for Nearl's one-on-one duel with Ruffian could be so unimaginable?!
"So, you must give it your all."
"2200 meters… it's a bit of a niche distance, might not be in your favor. Don't get careless."
Seabiscuit offered her final piece of advice.
Hearing this, the golden-haired girl nodded slightly and spoke softly.
"Ruffian is not bad."
"But I will not lose."
Nearl was certainly looking forward to tomorrow's battle as well.
As for carelessness? That was impossible.
Even a lion uses its full force to catch a rabbit. No one understood this principle better than the golden-haired girl who was a knight.
Moreover, from the information Nearl had gathered, Ruffian, as the Undefeated Triple Tiara champion, was already widely recognized as a monster with the potential to challenge for legendary status, one of the top few currently active on the dirt.
Having a full-force battle with such a strong opponent was inherently very interesting. How could there be any carelessness?
--+--
After hanging up the phone.
In the room, a final female voice sounded.
"Original body, activate."
Immediately, the figure of the black-haired young man appeared. After putting down Nearl's phone...
"Alright, replied to Seabiscuit. Time to send the messages to Treve."
Lin Anran, ever since discussing and confirming with Sea the Stars that a young European foreign lady would be coming to America to find him...
Had actually prepared a contingency plan in advance back then.
What Lin Anran had prepared were documents on [Pre-Debut Training for Uma Musume] and [Considerations for Uma Musume Traveling Alone for Overseas Races] – precisely the things Treve would find most useful!
Writing these two pieces was actually quite simple.
It just required... just required squeezing "two selves"!
He had a certain Platinum, who had just raced in Australia, write the guide for overseas races. He had Nearl, who had only debuted a few months ago and had undergone training, write the training content.
Simple. Easy.
In the eyes of this unscrupulous young doctor, this was very necessary.
Because... he saved the documents. He could reuse them in the future!
This way, he could build good relations with young foreign ladies in the future, leave them with a favorable impression, without having to put in any real effort.
He could use it for Treve, and for others too! And it didn't affect his work hours!
If he had to explain these two guides to Treve in detail on the spot, it would take time. The unscrupulous young doctor would essentially be getting "used for free."
So, sending the texts directly was the most efficient way. It didn't delay his clocking out, and it still gave the pink-haired foreign young lady a good impression.
In the unscrupulous young doctor's eyes, this was the most cost-effective method.
To make it seem like it took effort, Lin Anran sent them in segments.
"Okay, sent! Finally finished sending both pieces."
"And then... all that's left is the one-on-one race against Ruffian starting tomorrow."
--+--
Meanwhile.
In a room filled with a girly, pink ambiance.
A petite, cute pink-haired girl looked at the new content sent by Dr. Lin on her screen, a slight smile gracing her lips, her mood cheerful.
"Dr. Lin… he's really so good."
It was [Pre-Debut Training for Uma Musume] and [Considerations for Uma Musume Traveling Alone for Overseas Races].
The pre-debut training content could perhaps be explained by Dr. Lin having trained Sea the Stars, Secretariat, and Ruffian before, giving him that experience.
But actually, for Dr. Lin, those were over a year or two ago. Yet the content he provided was incredibly thorough! Who knows how much effort he put into it.
As for the latter guide on considerations for traveling alone for races, that went without saying. How could Dr. Lin possibly know these details?
So, in Treve's view, this absolutely must have been... information Dr. Lin specifically gathered and compiled from other Uma Musume, all for her sake!
Not only that, but Dr. Lin could have waited until "work hours," until he met with her in person to deliver all this, maximizing the impact on her, yet he didn't do that at all!
And when it was time to finish work, he left without the slightest hesitation?
Such a contrast, providing her with such helpful support yet seemingly asking for nothing in return?
'He's both cold and gentle?!'
'No wonder…'
Treve suddenly felt she understood why her best friend Sea the Stars, a legendary Uma Musume in her own right, was so taken with Dr. Lin.
She understood now!
"Alright!"
Treve looked at the desktop computer screen. Besides the two documents from Dr. Lin that she had saved…
There was another file, created recently, titled [List of Thieving Cats to Investigate].
But it was a "New Folder" – just a name, completely empty inside.
"To help Little Star, I need to get closer to Dr. Lin next."
"After all… it's to help Little Star!"
--+--
The next day.
The one-on-one duel had arrived!
The golden-haired maiden knight was putting on her long racing boots. The white coat she wore over her shoulders fluttered along with her long hair in the wind whistling through the window, almost snapping.
The blazing sun shone through the window, illuminating her tall, heroic, perfect figure, as if paving the way for her journey to the duel.
"A true [One-on-One], something I've never experienced before, is here!"
Margaret Nearl was brimming with enthusiasm for this duel.
She was extremely attentive and knowledgeable about the races she was to participate in.
--+--
[One-on-One Duel (Any Distance)]
[Pacific Classic Stakes (Dirt, Middle Distance)]
[Breeders' Cup Classic (Dirt, Middle Distance)]
[Dream Cup (???)]
--+--
After completing the one-on-one, there were at least three more anticipated matchups.
The reason it was [at least] was because…
There was also a [Breeders' Cup Turf]! Held on the same day as the Classic!
Nearl was hesitating: should she attempt to win two crowns in one day herself, or leave it to the "other self," letting Platinum compete?
Was it better for The Radiant Knight to achieve a double crown in one day, or for the two Pegasi to dominate the Breeders' Cup together?
"Never mind, let's not think about what comes after for now."
The next second, the tall, heroic golden-haired girl grasped the cold-gleaming lance-sword in the room.
The Radiant Knight, to battle!!
An hour or two later.
In front of Belmont Park.
The silver-white young girl, wearing sunglasses with her hands in her pockets, looked so lazy she neither resembled an assassin nor the shining Pegasus of public perception.
Platinum, queuing up to watch the live broadcast of this race!
The world's only two Pegasuses were about to gather!
Both rivals and fellow Pegasuses, one competing, the other watching.
And all around her, the atmosphere was electric, with an almost endless stream of spectators converging and queuing.
"Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"Ruffian is number one! A Triple Tiara winner has no reason to lose to a Classic Triple Crown winner!"
"I admit Nearl might have the edge at 2400 meters, but this is 2200 meters, Ruffian will definitely win!"
"Pegasus! Pegasus!"
High in the sky.
A bird soared and circled nearby, seeming as leisurely as the lazy Platinum.
--+--
T/N: Gacha x Multiverse Fic Up!
--+--
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.