[Current Maturation Progress: 80%]
[Special Effect: Activates exclusive Pegasus Light Wings when deploying a zone, activates musical BGM]
--+--
The golden-haired girl stared intently at the system panel displayed before her, her expression serious.
Special effects were...
Pegasus Light Wings?
And... musical BGM?
Margaret Nearl remembered clearly that the "other self" had unlocked her [Alternate] form only after reaching 100% conditioning completion.
Thereby, Platinum received upgrades to her bow and racing outfit, and also gained the [Pegasus Form] on the racetrack, capable of manifesting Pegasus wings.
'My conditioning is only at 80% now. To think... I've unlocked this special effect already?'
'And it's [Pegasus Light Wings]?'
'Not just wings, but light wings?'
This distinction piqued Nearl's interest.
But she would have to wait until the race to see it for herself.
'My next race is the [Pacific Classic Stakes], right?'
'My opponent is...'
'—[Flightline]?'
Nearl immediately thought of that particular Uma Musume who appeared somewhat delicate and elegant, someone anyone would mistake for a literary maiden.
But in reality, Flightline's will to win was incredibly fierce and high-spirited, a stark contrast to her deceptive, gentle appearance.
'If it's her, then it'll be another interesting race.'
Nearl held considerable respect for Flightline, who had a good relationship with her original self, and was the well-known racer who provided the clinic space as a 'young lady of means'. This recognition wasn't just for her wealth or their bond, but more so for... her strength and the fighting spirit of a true warrior!
This was evident just from Flightline's racing frequency and her results.
Even if Flightline's physique wasn't as monstrous as Nearl's, Platinum's, or Secretariat's, preventing her from running three or four races in two months...
Still...
If Flightline were willing to control her speed during races, winning by just three or five lengths each time, the physical strain on her would be significantly reduced.
Thus, increasing her yearly races from three or four to five or six wouldn't be impossible.
But Flightline outright rejected that option, never choosing to slack off or hold back in any race, always going all out, pushing her body to its absolute limit!
Therefore, in those three or four races, she almost always won by huge margins, displaying a legendary prowess.
In terms of potential, strength, and achievements, that seemingly delicate, literary-maiden-like Uma Musume had perhaps already reached legendary heights.
In fact, Ruffian's [Legendary] strength was temporarily achieved by triggering more special, exclusive zone skills in a one-on-one race, surpassing her own limits.
But Flightline was different; she had become a genuine, bona fide legend. Regardless of the number of opponents, without needing to trigger any exclusive zone skills, she was a top contender in the current era, a frontrunner in history!
'In terms of innate talent, Flightline is no less than Ruffian. And more importantly... she's an [Older Uma Musume]!'
'She's more mature than Ruffian, possessing the advantage of age.'
'I'm afraid, even considering the [Hall of Fame Killer], [Dirt's Wildcard] at her best, Flightline would rank [Second] on my list of opponents!'
Nearl kept tabs on all opponents worth fighting, unlike a certain other Pegasus who only looked up race and opponent information a few days before the event.
In the Radiant Knight's view, disregarding the [Dream Cup], the strongest active opponent she would face was undoubtedly the second-generation Big Red Monster, Secretariat.
And the opponent in second place was definitely Flightline!
As for the [Hall of Fame Killer · Prove Out], it was hard to say; that Uma Musume was a bit too much of a wild card.
She could beat Secretariat one day, and lose to an unknown G2 racer the next.
Statistics had already been compiled showing she had lost to non-G1 racers more times than she had won G1 races. Her ceiling and floor were both truly unbelievable.
While others didn't know how Secretariat lost, or why Big Red was underperforming, how could Nearl not know?
So Prove Out's ceiling was indeed extremely high, but it didn't reach Secretariat's true full power, and couldn't claim the top spot on Nearl's list of opponents.
But since she could defeat an underperforming Secretariat, it was enough to prove that "Prove Out" was formidable, thus earning her the third spot, slightly below Flightline.
Nearl knew opportunities to face the [Hall of Fame Killer] would come in the Pacific Classic Stakes or the year-end Breeders' Cup.
After all, she certainly possessed the qualifications to enter the American Hall of Fame. That killer was definitely targeting her!
The golden-haired girl's orange eyes seemed to shimmer with a brilliant, extraordinary light.
'I'll be waiting for you at the Pacific Classic Stakes!'
--+--
Australia.
In a room that could only be described as belonging to a [shut-in].
Hundreds of Uma Musume dolls densely packed the walls, alongside photos and portraits of a silver-white young Pegasus.
On the soft, large bed lay a few Platinum dolls and a mysterious, special [training uniform]...
This undeniably proved it was a luxurious room that could only belong to a wealthy young lady, a shut-in, and a Platinum fan, all at once.
The room's owner was none other than the Empress who dominated Australia for years, Winx! One of her famous nicknames was "Super Shut-in".
Besides her well-known reclusive nature, her other hidden identity was that of a devoted, fanatic fan of Platinum, even after being personally defeated by her idol in the recent The Everest...
It did nothing to diminish her adoration for Platinum.
In fact, because Platinum was willing to exchange training uniforms with her, and even gave her several precious, unavailable limited-edition dolls, the already high "favorability meter" skyrocketed to maximum.
So much so that even at night, Winx would sometimes dream of the scene where her idol, the Pegasus Platinum, surpassed her!
In both meanings of the word!
'Haa...'
'Sob... the scent, it's almost faded completely.'
On the bed, the beautiful white-haired Uma Musume hugged the training uniform, sighing with slight regret.
What Winx was holding was indeed Platinum's training uniform, but unfortunately...
Scents have their limits.
Back when Winx first obtained it some time ago, she felt the scent wasn't very strong, faint enough for her to judge that it had probably been recently washed by Platinum and hadn't been worn much lately.
But in reality, her judgment was wrong. The real reason was that over the past two and a half years, Platinum had barely worn it for training at all.
But now... the scent of this racing outfit was almost completely overwritten by Winx's own scent. Even with an Uma Musume's keen sense of smell, she could barely detect it anymore.
This filled Winx with regret and disappointment.
After letting out a small, mournful whimper, the shut-in young lady got up and solemnly stored this incredibly precious racing outfit in her cabinet.
Then, Winx picked up the phone by her bed; she heard it ringing, and upon answering...
A slightly puzzled Winx never expected to receive a call from the Japan URA one day. She had long since rejected their race invitations and even told them "Don't call again, I won't participate."
Did Japan have an open international G1 for short distances?
Japan's middle-distance international G1, the Japan Cup, and the mile international G1, the Yasuda Kinen, did have some fame, after all... these were the two premier distances highly regarded in Europe, and the URA offered substantial prize money.
Winx had been debuted for several years, older even than Platinum, so she had been invited to Japanese international G1s long ago.
But she had refused long ago, stating clearly she wouldn't participate, so for the past two years, she hadn't received any calls from Japanese race officials.
"Huh?"
"This... the legendary [Pegasus Kinen]? [Platinum Cup]?"
Soon, Winx listened to the URA member's explanation.
"Divided into turf and dirt, both set at 2000 meters?"
An unprecedented situation. Winx's ears twitched slightly.
Her most proficient distances were from 1400 meters to 2000 meters—excelling at mile distances, and barely capable at the upper end of short distances and the lower end of middle distances.
And the 2000 meters of the [Pegasus Kinen] was exactly within her range? The conditions certainly fit.
But for so long, she had never embarked on an overseas expedition.
Dozens of overseas G1s at mile distance or 2000 meters had inquired about her participation, yet Winx hadn't agreed to a single expedition all this time.
A race named simply after [Platinum] did make Winx's heart flutter a little, but it wasn't enough to make the shut-in move her nest and step outside!
"Eh? The prize is actually…"
"Besides that, there's an additional reward for the inaugural race? It's... Miss Platinum's [Training Uniform]??"
"And Miss Platinum herself will be attending to watch the race and present the award to the champion?"
Suddenly, Winx's body trembled slightly.
Such a good thing?
Her gaze instantly turned sharp.
The shut-in young lady couldn't help but ponder seriously.
'I've been a shut-in for so long, never going on expeditions, which people criticize.'
'My fans feel they can't hold their heads high when discussing overseas matches...'
'And the Japanese Uma Musume haven't reached Miss Platinum's level. Monsters like Sea the Stars wouldn't condescend to run in Japan. Isn't this a great chance for me to boost my record?'
She was thinking of her fans, and also about improving Australia's overseas racing achievements!
After less than a minute of thought, Winx made her decision.
"Alright, I'll go!"
The super shut-in with over thirty career wins in several years was leaving Australia for the first time for Platinum, to compete in the [Pegasus Kinen]!
The exclusive replica trophy from Platinum, Platinum's training uniform... would be hers!
--+--
Japan, at Tracen Academy.
A voluptuous maiden with crimson red long hair styled in twin tails had just finished a training match.
Before Daiwa Scarlet, a less famous graded stakes Uma Musume bowed respectfully, thanking the Triple Tiara winner for her guidance.
"As expected of the legendary Daiwa Scarlet-senpai, to actually control the race and beat me by exactly five lengths!!"
"May you win your race, Daiwa-senpai, and conquer the [Pegasus Kinen]!"
Having secured the Triple Tiara, Daiwa Scarlet stood at the peak of her generation. Assuming they didn't discuss the overseas-running Platinum, she was indeed currently among the highest echelons of Japanese Uma Musume.
After the junior left with her thanks, Daiwa Scarlet's expression turned somewhat complicated.
Truthfully, she had held back a little; otherwise, she could have won by a large margin.
But she simply didn't want to be too harsh on a junior, nor exhaust herself pointlessly in a training match, fearing she wouldn't recover before the Pegasus Kinen. So she had held back.
But somehow, she had still ended up winning by five lengths, which even Daiwa Scarlet herself found unexpected. She hadn't controlled the margin that precisely at all?!
'Forget it, never mind that. It's not important.'
'Lately, I've almost grasped my [Zone]! The next race will be my Zone debut.'
'Usually, Japan's international G1s aren't very attractive to overseas Uma Musume, and they often struggle to adapt.'
'With my Zone, I can win!'
Daiwa Scarlet clenched her pink fists, filled with fighting spirit.
She wanted to show Platinum, right before her eyes, that she was different now!
She was determined to wash away the shame of losing by five lengths in her debut race, to make Platinum see her in a new light.
Full of resolve, Daiwa Scarlet finished her training and picked up her phone.
Upon opening it, she saw several pieces of news...
[Agnes Tachyon Announces Participation in Pegasus Kinen]
Hmm, alright.
Agnes Tachyon-senpai was also an Uma Musume she respected, another strong runner defeated by Platinum. A chance to face her senpai was an honor.
She could still fight!
In Daiwa Scarlet's view, being able to face a senpai she had always admired head-on was a great opportunity.
If the inaugural Pegasus Kinen were filled only with unknown or weak graded stakes runners, it would be considered a failure, and its prestige wouldn't be high.
So for both personal and practical reasons, Daiwa Scarlet was happy to see strong competitors enter.
[Orfevre Announces Participation in Pegasus Kinen.]
Huh? The Golden Tyrant?
Daiwa Scarlet's pretty face stiffened.
This Triple Crown monster at her peak was a bit too strong.
Well, multiple top-tier Uma Musume meant the difficulty was, uh, a little high, but not impossible!
[Winx Announces Participation...]
???
'Wait, who are you?!'
Daiwa Scarlet's voice trembled slightly.
This wasn't a case of a wolf pack letting in a husky, nor was it the Game of the Year award going to Astro Bot!
Instead... it was a true behemoth, a super monster renowned worldwide, entering the Pegasus Kinen!!
'Enough, enough, enough... this one is just too strong.'
But... perhaps there was still a chance!
--+--
One week later.
The day of the Pegasus Kinen and Platinum Cup.
These two races, much like the Dubai World Cup, were held on the same day, at the same venue.
Outside the racecourse, tens of thousands of spectators gathered, queuing up endlessly.
—The Supreme Majesty Platinum arrives today at her loyal Japan!
And inside the racecourse, in a special passageway...
Besides staff, usually only Uma Musume heading backstage or preparing to race used this path.
But this time!
A Uma Musume clad in a silver-white racing outfit, who was neither staff nor a participating racer, was walking down the special passage.
Before her stood several people.
There was the petite Tracen Academy Principal, Akikawa Yayoi; the secretary, the Green Demon, Hayakawa Tazuna; and two high-ranking members from the URA.
From the sacred central institution for nurturing Uma Musume, Tracen Academy, to the high-ranking officials of the racing authority URA, they were all collectively escorting Platinum, having already accompanied her to view the award trophies.
Such treatment had never been afforded even to past legends like the mighty five-time champion Man o' War, or the seven-time champion Symboli Rudolf!
The former Symboli Rudolf, asserting her authority before a rookie Uma Musume like Oguri Cap, had once said, "Don't underestimate the Central Association!"
But now, the core representatives of the Central Association—Principal Akikawa Yayoi of Tracen and the URA executives—could very well say...
"Don't be rude before Miss Platinum!"
Only Platinum could enjoy such unique, unparalleled preferential treatment.
The Pegasus Kinen had brought forth a young Pegasus, capable on both turf and dirt, with a rich variety of running styles!
If Platinum wished, she could even attend the meetings held by Akikawa Yayoi and the URA executives.
Though, she could only bring a pen to meetings, not her bow.
"This is far enough."
"Next, I'll head backstage to chat and have some fun with the participating Uma Musume."
The silver-white girl, Platinum, turned around and waved her hand.
Immediately, Akikawa Yayoi nodded, fluttering her folding fan, her expression full of admiration.
In the eyes of this petite principal, the only thing wrong with Platinum was that she didn't belong to Tracen! Everything else was perfect!
The Green Demon, Hayakawa Tazuna, smiled slightly.
"Goodbye, Miss Platinum."
"I imagine competitors like Daiwa Scarlet and Agnes Tachyon would be very happy to see you again."
The next moment, the silver-white maiden headed towards the familiar Uma Musume waiting room.
The Japanese fillies, it's been a while... Platinum felt like going to greet them and have some fun!
--+--
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.