At the entrance of the Pacific Classic Stakes.
A steady stream of figures lined up at the gates of the racecourse.
The bustling crowd was more than enough to prove the absurd level of attention this race was receiving.
Without a doubt, this year's [Pacific Classic Stakes] was the most anticipated event in the world of dirt racing this year…
No, it would be more accurate to say it was the most anticipated Uma Musume race in the world this year, bar none!
As for the number of spectators… Millions? Or even tens of millions?
The viewership numbers were predicted to be the highest in the recorded history of this race. Even before the event started, many media outlets estimated that the audience would likely reach numbers in the "hundreds of millions"!
After all, the sheer number and caliber of top-tier competitors gathered for this race were unmatched by any other dirt event for the better part of the year.
Perhaps only the year-end Breeders' Cup and the final Dream Cup could potentially surpass this race; no other event stood a chance!
Within the massive, queuing crowd, discussions were everywhere.
"Nearl!! Nearl!! A Pegasus who can take down Ruffian one-on-one, how could she possibly lose?"
"Hah, Flightline is a more seasoned Man o' War! She's also been resting and preparing for a long time, there's absolutely no way she'd lose to a hard-fighting junior like Nearl!"
"Flightline!! Flightline!! Flightline!!"
"Don't get it twisted, this is a [Three-Way Showdown], not some Nearl Single Combat 2.0. That terrifying killer has entered the race too, you know."
"A hall-of-fame killer who even took down Secretariat, successfully hunting fellow hall-of-famers Flightline and Nearl isn't out of the question!"
"Why is Lady Nearl divine? First, we must begin with the sin of arrogance committed by Prove Out…"
There were voices supporting Flightline, cheers rooting for Nearl, and also plenty of anticipation for that super dark horse known for causing upsets and surpassing hall-of-fame Uma Musume, Prove Out.
Without a doubt, this was a true [Three-Way Showdown]. The sheer star power of the lineup was no less impressive than the recent The Everest in Australia, perhaps even surpassing it!
After all, in the Australian three-way clash, whether it was Platinum or Winx, most of the races they competed in were not sprint distances, not pushing them to their absolute limits.
Even now, countless sprint racing fans in Australia and overseas were still sighing with regret and amazement. That Pegasus Platinum, with just a few months of training at most, had actually defeated the strongest sprint Uma Musume cultivated in Australia in a hundred years!
[That was definitely not Platinum's theoretical limit in sprint distances. She could absolutely be even stronger, but she moved on to different distances after winning that one race. What a shame.]
[If Lady Platinum had specialized in sprints from start to finish, just like Black Caviar, what kind of earth-shattering sprinting myth could she have created?!]
[It's a pity Lady Platinum is a Japanese Uma Musume, damn it! Just how many years' worth of luck did the Japanese Uma Musume scene and the URA use up to draw a Pegasus like Platinum?!]
Those sprint fans in Australia had already developed admiration, even affection, for the Pegasus Platinum, who ventured abroad and defeated their local genius Uma Musume.
After their initial regret, they channeled that feeling into a motivation to "buy, buy, buy," just like with Winx, driving a significant increase in sales of Platinum-licensed merchandise in the Australian region.
And now, the intensity of this [Pacific Classic Stakes] was universally recognized by the outside world, even before it had begun.
After all, this 2000-meter dirt marathon was a distance that Flightline, Nearl, and even Prove Out all mastered perfectly, allowing them all to go all out! It wasn't like The Everest, which left some with a tinge of regret due to its sprint distance.
And that universal consensus was this: Not only would this race break the record of all previous Pacific Classic Stakes, but it would also undoubtedly go down in history as one of the top-tier battles in all of dirt racing!
"My, there are so many people. We've been queueing for so long, and less than half the spectators have gotten in."
"The venue isn't small either; previous editions had no congestion, and people got in easily. It's purely that the number of spectators coming to watch is just too high. It's ridiculous."
"Yeah. The Pegasus who seems ready to spread her wings and soar at any moment, The Radiant Knight Nearl, and the one whose name is Flightline, who runs as swiftly as if skimming the ground… They all enjoy worldwide, immense popularity."
"It's just an ordinary G1, the Pacific Classic Stakes, but because of Margaret Nearl and Flightline, it's reached a level surpassing last year's Breeders' Cup?!"
The staff handling the reception couldn't help but voice their astonished exclamations as they gazed at the sea of spectators.
Not far from them.
Besides the spectators, there was also a very large number of reporters from various countries and regions, conducting pre-race broadcasts in different languages.
"Our reporter reporting for you, on the participants Nearl, Flightline, Prove Out…"
"Natsuki Aya, lead reporter for the Bunbun News, will be documenting this race for everyone…"
The race is about to begin!
--+--
In the Uma Musume preparation area.
Only a mere five individuals had arrived so far.
Among them, three looked somewhat nervous, their gazes shifting between an elegant girl who appeared somewhat frail and an unremarkable, plain-looking black-haired Uma Musume girl in the corner.
The girl who looked somewhat sickly, more suited for a library or hospital than a racetrack, was calmly looking down, flipping through a book.
This contrasting scene was taken in by the black-haired girl in the corner.
Known as a killer, a dark horse, famous for "defeating the strong while being weak" and "causing upsets," Prove Out never drew attention to herself. On the contrary, she was accustomed to hiding her presence, avoiding her opponents' notice.
But now, Prove Out was somewhat surprised to find that Flightline, the renowned monster Uma Musume, had an appearance even more deceptive and concealed than her own.
'So this is the legendary Flightline? She looks fragile, but they say she's more deadly than any ferocious beast.'
'I can sense it… the aura contained within her surpasses that of Riva Ridge, whom I defeated, and even Secretariat in her poor condition last time.'
After the initial shock, Prove Out quickly regained her composure, the fighting spirit in her eyes burning even hotter.
'After all, she's the legend who never undergoes rigorous campaigns, her condition always at its peak, never declining.'
Although Flightline was a Man o' War, Nearl's senior, she hadn't reached legendary status much earlier than Margaret Nearl.
But one must remember, that Radiant Knight was just a filly in her classic year, having debuted less than a year ago!!
And being so young, the current Radiant Knight might not yet be at her peak, her ceiling; she could potentially keep improving, getting stronger in the future!
Therefore, whether it was the giant-killer Prove Out or Flightline herself, they were both eager to face Nearl in a showdown using their current, top-form, peak-condition selves.
If things dragged on, their condition might decline, while Nearl's only got better… Losing under those circumstances would probably come with an extra side of regret and a blow to morale, right?
But while at their peak, even if they lost, they could accept it, acknowledging the other's superior skill. So how could they miss this race?
These two exceptionally outstanding individuals, two of the three powerhouses in this major race, both held such thoughts, thus wanting to challenge that Radiant Knight!
Tap.
Tap.
As the footsteps drew closer, finally reaching the doorway.
Even Flightline, focused on her book, closed it.
"She's here…"
The number of Uma Musume in this race wasn't large, only six in total.
This last person could only be the formidable rival she viewed as most worthy of vigilance: Nearl!
As Flightline turned her head, she saw the tall, golden-haired girl push the door open and enter, carrying that unique, oversized race uniform weapon, the Swordlance.
"Margaret, welcome."
Flightline promptly greeted her, placing the book on her full, soft thighs.
A smiling response came from this literary girl, synonymous with ferocity on the racetrack, who offered a slight smile.
"I've heard about you for a long time from your uncle."
Her words were certainly not a lie.
As the wealthy, distinguished young lady who provided the clinic used by a certain black-hearted young doctor, she had, of course, seized the opportunity to have more social interactions with Dr. Lin.
These occasionally included conversations about Margaret Nearl, curiously asking about his "future niece" in his eyes, suggesting joint training or practice races.
But all were declined by Lin Anran.
'Nearl's uncle? Is it… that legendary doctor, the one who's very skilled, young, and handsome?'
Miss assassin abruptly looked up, thinking of the doctor who had become increasingly famous over the past few months.
She had even considered going for a check-up sometime.
But for now… she had to focus on defeating that doctor's little niece first!
"But that title of [The Strongest], even if you are Dr. Lin's niece, I will never yield it."
"Let me see your full power, Radiant Knight!"
Flightline, having first extended courtesy, now saw her gentle demeanor instantly vanish.
As a legend of the current era, how could she accept not being ranked first, not being the strongest?
Every legend deserved to be crowned with [First], [Strongest] – that was the very meaning of being a legend.
And nearly every legendary Uma Musume of the past had achieved just that. Man o' War, Seabiscuit, Sea Bird, Dancing Brave – they were all super dominants of their respective eras.
Because… [Kings do not meet kings] was an ironclad rule for decades, but it had been broken in the last year or so.
On turf: Sea the Stars, Frankel, Platinum.
On dirt: Secretariat, Nearl, Flightline.
One could say this era was an unprecedented golden age for Uma Musume!
And among these legends, Flightline was the one who received the most criticism. Not because she was weak,
But because she had a major, hard-to-erase disadvantage: her inability to undergo [Rigorous Campaigning]!
While rigorously campaigning Uma Musume weren't necessarily strong, when discussing strong runners, everyone would mention whether they possessed the factor of rigorous campaigning.
Flightline, renowned for her strength, was far from what one would call rigorously campaigned. Countless people acknowledged her ability, but no one would acknowledge her "rigorous campaigning."
The prestigious American Triple Crown, watched by the US and the whole world? Flightline did not participate.
Whereas both Secretariat and Nearl not only won the American Triple Crown successively, but each also broke the time record in every race, achieving the intensely demanding five-week Triple Crown.
Among the three legends, two were Triple Crown winners, while Flightline wasn't even a Dual Crown winner.
Even given five weeks, her body might not be able to handle two, or even one, full race. This wasn't an exaggeration, nor a disparagement, but… fact.
In a year, Flightline's total number of races typically ranged between three or four.
And three or four races… Nearl could finish that in two months! And remain undefeated!
As everyone knows, one cannot generalize about physical constitutions across individuals. The same holds true for Uma Musume.
Even if Flightline remained undefeated in all her races so far, being undefeated in a few races a year was completely different from being undefeated in several races over two months.
This was precisely why Nearl, as a newcomer, could [overtake from behind] and achieve legendary status earlier than her senior, Flightline!
If the situation of "Kings do not meet kings" persisted, if she never faced the Radiant Knight in a direct clash…
Then Flightline was doomed to forever be overshadowed by the younger, more rigorously campaigned Nearl. For any proud Uma Musume, this was utterly unacceptable.
Therefore, this Pacific Classic Stakes was also extremely important for Flightline! It was a major opportunity for her to catch up to Secretariat!
But…
This was also a great opportunity for Nearl to take another step forward, getting closer and closer to surpassing even Secretariat and Man o' War! Nearl would never miss it, nor would she hold back or be careless!
Both girls, aiming to defeat legends and surpass legends, Flightline and Nearl gazed at each other, each viewing the other as the perfect… stepping stone!
The tall, statuesque golden-haired girl's expression remained stern and resolute, her orange pupils fixed on the literary girl before her.
The next moment, Nearl reached out and grasped Flightline's pale, soft hand.
The will to battle, the desire to truly defeat a legend, rose within her heart.
"Then bring it on!"
"If—you can manage it."
Facing a powerful rival, Nearl never shied away from a challenge.
--+--
The Racetrack!
The spectator stands could already be described as a "sea of people."
Countless spectators had come not just from across the US, but from various European countries, and many Asian nations as well.
The one-on-one duel that concluded some time ago, that clash between two Triple Crown winners [Nearl vs. Ruffian], had already become a hot topic of discussion worldwide, igniting the passion of many to watch the sport.
Moreover, it had sparked an interest in dirt racing even among many spectators who previously only enjoyed turf events.
And now, the Pacific Classic Stakes, with a lineup even more star-studded than that one-on-one duel, how could it not attract a global audience?
The giant-killer Prove Out, who caused upsets defeating three hall-of-fame Uma Musume, including the legend Secretariat!
The legendary Flightline, who seems to soar through the sky!
The Pegasus of the dirt, the Radiant Knight, Nearl!
The convergence of these three powerhouses in a single contest thoroughly ignited the anticipation of countless spectators.
At this moment, probably not just the famous dirt senior Uma Musume from history, but even many historically significant and legendary turf Uma Musume renowned on grass, had come to watch!
"Nearl!! Nearl!! The Radiant Knight Nearl!!"
"Flightline! The boundless Flightline, who doesn't run but flies, is the strongest!"
"No, the Pegasus Nearl, her late kick! Her three-stage acceleration is true flight!"
"Prove Out! Act as the assassin once more and slay those giants, you can definitely do it!"
"Gwah, I'm not boring like you lot, I'll support whoever wins, ya!"
In the spectator stands, fervent cheers and discussions for their respective supported runners erupted continuously.
Finally—
Accompanied by the announcer's voice, echoing throughout the venue, reaching both the live audience and countless viewers watching the broadcast, the moment began.
[The moment has finally arrived! The Pacific Classic Stakes, gathering the attention of over a hundred million spectators worldwide, begins now!]
The commentator announced in a singing, celebratory tone.
Until the next moment—
[And now, please welcome the top favorite, the super popular pick for victory – The Radiant Knight, Nearl, making her dazzling entrance!]
Instantly, the gaze of the entire venue focused on the Radiant Knight emerging from the back.
It was a tall, golden-haired girl clad in her race uniform, her cape fluttering briskly in the light breeze! The cold glint reflecting off the Swordlance she carried on her shoulder only made her fans erupt with even greater fervor.
Countless supporters, all anticipating witnessing this monster demonstrate her power, wanting to see her [Soar], chose this moment to continuously shout and cheer!
"Nearl!! Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"The strongest! The strongest! The strongest!"
"No one deserves the title of strongest more than you!"
And in the front rows of the spectator stands…
The third-generation Big Red Monster, Easy Goer.
The second-generation Big Red Monster, Secretariat.
The first-generation Big Red Monster, Man o' War.
The "family of three"!
The three girls, all with vibrant red hair, simultaneously turned their gazes, fixing them upon Nearl.
Their murmurs sounded, one after another.
"You, who defeated me, must not lose to any other Uma Musume."
"Come. Whether it's you or Flightline, I'll be waiting at the Breeders' Cup."
"Interesting little one. See you at the Dream Cup."
["Next, the second favorite, also a top contender, universally acknowledged as a threat to Nearl – the legendary Flightline!"]
["The third favorite is the Giant-Killer, the hunter of multiple hall-of-fame Uma Musume, the number one super dark horse in American history – Prove Out!"]
--+--
In the race with only six participants, all soon arrived at their respective starting gates.
The countdown began immediately.
[3!]
Most of the Uma Musume on the field wore cold, serious, or even tense expressions, staring fixedly at the starting gates about to open before them.
[2!]
'It's coming!!'
Expressionless Prove Out, the killer, cast a cold gaze towards the front gates.
And Flightline, the originally frail-looking girl now radiated immense presence, her eyes sharp and focused as she stared ahead.
[1!]
As the starting gates flew open, all the Uma Musume charged forward together, beginning their relentless dash.
--+--
Weather: Partly Cloudy.
The massive audience of over a hundred thousand spectators lining the entire course began to boil over with excitement as the race commenced.
And that golden-haired girl adopted a charging, forward-leaning posture, as if intent on trampling everything before her, unleashing her signature blazing acceleration!
At this moment, many of the Pegasus Nearl fans spread across America looked up with a mix of anxiety and anticipation, seemingly waiting for a certain spectacle to unfold.
Besides them, some spectators who had witnessed Platinum's special effects before were curiously wondering how the dirt Pegasus's effects would compare.
"Is it coming?"
"That legendary feat said to be able to alter the very sky… is that something an Uma Musume can truly do?"
"That [special effect] that resembles throwing a spear, an arrow piercing through everything, that can even change the appearance of the high sky?!"
"The only two Pegasus, the only two with visible external effects! What exactly is the relationship between Platinum and Nearl?"
Under all that anticipation.
Amidst all those discussions.
—In the very next instant!
High in the sky, where the bright sun was mostly obscured by multiple layers of thick clouds, with only a few patches of blue peeking through…
From Nearl's position, a golden radiance instantly flashed, dazzling and brilliant.
The layered clouds that had brought snow and rain before could no longer block the sun. It was as if the sun itself from the high sky cast down a light so blinding that countless spectators instinctively shut their eyes!
Then, completely involuntarily, they found themselves looking at that shining golden knight, upon whom the blazing sunlight now freely showered, illuminating her path forward!
It was as if—there were two suns in the sky!
One hung in the heavens, one reigned over the dirt!
And in the next instant, the shimmering light manifesting around the Radiant Knight began to flicker with blazing sun-like, golden particles, coalescing into the phantom of a golden-haired girl clad in knight's armor!
The phantom of this maiden knight, so awe-inspiring she seemed from another world, stood proudly there.
She resembled both a bolt of lightning capable of tearing through anything, and a Pegasus knight shielding all.
The maiden knight phantom channeled power into her arms; the Swordlance gripped in her hands seemed to gain true life, golden lightning-like energy spreading across its entire length, emitting a "Hummm" of vibration.
The next moment, the Swordlance completely left the maiden knight phantom's grasp, hurled forth by this golden, armored girl's phantom, transforming into a dazzling, brilliant meteor!
And even more incredible was… its speed was so great that the air itself emitted a sharp, yet strangely melodious, whistling sound!
In the next instant, those very cloud layers that had been blocking most of the sunlight completely shattered and dispersed under the impact of that Swordlance, revealing the azure sky and blazing sun above!
Not only that!
Behind the knight's armor of the maiden knight phantom, right where the fluttering black cape was, a pair of holy, luminous wings materialized! Her orange, authoritative eyes locked onto the finish line, the point where the Swordlance would land.
Spreading her brilliant wings, she instantly leaped into the air. This wasn't running, it was… true flight!
Unimaginable! Beyond imagination!
Just as the spectators outside, the fans in the stands, were flushed with excitement, their faces filled with exhilaration…
That maiden knight phantom with unfurled wings had already reached the finish line, her back to the countless spectators, as she grasped the hilt of the Swordlance that had been thrown like a meteor, now planted at the finish.
Hurl the Swordlance, spread the wings, dash to the finish!
This was the legendary [Stellar Descent]!
The phantom of the maiden knight revealed herself openly and imposingly before all the Uma Musume on the track, before the countless spectators!
Weather: Partly Cloudy (×)
Changed to—
Weather: Clear, Cloudless (√)
In the spectator stands, even those fans who had seen Nearl's earlier races were deeply shaken by this.
"Guh…"
"So… so awe-inspiring!! This opening effect is definitely not inferior to Lady Platinum's, which was like the moon goddess hunting, that Uma Musume piercing effect!"
"Dirt Pegasus, what is her relationship with the turf Pegasus? If they had a child… would it inherit their strength, their special effects?!"
"Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"Just being able to see such an awe-inspiring special effect makes the ticket price worth it, even if I die!!"
As numerous voices erupted from the outside, that maiden knight phantom did not immediately dissipate. Instead, she turned her head, casting a glance with her seemingly divine orange eyes back towards the racetrack behind her.
Thus, looking at this world, the world of Uma Musume, she faintly traced a smile.
In the next instant, as the golden-haired maiden knight on the track ahead began her flying stride…
Right then and there, shimmering golden particles, identical to those of the maiden knight phantom, appeared around her, coalescing into luminous wings that left the Uma Musume running beside her stunned and dumbfounded.
—Margaret Nearl, [Light Wings] Deployed!!
The Nearl of this world had finally, for the first time, revealed her luminous wings, worthy of the name [Pegasus], and she had activated them right from the start!
--+--
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.