Classroom.
A gentle breeze drifted through the window, teasing the ends of Seiun Sky's hair.
The instructor was lecturing on topics related to Uma Musume racing, yet Seiun Sky, usually so attentive in class, found her mind wandering.
Tucked between the pages of her textbook was something resembling a bookmark—thin, almost flimsy, but upon closer inspection, one could see there was something hidden inside.
It was a birthday gift from Barbatos, given just yesterday.
The gift wasn't expensive; it probably cost less than a loaf of bread. But the pattern on its bookmark-like exterior alone hinted at its contents.
The thin, card-like object bore an image of a four-leaf clover, a symbol of good luck.
And nestled within was a real, preserved four-leaf clover.
The gift Barbatos had presented yesterday was a four-leaf clover charm, a token wishing Seiun Sky greater fortune.
A four-leaf clover charm. Ordinarily, it wouldn't hold much significance, but at this particular moment, it felt profoundly meaningful.
Her eyelids lowered slightly as she gazed at the charm on her textbook, and a smile unconsciously touched Seiun Sky's lips.
According to the race schedule, having already won the first leg of the Classic Triple Crown—the Satsuki Sho—her next step wasn't to consider other races, but to prepare directly for the Japanese Derby.
It was one of Japan's most renowned races, a dream for countless Uma Musume.
And this race carried a long-standing tradition.
While the Satsuki Sho and the Kikuka Sho, also classic races, were said to be won purely on strength, the Japanese Derby supposedly demanded an extra measure of luck.
Truth be told, many races were like that. Having the strongest ability didn't guarantee victory; luck was also part of the equation. It was just that the Derby emphasized it more.
This notion might seem abstract, yet many senior racers had expressed agreement.
Barbatos's choice of a four-leaf clover charm took this very belief into account.
Thinking this, Seiun Sky's gaze drifted toward Barbatos's seat. But the chair was empty. Barbatos had been summoned to the student council by Tokai Teio before class began and hadn't returned yet.
As for what business the student council, or rather, Symboli Rudolf, had with her...
Seiun Sky had a few guesses.
--+--
"Inviting me to become a Legendary Uma Musume?"
Barbatos stared, mouth agape, at the figure of Symboli Rudolf before her. For a moment, she was at a loss for words to express her feelings.
Only one of those pie charts from web novels could maybe capture a fraction of her current astonishment.
She had thought that the 'Emperor' summoning her today was most likely about the Winner's Stage performance.
After all, she'd sung "Happy Birthday" on stage after the Spring Tenno Sho yesterday. In Barbatos's view, it was no big deal, but to an 'old fossil' like the 'Emperor,' that was another story.
Especially considering her prior 'record' with the 'Gang Torture Dance'!
Of course, even if Symboli Rudolf did bring it up, it would likely just be a verbal admonition. No actual punishment.
The victor had every right to perform as they wished on the Winner's Circle stage, right?
So, mentally prepared for that conversation, she was completely caught off guard when, after being called to the student council by Tokai Teio, Symboli Rudolf extended an invitation to become a Legendary Uma Musume.
What was a Legendary Uma Musume? Even among regular racing fans, let alone fellow Uma Musume, the title represented the pinnacle of strength.
It was the absolute peak within their ranks.
Even among Legends, there were distinctions in power. In the past, there had been Uma Musume who surpassed the level of 'Empresses' or 'Heroines' but never joined the Legendary ranks.
But as things stood now, those who rivaled the Legends had already retired, no longer in their prime, while the current Legends remained at their peak.
To call them the extraordinary exceptions and the absolute top of Japanese Uma Musume was no exaggeration.
But why?
Why would Symboli Rudolf invite her now?
She wasn't given much time to ponder. Symboli Rudolf, seated in the main chair, was unexpectedly solemn.
She spoke directly, "Whether it was the Oka Sho or the Spring Tenno Sho, that running style places a tremendous burden on your body."
"If this continues, even if you manage to complete the Triple Tiara circuit, by the time you could become a Legend, the injuries might be irreparable."
"Becoming a Legend now is the best choice."
Her words seemed to leave no room for refusal, and Symboli Rudolf evidently didn't expect Barbatos to refuse either.
Becoming a Legendary Uma Musume didn't mean she couldn't participate in regular races.
She could still run in the annual Takarazuka Kinen and Arima Kinen. It just meant less activity in other events, with more time dedicated to preparing for the "Winter Dream Cup."
Though Barbatos was currently the talk of the town, as an Uma Musume, no one would willingly give up the chance to keep running.
Becoming a Legend meant receiving the blessing of the Three Goddesses, allowing one's body to remain perpetually in peak condition.
This was Symboli Rudolf's way of looking out for Barbatos. Moreover, Barbatos already possessed Legend-level ability and fame that surpassed even some Legends!
"Legendary?"
Barbatos mumbled the word, not giving an immediate answer. Her expression turned serious.
What Symboli Rudolf said was correct and applicable to all other Uma Musume—just not to her, the one with a 'system.'
As far as she knew, her former dorm leader, Fuji Kiseki, had been in a similar situation.
After displaying extraordinary prowess, her body, seemingly cursed by fate, developed issues. It was only later that news broke of her becoming a Legendary Uma Musume, allowing her to remain active on the track.
For the vast majority of Uma Musume, this was an offer they would never refuse.
So, logically, Barbatos shouldn't have any reason to refuse either.
But one thing occurred to her: After showing such formidable strength right from her debut, did Fuji-senpai truly become stronger after becoming a Legend?
Half a year ago, facing a Legendary Uma Musume would have left her feeling utterly powerless. But if she were to enter the Winter Dream Cup now, she was confident she could beat a few of them, including Fuji-senpai.
Saying this out loud might cause a stir. Some might call it arrogance.
But having actually raced against them, Barbatos had a rough sense of the gap between them now.
Fuji-senpai, Amazon-senpai, Air Groove-senpai—they were all incredibly strong.
The gap between them and a typical G1-winning Uma Musume was significant. But Barbatos didn't feel that way anymore.
They had all been active far longer than she had. Each could be called one of the most outstanding Uma Musume of their generation. In modern terms, they were the prodigies, the geniuses who defined their eras.
But such Uma Musume... why, after several years, even over a decade, did they seem to remain as they were?
Right now, she was confident she could contend with them. El Condor Pasa and Silence Suzuka probably felt the same.
Seiun Sky, Special Week, Grass Wonder, King Halo—even if they weren't quite there yet, they weren't far off.
And more importantly, she and her peers were still in their growth phase. They still had the capacity to become stronger, room to improve.
So, was her generation just too monstrously talented, a constellation of stars?
Or was it that after becoming a Legendary Uma Musume, the chance to grow stronger vanished?
With the body locked in peak condition, was one's potential also sealed away?
Who could say for sure?
Having sorted through these thoughts, Barbatos's serious expression relaxed. She looked at Symboli Rudolf and shook her head.
"Thanks, but I'll pass on becoming a Legendary Uma Musume."
The words caused the solemn Symboli Rudolf to pause.
She hadn't anticipated this response at all, never imagined Barbatos would refuse the invitation.
Images flashed through her mind of past Uma Musume who had refused—those who had once shaken the racing world.
Decades of experience made her sigh almost imperceptibly. The sternness faded, replaced by curiosity. "May I ask why?"
Inviting others to become Legendary Uma Musume didn't personally benefit Symboli Rudolf in any way.
It was merely an acknowledgment and appreciation of fellow powerhouses, a hope that they could continue running.
Years ago, Tamamo Cross had refused her, resolutely choosing to run her retirement race in the Arima Kinen, which also served to crown Oguri Cap.
"If I had to say why..."
"I've only won 3 G1 races. Shouldn't I at least wait until I've claimed a Triple Tiara title and, say, 8 G1 victories before I can be called a Legend?"
As she spoke, Barbatos looked directly at Symboli Rudolf, her eyes blazing with fighting spirit and immense confidence.
Symboli Rudolf, known as the 'Absolute Uma Musume,' if one excluded the exceptional 'Winter Dream Cup,' boasted a regular season record of 7 G1 victories and was an Undefeated Triple Crown winner.
One had to remember that even the 'Conqueror of the Century's End,' Opera, only barely matched the Emperor's G1 count.
"Only then could one be considered a true Legend, right?"
"8 G1s?"
A faint smile flickered across Symboli Rudolf's face, gone in an instant. She met Barbatos's gaze with equal seriousness.
"Then I shall watch with anticipation."
Whether it was bravado or not, whether Barbatos's body could withstand the pursuit of 8 G1s, at least for now, Symboli Rudolf felt Barbatos would be a rival worth looking forward to.
The strong were often lonely. This was especially true for the 'Absolute Uma Musume,' for the 'Emperor'!
With that, Barbatos took her leave from Symboli Rudolf.
Pushing open the door, she nearly bumped into Tokai Teio, who was stumbling forward, her single ponytail swinging wildly.
Thankfully, her body was flexible enough to regain balance before falling.
She shot an embarrassed glance into the student council room at Symboli Rudolf before hastily taking two steps back.
Barbatos gave Tokai Teio a strange look and casually closed the council room door behind her.
"You were still eavesdropping?"
"Hehe, just curious what the Prez wanted with you," Tokai Teio said, her eyes sparkling with novelty.
"I really never imagined she'd invite you to become a Legend. And you refused!"
"Are you planning to become a stronger Uma Musume than Prez?!"
Hearing this barrage, Barbatos immediately knew the last sentence was the crux of the matter.
For Tokai Teio, things like becoming a Legend or refusing the title basically paled in comparison to matters concerning the President.
"Obviously?"
"If I didn't have that kind of ambition, what kind of 'prodigy of the era' would I be?"
"Why don't you go ask Silence Suzuka and El Condor Pasa? I'm sure they want to be the strongest too. After all, 'Eclipse First, The Rest Nowhere.' The Emperor has led for so long. Isn't it my turn next?"
"Prez won't be surpassed by any of you."
Hearing Barbatos's words, Tokai Teio wasn't bothered. She had immense faith in the President, believing she wouldn't lose to anyone.
However...
"As for surpassing Prez... that'll have to wait until after I become an Undefeated Triple Crown winner myself."
"That would be quite difficult."
"You think it's impossible? That I can't become an Undefeated Triple Crown winner, or that I can't surpass Prez?"
"Neither. It's just that if you debut and aim for an Undefeated Triple Crown, the earliest would be next year. Who knows? Maybe I'll win this year's Winter Dream Cup?"
"Oh, I still have class. Gotta run."
With that, Barbatos broke into a jog towards the classroom, leaving behind a slightly stunned Tokai Teio who was still digesting her words.
Only when she was far away did she hear Tokai Teio's voice from behind, though the words were indistinct.
Back in the classroom.
She took her seat next to Seiun Sky.
The instructor, aware Barbatos had been called by Symboli Rudolf, didn't question her tardiness. After all, at Tracen Academy, the Student Council President's authority was absolute.
"El Condor Pasa, please continue answering the question. What would you do if you encountered this situation?"
Barbatos glanced toward El Condor Pasa, realizing she was being quizzed—a common occurrence. As a 'model student,' El Condor Pasa rarely got answers wrong.
Barbatos, just returned, was simply curious about what the question was.
"I would try to help. I couldn't let her fall directly; a real fall would be too dangerous. Even if helping meant falling behind other opponents, I'm confident I could catch up again!"
El Condor Pasa's answer was as confident as ever, but it only earned a shake of the teacher's head. This was the first time Barbatos had seen El Condor Pasa answer incorrectly.
"Attempting to rescue a fellow Uma Musume who is about to fall during a race is ill-advised. At your running speeds, such an attempt could cause a chain reaction, leading to a pile-up."
"It also shows a lack of respect for the other competitors."
"El Condor Pasa's intention isn't wrong, but you must also protect yourself and respect the race. This is a lesson history has taught us, and the racing committee has established rules regarding it."
Listening to the teacher, Barbatos understood the nature of the question.
She admitted to herself she'd probably give the same answer as El Condor Pasa. But the teacher's words served as a warning. Even if they hadn't experienced such incidents, they needed to know how to handle them and how to answer to earn points on an exam.
As for the rest, Barbatos didn't dwell on it. She didn't consider whether she'd ever face such a situation.
Worrying about falling and refusing to run would be like refusing to eat for fear of choking.
She focused on the lesson until the bell rang, marking the end of the day's classes. She then stood up and, together with Seiun Sky, went to find their target for the day: Matikanefukukitaru.
Urara was about to run her debut race soon.
They needed to get a good luck charm from the renowned "Fortune-teller Fukukitaru."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.