"Tachyon, Tachyon!"
Someone was shaking her shoulder. She turned her head to find her trainer looking back at her.
"What's wrong? Feeling nervous about the upcoming race?" It was the concerned voice of her trainer.
Agnes Tachyon could hear a slight tremble in it; he was clearly a bit anxious.
That was no surprise. Fresh out of the gate, he'd ended up with an oddball like her, and the fact they'd managed to support each other all the way to this point was no small feat.
The Satsuki Sho—this was hugely important for both of them.
It was the first jewel of the Triple Crown, to be followed by the Japanese Derby and the Kikuka Sho. An Uma Musume who successfully claimed this triple crown would enjoy unparalleled glory and admiration.
It was only natural to be nervous.
But—
"Just who do you think I am?" Agnes Tachyon let out a hearty laugh, brushing down the brand-new racing silks she wore.
The pristine white lab coat fit so perfectly she could barely feel the fabric beneath her fingers.
With that, Agnes Tachyon strode purposefully towards the track.
"...Guinea pig, don't forget to arrange the return trip tickets. Otherwise, we won't be able to complete today's experiment."
…
"Agnes Tachyon? Agnes Tachyon!"
Feeling herself being shaken, Agnes Tachyon shook her head and looked at the girl touching her shoulder: Centaurea. "What is it?"
"Were you even listening to me?" Centaurea shot her a suspicious glance, then pointed at the track ahead of them. "We're just going to run a 2000-meter race."
"Since you doubt my talent, why not experience it for yourself?"
Agnes Tachyon glanced around—this was an off-campus indoor training ground. Naturally, not every Uma Musume had access to the academy's tracks, so these external facilities had sprung up to fill the gap.
But it was worlds apart from the academy's grounds: not only was the turf more like a soccer field's, the place itself was much smaller. To complete a 2000-meter race here, you'd have to navigate eight turns.
It was thoroughly unorthodox, but it was cheap.
"If we're just testing talent, I suppose this track will suffice."
Slowly walking to the starting line, Agnes Tachyon seemed somewhat dazed. "Are you sure you want to race me? Even though I've been retired for a while, I'm still an Uma Musume who's won G1 races."
"Compared to me, you're still very green."
"Is our goal really to see who wins?" Centaurea stretched on the track; this matter was serious enough that even she was treating it with gravity. "It's for you to acknowledge me. To acknowledge my future."
"Have it your way," Agnes Tachyon said, rolling her eyes and rising onto her toes.
…
"—Agnes Tachyon."
Standing on the grounds of the Satsuki Sho, she was suddenly addressed by the Uma Musume next to her.
Ah, that girl. Agnes Tachyon knew her. The Uma Musume named Dantsu Flame was as bright and straightforward as her name suggested, and her abilities were plenty strong.
Of course, this was from a researcher's perspective, not a rival's.
If she were to consider her from a rival's standpoint... well, the conclusion might be a bit offensive.
"Agnes Tachyon." The flame-like girl called her name again.
"If you have something to say, please go ahead. I'm listening," Agnes Tachyon replied distractedly, her eyes scanning the other competitors on the field.
How to put it... there were quite a few promising, eye-catching rookies. But they were still far beneath her.
This wasn't arrogance, but a logical deduction.
The Yayoi Sho, where only eight runners had started due to others avoiding the competition, was proof enough.
"...I know you've never seen any of us as your real rivals," Dantsu Flame clenched her fists, but she knew this was the truth. "Perhaps only Manhattan Cafe could make you pause for a second look."
"Are you trying to say I'm too arrogant?" Not wanting any complications at this moment, Agnes Tachyon slowly turned her head. "In that case, I apologize."
Unfortunately, even this apology was dripping with arrogance, like it was a condescending favor.
"That look... it's really so irritating, yet there's nothing to be done about it." Dantsu Flame clenched her fists tightly, then finally released them, offering Agnes Tachyon a resigned smile. "Forget it. I suppose that's just your personality."
"But, remember my words. On this track today, I will definitely make you show me a different expression."
As the announcement to enter the starting gates sounded, Dantsu Flame strode towards them ahead of Agnes Tachyon. After a few steps, she looked back, pointing a finger at Agnes Tachyon. "In the final stretch, I will pass you."
"I will definitely make you... acknowledge me!"
Hearing Dantsu Flame's words, Agnes Tachyon simply found it amusing. What did she need her acknowledgment for? She wasn't her family or her friend.
No one could surpass her talent anymore. Her own legs were the most perfect in the world.
And so, Agnes Tachyon also stepped into the starting gate.
"And they're off! The Uma Musume have burst from the gates!"
Agnes Tachyon propelled her legs forward. Although the feel of this artificial turf was worlds apart from real grass, it still stirred up many memories.
Ah... so there was a time like this, too...
On the track of the Satsuki Sho... she had once been so confident, so utterly self-assured, firmly believing she was number one.
How long had it been since she'd recalled that feeling?
What a powerful... running style!
Centaurea felt immense pressure in an instant. Her own advantage was seizing the lead early, setting the pace for the group—but Agnes Tachyon was even faster! While Centaurea was still processing the start, her body had instinctively shot forward!
The race had barely begun, and Centaurea was already trailing behind Agnes Tachyon.
And the situation looked even worse for Centaurea! She would face greater pressure on the turns, and the gap with Agnes Tachony was predictably widening.
Yet even in this critical moment—Centaurea couldn't help but marvel at Agnes Tachyon's beauty.
It wasn't admiration for her appearance, but for her running form. Those were the strides an Uma Musume ought to have—watching Agnes Tachyon run gave you that feeling.
Symboli Rudolf had been right. Every top-level winner—was not to be underestimated.
Agnes Tachyon paid no mind to Centaurea behind her; she never thought Centaurea could beat her from the start. She was fully immersed in the feeling of her muscles stretching and contracting.
This is it, this is it. This is the perfect running form. This is the running style no one can surpass...
This is the running style of Agnes Tachyon!
--+--
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.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.