2400-meter track, grass field, reverse course.
The layout was nearly identical to the Japan Cup, but with a flatter gradient and slightly different grass quality. From the start, it was a one-on-one duel. Narita Brian immediately showcased her dominant running style, the Monster's form already etched into the world's collective memory.
Yet something felt off. Her running posture, while familiar, carried an inexplicable stiffness, a subtle disharmony that confirmed Kousei's suspicions.
"Narita Brian is gradually losing that monstrous form."
Rudolf stared intently at the sprinting Narita Brian. Ever since winning the Classic Triple Crown, Brian had sensed something amiss with herself, unable to recapture the peak condition she'd maintained during those races.
As time passed, the signs grew increasingly pronounced. This led to increasingly lackluster training results, which in turn sparked a troubling thought in Brian's mind:
Perhaps I'm just a prodigy destined for early decline.
Kousei, who had been running alongside Brian in training all this time, knew better than anyone that the solitary maverick was searching for her final resting place.
Kousei's gaze sharpened, her pupils narrowing into vertical slits in an instant. The mist receded, revealing a crimson glow, as the Red Serpent lay coiled in wait.
Narita Brian watched calmly as the Mist rose. Though she had run alongside Kousei countless times, this was her first time facing the Gate Technique.
The feeling on the track is completely different from the stands.
The crimson Mist exuded a repulsive energy.
As the Mist surged, its killing intent became palpable. Sharp fangs flashed as the Red Serpent coiled and sprang forward with spring-like speed.
An indescribable creature emerged from the pitch-black shadows, its massive, powerful hands seizing the Red Serpent. As the shadows deepened, the Monster's form gradually materialized, its golden vertical pupils glaring unwaveringly at the "lamb."
Boom!
Red and black clashed in a fierce tug-of-war, their hooves digging into the turf, neither willing to yield an inch.
"I knew you'd charge straight at me!"
Through countless practice runs and endless head-to-head clashes, Narita Brian had already mentally raced against Kousei countless times.
"Of course I knew!"
Behind Narita Brian, an Evil Ghost suddenly materialized in the Mist, its skeletal hands covering her eyes.
Kousei swiftly withdrew, bracing her legs to break through. But the shadow-formed Monster kept its gaze fixed on her. Narita Brian pressed closer, blocking Kousei's path. Even as the Evil Ghost dissipated, Narita Brian remained unwavering.
"Tch! This trick is becoming increasingly useless!"
Narita Brian possessed a robust physique and an imposing aura, like a true beast of prey.
"Strong, but still no match for McQueen!"
Slit pupil met slit pupil, their shared savagery erupting in a burst of primal energy. The Mist, thick as glue, made every step a struggle for Narita Brian.
The Red Serpent coiled tighter, attempting to crush the shadow monster's lungs, eliciting a mournful wail from the creature.
"Tch!"
Stronger now than during the Japan Cup, more aggressive than ever before.
Kousei continued to evolve relentlessly, transforming both sustenance and crushing defeats into nutrients for her body, growing ever stronger.
In stark contrast, Narita Brian's body grew weaker with each passing day.
"Aaaaaah!"
Narita Brian roared, countless shadowy hands erupting from the shadows, greedily reaching for her with frantic urgency.
Chaotic and disordered, they emanated an indescribable sense of horror.
The shadow monster suddenly let out a mournful cry, then dissolved into a pool of black water that burrowed into the Red Serpent's body as if it were alive.
A sharp pain jolted Kousei's mind, and a pitch-black monster materialized within her consciousness.