"Phew… Wiped out…"
After a three-hour legendary stream, Rampage slumps on a bench, staring skyward. The chaos with all-star guests was a hit—servers crashed, but she's not to blame. I'm not the bad guy.
"Yay~!" "Everyone coming to dirt too~!?" "You bet~!" "Let's do our live show~!"
Dirt stars Lady Saber and Amazing Dyna take the stage. With no post-stream plans, Rampage suggested an open live for hopefuls. Approved instantly, it's a rare chance for Uma Musume to shine center-stage, delighting fans and performers alike.
"What a crazy show… So tired."
TTG roams Tresen, enjoying nostalgia. Speed joins Rudolf for a tour, Asama tags with Ryan and Ramone, while Maruzensky hosts the stage, beaming. Rampage rests, drained.
"Now what…" "R-Rampage…san!"
Air Groove appears, grown since their last meeting nearly a year ago. Time flies.
"Hey, Air Groove-chan! Here for Holy Hoof Day?" "You remembered my name!" "Got a good memory. With family?" "Yes! Mom's in the restroom." "Wanna hang with big sis 'til she's back?" "Please!"
Her sparkling eyes make Rampage shy.
"That was amazing! So many legends, and you weren't nervous!" "When it's that intense, nerves loop back to calm. Half-desperation." "Your overseas talk—it moved me!"
Her mother's influence shows, but Air Groove's mature for her age—not like Maya or Marbly. A future empress.
"I want to be like you!" "Glad you think so. Gotta make that overseas run count." "I've always wanted to ask…" "Shoot." "Why are you so strong?"
Pure curiosity from an admirer of the undefeated ten-crown. She wants the secret, to follow and grow.
"Dunno… I don't see myself as a king. Tyrant, dictator—they call me that, and I play along, but I'm no ruler. I'm always a challenger." "Challenger? Even as ten-crown?" "Undefeated's just a result. I'm not strong."
Her eyes brim with kindness, not the champion's arrogance the world claims.
"Turf or dirt, doesn't matter. I'm not just taking challenges—I'm throwing them out too. That's my way, always will be."
No complacency, always forward, a challenger—not a king. Air Groove's shining eyes show it resonates.
"I'll become like you!" "Nope." "Huh?"
Air Groove falters, fearing she can't match her. Rampage gently pats her head.
"Not like me. Be you. Surpass me—not in titles, but in owning your best self." "—Yes!"
The words land. Another pat, then Rampage flips her coat, hearing Air Groove's family call. Enjoy the festival, kid. She walks off.
"Out of character? Nah, that's me."
Truthfully, she feels unfit for a throne. She'd rather revel in chaos with others. If someone joins her vibe, great. If not, fine. A fleeting spark's enough—if it inspires later.
"Huh?"
Wandering, she spots Shinzan arm-in-arm with someone, looking drunk but not. The other's half-crying, half-relieved.
"What's up, Shin-san?" "Hey, Ran. Saved a friend from a creep." "It's a misunderstanding! I didn't touch her! Just gave directions!" "You again, Okino?"
Shinzan "rescued" her from Okino, the "foot demon." He didn't touch her, but Shinzan's past encounter muddies the innocence.
"Someone touched your legs!?" "Not anymore!" "So you did!?" "No, I—let's move on!" "Not okay… Who's she, Shin-san?" "Was gonna ask for a post-festival pace-up."
Shinzan points to a timid Uma Musume hugging her.
"Say your name." "Y-Yes… I'm Kaburaya Oh. Derby Uma Musume…" "Another legend…"
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
If you want to see it, then why not?