With the BANG of the starter's gun!
In the blink of an eye, Daiwa Scarlet and Galileo shot forward!
Training races are often one-on-one, or at most, a showdown between three to five Uma Musume.
Because of this, gaining an early lead is a huge advantage!
Daiwa Scarlet gritted her teeth, keeping a watchful eye on the beautiful black-haired figure running beside her. They were neck and neck, stride for stride, charging ahead.
'I can't fall behind, not even by half a step!!'
'There has to be an opportunity!'
Truth be told, Daiwa Scarlet's own forte was charging ahead recklessly—what you might call… a foolish dash!
It wasn't quite to the level of a full-blown escape, but at the very least, it meant she excelled at fighting for the lead, making her well-suited for the initial acceleration in training matchups.
Burning for victory in this training race, Daiwa Scarlet clenched her silver teeth and pushed relentlessly forward!
'It's fine, the start was good, Galileo hasn't pulled away!'
'As long as I maintain this, I'm far more familiar with this track than she is!'
Even if her opponent was a truly world-class Uma Musume… she absolutely couldn't afford to lose easily. In fact, winning might not be entirely out of the question.
After all, this was only Galileo's second day in Japan since getting off the plane.
With such little time, forget adapting to the track—she probably hadn't even fully recovered from the trip, right?
This might be the weakest Galileo would ever be at her peak! If I can't win now, there's no chance later.
As long as I can withstand Galileo's pressure, I might really have a shot!
Thinking this… Daiwa Scarlet's fighting spirit blazed. Even though she knew from the start that she and Galileo were on completely different levels, she hadn't lost her will to fight or grown fearful.
'Bring it on, Galileo!'
'I won't go down easily, even if you are world-class!'
I've lost to Platinum before, and Galileo has lost to Platinum too. So aren't we the same?
Right now, I'm in peak condition—I can't embarrass myself in front of Platinum and Tachyon-senpai!
I'll keep charging like this, facing Galileo head-on, all the way to the finish line!!
--+--
"Good, very good."
"You can tell Daiwa Scarlet is in excellent form right now."
"She isn't nervous or making mistakes because of her strong opponent. This is exactly the best approach for a training race showdown."
On the makeshift "spectator stands," the standing Agnes Tachyon nodded slightly in satisfaction, offering words of praise.
To Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet was one of the very few kōhais she valued and even admired, almost like a little sister…
Because of this, whenever she concocted some strange new medicine in the past, Agnes Tachyon never asked Daiwa Scarlet to test it. Instead, she sometimes gave her normal restoratives or stamina-boosting formulas—clear preferential treatment.
Even though Daiwa Scarlet's opponent now was that world-class Galileo, Agnes Tachyon still stood firmly in Scarlet's corner.
Daiwa Scarlet's break from the gate, and her run now approaching the first turn, keeping pace with Galileo without falling behind—it was all excellent!
But…
Agnes Tachyon knew better than anyone. Having always looked out for her kōhai Daiwa Scarlet, she was most aware of Scarlet's full capabilities, and just how terrifying a world-class Uma Musume could be.
It was an extreme gap in raw ability, a chasm almost impossible to cross.
"Do your best, Scarlet."
Meanwhile, the silver-haired maiden, Or, watched the two running Horse Girls with keen interest.
What she could sense was…
Galileo was definitely taking this seriously!
This wasn't just a simple session to adapt to Japanese turf for her. She wasn't approaching it with the arrogance of a superior, nor did she look down on Daiwa Scarlet as a Japanese Uma Musume.
That being the case, the outcome was pretty much decided…
But why would Galileo challenge Scarlet first? Shouldn't she be challenging active older Uma Musume? Or couldn't quite figure it out.
The scratching-her-head Pegasus didn't realize she was the reason Daiwa Scarlet was suffering!
--+--
The breakneck pace made this race incredibly fast!
After passing the second turn and heading into the third, Daiwa Scarlet finally began to sense something was wrong!
'S-so strong?!'
'Just her running form alone shows she's insanely strong!!'
The pace seemed shockingly fast, yet the seemingly delicate black-haired Uma Musume beside her showed no signs of strain or struggle.
Instead, it was Scarlet herself who was gradually starting to feel the pressure.
This training race was 2400 meters. For someone like her, who hadn't yet entered her classic year and would only start challenging the Classic Triple Tiara next year… this was a distance that required her absolute utmost effort just to handle.
In Daiwa Scarlet's initial plan, her stamina was slightly inferior to Galileo's, but considering Galileo's lack of familiarity with the track and potential jet lag… with these factors balancing out…
She wouldn't go so far as to say "the advantage is mine" with extreme confidence, but at the very least, she shouldn't be struggling this much…
So why, with the race just past the halfway point and the truly terrifying final straight still ahead, was she already feeling strained?!
The situation seemed a little beyond what she'd imagined.
The opponent's strength… Daiwa Scarlet finally understood she might have somewhat underestimated what World Class truly meant!
Being forced into this accelerated pace by Galileo was pushing her stamina to the limit!
'It seems—it's over??'
Beside the straining, fully-focused curvaceous young lady Daiwa Scarlet!
Galileo's expression remained cold and focused from start to finish, like a hunter on the prowl, waiting for her prey to show weakness or for the perfect moment to strike.
The arrogance she'd shown at the UK Epsom Derby was completely gone, replaced by… a blazing fighting spirit hidden beneath her stunning beauty and icy demeanor!
'Good, less than half the race left! No room for carelessness, no matter what.'
She'd learned her lesson about arrogance before, suffering a crushing defeat at Platinum's hands.
This time, facing a young opponent, one of Platinum's past victims, she absolutely could not lose!
The next instant, an astonishing aura erupted from Galileo's body!
It was the Zone known as the [Monarch of Charm], a Zone that could rank among the top three in the history of Japanese Uma Musume! A powerful Zone that even historical, once-in-a-decade Uma Musume from Europe and America couldn't suppress!
For so long, Galileo had only been inferior in terms of domain when facing that Pegasus… aside from that, she suppressed all opponents!
"My apologies, but you are not Platinum."
"So… let's make this quick!"
[Zone (Monarch of Charm): Activated]
[Passive (Auto-Sustain): Slightly increases stamina consumption while active. Greatly undermines the fighting spirit of all Uma Musume on the field, slightly reduces their will to win, and slightly lowers their Speed, Acceleration, and Power.]
[(Chasing Star): …]
[(Hunter's Moment): …]
Immediately after, Galileo activated her Zone skill, and her already blazing speed increased drastically.
As for Daiwa Scarlet beside her, she experienced for the first time what a… Zone truly was!
The moment Galileo's proud Zone activated, Daiwa Scarlet's steps faltered slightly. An immense pressure weighed down on her entire body!
Not only that, but her soaring fighting spirit was dismantled, replaced by panic, and she felt her stamina draining rapidly!
'Muri! (Impossible!)'
The seemingly close contest, in just an instant… was like a scale with a decisive weight placed on it, tipping completely in Galileo's favor.
Finally, Galileo pulled slightly ahead, gradually increasing her lead from a neck to half a length, then a full length!
As she approached a two-length lead, she was the first to hit the final straight, charging toward the decisive finish line.
Behind her, Daiwa Scarlet breathed heavily, sensing the crisis, desperately trying to squeeze every last bit of strength from her body, unwilling to fall too far behind.
Even suppressed by Galileo's domain, Daiwa Scarlet's will to fight hadn't completely vanished.
'Ugh… at least, at least don't lose by too many lengths!!'
One after the other, the two Uma Musume began their final sprint!
--+--
A short time later!
The captivating black-haired beauty crossed the finish line first with an overwhelmingly powerful performance!
Tokai Teio, standing by the finish line, immediately pressed the stopwatch, recording the time.
When Daiwa Scarlet crossed the line right after, her eyes were wide with stunned disbelief, as if she'd experienced some great shock.
The silver-haired maiden Platinum, from her spectator's viewpoint, noted the margin of victory.
"Five lengths…"
Daiwa Scarlet's Five Lengths Legend! It continues!
Galileo won with a crushing victory by five lengths?!
Without a doubt, this was a significant gap.
Most of the time, clashes between excellent Uma Musume are decided by nose, neck, or half-length differences—the competition is fiercely intense.
This is also why Platinum's poor start previously led many Uma Musume to doubt her.
A margin of two or three lengths indicates a considerable gap. But five lengths… that's a result only possible from a completely different level, a total domination!
And these five lengths were achieved when Galileo had just gotten off the plane yesterday, with little time to familiarize herself with the Japanese track!
This was one reason why Daiwa Scarlet, after her defeat and witnessing the five-length gap… found it hard to accept, standing there stunned.
The other reason was—Five! She was almost allergic to that margin!
'Five lengths? Why is it five lengths again?!'
Daiwa Scarlet was deeply shocked, struggling to comprehend and accept it.
The pain, it hurts so much!
Her heart trembling, Daiwa Scarlet barely held back her tears.
At this moment, the pain in Miss Daiwa Scarlet's heart almost rivaled that of Uchiha Obito!
Losing her debut race by five lengths to an unserious Platinum was one thing…
But Galileo had lost by a huge margin to Platinum over a month after Platinum's debut. How could a now-stronger version of herself get crushed by five lengths against Galileo?
As Daiwa Scarlet stood frozen, unable to process the familiar five-length defeat…
The black-haired Galileo, who had just turned around in front of her, showed a flicker of surprise on her exquisite face.
Then, Galileo couldn't help but allow a slight smile.
'The Japanese track is still within my adaptability range.'
'I thought that against this talented Daiwa Scarlet, who only lost to Platinum by five lengths, I might only win by two or three lengths in my less-than-optimal condition…'
'To think I actually matched Platinum and won by five lengths too?'
This five-length result pleased Galileo greatly.
Daiwa Scarlet's ability seemed less impressive than Galileo had initially estimated.
'I recall Daiwa Scarlet's debut race against Platinum was over 1000-plus meters.'
'She couldn't match Platinum, not as legendary as rumored. Could it be… she's actually some mile specialist, not suited for 2400 meters?'
The confusion lasted only a moment before Galileo dismissed it.
After all, she had won. Even if Daiwa Scarlet was better at other distances, so what?
She was here for the 2400m Japan Cup, not mile races. Since she won now, there was no need for a rematch with Daiwa Scarlet.
Next, she'd focus on training and adapting to the track!
A month from now, Galileo was confident she'd be even more accustomed to the Japanese environment, with no debuffs or weaknesses left.
Winning against Daiwa Scarlet by five lengths while not even at her best! This boosted Galileo's confidence considerably.
When the time comes to face the Pegasus, Or, she'll definitely be able to put up a fight!!
"Thank you, Miss Daiwa Scarlet."
Following proper etiquette, Galileo thanked Daiwa Scarlet, then turned with interest to look at the spectator stands.
Over there, beside her rival Tokai Teio, was Pegasus Platinum, whom Galileo cared about most and was wary of.
Then, Galileo stepped forward, heading towards Platinum.
The black-haired beauty stopped before Platinum, her bright eyes fixed on the Pegasus.
"Platinum, long time no see."
"That crushing defeat from last time is etched into my memory."
"Be prepared for the Japan Cup this time… the outcome will be completely different!"
The humiliation of eleven lengths… she would return it!
Galileo hadn't forgotten her purpose for coming here.
She had two main missions: one was to get revenge on Platinum, the other was to get close to, or even be intimate with, Dr. Lin, and investigate that thieving cat!
The dream-filled black-haired beauty was determined that she must succeed in at least one of these main missions!
'I hope to defeat Platinum, then finish investigating the thieving cat situation and get closer to Dr. Lin!'
As Galileo issued her declaration of revenge!
The silver-haired young lady remained utterly calm. She turned indifferently and began walking towards the training field exit.
The icy, peerless response was Platinum's final words.
"Those who have been defeated by me are no longer considered my rivals."
"I give you time to catch up, until you can only watch my distant back!"
The bone-chilling voice echoed across the empty, quiet training field.
From Galileo to the others who heard it—Daiwa Scarlet, Mejiro Dober, Manhattan Cafe—their expressions all changed slightly!
"Is this… the tyranny of the Pegasus?"
The next instant, the black-haired young lady regained her composure.
"Hmph, won't consider me a rival anymore?"
It only made her fighting spirit burn brighter!
'The Japan Cup… I'll prove you wrong!'
As for now, since the training race was over smoothly, she should rest first.
Maybe go find Dr. Lin later?
The enticing scent from that black-haired young doctor was something Galileo couldn't quite forget.
It was only because of her little sister's task and request that she, in her restraint, had no choice but to approach Dr. Lin!
What could she do? She was the older sister, after all. She had to dote on her little sister and fulfill her requests, right?
'Yesterday, that Miss Tokai Teio who showed Dr. Lin and me around might be the thieving cat.'
'Besides her, quite a few young Japanese Uma Musume were discussing and mentioning Dr. Lin along the way.'
'Little Star needs to properly thank her reliable big sister! I'll help her!'
--+--
A short while later.
The silver-haired young lady returned home.
Just before pressing [Deactivate Transformation], she muttered to herself.
"Original body, activate!"
In the next instant, a black-haired young man in a white coat appeared in the room.
For this unscrupulous young doctor, his current primary focus was the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen.
Not just because these two G1 races would yield a lot of gold, but also because…
Winning the Japan Cup would allow all of Platinum's special effects to be fully displayed for the entire world to see!
What was the point of working so hard to obtain and upgrade all those effects if not to show them off?
And what could be more satisfying than having them seen by the outside world, by countless spectators?
To showcase the transcendent effects at the Arima Kinen, she must first win the Japan Cup to increase her Maturation progress!
"Right, I remember the entry system for the Arima Kinen is different. It's not based on prize money like regular G1s, but on popularity votes."
"When the time comes… just how popular will Pegasus Platinum be?"
In terms of popularity, she should at least secure second place and aim for first, right?
The Arima Kinen would feature many excellent older Uma Musume seniors from Japan.
It would be the perfect opportunity for Platinum to properly display her full array of special effects in front of the audience, for the seniors and Agnes Tachyon alike!
"No matter what, I can't let my guard down!"
--+--
Time flew by.
The nearly month-long period wasn't long, and soon it was the day of the Japan Cup!
One hour before the race, the black-haired beauty was in her room, changing into her elegant race outfit.
But she wasn't rushing to the racecourse yet. Instead, she stayed in her room, tapping on her keyboard.
The title of the document on the screen read…
"Thieving Cat Investigation Report — Author: Galileo"!
--+--
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.