The Kazimierz Knight Arena—that solemn, vast coliseum now enveloped the entire racetrack!
[Zone(Pegasian Sight): Activated]
[At least three exclusive Zone skills best suited to the current situation will be activated, significantly increasing aura suppression. All Uma Musume on the field will experience additional stamina drain and a slight reduction in speed.]
[Passive (Auto-Sustained): Slightly reduces own speed, moderately increases power and stride frequency, slightly enhances insight and reaction speed. Slightly steals skill acceleration effects from all Uma Musume on the field and absorbs their stamina at a minimal rate.]
Astonishingly, even the spectator stands had transformed into the viewing seats of the Kazimierz Knight Arena. The domain had expanded to such an immense scale that it now covered not only the track but the entire audience area as well!
When Miss Pegasus sensed this and noticed the enhanced Zone effects, even she was slightly taken aback.
The effect of the collectible [Knight's Vow]—which reduces battle fatigue and enhances special effects the higher the prize money—was now fully manifest!
All that's left... is to win this Japan Cup, and then it'll unlock for the whole world to see!
By then, countless spectators, whether intently watching or passionately discussing the race, would suddenly find their seats and the entire racetrack transformed into the Kazimierz Knight Arena!
But that scene would have to wait until next month's Arima Kinen. For now, the languid Platinum just wanted to finish this race quickly.
Winning the prize money, unlocking the special effects, and clocking out! That's what really matters!
With that thought, a brilliant silver-white light burst forth from the girl Platinum's body, radiating from within and instantly suppressing Galileo's heavy pink aura!
[(Pegasus Not of This World): Activatable when the track condition is "Yielding," "Heavy," or "Muddy." Recovers stamina based on track severity, reduces stamina consumption, and slightly increases speed.]
[(Unbrilliant Glory): Passive slight enhancement to the Zone. The more leads by lengths, the more it weakens the aura intensity, explosiveness, acceleration, and power of all Uma Musume on the field—from slight to moderate!]
[(Path to Ascension): Activates when leading. The more leads by lengths, the faster own speed increases and the more stamina consumption decreases. Reduces the weakening effects of other Uma Musume's domains slightly to moderately!]
[(Knight Slayer): The more Uma Musume overtaken cumulatively, the faster speed increases. When no Uma Musume are ahead, slightly recovers own stamina.]
In an instant, Platinum's Zone, Pegasian Sight, manifested with the majestic form of the Kazimierz Knight Arena, overwhelmingly dominating the entire field with its tyrannical presence!
From front-runner Tokai Teio to Galileo, and even Fantastic Light in the mid-pack—they all suddenly felt the terrifying power of the Pegasus's unique [Zone]!
That is—the legendary Pegasian Sight that can even alter the racetrack?!
That indescribable vastness, that solemn and expansive Kazimierz Knight Arena! The sacred, majestic silhouette of the Maiden Goddess behind Platinum—all of it proclaimed who the true ruler of this field was!!
--+--
At that very moment...
"—!!"
"Guh... T-this is the legendary Pegasus Zone? My trainer said this was a trump card meant for the latter half or even the final stretch!"
"I have no obligation to face an opponent I can't possibly beat! She's hacking!"
"N-no, I can't give up! This is a heavy track, and the intensity is different from the classics. Maybe Platinum, going all out in front, will fade? There's still hope to turn the tables!"
Under the immense pressure of [Pegasian Sight] itself, along with the stunning suppression and weakening effects of its multiple exclusive skills, the already brisk pace of the race began to shift, completely manipulated by the Pegasus, Platinum!
In an instant, nearly every Uma Musume on the field felt the pressure, instinctively growing flustered and awestruck, a chilling sensation prickling at their backs.
Running through this dark, cold curtain of rain was already exhausting enough; every step felt heavy and arduous.
On a heavy track, it intensely tested their power and adaptability. Now, their every move felt controlled by the Pegasus leading with a massive advantage, as if they were pathetic "fish in a barrel"?!
"Guh... I can't give up just because this absurd Zone was activated!"
"I'm not some piece of dough for Platinum to knead as she pleases. As a foreign Uma Musume, I can't lose face here!"
"The tradition of coming to the Japan Cup to dominate must not be broken! I'm a European Uma Musume!"
"Uwaah! The Goddess behind Platinum just called number twelve? Is it finally my turn as number eleven to get shot...?"
The expressions among the Uma Musume varied, but almost all felt significant pressure, struggling to maintain their composure.
Judging by their reactions, they were collectively strong—none easily succumbed to fear or lost their fighting spirit. They were still watching for the right moment to strike, truly the elite among elites.
After all, this was the prestigious Japan Cup!
In the past, the opponents Platinum faced in her [Irregular Quadruple Crown] wins were all three-year-old fillies from the same classic generation—even the renowned British Epsom Derby was no exception.
In the Japan Cup, most classic-year Uma Musume chose to avoid the race. This year, only Jungle Pocket had opted to participate. Aside from her, the rest were older Japanese Uma Musume or foreign powerhouses.
So, while the Uma Musume in this race might not all be top-tier in raw ability, their experience and maturity far exceeded those of the classic-generation fillies.
Unlike the younger fillies who might be shaken or intimidated by a Zone, these older, seasoned Uma Musume wouldn't easily lose their fighting spirit!
But no matter what... under the pressure of [Pegasian Sight], this large group of Uma Musume still had to make a difficult choice.
Should they resist now and accelerate early to prevent Platinum from escaping entirely in the latter half?
Or should they maintain their current pace, allowing the fleeing Pegasus to run rampant?
In the next instant, all the Uma Musume on the field unanimously chose... to suppress their urge to accelerate and chase.
"I can't fall for it! I mustn't let her dictate the pace easily!"
"Platinum won the 3000m Kikuka Sho, proving her stamina is excellent. But the Japan Cup is more intense than the Kikuka Sho, and the heavy track tests power even more. So, I can't take her bait!"
"In the Kikuka Sho, Cafe and the others saw Platinum's Zone and early acceleration, couldn't resist chasing early, and had no kick left to overtake the Pegasus in the final stretch."
"Let's wait. There'll be an opportunity later, when the Pegasus can't increase her speed any further..."
--+--
Even Jungle Pocket and Fantastic Light, positioned in the mid-pack, maintained their position and chose not to accelerate yet.
Jungle Pocket had already entered this Japan Cup! After her defeat in the Japanese Derby, realizing her stamina was lacking, she had skipped the Kikuka Sho to focus on the Japan Cup.
But who would have thought... that terrifying Pegasus, after arrogantly winning the Kikuka Sho, would also enter this Japan Cup?!
Seriously, she's here at the Japan Cup too? How did I end up facing Platinum again?
In a race like this, Jungle Pocket, without any G1 wins to her name, naturally couldn't compete in popularity with Platinum, Galileo, Tokai Teio, or Fantastic Light.
But that didn't mean Jungle Pocket would give up willingly. She was still gritting her teeth, wearing a wildly confident smile!
'Hmph, I saw the Kikuka Sho clearly from the stands!'
'Cafe accelerated early and ended up with no kick left.'
'So, I won't copy the wrong answer.'
'On this more intense, tougher heavy track, Platinum must be using... [Tactical Front-Running]!'
Extreme front-running tactics can be divided into [Reckless Front-Running] and strategic [Tactical Front-Running].
Reckless Front-Running needs no explanation—it's an all-or-nothing burn, resulting in either a huge win or a huge loss.
Tactical Front-Running employs wisdom and strategy, heavily depending on timing.
This tactic involves leading from the start, creating a gap that makes the others feel it's hard to close, without forcing them to accelerate early.
Then, at the right moment, instead of accelerating further, she subtly slows the pace, making the others think they still don't need to speed up, thus conserving stamina over a section.
This way, she saves more stamina than anyone expects for the final stretch, escaping to a finish that can't be caught.
In short, this tactic requires precise timing from the front-runner and must go unnoticed by the others.
But from Jungle Pocket to Galileo, they were all intently focused on Platinum, refusing to shift their attention to any other Uma Musume.
Slowing the pace? Taking a break?
Impossible!
"Keep running, Platinum."
"The moment you show any sign of slowing down, it means you've run out of tricks."
The wild-eyed girl, Jungle Pocket, gazed intently toward the front.
--+--
Not far from her, another come-from-behind runner, Fantastic Light, was galloping.
The world-renowned Fantastic Light focused solely on Galileo and Platinum.
Running at ultra-high speed, concentrating intently, she only cared about the two monsters ahead she was most wary of, ignoring the cries of despair around her.
Fantastic Light had no interest in the lamentations of the weak! Only the declarations of the strong were worth remembering!
Having raced across continents in international events, daring to run the Japan Cup despite possible discomfort, a true Uma Musume wouldn't yield to environment or so-called adaptation.
Just like Platinum months ago, who, as a dark horse not even considered a favorite, went overseas to the British Epsom Derby and still won with sheer strength! That's a true Uma Musume!
Not skilled with heavy tracks nor having much time to adapt to Japan's conditions, Fantastic Light currently believed her raw ability might not match those two monsters.
So, to win, she could only hope...
To preserve stamina and overtake both Galileo and Platinum from behind!
--+--
Before long!
[The front-running Pegasus Platinum, approaching the second turn with the race not even half over, already leading by a staggering eleven lengths!]
[Quietly, the front-running Galileo has secured second place, with Tokai Teio close behind.]
[Fantastic Light on the inner track remains latent, unaffected by the gradually quickening pace.]
[The top contenders each display distinct styles and tactics. Let's wait and see what the latter half brings!]
To have such a large lead before even halfway?
The thoughts in the minds of both Fantastic Light and Jungle Pocket, two strong come-from-behind runners, were remarkably similar.
'With Pegasus Platinum activating her domain, she's about to reach the second turn!'
'She must be preparing to slow the pace now, right?'
Remember... this is a front-runner in the rain! And it's the shorter Japan Cup, against opponents stronger than classic-generation fillies.
This margin was already enough to make Fantastic Light think the gap was sufficient.
So... she won't accelerate further, right?
Shortly after this thought emerged—!
Suddenly, Fantastic Light and Jungle Pocket's pupils contracted simultaneously. They stared dumbfounded at the silver-white figure ahead, whose momentum wasn't decreasing but increasing!
The gap, just over ten lengths, had widened to a terrifying eleven, even twelve lengths, with no sign of second-place Galileo closing in.
Wait a second?!
"T-this can't be..."
"A full-on, all-out front-run?"
In the rain, disregarding strategy and stamina consumption... an extreme Great Escape?!?
The world-renowned champion Fantastic Light, widely experienced and battle-hardened, was now stunned and breaking out in a cold sweat.
This was something she'd never seen before!
Should... should she chase with everything now?!
After a moment's hesitation, Fantastic Light chose to hold back. She still wanted to rely on her famed late kick to win in the final stretch.
Her kick, her pride—now wasn't the best time to use it!
But that didn't mean she would maintain her current speed and let the gap widen further.
'Time to gradually increase speed! If I rely solely on my kick, by the final stretch, there might still be a gap of over ten lengths, making catching the Pegasus extremely difficult.'
Having decided, Fantastic Light flashed a confident smile and began to accelerate slightly!
'For now, let's close the gap by a few lengths!'
At the front of the mid-pack, this world-famous behemoth was no longer lying in wait but began advancing toward the leading group.
Slightly behind Fantastic Light, the wild-eyed girl Jungle Pocket was still reeling from shock.
She, who had thought she'd seen through Platinum's plan, never dreamed that Platinum would still employ a mindless, all-out front-run without any tactics!
'This monster... has she grown even stronger?'
'Has she even finished maturing?! What kind of terrifying monster is she?!'
'Whatever! I'll match Fantastic Light's pace. Can't fall too far behind the Pegasus.'
Gritting her teeth, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart, Jungle Pocket also began to accelerate!
--+--
In the leading group!
A stunning black-maned Uma Musume frowned slightly, filled with a sense of crisis.
No one could feel Platinum's power more acutely than her!
In a way, Galileo was qualified to say, "No one understands Platinum better than I do."
After all, among those who had faced Platinum before, Galileo was the strongest in overall ability.
To battle Platinum, to seek revenge, she had arrived in Japan a month early for training. As the daughter of Urban Sea, she feared no heavy track!
Thus, as a classic-generation Uma Musume, she was seen as a formidable rival even by Fantastic Light.
Unlike others hoping Platinum would fade in the rain, Galileo accurately assessed the situation.
'Platinum will definitely not fade!!'
'Her Zone is extremely special.'
In Galileo's view, this Pegasus was on a completely different level from almost any past Japan Cup winner!
Whether Japanese locals or European powerhouses who had run and won the Japan Cup, Galileo believed few could rival the world-shining Pegasus in this race.
Maybe some top European monsters, with raw ability ranking among the world's best, might be slightly stronger than Platinum, but they lacked home advantage and heavy track adaptability!
Considering all factors, Platinum was truly fearsome in this Japan Cup—terrifyingly strong!
Not to mention, her Zone, [Pegasian Sight], might have reached a historical, awe-inspiring level!
'[Pegasian Sight] might grant Platinum incredible stamina recovery or reduced consumption.'
'If this continues, it's slow death for me!'
In that case, it was time to strike early.
The captivating, black-maned girl didn't hesitate for a second!
From her exquisite body, an immensely charming aura radiated outward.
In the next moment, she activated her domain without any reservation!
[Zone (Monarch of Charm): Activated]
[Passive (Auto-Sustained): Slightly increases stamina consumption while active. Significantly lowers fighting spirit of all Uma Musume on the field, slightly reduces their will to win, and slightly lowers their speed, acceleration, and power.]
[Note: Effectiveness is reduced if opponents have strong "Horse Mint" affinity.]
[Once-in-a-Century Unique Legend: Moderately enhances own charm. Slightly drains stamina recovery effects from all Uma Musume on the field and slightly increases own speed and acceleration.]
[(Heavy Track Demon): Activatable when the track is "Heavy" or "Muddy." Slightly reduces stamina consumption and increases speed slightly.]
An incredible scene unfolded—a sweet, lovestruck hue spread across the Kazimierz Knight Arena!
And Galileo's already swift pace quickened further, steadily advancing toward the front, finally no longer letting the gap widen easily!
This was Galileo's proud, powerful Zone. This sweet, enchanting [Monarch of Charm] fully displayed the black-maned girl's immense charm to all on the field.
In the next instant, from the leading group to the lagging come-from-behind pack, those who should have been wary of the front-running Pegasus Platinum...
Collectively shifted their gaze? They all looked toward second-place Galileo!
Now, two Zones—Platinum's and Galileo's—covered the field. But the exquisite black-haired beauty had captured almost everyone's attention!
Even more astonishing, the emotions in their eyes had completely changed—gone was the competitive wariness and fighting spirit.
'What an adorable, charming Uma Musume!'
'If I could catch up to Platinum and stand on the Winner's Stage with the Pegasus and Galileo on either side, I'd die happy!!'
'Ciallo～(∠?ω<)⌒☆! Galileo is as beautiful as Platinum?!'
Replacing it were soft, gentle expressions?!
Even the highly competitive Uma Musume like Fantastic Light, widely considered Galileo's equal, was no exception!
Monarch of Charm—this was the Zone where Galileo's extreme physical charm transformed affinity into enchanting power!
The fighting spirit of the Uma Musume was slowly being drained...
But!
In the next moment, the first to regain her glare was Fantastic Light.
Then, Tokai Teio's pupils contracted, filled with astonishment.
Only the front-running Pegasus Platinum remained, her amber eyes clear and indifferent from start to finish.
As a true assassin, aware of her opponent's tricks, being charmed... would be failing even the basic standard.
On the entire field, only Platinum and Galileo—the two Zone-wielding monsters—maintained their pace without slowing!
This left even Galileo, who had prepared for her Zone's weak effect on Platinum, stunned.
If, during their British Epsom Derby clash, her domain had about 10% effect on Platinum...
Now, it was maybe 5%? Or even 3%?
After a moment of shock, Galileo seemed to sense something and curled her lips into an intrigued smile.
'Sigh..., I wasn't relying on my Zone to beat her directly.'
'If anything, my Zone is meant for the others!'
--+--
Next moment—!
On the vast field, another powerful Zone emerged, spreading across the track.
From behind, Fantastic Light's domain was finally activated!
[(Chasing Star): Slightly increases own endurance, speed, and physical strength. Reduces stamina consumption and moderately boosts fighting spirit in the first half. Slightly enhances explosiveness and power in the latter half.]
[(Hunting Moment): Aura intensity increases with the average strength of all Uma Musume on the field. Greatly boosts fighting spirit. Slightly exempts stamina consumption while active.]
'Yes, just like that.'
'If I can't charm Platinum, I can still charm the others, right?'
'A come-from-behind runner, not good with heavy tracks, falling so far behind—she had to activate her Zone now, right?'
When multiple Zones clashed, it signaled the peak of intense competition.
Then, the stamina drain from maintaining domains would become severe, often ending with all Zones collapsing simultaneously from exhaustion.
Galileo knew well that Fantastic Light, saving energy and struggling with the heavy track, wouldn't use her Zone lightly. Even her Monarch of Charm might not force it.
What truly made Fantastic Light decide... was the Pegasus's extreme Great Escape, leading by too many lengths!
Fantastic Light, over a dozen lengths behind Platinum, with her fighting spirit forcibly reduced and further suppressed, had lost all choice.
If she held back her Zone, she'd have no chance of catching up in the final stretch!
Knowing it was a trap, Fantastic Light had to use her Zone, initiating the final frantic battle.
Not using it meant zero chance of victory; using it early... at least offered a glimmer of hope!
Instantly, three Zones covered the field!
Even the leading group felt the aura, experiencing what world-class competition truly meant.
"S-so terrifying, this aura, and so many of them?"
"Is this the Zone clash of top monsters? I'm done for... can't keep accelerating."
"Done for!! Falling so far behind Platinum, and now the monsters behind are catching up!"
Fantastic Light, surging past the come-from-behind pack, moved with incredible speed!
Using her formidable power to compensate for the unfavorable conditions, she finally reached the leading group.
Once chaotic warfare began, those caught in it lost all choice—only the strongest would emerge victorious!
On the third turn, Fantastic Light drew alongside Tokai Teio.
"Hmph, Galileo's domain is such a nuisance."
"Since I have to accelerate, I might as well turn everything upside down here!"
"Pegasus! Monarch of Charm! Let's settle this now!!"
With a crazy attitude, she grinned with extreme fighting spirit!
Simultaneously, behind Platinum, the silver-white silhouette of the Maiden Goddess, drew her bow again.
Under Fantastic Light's stiffened expression, the ethereal figure calmly pronounced judgment.
This time, the target was none other than [Number Eight]—Fantastic Light herself!
A brilliant silver arrow shot forth like a beam, piercing through Fantastic Light's tall frame!
When she recovered, Fantastic Light's fighting spirit burned even more fiercely.
"I've never seen anything like this in a race, never been shot by an arrow before."
"This feeling, once is enough. It's time to make that little Pegasus pay a heavy price!"
Next moment, Fantastic Light overtook Tokai Teio, securing third place. Under the hesitant gaze of Tokai Teio, she closed in on the front!
--+--
[Incredible! Incredible!]
[In the rain, on the heavy, demanding track, the front-running Pegasus Platinum charges unwavering toward the fourth turn!]
[She leads second-place Galileo by thirteen lengths. Third-place Tokai Teio has been caught by Fantastic Light.]
[It seems all the top contenders are starting their final battle early, unwilling to let the Pegasus escape!]
[Is it coming? The Final Battle?!]
As the commentator's excited voice rang out, from the hundreds of thousands of fans at the venue to countless viewers before their screens...
Everyone watched with excitement, anticipation, and nervousness as this Japan Cup, not even at the final stretch yet, reached its boiling point, critical moment.
--+--
And at the very front!
In the pouring rain, the silver-white girl moved as if strolling through a garden, executing her unparalleled [Rain-Soaked Front-Running]!
"So this is Galileo's reliance?"
Platinum sensed that Galileo's [Monarch of Charm] hadn't improved much since the Epsom Derby.
It wasn't a lack of progress—it could only mean one thing: Galileo had conserved more stamina, not relying on her Zone to win.
So, she aimed to accelerate the pace, forcing everyone to speed up and use their Zones, right?
In an instant, Platinum saw through Galileo's intent.
"But Fantastic Light alone isn't enough!"
"In that case, Teio's domain should activate too."
"All Zones, come at me!"
As expected, the final Zone—Tokai Teio's—could hold back no longer. It activated the very next second.
Another Zone spread across the field, enhancing Tokai Teio herself, confronting the other domains head-on in the majestic Kazimierz Knight Arena.
The front-runner in the rain!
And the Pegasus's gallop... would not stop here!
"I shall—set the seas ablaze!!"
The silver-white Pegasus girl, the bow on her back, the seven remaining arrows in her quiver, and her holy race outfit—all fluttered fiercely from the high-speed sprint through the relentless rain!
--+--
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.