"Platinum! Platinum! Platinum!"
"Tears, they're bursting out! I never dreamed that in my lifetime as a human, I'd witness a special effect exclusive to a Uma Musume!"
"A Heavenly Horse, this must be a true Heavenly Horse, right?"
"Gwaa, I want to see Platinum's arrows shoot through my beloved Tachyon and Teio too!!"
The entire venue's fervent excitement had reached an utterly earth-shattering level.
Normally, only a final sprint showdown on the straight could drive calmly discussing spectators into a frenzy.
But at this moment...
—It was merely the silver-haired girl indifferently revealing her first special effect, a running effect, that's all.
In the entire venue, only the other competing Uma Musume remained unaware, still oblivious to what was happening.
The most stunned of all was undoubtedly Symboli Rudolf in the high commentary booth, who had fallen into complete silence.
Because the ordinary commentator couldn't see Platinum's special effects, she had been invited to fill in. Yet, just as she had started speaking...
Platinum's dance-like steps, which were merely a simple start, had not only added a new special effect out of nowhere—
But somehow... the entire audience could see it too?
Then what was she even here for?
Why did Mr. C.B. commentate just fine during the Kikuka-shō, but when it was her turn, she became redundant?
With a dazed expression, Symboli Rudolf felt utterly and completely humiliated!
Beside her, the ordinary commentator, with a voice trembling with overwhelming excitement, continued to roar.
[That's right, it's truly a special effect everyone can see!]
[It's the running effect of a Pegasus strolling with effortless grace, it's the sixteen arrows in the quiver, just enough to surpass and shoot down every Uma Musume in this race!]
[Everyone, please don't blink, please don't miss a single step or detail of the Pegasus Platinum's run. This will be a battle recorded in history!!]
As this commentator kept explaining...
In her ears, she wore headphones from the backstage staff, typically used only in emergencies to relay crucial additional information.
And within seconds!
All the commentators heard the backstage staff's suddenly excited, urgent reminder.
'Currently, the Arima Kinen's ratings and live viewership have hit a new high and are still increasing at an unbelievably rapid, indescribable rate.'
'According to intel, it's because…'
'Not only can the live audience see it, but even viewers watching the broadcast outside the venue can see Platinum's running special effects. This is the first case in world history!!'
'It's insane! Insane! Even overseas viewership is suddenly skyrocketing!'
Hearing this, Symboli Rudolf, who had just barely recovered, was dumbfounded again.
Wait, seriously...
Did that mean the number of live viewers witnessing her uselessness and humiliation—originally possibly several million to ten million—was now going to increase by who knows how much?
Even overseas, countless people would see it?
From a certain perspective, Symboli Rudolf had just found a side gig, worked for less than three minutes, and was already being made redundant, "fired by Manager Platinum."
Unemployed on her first day at work?
The Emperor finally understood!
This little Pegasus must have a grudge against her! Their compatibility was just way too bad!
--+--
In the spectator stands.
A pair of petite Uma Musume were trembling with excitement, their youthful faces filled with astonishment.
"Eh eh?!"
"I thought we'd have to wait months before possibly seeing Miss Platinum's special effects."
"I never imagined everyone here can see them now??"
"Yay!!! This is something I wouldn't even dare dream of."
Of the two little Uma Musume, the most thrilled was undoubtedly Satono Diamond.
Because her Maturation period and speed were slower than those of Kitasan Black, under normal circumstances, she might have had to wait one more race than her friend to see Platinum's special effects.
But who would have thought that in this Arima Kinen, the Uma Musume restriction was gone, and every single audience member could witness it with their own eyes!!
"Ugh... As expected of Miss Platinum! I'll have material for my dreams tonight!"
"Forget calling the Pegasus the Three Goddesses' favorite daughter—even if you said she's the Fourth Goddess, I'd believe it!!"
"That Rainbow Road is absolutely stunning! Paired with the Pegasus' dashing and handsome figure, it's just too cool!"
--+--
Tracen Academy, Chairman's Office.
The petite Uma Musume, Akikawa Yayoi, who as chairman should be calm and composed, was currently deeply shaken.
"Astounding! Th-this, this, this..."
Then, Akikawa Yayoi kept rubbing her eyes, her voice slightly trembling.
"Tell me, are my eyes playing tricks on me?"
On the computer screen before her, the live broadcast of the [Arima Kinen] was playing.
By Akikawa's side stood the legendary Phantom Triple Crown, Hayakawa Tazuna, who served as her assistant secretary.
The more mature green-capped woman, Hayakawa Tazuna, also wore an expression full of astonishment.
"I... believe you aren't seeing incorrectly."
"That is truly... transcending known information, a running special effect of Platinum's that even we, watching the broadcast, can see clearly!!"
"This is Japanese history... no, it should be said, in the history of Uma Musume worldwide, it is unprecedented! A unique first case!!"
Even for the legendary Phantom Triple Crown Hayakawa Tazuna, from her brief career as a Uma Musume to her long tenure as a high-level staff member at Tracen Academy...
The number of Uma Musume she had encountered and witnessed was far beyond mere hundreds or thousands.
Even world-class Uma Musume—Hayakawa Tazuna had served as a greeter for quite a few, having welcomed just over a dozen.
Heck, she had even seen historical-level champions that appear once a decade, beyond world-class!
As an experienced veteran, her knowledge was at least maxed out.
But among those world-renowned foreign powerhouses, those dominating Europe and even the world, not a single one could compare to the Pegasus in terms of Zone special effects.
In fact, in terms of sheer impact and vast scope, they didn't even come close to half of the Kazimierz Knight Arena.
Coupled with that unique surpassing special effect, the international net was filled with curiosity and interest in Pegasus Platinum's special effects.
It could be said that Platinum's special effects were something even once-in-a-century legends probably didn't possess! It left Hayakawa Tazuna deeply shocked.
But barring any surprises, this curiosity would gradually fade because Platinum stayed in Japan for races, and ordinary viewers outside could never see them.
In the end, it should have been sealed away as an unsolvable mystery.
But now!
"This roaring sound from the audience... surely even non-Uma Musume people can see it, right?"
"Not only that, but likely the number of live viewers online is skyrocketing too, and they can all see it?"
The already uniquely gifted Pegasus Platinum not only gained a new Rainbow Road running special effect but also made it visible to everyone, even through online broadcasts?
Hayakawa Tazuna seemed to realize something, her pupils constricting sharply.
"Wait, if that's the case..."
"Then many international G1s outside Japan, even official racing authorities from various countries, will inevitably extend invitations to Platinum."
"Will the URA really be able to keep Platinum in Japan for a few more races next year?"
Will Platinum leave Japan??
--+--
The external world, buzzing with shock in such a short time...
Was something unknown to anyone on the racetrack grass at that moment.
On the field, numerous Uma Musume were galloping continuously, forming various group formations.
There were two front-runners, about six or seven forward-position Uma Musume.
The most numerous were the mid-group Uma Musume, holding positions in the middle to rear.
After all, this was the Arima Kinen, famous for final speed clashes. On the straight, which tested the final kick, the most suitable running style was indeed mid-group!
And as the sole favorite to win, the most popular Pegasus, she hadn't adopted the most orthodox running style, nor had she chosen the front-running style she'd used more than once before.
She was holding the very last position, gazing coldly at everything ahead.
It was universally acknowledged in horse girl circles worldwide that the most visually stunning running styles were undoubtedly front-running and come-from-behind.
And whether it was front-running or come-from-behind, both belonged to running styles Platinum was skilled in, even interested in.
She started with come-from-behind, then switched to front-running in the Kikuka-shō and Japan Cup.
So now... she'd reward herself with a come-from-behind run! Starting from the back, she'd gradually showcase those enhanced special effects one by one!
'Hah... Finally, back to the familiar come-from-behind running style.'
No longer the Idol Knight, but the true [Knight Killer - Platinum], lurking in the shadows at the rear with a hunting-everything demeanor, observing and waiting for the Uma Musume ahead worthy of the hunt!
The silver-haired girl could even feel that beneath her galloping feet, a dazzling, brilliant seven-colored rainbow road was constantly being born and extending!!
Every step she took expanded the rainbow road. In the entire venue, only the group of Uma Musume ahead of Platinum remained unaware of all this.
And now...
Platinum was ready to give Tachyon, McQueen, and Teio a little shock!
--+--
In the front positions on the grass!
It was worth mentioning that Mejiro McQueen, Tokai Teio, and even Agnes Tachyon!
These popular geniuses, top-tier powerhouses in Japan, had mostly chosen the forward running style.
Currently, Mejiro McQueen maintained a forward position, her expression cold, ranked third overall and first among the forward group, right behind the two front-running Uma Musume ahead.
This endurance monster, but slightly lacking in explosive power compared to other monsters, long-distance dominator didn't trust her acceleration on the straight.
Therefore, she had to seize a leading position as much as possible, making it hard for Uma Musume around or behind to catch up.
Keeping a calm mind, Mejiro McQueen was somewhat surprised by why the audience erupted into cheers so soon after the start, as if it were a final sprint showdown on the straight.
But she didn't have any extra energy to shift her focus from watching ahead and adjusting her pace to listening to the audience.
'Why is the audience reacting like this? Could it be... did Platinum have a bad start again?'
Mejiro McQueen remembered clearly that Platinum had won G1s with both come-from-behind and front-running styles.
In the history of Japanese Uma Musume, she was unique—the only one who could win the highest G1 races using the two most extreme running styles from front to back!
And with the outside post position, plus the Arima Kinen's short straight, come-from-behind was indeed more suitable than front-running.
'In the forward group, I can't see Platinum either, so she must be in the mid-group or coming from behind.'
'She's never used a mid-group running style, and with her strong endurance and skill in come-from-behind, there's no reason for her to be a mid-group runner.'
The Mejiro family had already gathered extensive data for Mejiro McQueen, meticulously recording Platinum's running styles and personality.
'To save some stamina while risking being blocked or boxed in—Pegasus has never done such a thing!'
Thinking this, Mejiro McQueen's expression filled with determination. She immediately continued striding forward, closely following the front-runner not far ahead.
'Mhm, maintain this pace. When we reach the halfway point, I'll overtake the front-runner not far ahead and take the lead.'
'Then in the latter half, it'll be my turn to pressure Platinum coming from behind and Teio in the forward group!!'
At that time, she'd get a good look at Platinum's legendary Zone.
Then, by the Spring Tenno-shō, she'd face it without fear and seek revenge!
--+--
In the spectator stands.
At a certain corner, a stunning black-haired girl looked slightly surprised as she greeted the mature red-haired woman beside her.
Galileo hadn't expected to meet an Uma Musume from a famous European family here.
Namely, Maruzensky.
As the daughter of the last British Triple Crown winner Nijinsky, even though Maruzensky debuted in Japan, which Europe generally didn't pay much attention to, she still had some fame.
Having long since retired and returned to Europe more than once or twice, Maruzensky had already met this charming young girl Galileo, who was quite popular in the European Uma Musume scene.
"Maruzensky Senior, long time no see. I didn't expect to see you here."
"This is the race to decide the strongest at the end of the year in Japan, of course I can't miss it. But you staying here after the Japan Cup is even more surprising."
Maruzensky smiled warmly.
"So, who do you think will win?"
"Is there any doubt? Of course, it's that Pegasus! Is there any problem?"
The black-haired girl looked slightly puzzled, not expecting Maruzensky to ask such a seemingly pointless question.
Shouldn't the vast majority of people here be supporting or rooting for Pegasus Platinum?
After all, she was a super powerhouse who, in less than a year since her debut, achieved an Irregular Triple Crown + Japan Cup, accomplishing the great feat of five G1 wins.
She was someone who, even in Europe, had the qualifications to compete for the top positions, let alone in Japan.
Asking such a question meant this Supercar Maruzensky didn't think Platinum was a sure win—she believed other Uma Musume still had a chance.
"In terms of pure strength, it's Platinum."
Maruzensky nodded lightly, then changed her tone, speaking with a hint of regret.
"But... she had a bad start, and her gate number is 16."
"This is your first time watching the Arima Kinen, so you don't know what this outside post means."
"In the half-century since the Arima Kinen began, over fifty or sixty races, each with over a dozen Uma Musume participating, and in those races..."
"Not a single Uma Musume from Gate 16 has ever won the championship."
Hearing this, Galileo's expression froze.
Then, Maruzensky added another heavyweight piece of information.
"In fact, the best achievement by a Gate 16 Uma Musume in those decades was... a mere fourth place!"
Not even second or third place—this gate had never achieved those in decades. Clearly, the outside post in the Arima Kinen was like a terrifying curse.
A similar situation existed in the G1 Fall Tenno-shō.
For a long time, the most popular Uma Musume in the Autumn Tenno-shō couldn't win the championship, earning it the nickname "Curse"!
And now, Platinum faced not only an unfavorable gate position but also top-tier geniuses like Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon, who were incredibly strong!
"So, who do you think will win, Maruzensky Senior?"
Galileo couldn't hold back anymore; she tilted her head and pressed further.
Maruzensky gazed at that iridescent rainbow road, crossed her arms, and smiled lightly.
"Of course, it's still Platinum."
"?"
She continued.
"After all, even if her win rate drops because of the outside gate, it won't fall to negligible levels."
"One superpower, many strong contenders will turn into three powerhouses competing for supremacy!"
"And among those three, it's like the Three Kingdoms rivalry in ancient China's late Han Dynasty—Platinum will still be the strongest!"
After listening, Galileo calmly shook her head.
"I don't agree with you, Maruzensky Senior."
The charming black-haired girl turned her gaze, looking out at the racetrack where the silver-haired figure was about to cross the first bend, treading on the dazzling rainbow road!
"So-called curses are just what ordinary people say when they succumb to disadvantageous conditions and perform poorly."
"In the face of absolute strength, all curses, monsters, and even opponents will ultimately be shattered."
Galileo's voice was powerful.
"That Pegasus, hasn't she broken enough records already? How could she be limited by a mere gate?!"
Finally, Galileo crossed her arms and looked down at the grass, no longer addressing Maruzensky but as if she was whispering to the silver-haired figure in the last position.
"Prove it to me, Pegasus, who surpassed me twice. You will never yield to some historical curse or outside gate!"
--+--
Even among forward runners, there were differences.
Behind Mejiro McQueen, Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon were positioned close together.
Not only was Mejiro McQueen's endurance amazing, but her running style was fundamentally different from the other forward horse girls around her.
In terms of running style similarity, it was actually the two Undefeated Double Crown and legendary Phantom Triple Crown Uma Musume who were more alike.
The extremely calm Tokai Teio was inwardly breathing a sigh of relief.
'Huff... Thankfully, thankfully!'
'This time, my luck has finally turned around!!'
Tokai Teio believed she now had decent luck, which she could convert into an advantage.
In the previous Japan Cup, she'd been very unlucky with the second-to-last outside gate, right after Platinum in the outermost gate.
Staring at that Pegasus, she ended up in third place. If her gate position had been better, she might have truly surpassed Galileo and taken second!
And now... her gate position had finally improved.
In contrast, Platinum, in the outermost gate, was in the same second-to-last position Tokai Teio had been in during the Japan Cup—an awkward spot making it hard to seize a forward or front-running position.
'If Platinum chooses to front-run, that would be terrible.'
'But if she comes from behind... I won't have to worry about getting too excited and losing control of my pace!!'
In terms of pure strength, the current Tokai Teio, entering her older years and reaching her peak, was undoubtedly among the top three in Japan for middle distance.
But she had a fatal weakness—she struggled against front-runners.
During the Japan Cup, because Platinum was in the outside gate next to her, her initial burst wasn't as fast. And more importantly... it rained!
The heavy turf and pouring rain forced Tokai Teio, who would usually get excited and overheated at the sight of a front-running Uma Musume, to calm down, allowing her to perform beyond expectations!
But Tokai Teio had no confidence that she could maintain the same calmness on the good turf of the Arima Kinen as she had on the heavy turf.
Thankfully! The Pegasus drew the outside gate that had never produced a winner—this time, she couldn't front-run!
In Tokai Teio's view, this was simply the Three Goddesses smiling upon her!
First, heavy turf in the previous race made her go all out, unaffected by the Great Escape. Then, in this race, there were no front-runners again, allowing her to run calmly and freely.
Meanwhile, the Pegasus, with her bad start, might even perform worse!
This was clearly... unbelievably good!
"Come on, Pegasus!"
"This time, I won't lose!"
Tokai Teio passed the first bend, heading toward the second bend with determined strides.
The race had finally reached the halfway point!
The initial shock from the audience upon seeing the Pegasus's running special effect—that long, dazzling rainbow road—had finally calmed down slightly.
And the commentator's voice rang out across the venue, reporting the current positions.
[The two front-runners at the very front have already reached the second bend.]
[The endurance-excellent Mejiro McQueen is leading the forward group, very close to the front-runners.]
[Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon in forward positions are right behind, quietly waiting for the right moment to accelerate in the latter half.]
[The sole favorite to win, Platinum, is still lurking at the back! Come-from-behind runners usually wait a bit longer before...]
The commentary cut off abruptly for a moment, then the commentator's voice filled with surprise.
[The Pegasus is only now approaching the second bend. In this middle-to-long distance race of 2500 meters, she's starting her signature acceleration this early?!!]
[Although the distance isn't as long as the Kikuka-shō, which Platinum has won before, it tests both explosive power and endurance, and the race difficulty shouldn't be underestimated!]
[What surprise will the Pegasus bring us?!]
--+--
At the very back of the grass!
Platinum ran, capable of hunting down everything in this world, her icy cold eyes gleaming with cold indifference.
Her pace, that record breaking speed, visibly quickened.
Platinum, who had fallen behind right out of the gate, effortlessly closed in on the mid-group at extreme speed.
The running special effect was already fully understood. The silver-haired girl next wanted to see her other special effects.
"Well then, time to accelerate."
In Platinum's view, the bow and arrows on her back, all 16 of them, should be put to use too.
Mission: empty the quiver!
Having made her decision, Pegasus wanted to see how the Zone environment would change.
So...
The silver-haired girl, with rare seriousness, made a decision.
—Zone, activate!
[Zone(Pegasian Sight): Activated ]
[Will activate at least three exclusive domain skills most suited to the current situation, significantly increase aura suppression, cause additional stamina consumption for all Uma Musume on the field, and slightly reduce speed.]
[Passive (auto-sustained): Will slightly reduce own speed, moderately increase power and enhance stride frequency, slightly improve insight and reactions, will slightly plunder all Uma Musume's skill acceleration effects, and absorb a tiny amount of stamina from all horse girls.]
The Kazimierz Knight Arena then overlay the racetrack, something not unusual for Platinum.
But the Knight Arena alone drove the audience, who had barely regained some calm, completely insane!!
"That's it! This is the legendary Platinum Zone! That arena?!"
"This is even more dazzling and shocking than any race venue in Japan!!"
"I never thought I, a non-Uma Musume, would actually see a Zone in my lifetime?"
"Platinum! Platinum!!"
Those fervent, excited, ocean-like voices didn't bother Platinum in the slightest.
However, the instant the Zone fully activated, something made even Platinum pause slightly.
"Eh... eh??"
Not only that, the spectral figure of the Maiden Goddess that should only appear when a come-from-behind runner overtakes an opponent manifested at this moment. But the Pegasus hadn't overtaken anyone yet!
However...
It was at the finish line that a Supreme Divine Throne manifested.
The spectral figure of the young goddess, identical in form to Platinum, leaned calmly against the throne, then stood up and began drawing her bow.
But... she wasn't aiming at any Uma Musume. Instead, she gazed up at the blazing sun in the sky and shot a shining arrow like a stream of light!
In the next second, a sound like shattering echoed through the sky! The sunlit daytime instantly turned pitch black and dim!
As if, after Platinum activated her Zone and summoned the Goddess's spectral figure, they had been transported to another world.
Every Uma Musume ahead of the silver-haired girl witnessed that scene destined to go down in history and shock the world.
After Platinum's domain, Pegasian Sight, activated, even the sun vanished!
It was truly blotting out the sky and sun! As if only the Pegasus deserved to be the sole shining existence!
What left Agnes Tachyon, Tokai Teio, and the entire audience stunned and deeply shocked was...
After the sun disappeared, what appeared above the Kazimierz Knight Arena was!
—One bright and one dark, two moons slowly rising!
As if daytime had been reversed into night.
That was precisely, that land!
Terra's unique... twin moons actually appeared during Platinum's Zone!!
The silver-haired girl's amber eyes filled with astonishment, then she returned to cold silence, looking ahead.
The next second, Platinum calmly spoke softly, her words transmitted through the Zone to every Uma Musume ahead.
"—Night has fallen. Vanish."
Instantly, she overtook the mid-group Uma Musume ahead!
--+--
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.