Miss Pegasus had lost count of how many times she'd said those words.
But still…
So good! Absolutely love it!
Will keep using it forever!
The moment Platinum spoke those words, she immediately noticed the stunned expression flash across Agnes Tachyon's delicate face.
The Silver-White Maiden before her had no idea just how much weight her words carried now.
She had already climbed to the pinnacle of Japanese racing, recognized worldwide as a talent destined to surpass world-class—a once-in-a-decade, Historic Uma Musume whose ceiling was undeniable!
In less than a year, she had surpassed the strongest Uma Musume Japan had produced in a century—Symboli Rudolf, the Emperor!
When comfort comes from the strongest Uma Musume in Japanese history, how could it not shock a young filly?
Agnes Tachyon quickly collected herself, her gaze complex as she stared at the comforting Pegasus before her, her eyes filled with astonishment.
Even though she had been keeping an eye on this incredibly promising Pegasus for a long time, believing she had the potential to rival foreign genius Uma Musume…
But… due to tendonitis, she had been unable to step onto the track for so long. This was her first time seeing Platinum in an actual race.
Before the race, it was Agnes Tachyon who had issued the challenge first, only to suffer a crushing defeat.
Yet, to her surprise, it was Platinum, the victor, who spoke words of praise and comfort first?
This Pegasus wasn't arrogant or dismissive of her opponents. Even after a dominant victory, she was generous with her words.
Agnes Tachyon could immediately tell—the young lady before her… had a truly magnificent character!
Even more astonishing, from her own observational skills…
That overwhelming victory by fifteen horse lengths might not even be Platinum's true limit!
Keep in mind, Pegasus had started from Gate 16—a gate that, prior to this race, had never produced a winner in over half a century, not even a top-three finisher. It was known as the "cursed gate."
If she had been in a normal gate, if she had gone all out from the start…
How many horse lengths would she have won by then? Even as a scientist devoted to studying the speed of top-tier Uma Musume, Agnes Tachyon didn't dare imagine.
One could say—Pegasus still hadn't unleashed her full, ultimate power!
"Sorry I couldn't give you a more exciting race," Agnes Tachyon finally said, biting her lip slightly, her voice tinged with regret and frustration.
But her fighting spirit hadn't shattered or vanished because of this one loss.
Those crimson eyes remained fixed on the Silver-White Maiden before her.
"Don't lose to anyone until I have my revenge, Platinum."
Revenge… on Platinum?
Was it even possible in the future?
Even if the odds weren't high, maybe, just maybe… it wasn't zero!
The Silver-White Maiden responded with a calm, dismissive wave, acknowledging the words.
Then, Miss Pegasus strode off alone toward the Winner's Stage!
And in Platinum's heart, she felt a little pleased.
Woo-hoo, time to clock out!
--+--
As Platinum's figure gradually faded into the distance!
[From this point on, no Past Legend could ever stand beside her.]
[She walks alone on a path of pioneers, every step she takes would become the new ceiling for Japan—and all of Asia!]
[She is like the Sun, shining through the ages!]
[Every Uma Musume in Japan's history, no matter how heroic or legendary… are now mere Stars in her Sky!]
Even long after Platinum's dazzling silver-white figure had vanished, the commentator's voice continued.
Clearly, the main event of this Arima Kinen, destined to capture the world's attention, was far from over.
From Platinum's awe-inspiring special effects—the Rainbow Road beneath her hooves, the Kazimierz Knight Arena, the Phantom Goddess, the captivating song "Radiant"!
And yet, less than half an hour had passed since the race ended.
No one could doubt the shockwaves and impact that would spread after Platinum's display.
In the stands, many spectators still hadn't left.
Quite a few were still replaying the race in their minds.
In one section of the stands, several young fillies—Mejiro Dober, Kurofune, Jungle Pocket, and others—were seated together.
These classic-year fillies, who had yet to compete in the Arima Kinen, had avoided this race as victims of Platinum's dominance.
"Gate 16 in the Arima Kinen has never produced a champion—and Platinum actually filled that void!" Mejiro Dober gazed at the turf, where her sister Mejiro McQueen stood, looking somewhat shaken.
I wonder… after witnessing Platinum's domain firsthand…
Does McQueen stand a chance in the Tenno Sho (Spring)?
Sh-she should… right?
After all, McQueen is the Kikuka Sho champion, the only long-distance Uma Musume to achieve back-to-back wins in the Spring Tenno Sho so far.
The Spring Tenno Sho doesn't rely on a final kick—it tests pure endurance!
While Dober was thinking about the Spring Tenno Sho, most of the other Platinum victims around her had clear, relieved expressions.
"Guh... this monster, why does she win by more lengths in bigger, scarier races?"
"Normally, you win by more in the Classic Triple Crown, then your advantage shrinks in regular G1 races—or you even lose…"
Like the Oaks and the Japanese Derby—they're prestigious and influential, but their true weight isn't that high.
At the very least, they're nowhere near the Japan Cup or the Arima Kinen.
In the Oaks and the Derby, Platinum won by ten or eleven lengths. That alone crushed many classic-year Uma Musume.
But in the Kikuka Sho, when Manhattan Cafe displayed her Zone—far surpassing them—and lost by thirty-one lengths…
Those who still held onto hope for revenge completely froze up.
And then—
In dirt and mile races, many talented Uma Musume emerged.
Platinum, who hadn't yet run in mile or dirt races, ended up gifting quite a few promising fillies.
For middle distances, there was Agnes Tachyon and Tokai Teio—monsters with Zones who were still utterly dominated by Pegasus!
For long distances, there were Manhattan Cafe and Mejiro McQueen—both terrifying geniuses, with Cafe being the one who lost by the most lengths so far…
So, how are we supposed to compete in middle or long distances?
After watching the Arima Kinen, these fillies couldn't help but feel relieved at their decision to switch to other distances.
"Thank goodness I only lost by a dozen lengths in the Derby. If I'd entered the Arima Kinen, I'd probably have lost by twenty, right?"
"Good thing I switched to mile races. That was the right call."
"Already been shot twice by Pegasus—can't take any more, I'll break!"
"Is this Pegasus really like 'the stronger the opponent, the stronger she gets'? Maybe she only won by ten lengths because we were too weak to get her excited?"
"Long live dirt racing! I'm a dirt girl now! Sniff… I'm not going back to turf to get shot up by Platinum!"
"With great power comes great responsibility. Let the popular older fillies deal with ending this terrifying Pegasus."
Suddenly, Jungle Pocket seemed to remember something. She turned to the group of fillies beside her and asked:
"What if we get voted into the Takarazuka Kinen popularity poll next year?"
For a moment, everyone fell silent.
We've behaved! Please spare us!
But soon, one filly responded.
"Most of us only have G2 or G3 wins, hardly any G1 victories. How would we get voted in?"
"Yeah, at best we'd rank 30th or 40th—maybe even 50th. Doesn't the Takarazuka Kinen only have around twenty entries?"
Kurofune nervously replied:
"What if the more powerful seniors announce they're avoiding the race, and the slots get extended to lower rankings…"
The group fell silent again.
Just as the commentator had said…
[Titan of World Turf!]
[Japan's GOAT!]
[The Lunar Eclipse!]
Aside from Pegasus, the history Platinum was creating kept growing—more and more awe-inspiring titles!
The kicker was, when they thought about it, this possibility didn't seem that far-fetched?!
"N-no! Don't forget there's still the longest-distance G1 of the older filly year—the Spring Tenno Sho!"
"Mejiro McQueen has achieved an unprecedented two-time win in the Spring Tenno Sho and is aiming for a third!"
"If McQueen can break Platinum's undefeated streak, then maybe we really have a chance in the Takarazuka!"
It sounded reasonable.
The classic-year demon king was also a demon king to the older fillies.
Was their last hope the strongest long-distance monster, Mejiro McQueen?
But… could Mejiro McQueen, the pinnacle of the Mejiro family's long-distance lineage, truly break Platinum's undefeated legend?
No one could answer!
--+--
The next day.
Europe, airport.
As the dark-haired girl Galileo disembarked with her luggage, she immediately saw a mature, beautiful woman waiting for her.
"Mom!"
Galileo rushed forward and hugged her mother, Urban Sea.
"Sorry… I lost again."
She felt a little nervous. She'd only managed second place in the Japan Cup…
In Europe, the Japan Cup wasn't highly regarded—it was seen as a backup option for those who had no recent races or a quick cash grab, something to hop over and earn in a couple of days.
Calling the Japan Cup a backup in the eyes of world-class Uma Musume wasn't an exaggeration—it was just fact.
But she had spent a whole month preparing for this low-value race and still only got second place…
In terms of results and achievements, it was a complete failure.
In some families that only cared about results and efficiency, this would be considered a black mark, a cautionary tale told to future generations.
Pegasus victim, Galileo, reporting!
But to her surprise, Urban Sea gently pinched her cheek.
"Mom can see you tried your best~ That's enough."
"Losing to Platinum isn't anything to be ashamed of."
Urban Sea chuckled softly and released her grip.
"Don't worry about revenge—leave that to your little sister."
"She'll defeat all the competition in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"Little Star… can she win?"
Urban Sea's voice was filled with confidence in her proud younger daughter.
"She will win!"
Sea the Stars was widely recognized as having a historic-level floor, with the potential to become a legend and challenge the status of past greats like Dancing Brave and Urban Sea!
--+--
A short while later.
Galileo got into Urban Sea's car.
As she settled into the passenger seat, she noticed several newspapers lying there.
A quick glance at the headlines…
[No Strength Left Among the Strong, No Mountain Higher Than This One!!]
[Japan's Eclipse—Can She Stand Shoulder to Shoulder with the Original?]
[Domain Effects Visible to Ordinary People?! Unexpected Zone Effects…]
[Titan of World Turf! The Unprecedented Pegasus!]
[Three Goddesses' Beloved Daughter—Platinum!!]
Some were Japanese newspapers, others English.
Her mother Urban Sea had studied at a Japanese Uma Musume Academy before moving to Europe to debut.
So it wasn't strange for her to understand Japanese or read niche Japanese papers.
The key was that these weren't just specialized Uma Musume newspapers—many were mainstream, international papers covering phenomenon-level or even national events.
Galileo immediately realized: the Arima Kinen, which had ended just yesterday, had made headlines in Europe and worldwide in just one day!
Even though many countries had their own weighty G1 races around the same time…
None could compare to the Pegasian Sight, the Kazimierz Knight Arena, the transcendent effects, and "Radiant"!
After all, G1 races might sound important, but there were over a hundred of them scattered throughout the year worldwide.
But visible Zone effects? Zone displays? Even Archery Effects?
Countless Uma Musume enthusiasts had been waiting over a decade—or longer—to see Zone effects, but had never witnessed them.
And then there was the perfect soundtrack for running, as if a concert were playing during the race! "Radiant" made many feel like they were at a live performance!
One could say Platinum had fulfilled the expectations of countless ordinary people worldwide—and exceeded every imaginable aspect of what they thought Zones could be!
The impact was truly unprecedented. Even though she won the relatively low-profile Arima Kinen, news spread globally at lightning speed.
Even the proudest Uma Musume, those who had won European international G1s, had to admit… Pegasus was one of a kind.
Even Galileo's mother, Urban Sea—the dark horse who had won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—had watched the entire Arima Kinen carefully, something she hadn't done in years, just to see those stunning effects.
During her first viewing, Urban Sea hadn't paid attention to any other Japanese Uma Musume—only the fillies being "shot" by Pegasus.
On her second watch, after noting the speed and acceleration of a few runners… even without being there, her experience and sharp eyes allowed her to deduce that at least two other Zones were present besides Platinum's!
That meant it was a clash of at least three… or even more Zones!
Even in Europe, some lesser-known G1 races might not feature so many Zone-wielding Uma Musume.
While none besides Platinum were world-class, having a Zone meant they were close—no weaklings here.
To start from the unfavorable outside gate, use a come-from-behind running style, and win by fifteen lengths against multiple near-world-class Japanese Uma Musume…
Even among the best world-class Uma Musume, that would be extremely difficult, right?
Plus, with only a month's rest between the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen… it was clear Platinum's turf ability was far beyond world-class!
One could say she was a once-in-a-decade historic-level talent even in Europe and the US—the world's top regions for Uma Musume development.
And her eldest daughter, Galileo, had maintained her fighting spirit till the end against such a monster—second place was absolutely not bad!
So, Urban Sea wouldn't be harsh enough to demand her daughter, as a world-class contender, defeat a historic-level genius on her home turf.
That would be like asking a First-Grade Sorcerer to fight Sukuna, or sending a minor demon to defeat Sun Wukong!
Would she win?
No, she'd die!!
With great power comes great responsibility!
So that kind of arduous task should be left to Sea the Stars.
Big sister loses, little sister gets revenge—wouldn't that make for a wonderful story passed down through generations?
"Pegasus is quite an interesting little one…" Urban Sea mused as she drove her eldest daughter home, recalling the Arima Kinen replay she'd watched at least seven or eight times the night before.
Without a doubt, anyone wanting to learn about Uma Musume Zones or see their effects would endlessly replay Platinum's displays.
History books in Uma Musume schools worldwide would record this Arima Kinen as the first time Zones were visibly displayed and witnessed by the public.
Platinum, who created this historic moment, would forever be the one and only… [White Moonlight] in the eyes of all spectators!
Urban Sea was certain: even if Platinum retired now!
Or if she didn't improve further and retired as a historic-level Uma Musume…
In the future, her popularity and influence would still reach legendary heights, on par with the few true legends in Uma Musume history over the past century!
To achieve legendary-level influence without even reaching legendary status—this was a unique case unmatched anywhere in the world.
"Probably every major G1 race with global influence will be desperately inviting Platinum to compete now, right?" Urban Sea remarked while driving.
Beside her, Galileo finished reading the newspapers and picked up her phone to search for [Platinum].
She was curious…
What kind of shockwaves had this race caused online?
Just a few seconds later!
On the video platform, Galileo's cherry lips parted in shock, wide enough to swallow an egg.
"Eh eh??"
It was a video titled [The First Ever! Super Uma Musume Displaying Effects Beyond Divine Miracles and Music!]
The view count was already over tens of millions, with hundreds of thousands of comments.
Every time she refreshed, the views and comments surged visibly—the latest comment she'd seen moments ago was buried instantly.
It would easily break a hundred million views soon, with exponential growth in the coming days.
And this was just one international platform—not counting videos on other sites.
The total overseas views for all Japanese races in a year might be around this… but thanks to Platinum, one race had done more for international exposure than the URA's entire annual promotion!
The comments were nearly endless!
"I declare myself a ten-year fan of Platinum starting today! I won't miss a single one of her races!"
"Tears, flowing… I never thought I'd live to see Zone effects, and such amazing archery effects too?!"
"Quick, what's Pegasus's next race? I need to book international flights and tickets!"
"The combination of transcendence effects and music is too shocking! My idols are American ones like Secretariat and Dahlia, European ones like Treve and Sea the Stars—can we see Platinum 'shoot' them?"
"Is this the Asian monster who won the Epsom Derby?"
"Can't hold it in—I was at work when a friend called saying I couldn't miss this race or I'd regret it for life. I secretly grabbed my phone, spent ages finding the Japanese race, and by the time I got it open, it was over…"
"Japan actually produced a Uma Musume like this?? Unheard of."
Even the Breeders' Cup Classic—America's top dirt race—or Europe's famous events like the Epsom Derby, King George VI Stakes, or even… the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!
Probably none could reach this level, right?
These races might be prestigious top-tier events, among the world's best G1s, but they happened every year!
But Platinum?
Those globally visible, recordable domain effects even through a phone screen?
That was truly a [once-in-a-lifetime] sight! Only possible with Platinum!
There couldn't possibly be a second Pegasus in this world, right?
The answer was clearly no. Only now did Galileo truly grasp the scale of the storm Platinum had stirred after the Arima Kinen.
After her amazement, Galileo closed the video and started browsing the news.
Soon, she stumbled upon an article that left her slightly stunned…
[URA Japan Announces Additional Rewards for Spring Triple Crown Winners.]
[Spring Triple Crown: Osaka Hai, Spring Tenno Sho, Takarazuka Kinen.]
[Reward: One-third of the total Spring Triple Crown prize money.]
Galileo read the key points aloud. After finishing, she couldn't help but say:
"This is obviously… trying to lure Platinum into staying in Japan for the first half of the year, right?"
As she spoke, she noticed her mother Urban Sea, who was driving, frown slightly.
Then, Urban Sea sighed with a hint of helplessness.
"Just after witnessing Platinum's impact and the expansion of Japanese racing's overseas influence…"
"They're trying to bind her with petty rewards?"
"This… is exactly the URA I remember."
"Do they not realize how they got this tailwind? They finally have an unprecedented advantage thanks to Platinum, and they're about to turn it into a headwind?"
Having trained in Japan for a considerable time, Urban Sea knew the Japanese racing scene well.
She was well aware of the URA's arrogance and stubbornness.
—Petty rewards! A tailwind about to become a headwind!
That was Urban Sea's sharp evaluation after hearing the news.
"Eh?"
"It's like getting an extra race's worth of prize money for winning three races. Japanese prize money is already quite high, isn't it?" Galileo was taken aback by her mother's low opinion of the URA.
The already world-known, high "gold" content, plus an extra race's reward—shouldn't that be considerable?
"When she won the Irregular Triple Crown last time, the URA offered double the prize money to get her to run in the Kikuka Sho."
"Basically, they were giving her two races' worth of prizes for winning one."
"That showed sincerity at the time, fitting for a world-class Uma Musume."
"But… now?"
Urban Sea pinpointed the issue sharply.
Back then, they offered world-class Platinum two races' worth for one race—the Kikuka Sho.
Now, they were offering historic-level Platinum one race's worth for three races!
"Plus, the highest prize money in Japan is for the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen. Each of those is worth more than two other Japanese G1s combined—sometimes even more."
"In other words… this Spring Triple Crown asks Platinum to run three races for the reward of one."
"The total Spring Triple Crown and extra prize money combined are less than what Platinum earned from the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen in just one month."
"And the Osaka Hai is very close to the Spring Tenno Sho. If she loses… the URA will probably hype up some [Pegasus Rival] or [Platinum Slayer]."
"Then, not only would Platinum miss out on the Spring Triple Crown reward, but her accumulated fame would become a tool for the URA."
Hearing this, Galileo finally understood.
"This is bullying an honest person?!"
The dark-haired beauty frowned, finally realizing why her mother had such a low opinion of the URA…
No, it wasn't just a low opinion—it was a fair assessment!
Before, they offered double for one race (Kikuka Sho), now they want three races!
Three races, and the total for those three is less than the two races (Japan Cup + Arima Kinen)! If she's not careful, Platinum would be the one losing out!
This wasn't just shrewd—it was treating Platinum as a mere promotional tool, trying to bind her for their own benefit!
"So, the URA is doomed…"
"After riding Platinum's tailwind, it's time for them to taste a headwind again."
Urban Sea chuckled lightly, as if anticipating what was to come.
Then, she changed the subject.
"Mom has prepared your upcoming race schedule."
"It should suit you well for overseas campaigns. See if you're interested."
Galileo was surprised—her mother had shifted from Platinum to her so quickly.
"Eh? Which race?"
Urban Sea didn't name the race immediately but smiled and said a country name.
"Dubai!"
Instantly, the dark-haired girl understood. Her pupils contracted sharply.
Dubai… really?
Wait, Dubai was known for having the highest prize money, far surpassing even Japan's generous purses.
Was her mother thinking… Platinum might consider racing in Dubai??
Suddenly, a certain young doctor she cared about crossed Galileo's mind.
Dr. Lin was Platinum's personal doctor!
For overseas campaigns, determined Uma Musume sometimes chose to pay extra to bring their familiar personal doctors along!
If Platinum really rejected the URA's foolish scheme and went to Dubai…
Then Dr. Lin would probably go to Dubai too, right?
At that thought, Galileo nodded without hesitation.
"Okay, I'll rest for a few days then start training to prepare for Dubai!"
Prisoner Lin!
Dr. Lin, I miss you!
(Sorry, Little Star!)
--+--
The next day.
Lin Anran was sitting in the medical office, a small stack of newspapers on his desk.
Some were Japanese, some international—just like Urban Sea's.
Including the URA's announcement about the Spring Triple Crown rewards.
"Eh?"
"Wait, isn't the URA being… a bit stingy?"
After reading, the black-hearted young doctor frowned, keenly sensing something off!
Before he could ponder further, the medical room door knocked from outside.
Lin Anran set down the newspaper and walked to the door.
As he opened it…
The next second, his pupils contracted sharply.
What he saw was…
Tokai Teio, limping while holding her leg.
This scene… felt familiar?
Wait, did she run her legs off in the Arima Kinen?
--+--
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.