When the icy yet resolute voice of the Silver-White Maiden echoed through the venue not once, but twice—
"I'm taking my talents to Dubai!"
"I'll win a G1 overseas. As for the URA, I wish them all the best with their events."
The Grand Awards Ceremony was left in a state far beyond mere surprise or silence.
At the table closest to the stage where Miss Pegasus stood, Uma Musume like Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, and Daiwa Scarlet wore expressions of pure astonishment and shock. It seemed unimaginable that any Uma Musume could possess such daring!
Most of them could clearly see what was happening: the URA's earlier series of advance promotions and incentives for the Spring Triple Crown were practically an obvious hint—they wanted Platinum to complete the Spring Triple Crown in Japan before even considering an overseas campaign.
Yet here was the Silver-White Pegasus, boldly standing before the traditionally rigid and authoritative Japan Racing Association (URA), declaring that they had no right to award her any honors and announcing her intention to race abroad!
Throughout history, no matter how brilliant a star Uma Musume might be, she would eventually have to bow before the colossal presence of the URA. There had never been an exception.
But now, this Pegasus showed not a trace of fear in the face of the URA!
Her courage, combined with such a bold decision to race overseas, sent a shock through every Uma Musume present. It was a moment that made them feel inadequate in a way that went beyond the racetrack.
Further away, at the table reserved for URA executives, the higher-ups—who had just been boasting about the URA's thriving success—suddenly fell silent as a group.
By the time they processed what had happened, their smiles had frozen solid, replaced by… sheer terror! Or perhaps cold sweats, as if they were finally witnessing a disaster unfold before their eyes.
Dubai?
The Dubai World Cup? That race with prize money that not only rivals Japan's most lucrative events but even surpasses them with its absurdly high stakes?
Platinum had seen through their profit-driven plans, and not only did she refuse to comply—she chose to go overseas instead?
Without even negotiating or discussing it, she's just leaving Japan altogether?
No!!
The URA executives collectively lost their composure, overcome with regret and frustration.
The moment they heard "Dubai," their arrogance as high-ranking officials and overseers of Japanese racing instantly froze solid.
Most racing events around the world that surpass Japan's in influence still can't match its prize money.
But the Dubai World Cup? It dominates the URA in both influence and prize money—a complete and utter takedown from start to finish!
From within the URA to the Uma Musume, and even the countless domestic and international viewers watching the awards ceremony live, everyone was deeply shaken.
Some were thrilled, while others were… terrified!
It wasn't until this moment that the full audience understood! People finally realized—Platinum hadn't come to receive an award. She had come to announce her next race!
Why wasn't Platinum wearing formal attire? Because she was fundamentally different from every other Uma Musume there to accept awards and praise from the URA.
She wasn't accepting the URA's honors!
The URA had no right to award her anything!
She hadn't come to receive an award—she had come to declare her overseas campaign. The Demon Queen who had dominated Japanese turf was setting off for foreign shores once again!
She was the demon queen of the racetrack! She would be a Knight going to war!
She was an Assassin in the shadows! She was a soaring Pegasus!
But one thing she would never be—
A tool for the URA to make money.
She would never be an Uma Musume who could be manipulated at will.
Having spoken her piece, the Silver-White Maiden showed not a hint of attachment or desire for the awards beside her, her brilliant amber eyes unwavering.
Then, the girl known as Platinum turned around. Unfazed by the shock she had caused, she strode toward the exit along the red carpet, descending the steps.
A breeze swept through the hall from the open corridor doors, gently stirring the silver-white figure as she calmly and leisurely made her exit.
Reporters who had been live-streaming and photographing the awards ceremony hurriedly shifted their cameras to capture the retreating figure of Pegasus Platinum.
The sound of her boots on the steps was sharp and decisive, echoing through the utterly silent venue…
As the wind brushed past, her white hair lifted slightly, revealing Platinum's exquisitely cold and sharp profile, along with her overwhelmingly commanding presence.
The white racing jacket worn by the Silver-White Maiden flapped audibly in that moment! To everyone watching, it was as if a true battlefield knight had stepped right before their eyes!
Until that gleaming silver-white figure disappeared into the end of the corridor, she never once looked back.
Platinum's words seemed to reverberate endlessly through the vast, empty hall.
Echoing in the minds of the URA members, the numerous Uma Musume, and countless viewers across the world.
'—The URA has no right to award me any honors.'
One can easily imagine this scene being forever etched into the history of Japanese Uma Musume racing, passed down through the ages!
Without a doubt, the storm stirred by the Pegasus's expedition to Dubai had only just begun!!
--+--
Overseas, Europe.
Due to the time difference, a beautiful black-haired Galileo, having just finished her daytime training, was resting in her room.
She stretched lazily, showcasing her perfectly curvaceous figure.
"Come to think of it, I think Japan's Annual Awards Ceremony should be starting around now."
Since she had nothing else to do, she might as well tune in.
"Let's watch the awards. Not that there's any suspense, of course."
"I'll just watch for a bit and then rest. I need to focus on training hard for the Dubai Sheema Classic. There'll be plenty of strong competitors there."
With that, Galileo quickly opened the URA's international livestream.
The moment she clicked in—
"The URA has no right…"
In an instant, Galileo experienced what it meant to be thunderstruck from the very beginning!
"I will take my talents to…"
Huh??
As she clearly saw Pegasus Platinum refusing the URA's award and turning to leave—
Even she, who had twice been a rival to Platinum, found it incredibly cool!
To openly challenge the unreasonable decisions of the domestic racing authority, to reject the thinly veiled demand to run the full Spring Triple Crown, and to have the courage to announce an overseas campaign in front of everyone—it was an audacity unheard of in the history of Japanese Uma Musume!
Was this the dominance and depth of a historic-level Uma Musume, a winner of four Irregular Crowns?
But the very next second, as it sunk in, Galileo's pupils constricted sharply.
She suddenly remembered—she was the one heading to Dubai for a race, wasn't she?
If Platinum was taking her talents to Dubai, didn't that mean they were on a direct collision course?!
"The highlight events of the Dubai World Cup are two main G1s: the 2400-meter turf race and the 2000-meter dirt race."
"Aside from those, there are other races, but they're nowhere near as prestigious. No way Platinum would be interested, and she's never run those distances before."
"As for dirt? That's even more impossible. Dubai Millennium already announced a while ago that she's competing in the Dubai World Cup!"
After running through the process of elimination, Galileo reached a conclusion.
She… was about to get wrecked!!
As for challenging the dirt World Cup with its highest prize money? Galileo didn't even entertain the thought. To her, it was simply impossible.
The first possibility to rule out was Platinum attempting dirt.
If it were that easy to become a dual-surface threat, then over the past few decades… there wouldn't have been only one monster like Dubai Millennium who could compete at a world-class level on both turf and dirt.
Dubai Millennium, the GOAT of dual-surface racing, was one of a kind!
Platinum might have the potential, but… she's too young. She still needs time to develop.
She missed the Satsuki Sho last year when she debuted, so she hasn't even been racing for a full year.
Achieving historic-level status on turf in such a short time is already an absurdly rapid and efficient rise.
How could she possibly also become a dual-surface threat and reach top-level performance on dirt in such a short time?
That kind of thing is utterly unheard of.
Even Dubai Millennium, the GOAT of dual-surface racing, with all her innate talent, still put in immense effort and time to finally bridge the huge gap between turf and dirt.
Beating Dubai Millennium on dirt is something even world-class dirt Uma Musume struggle to do!
Even if Platinum could potentially surpass Dubai Millennium as a dual-surface threat, how could she manage it in such a short time?
From a logical standpoint, it's completely impossible. And Pegasus Platinum is no fool who'd be blindly swayed by prize money!
At that thought, the black-haired girl's eyes went blank.
No way, did Mom's prediction turn out to be completely accurate?
Which means… she was absolutely about to get wrecked!!!
This is bad!
"In the English Epsom Derby, I lost to Pegasus for the first time, by a full eleven lengths."
"Then I went to the Japan Cup for revenge, only to lose again, this time by even more—eighteen lengths!!"
"Now, for the third race, could it be…"
Galileo couldn't help but sit up straight, her plump thighs instinctively pressing together, her breathing growing slightly rapid.
She began to pant softly, her face flushing, feeling as though the room had suddenly grown warmer.
"Gulp…"
She refused to admit she was breaking out in a cold sweat!
The situation seemed… a bit bad!
Would this third race mean an even bigger, more crushing defeat??
Platinum, stay away from me!!!
Originally, Galileo had felt somewhat relieved that Pegasus Platinum had showcased her Zone effect and the overtake special effects during the Arima Kinen.
If it had happened during the Japan Cup… she might have been endlessly rewatched by tens of millions, maybe billions, of people worldwide, with every detail of Platinum's effects scrutinized, and her margin of victory over her opponents analyzed over and over.
She'd been thankful that it didn't happen to her during the Japan Cup…
So why was she about to run into that terrifying Pegasus again, after leaving Japan and deciding to compete in the Dubai Sheema Classic?!
"And what's even more terrifying…"
"The Arima Kinen—many people found out about it too late, so they didn't have time to watch live or attend in person."
"But now, everyone knows about Platinum's effects. Countless people around the world will be ready to fly anywhere to watch her next race."
"Wherever Platinum goes, she'll draw a huge global audience, both online and on-site."
"And after the Arima Kinen, Platinum's next race… is the [Dubai Sheema Classic], where I'll be running too."
Good news: She wasn't in the Arima Kinen, so she avoided being part of Platinum's debut effect showcase.
Bad news: She's about to face Platinum for the third time in Dubai, and the attention will likely surpass even the Arima Kinen!
After all, Japan's Arima Kinen usually gets no overseas attention.
But because it was the Pegasus's first effect showcase, audiences worldwide obsessed with Uma Musume effects rewatched it endlessly, analyzing every frame.
If they missed the first one, they definitely wouldn't miss the second.
So, the upcoming [Dubai Sheema Classic] will probably see its popularity and viewership skyrocket to the level of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Breeders' Cup!
"Ugh… why does it have to be me again?"
Galileo's gaze went distant. She never expected that someone of her caliber—a mere world-class Uma Musume—would face Platinum three times!
Three times! Three times!!!
She must be the Uma Musume who's suffered the most beatings from a historic-level Uma Musume this year… no, in recent years, right?
Like, Tokai Teio only lost twice. She's losing three times!
Maybe…
She should avoid the race?
The thought barely crossed her mind before Galileo dismissed it.
Because—
"If Platinum is coming, won't Dr. Lin be there too?"
Galileo remembered clearly that Lin Anran was Platinum's personal doctor.
For a major overseas campaign like this, they'd usually bring their personal doctor along to ensure they're in peak condition.
If she avoided the race, wouldn't that mean she couldn't go to Dubai and see Dr. Lin?
After some thought…
This renowned "Monarch of Charm" of Europe found her judgment clouded by allure.
In short, beauty conquered fear!
"Alright, bring it on! I've already lost twice. What's a third time?"
"There'll be other world-class competitors besides me, and other talents. I'll aim for a top-two finish amidst the chaos."
She recalled that the famous [Heavy Track Demon · Montjeu] from Europe was considering racing in Dubai.
That genius who loved challenging strong opponents might not have originally planned to compete in Dubai, but with both Platinum and Dubai Millennium confirmed, the event's buzz has reached unprecedented heights…
Montjeu will most likely come to challenge the Dubai Sheema Classic.
"Strive for a top-two finish in this star-studded field!"
Before the black-haired girl's eyes, two lines of text seemed to appear.
[Main Quest 1: Reunite with Dr. Lin, work on deepening your relationship, and take it to the next level!]
[Side Quest 1: Compete against Platinum and Montjeu in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Aim for top two.]
Two quests, one main and one side. She should at least complete one of them, right?
--+--
Japan, night.
Half an hour after the Silver-White Maiden's departure.
The awards ceremony, which should have lasted at least another hour or two, ended early!
Currently, Akikawa Yayoi and Hayakawa Tazuna were walking across the campus, heading back toward the dormitory.
As if she'd just watched a spectacular drama, the petite Uma Musume and Academy Chairwoman, Akikawa Yayoi, wore an excited smile and waved her folding fan.
"Incredible! The Pegasus's courage… truly impressive!"
"For the first time in so long, I've seen an Uma Musume turn the tables and teach the URA a lesson."
"Those URA executives were left in a cold sweat, trembling and losing their composure. They ended the awards early!"
As the chairwoman of Tracen Academy, Akikawa Yayoi never liked dealing with the URA. She knew they were profit-driven, treating Uma Musume as money-making tools.
They'd been lucky to have past stars like Oguri Cap and now the globally famous Pegasus Platinum to boost their growth, yet they acted as if it were their own achievement.
In favorable situations, the URA would turn them into unfavorable ones.
In unfavorable situations, they'd go all-in.
Akikawa Yayoi had thought the URA would be grateful for the attention Platinum brought and use it to develop steadily for a few years.
She never expected they'd have the audacity to try to manipulate Platinum, practically demanding she run the full Spring Triple Crown for meager extra rewards.
The combined prize money of those two G1s couldn't even match one Dubai turf race. Instead, they were taught a harsh lesson.
A truly top-tier Uma Musume isn't confined to Japanese races and can't be easily controlled by a national racing authority.
With this move, Platinum's decision and its aftermath were paving a new path for future Uma Musume!
With Platinum's overseas campaign as a precedent, the URA would have to offer better incentives and stop treating Uma Musume as mere profit-generating tools.
This Pegasus was blazing a trail for her successors, earning deep respect from both Akikawa Yayoi and Hayakawa Tazuna.
"I hope they learn from this lesson."
"Though… it's a hefty lesson, and it's only just beginning to unfold."
Hayakawa Tazuna looked down at her phone, opened to the URA's official website.
The URA's platform was instantly flooded with countless comments.
At an astonishing rate of hundreds per minute, the comments kept pouring in.
In the short time since Platinum's declaration, tens of thousands of comments had already appeared, mostly attacking the URA.
"The URA's Spring Triple Crown rewards are pathetic. They're even worse than the rewards for just one Kikuka Sho race. Are they so money-hungry they're suppressing their top performer's earnings?"
"Who would've thought? Does the URA think the record viewership and impact of the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen are their doing? How dare they pressure Platinum into the Spring Triple Crown?"
"Wow! Platinum rejecting the URA's award was so cool! I hope I dream of cuddling with Miss Platinum tonight!"
"Wait, if Platinum isn't running the Osaka Hai, why did the URA presell tickets? Refund me!"
"Right now, refund my money!"
Some comments attacked the URA, others demanded refunds, and some marveled at Platinum's boldness in rejecting the award and announcing her overseas campaign.
"Refund, refund! I'm not watching the Osaka Hai anymore. I'm flying to Dubai instead."
"If Platinum gets so fed up she never returns to Japan, and I never get to see her again… I'm going to lose it with the URA!!"
"Wah, Platinum, my Platinum… I hope one day she'll return to challenge Japanese G1s."
And this was just after half an hour!
Seeing this, Hayakawa Tazuna's expression turned complicated, tinged with helplessness.
"For the next two to three months, the URA will only grow more regretful and miserable."
"After hitting record highs and selling the most tickets in Osaka Hai history, they're about to face a massive wave of refunds."
"To make things worse, Teio and Tachyon are both injured right now. They can't even find star Uma Musume to fill the gap."
Akikawa Yayoi nodded slightly, agreeing with her assistant.
Then she added with a sigh, "It's too late for regrets now! But that's not even the worst part. The real issue is…"
"After the Dubai World Cup, will Platinum continue her overseas campaign, or will she return to Japan?"
"Right now, the URA has to worry about handling the Osaka Hai crisis and… figuring out how to earn Platinum's forgiveness!"
That's right. The Silver-White Maiden had rejected the URA's award, turned her back on them in front of everyone, and delivered a stinging slap to their face.
The URA's top priority now wasn't to blacklist Platinum—it was to panic and find a way to beg for her forgiveness!
It was predictable that at least half of the Osaka Hai tickets would be refunded, turning record highs into record lows.
The Osaka Hai's painful lesson was inevitable and beyond saving. If Platinum didn't return, the Spring Tenno Sho would likely suffer too.
Only now did those arrogant executives finally realize who the real "boss" of Japanese racing was!
Since they'd turned a favorable situation into a disaster, wasn't it time to go all-in again?
"Once the Dubai World Cup is over, things will get interesting."
"I want to see how the URA plans to win Platinum's forgiveness!"
That'll be a sight to behold.
--+--
Months later!
Time: One week before the Dubai World Cup.
The Silver-White Maiden had already packed her luggage and was ready to depart.
Suddenly, her phone on the desk rang with an incoming call.
But Platinum showed no interest in answering. She didn't seem worried about missing an important call.
Because… there was a 90% chance it was from the URA.
Ever since that night at the awards ceremony, she'd been receiving periodic calls from the URA, always full of apologies.
Not only that, but at a recent press conference, URA executives had even… bowed in apology as a group.
The longer time passed without her signing up for any Japanese races, the more desperate the URA became. They promised significantly better rewards and benefits if she returned, with no need for winning streaks or specific races!
Platinum couldn't be bothered to answer. Miss Pegasus knew that after winning the Dubai World Cup…
The incentives could be negotiated even higher. Why waste time now?
First they resist, then they bow—how laughable!
The languid silver-white maiden didn't answer the call. Instead, she casually opened the URA's website.
A quick glance showed that ticket sales for the Osaka Hai had plummeted to… less than a third of their peak!
They'd hit a new low and were still falling!
Platinum closed her phone, unsurprised.
As she finished packing for Dubai, a thought occurred to her.
"Right, it's time to claim the rewards."
As a bit of a hoarder, she had accumulated rewards to collect!
From treatment rewards to the Arima Kinen race rewards—time to open them!
When Platinum clicked to open them, a few lines of text briefly appeared before her.
[Race: Arima Kinen (Victory)]
[Rewards: Hall of Fame Effect Showcase (Globally Visible), Maturation Progress +15%]
[Current Honkaku Progress: 85%]
Platinum paused, slightly puzzled by the new effect showcase, and clicked to view it.
[Hall of Fame Effect Showcase: When activating your domain, a hall will rise within the Kazimierz Knight Arena, displaying the runners-up you've defeated and the margins of victory]
Huh?
A Hall of Fame showcase? A runners-up display?
Does that mean… among the list of runner-up achievements, Daiwa Scarlet will be prominently featured at the top for the whole world to see?!
--+--
T/N: Its lowkey funny how inaccurate their guesses are
--+--
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.