Hall of Fame?
A display of the losing margins—the number of lengths behind the winner—achieved by the strongest rivals who came closest to defeating her in past races?
Why does this feel like a ranking system, laying out all the "achievements" for everyone to see? Then wouldn't the top spot be...
Normally, halls of fame or rings of honor in various countries and regions are major accolades. They celebrate great Uma Musume with remarkable track records, and only those with monumental achievements can be inducted.
For instance, the U.S. Hall of Fame includes monsters like War Admiral and Seabiscuit.
Japan's Hall of Fame features symbols of greatness like Symboli Rudolf and Narita Brian.
Purely in terms of "quality," the U.S. Hall of Fame far surpasses Japan's.
And now… White Platinum is about to establish her own Hall of Fame!
What's different is that Platinum's Hall of Fame will showcase the second-place finishers—the ones who came closest to her in every race!
All you silver medalists, line up!!
So then…
Is this a reward or a punishment for those second-place Uma Musume?
After seeing this, even the delicate face of the silver-haired girl twitched slightly.
'I recall the closest was… Daiwa Scarlet, who was five lengths behind.'
That five-length defeat is already famous throughout Japan and is well-known internationally as a respectable achievement.
'And the race where I won by the largest margin, with the runner-up being Manhattan Cafe in the Kikuka Sho, right?'
'I believe it was… thirty-one lengths?'
The Kikuka Sho, over 3000 meters, was the longest race Platinum had run up to that point, and it was where she achieved her largest winning margin in her career.
Manhattan Cafe wasn't weak back then—in fact, she was incredibly strong, probably more formidable than most past Kikuka Sho winners. She had even mastered her Zone during the classic races season, yet she ended up with the record for the largest margin of defeat against Platinum.
And now, Platinum was adding a [Hall of Fame Visual Effect] to display the Uma Musume and the margin of defeat in each race where her opponent came closest!
But it's easy to imagine: just one glance at that erected Hall of Fame would ignite the fighting spirit of every future second-place finisher—if only to avoid being etched at the very bottom of Platinum's Hall of Fame!
To avoid being the lowest, they'd have to strive not to fall too far behind Platinum!
From top to bottom—Daiwa Scarlet with the smallest margin of five lengths at the top, and Manhattan Cafe with the largest margin of thirty-one lengths at the bottom—looking at that "ranking," future Uma Musume would likely be compelled to summon their competitive drive!
The silver-haired girl could easily picture it!
In the future, this [Hall of Fame] of hers, activated alongside her Zone, would undoubtedly become a huge topic of discussion and debate!
Daiwa Scarlet's name would transform from "somewhat known" internationally to truly "world-renowned."
In the future, foreign Uma Musume visiting Japan might even invite her for training matches, or challenge her like how Galileo and Fantastic Light did!
But would that be a good thing or a bad thing…?
Most importantly, from now on, the second-place finishers in Platinum's races would undoubtedly become the subject of endless curiosity and discussion among spectators.
For example…
'Daiwa Scarlet would definitely crush Galileo!'
'Five lengths > eleven lengths, eighteen lengths!'
'But I heard in their training match, Galileo beat Daiwa Scarlet by five lengths?'
'Daiwa Scarlet would surely destroy Fantastic Light! Fantastic Light didn't even make it into Platinum's Hall of Fame—how can she compare to Japan's [Legendary Phantom Uma Musume] who only lost by five lengths?'
'Yet, I heard Fantastic Light also easily beat Daiwa Scarlet by five lengths in a training match?'
'Always five lengths… I suspect Daiwa Scarlet is controlling the margin, intentionally losing by exactly five lengths!'
Comments like these would undoubtedly flood in after Platinum's next race, the Dubai World Cup!
After all, debating strength and achievements has always been a popular pastime for the public, and that's true all over the world.
If you didn't want to be drawn into comparisons with Daiwa Scarlet, if you didn't want to end up in Platinum's Hall of Fame as a stepping stone for her…
Then there was only one choice! Surpass Platinum!
'To avoid being at the bottom of the Hall of Fame, they have to surpass me?'
'This new visual effect… seems quite interesting.'
The girl, Platinum, gently stroked her chin, tilting her head slightly.
She couldn't help but look forward to… how her opponents in the Dubai World Cup would react when they saw that Hall of Fame!
Previously, her visual effects were meant for the audience.
But now, with this Hall of Fame effect, Platinum was eager to show it to the little fillies on the track.
Unfortunately, there was still a week until the Dubai World Cup began.
'But I can't let my guard down. My opponents seem very, very strong.'
'And this is my first time racing on dirt.'
'To be safe, I should head to the dirt training track to get a feel for the surface.'
Her opponent was a super powerhouse renowned worldwide as the GOAT—a historical monster whose name would be remembered for generations!
A dual-surface genius on both turf and dirt—Dubai Millennium!
Caution!
This Pegasus is incredibly strong, yet excessively cautious!
After all, this body once served as the Platinum rank of the Armorless Union and acted as a Knight-Slayer—rationality and caution were almost instinctual.
Surviving countless dangerous missions relied not only on immense strength but also on that indispensable caution.
Although the world of Uma Musume wasn't as dark and dangerous as that other land, it still didn't pay to be too careless.
Besides, if she lost… the prize money would be significantly reduced!
'Since I'm about to start working overtime again after so long…'
'If I don't win the race and my overtime pay gets slashed… wouldn't that mean I worked for nothing?'
The silver-haired girl, who had an inexplicable obsession with overtime, refused to accept failure.
If she was putting in overtime, she had to take home the biggest prize. Otherwise, what was the point?
So, she had to win!
Facing a famous, widely respected opponent while racing on dirt for the first time meant she really needed to put some effort into adapting to the different conditions.
'Alright, I'll head out soon.'
Before leaving, Platinum turned her attention back to the system panel in front of her.
She switched to her personal information screen.
[Code Name: Platinum]
[Race: Kuranta (?) (Evolving)]
[Current Maturation Progress: 85%]
[Height: 160 cm]
[Surface Affinity: Turf (A), Dirt (A)]
[Distance Affinity: Sprint (A), Mile (A), Medium(A), Long (A)]
[Running Style Affinity: Front (A), Pace (A), Late (A), End (A)]
[Innate Skill: ?]
Compared to the last time she checked, significant changes had occurred.
Platinum clearly remembered that when it first activated, her maturation progress was only at 15%, and some of her distance and running style affinities were still at B.
But now… everything had grown to the highest rank—A!
Platinum? More like Star Platinum!
Just looking at the data, she had become a complete all-rounder, which left the silver-haired girl immensely satisfied.
What surprised her most was the [Dirt (A)] rating.
It had been stuck at B for the longest time, but now that it had reached A, she finally felt secure.
It seemed she had no weaknesses left.
'All A!'
'But… my Maturation isn't fully complete yet, right??'
After a moment of pleasant surprise, Platinum refocused on her maturation progress.
Based on her running style, surface, and distance affinities, she had no weaknesses left!
Since her stats were nearly maxed out, what would come next? Even Platinum couldn't help but wonder.
She stood up and turned to look at herself in the mirror.
In the reflection, Platinum's flat, youthful figure remained completely unchanged.
She hadn't grown taller, nor had any other aspects developed—everything stayed exactly as it was.
With her maturation at 85% and her stats maxed out, where would the remaining 15% go?
Gazing at her reflection, Platinum felt puzzled.
Would it enhance her height or figure?
Or would something new happen with her innate skill, still marked with a question mark? Maybe a new skill would appear?
Or… perhaps there were other surprises in store?
Curious, Platinum finally closed the panel.
It was too early to dwell on this. She'd worry about it after completing this [Mid-Stage Campaign Schedule]!
'Dubai, Spring Tenno Sho, Takarazuka Kinen…'
'After these, my Maturation will definitely be complete, and the final schedule will begin, right?'
Platinum's eyes shifted to her packed suitcase.
'For now, off to Dubai!'
--+--
Some time later, daytime!
In Dubai, at a luxurious training ground specially prepared for competing Uma Musume.
The training track was meticulously designed to mimic the turf surface of the Dubai World Cup, making it quite costly.
A renowned, stunningly beautiful black-haired girl from Europe stood on this turf.
In the next instant, her pupils constricted sharply.
'Huh?'
'So this is a neutral surface, somewhere between Europe and Japan—not too soft, not too hard?'
Galileo had been somewhat worried about whether she'd adapt to Dubai's track.
So far, she'd only trained on Europe's soft turf and the hard Japanese turf she'd spent a month adapting to.
The soft turf of Europe and the hard turf of Japan were polar opposites, unlike anywhere else.
Before arriving, she'd been concerned that Dubai's turf might be too different from either, affecting her performance and making it hard even to secure second place.
But now, after just a short time on Dubai's training turf, Galileo felt both surprised and relieved.
'Whew…'
She immediately sensed that this was a high-cost, meticulously prepared track. Considering the nearly hundred Uma Musume participating in the various dirt World Cup events… they'd really spared no expense.
No wonder the prize money here surpassed Japan's by a significant margin, ranking among the highest in the world.
'It seems not only is the prize money world-class, but the turf is also top-tier!'
'This intermediate surface between Japan and Europe ensures that Uma Musume from both sides can adapt, guaranteeing a high baseline performance for every competitor!'
A slight, satisfied smile tugged at Galileo's lips.
If the environment were too unfamiliar, Uma Musume with limited overseas experience might struggle to adapt, leading to a significant drop in form.
Take, for example, Fantastic Light in the Japan Cup, or past Japanese Uma Musume in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
But this kind of turf would maximize every competitor's baseline performance, preventing any major dips in form and ensuring a spectacular race for the world.
Of course, it also meant you couldn't count on opponents being in poor form—they'd likely perform decently as well.
'But both Platinum and I have trained extensively on both Japanese and European turf.'
'So Dubai's surface actually benefits us the most.'
Having adapted to both the softest European turf and the hardest Japanese turf, Galileo was confident she could perform at her absolute best, going all out!
The bad news: Platinum would also be going all out.
That world-famous Pegasus, Platinum, whom audiences from countless countries would be watching live, eager to see her visual effects, would showcase her unparalleled dominance!
A Pegasus who could win the Epsom Derby would have no trouble with European turf, let alone Japanese turf.
This perfect blend of both surfaces was practically heaven for Platinum! So, the difficulty of seeking revenge and claiming first place seemed to have increased.
But the good news was that her chances of securing second place had also greatly improved.
'In comparison, another strong opponent—Senior Montjeu—her main battleground is in Europe, and she hasn't had much experience with hard turf.'
Montjeu, renowned as the "Heavy Ground Demon," excelled on Europe's soft turf.
'As long as it doesn't rain and the going remains good… [the advantage is mine]!'
At that thought, the black-haired girl, Galileo, broke into a pleased smile.
It seemed her side mission—secure second, aim for first—was highly likely to be accomplished!
If it turned into heavy ground, triggering Montjeu's most fearsome form…
Montjeu had once won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on historically rare, extremely difficult heavy ground, transforming into a rain-soaked demon king to claim victory—a true monster on soft turf.
Even Galileo, with her Sea bloodline and inheritance from another heavy ground demon, couldn't be absolutely sure of defeating that monster in the rain.
'On good ground, Montjeu is a standard world-class competitor.'
'But the heavier the rain, the stronger she becomes. Her performance in that Arc was undoubtedly historic.'
If normal Uma Musume saw their speed, stamina, and power greatly hampered in the rain, Montjeu's incredible adaptability meant she'd be far less affected.
If it really rained…
Not only would Galileo suffer, but even a historic-level Pegasus like Platinum would have to weigh whether she could hold onto first place!
'No need to worry too much—the chance of rain is pretty low.'
A lazy yet determined glint flashed across the black-haired beauty's face.
No matter how excellent the opponents or luxurious the race conditions, she wouldn't be easily intimidated!
'Even if it does rain, my heavy ground affinity isn't low. I might not lose.'
After all, she was the daughter of Urban Sea, winner of the Arc on heavy ground, and a scion of the Sea family. Her heavy ground adaptability might not be as terrifying as Montjeu's, but it was nothing to scoff at!
Besides, this race…
Was just a side mission in her mind!
That's right, a side mission!
'By now, Dr. Lin should have arrived too, right?'
'I'll need to observe his relationship with Platinum closely and see if I can arrange a meeting with Dr. Lin.'
Before Galileo left, her younger sister, Sea the Stars, had repeatedly begged her reliable older sister for help, hoping to learn about the relationship between Dr. Lin and Platinum.
After all, Dr. Lin hadn't chosen to become the personal doctor for any Japanese horse girl—except Platinum!
Her sister, Sea the Stars, who was in Europe preparing for this year's top-tier G1 races, was worried that before she could claim the title of Strongest…
She'd be beaten to it by a certain little Pegasus!
Before she reached the top, she couldn't let that happen!
So, when Sea the Stars heard that Platinum had confirmed her entry for the Dubai World Cup, she panicked.
That peerless young girl with world-topping talent, at least historic-level and potentially legendary, Sea the Stars, flushed with agitation and anxiety, sought out her older sister, Galileo.
She was terrified that the Dubai World Cup would turn into a romantic getaway for Platinum and her personal doctor, Lin Anran!
To prevent that from happening but unable to go herself, Sea the Stars could only earnestly commission her good older sister Galileo to investigate—for the second time.
'See, you're getting worked up again.'
Galileo had sighed at the time, then said that as her older sister, she really ought to help her younger sister in need.
Finally, after much hesitation, Galileo reluctantly agreed.
However, what Sea the Stars didn't know was…
Even if she hadn't asked, her trusted older sister would have done it anyway.
Not for any other reason than to maybe gain a brother-in-law.
'Alright, time to try and arrange a meeting with Dr. Lin!'
--+--
That afternoon, in a luxurious hotel suite.
'Great, finally here.'
Lin Anran dragged his suitcase inside and began unpacking, taking out the things he'd need during his stay.
As he organized his luggage, he couldn't help but marvel at the Dubai World Cup's generosity.
The event covered accommodation for over a month, even allowing for extended stays post-race, so participants could sightsee and travel freely.
Many expenses, including those for the Uma Musume's team members—trainers, doctors, etc.—were also covered.
Such extravagance was something Lin Anran hadn't encountered much during his time in Japan or the U.S.
So, he fully embraced being a 'budget freeloader,' milking the double allowances for both Uma Musume and doctor!
It was practically a vacation—all he had to do was win the race in a few days, and everything would be perfect!
In high spirits, the unscrupulous young doctor continued unpacking…
Before long, he heard the ringtone of Platinum's phone.
No surprise, it was another call from the URA.
Hearing it, Lin Anran didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
'Looks like those ticket refunds haven't hit rock bottom yet—they're still pouring in?'
'It's the first time I've seen the URA this desperate. But… I'm in no hurry.'
Lin Anran suspected that if he were to transform into White Platinum and show up at the URA headquarters saying…
'What right do you have to order me around?'
'The popularity of Japanese racing across hundreds of countries on several continents rests on my shoulders!'
The URA would probably see the light instantly, nodding in agreement, afraid to upset Platinum.
But for now…
No rush. Let them sweat a little.
After the Dubai World Cup, he'd see how sincere the URA was and how much they wanted to improve.
For now, he'd enjoy this working vacation and get a feel for the dirt track.
Having made up his mind, the unscrupulous young doctor went back to unpacking.
But within seconds…
Another phone notification sounded.
This time, it wasn't from Platinum's phone—it was his own SNS alert.
'Mine?'
Puzzled, Lin Anran immediately took out his phone and opened the message.
Then, he saw a familiar name from far away in the U.S.
[Secretariat]!
That Big Red?
After Lin Anran had abandoned the 'trash' he'd initially misjudged, hastily leaving for Japan, he'd been busy crushing Japanese 'trash' for prize money while transforming into Platinum to win races there.
Not long after, Secretariat and Dahlia debuted in the U.S. and Europe, racking up win after win, making Lin Anran realize…
He might have been a little off in his judgment!!
Since that 'trash' had turned out to be excellent, valuable fillies, there was value in reconnecting and, well, milking them for prize money!
So, Lin Anran still kept in touch with Secretariat and the others regularly.
In a previous conversation, the unscrupulous young doctor had mentioned that he was currently Platinum's 'Personal Doctor.'
Secretariat had probably been busy then—she'd stayed silent for a while before resuming normal conversation.
And now, had Big Red sent another message?
[Secretariat: Dr. Lin, have you arrived in Dubai with Platinum yet?]
Lin Anran was surprised. As he replied, he hadn't expected Secretariat to be following the Dubai World Cup.
[LinAnran: Yes, just arrived today.]
[Secretariat: Dubai Millennium, the top favorite for the Dubai Dirt World Cup, is a friend of mine. If you need anything, Dr. Lin, you can reach out to her.]
[Secretariat: I've asked her to look out for you.]
Reading this, Lin Anran's sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
However, his sharpness often leaned in unusual directions. He wasn't focused on the fact that Secretariat had asked someone to look out for him—he was more interested in the phrases 'a friend of mine' and 'asked.'
Usually, even if they were friends before debuting, if there was a skill gap, the younger, weaker one would still feel grateful to the senior friend who helped them improve through training matches—basic manners.
But in Secretariat's tone, there didn't seem to be any particular reverence for a senior, stronger Uma Musume?
It sounded more like a relationship between equals, ordinary friends?
Could it be that even in training matches, Dubai Millennium couldn't defeat Secretariat or help her improve?
Remember, Secretariat was only in her classic year this year!
Dubai Millennium, now in her older years, was already one of the top contenders in the U.S., a historic-level powerhouse on dirt, and a dual-surface GOAT excelling on both turf and dirt.
Facing someone with such an impressive record and reputation, even the European horse girl world, which didn't prioritize dirt racing, would hold her in high esteem—especially since Dubai Millennium was also skilled on turf, a truly all-around powerful champion.
Yet, Secretariat didn't seem to view Dubai Millennium as an insurmountable senior to catch up to?
After all, Secretariat was only competing in the U.S. Triple Crown this year?
The unscrupulous young doctor's eyes widened as he quickly typed a reply.
[Lin Anran: Have you had training matches with Dubai Millennium? Who's stronger?]
After sending his curious question!
[Secretariat: ?]
[Secretariat: Dr. Lin, don't you follow U.S. Uma Musume of the Year awards?]
Lin Anran's expression turned subtly complex.
He'd been too busy saying the URA had no right to award honors—how could he remember the U.S. annual awards?
But a quick search was easy. He immediately opened his phone's browser.
Within seconds…
A piece of news that shocked Lin Anran appeared.
[Unprecedented! An Uma Musume in her freshman year becomes U.S. Horse of the Year!]
[Successor to dirt GOAT Man o' War! The big red monster: Secretariat!]
No way, pal…
Seriously?
That's her freshman year?
A youngster who shouldn't even be old enough for the Classic Triple Crown yet—equivalent to a middle schooler acing the college entrance exam!
To put it in more relatable terms, it'd be like…
—Daiwa Scarlet, after losing her debut race, charging ahead nonstop to become Japan's Horse of the Year!
Yeah, exactly!
Daiwa Scarlet is red; the Big Red monster is red.
Daiwa Scarlet lost her debut; Secretariat lost her debut.
Daiwa Scarlet was a freshman; Secretariat was a freshman.
One made history; the other also made history.
Except… Japan's 'Big Red,' 'Scarlet' filly seemed to be lagging behind in raw ability by, well, a significant margin.
'No way, Horse of the Year as a freshman?'
This was something Lin Anran had never seen before.
Although Platinum, at what should have been her freshman year, skipped grades to win an Irregular Quadruple Crown.
In terms of prestige, Secretariat's achievement as U.S. Horse of the Year in her freshman year was undoubtedly historic.
In other words, even before competing in the U.S. Triple Crown Secretariat had already surpassed world-class, reaching historic-level Uma Musume status?!
She was clearly aiming for legendary, maybe even Man o' War's GOAT title!
'Oh no, I thought she was trash, but she's a great white shark…'
Lin Anran suddenly remembered the promise he'd made with Secretariat before leaving the U.S.!
The Strongest?!
Wait, did Secretariat already achieve that?
Danger!!!
[Secretariat: If being the annual strongest is all, that'd be too boring. Dr. Lin, that Japanese Pegasus you contracted also achieved annual strongest, right?]
[Secretariat: This year, either Sea the Stars or Dahlia will likely become the annual strongest in various European countries, or even all of Europe. There are way too many Uma Musume who can achieve annual strongest in their respective countries.]
[Secretariat: So, I've been in touch with other Uma Musume besides Platinum and raised the target to…]
[Secretariat: GOAT! Whoever becomes the universally acknowledged Greatest of All Time first will be the only one to fulfill the agreement with Dr. Lin, and no one else may interfere.]
Reading this, Lin Anran stared blankly.
Huh?
What did she mean… too many Uma Musume can achieve annual strongest in their countries, annual strongest is too boring?
'Could my judgment… really be that poor?'
As Lin Anran fell silent for a moment, Secretariat's final message came through.
[Secretariat: Since I achieved annual strongest first, as a small reward, can I see you again, Dr. Lin?]
[Secretariat: Although my opponents in the U.S. Triple Crown two or three months from now are unusually strong, like Sham, I won't lose.]
[Secretariat: I'll achieve something unprecedented in the U.S. Triple Crown, setting an unbeatable record in the third leg, the Belmont Stakes.]
[Secretariat: At that time, Dr. Lin, please witness it from the front row! I am willing to share my glory, prize money, and everything with you!]
The Big Red monster, Secretariat!
Had extended an invitation to Lin Anran!
Time-wise, after the Takarazuka Kinen and the start of his second transformation, he'd just miss the U.S. Triple Crown.
So, the Uma Musume the unscrupulous young doctor transformed into would likely face other U.S. Uma Musume in next year's Triple Crown races.
Seeing the key word—prize money!—in that last message…
Lin Anran made his decision.
He'd go!
It wasn't that he was attached to the prize money or anything—he just couldn't bear to neglect the adorable fillies he'd been close to in the past.
What if Big Red had an upset during the race!
Or got injured during the competition?
So, he absolutely had to watch the race closely, to witness Secretariat's performance and ensure the safety of the Uma Musume competing.
At that time, it'd also be a good opportunity to test the abilities of the second dirt Uma Musume he would transform into on American soil.
'Then… after watching Secretariat's race, I'll transform into the second Kuranta Uma Musume?'
What would she become?
--+--
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.