"Are you all just here to fight for second place?"
Platinum was already sizing up her dirt track rivals!
The icy calm of the Silver-White Maiden's declaration struck like a thunderbolt, plunging the vast locker room into a prolonged, dead silence.
Silence!
Stillness!
Astonishment!
Then, the tall, powerful dirt-specialist Uma Musume snapped out of it, their expressions a complex mix.
Some stared at the silver-haired girl as if she were a monster, their eyes wide with utter disbelief.
'Is she... insane?'
'Two races in one day? And not some short 1000 or 1200-meter sprint, but a full 2000-meter middle-distance race?'
Others glared at the one known as Pegasus, Eclipse, and the Turf Titan with either pure rage or something verging on delirious excitement.
'If she's arrogant enough to try, let's give her a proper lesson.'
'Dirt racing isn't as simple as you think!'
'Perfect. Defeating the Turf Titan, a historical-grade grass specialist, will be quite the honor.'
'Heh, I'll admit your performances on grass earned you the titles [Titan] and [Pegasus], but that doesn't make you a titan of the dirt!'
The title 'Titan' carries immense weight globally, especially in the West.
To those in the East less familiar with the mythology, it might just mean a 'Giant'—someone stronger than the average Uma Musume. But its true origin lies in Greek myth, referring to the Primordial Race of Gods that ruled before Zeus, far more than mere 'giants'... they were [Colossi]! Colossi of the turf!
If legends like Eclipse or Man o' War were powerful enough to be likened to gods within their mythos, then the current Pegasus, Platinum, was now widely recognized as having the potential to challenge their absolute dominance!
In other words, Platinum had achieved universal acclaim within the global turf-racing community, seen as a super-monster transcending the very limits of her kind, reaching heights no Japanese—or even Asian—Uma Musume had ever approached before.
Pegasus!
Eclipse!
Titan!
These three renowned monikers, each widely recognized by the international grass-racing world, not just some local 'Emperor' acknowledged only in Japan.
The greatest in Japanese history, arguably the greatest in Asian history! A title truly deserved!
But... on dirt, in America, where Platinum had no victories against American Uma Musume to her name, her fame was limited to her flashy visual effects.
After all, the American racing scene was dominated by dirt tracks, with grass races holding less prestige.
The legendary Uma Musume Dancing Brave, after conquering Europe and winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, ventured to America for the Breeders' Cup Turf, only to meet defeat and see her expedition fail.
Her titles of 'World's Strongest' and 'Legend of the Turf' were never recognized or accepted by the American racing establishment.
And now, this young Pegasus chose to run the Dubai Sheema Classic, immediately followed by the World Cup on dirt!
If she could actually win… she would achieve what the previous grass legend could not, gaining recognition that had been denied!
This miraculous feat seemed utterly impossible, even in the eyes of many American Uma Musume.
In the locker room, numerous American dirt specialists acknowledged Platinum's absolute dominance on the rain-soaked grass course just moments before.
But dirt… they refused to believe this arrogant Pegasus could win so easily!
Their hostile gazes fixed on the silver-haired girl. They felt their chosen path, their profession, was being looked down upon by this Titan.
They had to teach this Titan a lesson!
They had to make Platinum understand: a Grass Titan is not a Dirt Titan!
Even Dubai Millennium, after a long silence, crossed her arms and watched the silver-haired girl enter.
"You can still back out now."
It was a warning from the greatest dual-surface Uma Musume in history.
Dubai Millennium leaned back arrogantly in her chair, legs crossed like a queen on her throne, looking down as she offered her advice and caution.
'I'd prefer to fight you at your full strength, after you've rested.'
'Beating the Pegasus in this state… the sense of accomplishment just wouldn't be enough.'
As the G.O.A.T., she felt she had the right to warn this overly proud little Pegasus.
The difference between dirt and grass was fundamental.
And not only that, the rain hadn't stopped—this was a dirt course turned sloppy!
With Platinum's career being so short, constantly engaged in grueling grass races, how much time could she possibly have had to adapt to dirt?
Even if she could barely handle a standard dirt track, she couldn't possibly be stronger on it than on grass, let alone adapt to a heavy, rain-soaked dirt course!
Furthermore, Platinum had just finished an intensely competitive, high-stakes race—the Dubai Sheema Classic—where she had just handed a devastating defeat to that 'Devil of the Heavy Turf,' Montjeu!
One could say this silver-haired Pegasus was likely in the weakest state of her career, her unbeaten record more vulnerable than ever.
So, many dirt racers already felt insulted—either personally, or on behalf of their discipline—their anger and fighting spirit ignited, or their interest piqued, eager to crush the Pegasus.
But Dubai Millennium, conversely, found her interest lacking.
To be precise, she didn't want to taste this delicious morsel just yet.
In the eyes of this super-talent, whose dirt prowess alone placed her among the historical greats, defeating Platinum now felt… wasteful.
It was like plucking and eating a sweet peach just before it ripens, while it's still slightly green—a shame.
Yes, a waste.
Even if she could beat the Pegasus twice, remember, Platinum was currently undefeated. The thrill of defeating a stronger, peak-form Pegasus later would undoubtedly be lesser.
So, Dubai Millennium preferred to 'do it right the first time,' hoping to end the reign of the Pegasus at her strongest, not defeat her at her weakest.
The arrogance of the supreme was on full display in this greatest dual-surface Uma Musume in history!
"You should go back and think it over again."
Even after speaking, Dubai Millennium's gaze remained locked on the silver-haired girl, not wavering for a second.
But contrary to her expectations, and everyone else's...
A supremely indifferent response came from Platinum, uttered with utter calm.
"Unnecessary. The outcome will be the same regardless."
That reply made Dubai Millennium, and the surrounding dirt racers, freeze.
The Pegasus… was dead serious!!
Facing a Platinum with no intention of backing down or avoiding the fight, Dubai Millennium extended a pale hand, a slight smile forming as she began to clap.
'It takes courage to challenge me on dirt!'
'But that's the only thing I can praise you for.'
She had never seen such a reckless, foolhardy horse girl!
If that was the case, she would just take Platinum's undefeated record early!
The heated atmosphere of a direct clash instantly intensified!
Yet, the silver-haired girl showed no trace of nervousness about crossing disciplines or this insane schedule.
Drenched by the rain, Miss Pegasus simply sat calmly in a corner seat, letting the droplets still clinging to her racing silks and the bow on her head drip steadily onto the floor.
It was nothing more than… completing two hunts in a row.
--+--
A short while later.
From the corridor outside the locker room, a discussion audible to every Uma Musume inside filtered through the walls.
It came from members of the Dubai racing officials, approaching the locker room.
"Strange... the stage crew contacted us saying Miss Platinum hasn't arrived at the performance venue yet."
"Not surprising, given the heavy going. Maybe Miss Platinum wants to face her fans in her best possible state, so she's finding a place to do her makeup or something?"
"The influence of the Pegasus is something else. So many spectators in the stadium, even with another race coming up... the main event, the highest-stakes Dirt World Cup!"
"Nearly half the audience is choosing to leave early just to not miss Miss Platinum's performance, heading over to the concert venue."
"Even though they could watch the Dirt World Cup and only miss a few songs, so many would rather skip it than miss a single song from Miss Pegasus. Her influence is terrifying."
"Enough talk, let's quickly do the final registration check in the locker room, confirm the starters, and then we can run to the venue too. We can't miss a single song of the Pegasus's performance!"
"..."
As the discussion grew nearer.
Uma Musume weren't just superior to humans in speed and strength; their senses of smell and hearing were also heightened.
That entire conversation fell clearly upon the ears of the dozen-plus dirt racers in the room.
Their expressions collectively stiffened.
"Huh???"
"The crowd's already down by nearly half, and it hasn't even started?"
Even Dubai Millennium looked towards Miss Pegasus with an incredibly complex expression.
Such influence was truly terrifying!!
It was a frightening charm capable of stealing away the loyal fans of countless other Uma Musume!
Even more bizarrely, Platinum was about to run this Dirt World Cup!
Dubai Millennium could already imagine it: the crowd at the Sheema Classic victory concert venue, bewildered and confused when Platinum failed to appear...
Only to receive a last-minute official announcement that she was running another race!
At that point, tens of thousands of people would likely surge back from the concert hall to the grandstands in a frantic rush!
What a strange, unprecedented scene...
After this sigh of amazement, Dubai Millennium saw the locker room door open.
Two race officials, clipboards and pens in hand, entered, immediately looking down to record the Uma Musume present.
In many international races, numerous entries might sign up, but some decide at the last minute to not show up in the locker room, often due to the heavy track or the presence of top-tier competitors.
Therefore, a pre-race check was needed to confirm the final starters, adjust gate positions, and then begin the race.
As the two officials prepared to quickly finish their tally and rush off to watch the Sheema Classic concert...
While counting, their eyes reached the corner of the room, where they saw the silver-haired girl, traces of rainwater around her, sitting with her eyes closed, conserving her energy!
The next second, the two officials were utterly dumbfounded, their eyes glazed over with shock.
Not only that, the clipboards and pens in their hands slipped from their grasp and fell to the floor, completely unnoticed.
"Th-this... this..."
This couldn't be a case of the wrong room?
This super Uma Musume, already on a seven-race G1 winning streak, a veteran of multiple international G1s, couldn't possibly have gotten lost. Absolutely impossible!
So then, could it be...?
The officials collectively sucked in a sharp breath, a simultaneous hiss of stunned disbelief.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they couldn't help but voice the question whose answer they already suspected but dared not believe.
"Miss Platinum... Miss Platinum!"
"Might we ask... are you intending to run in this Dirt World Cup?"
Immediately, the silver-haired girl opened her eyes, her amber pupils filled with composure and calm.
She gave a slight nod, offering a brief reply to the Dubai officials.
"Yes."
This... this was real?!
The Pegasus was going for a second race!!
"We... we understand! We'll record it immediately and inform the spectators and race officials!"
"Good luck in your race, Miss Platinum!!"
--+--
In the grandstands.
Members of the Dubai racing executive committee sat in the front rows.
Many of them desperately wanted to dash to Platinum's Winner's Stage.
But alas, the race they had poured so much effort into organizing had to be seen through to the end. They couldn't abandon the final, premier event due to personal preference.
"Ah, I want to see Platinum."
"Gonna miss two or three of her songs, boo hoo..."
"Who knows when we'll see the Pegasus soar in Dubai again next year."
"By next year, her status and influence will be even higher. Even if we maintain the current benefits and prize money, it might be hard to attract her back."
"Next year, we must increase the prize money, try our best to get Platinum to compete again! We can raise the budget!"
Even with the premier Dirt World Cup about to start, their conversation still revolved around Platinum.
And then, not long after...
The emergency comms units in their ears buzzed with an alert from race officials.
An incredibly important urgent announcement suddenly spread through many Dubai officials and executives!
"Emergency broadcast! Platinum is confirmed to be starting in the upcoming Dirt World Cup!!"
"Repeat, Platinum is confirmed to be..."
"Repeat, Platinum..."
Clearly, the official relaying the message knew this information was too shocking and unbelievable.
Saying it once might lead many colleagues to think it was a hallucination or a mistake.
So, it had to be repeated at least three times.
When the executives in the grandstands heard it and fully processed it...
They stared, dumbfounded, at each other.
"Huh?"
"But..."
"The Pegasus just finished a 2400-meter grass race and is now running a 2000-meter dirt race?"
"This... this?"
As for the high prize money and the large percentage of additional bonuses, in this case of running two races, Dubai Racing wouldn't bat an eye.
The Pegasus's spectacular performance, in their view, was utterly worth the budget!
What worried them was...
"Can she really win with this unprecedented schedule?"
"Her opponent is the dual-surface G.O.A.T., Dubai Millennium, a dirt super-monster!!"
"Platinum's achievements on grass have already surpassed Dubai Millennium's past grass records. If she actually runs this Dirt World Cup and defeats Dubai Millennium head-on as a fellow dual-surface Uma Musume..."
"The honors of [Greatest Dual-Surface Horse Girl of All Time] and [Dual-Surface G.O.A.T.] will be taken by the Pegasus!!!"
"Provided she wins the race, that is!"
Can the Pegasus really win?
"Right, right, the main point now should be..."
"Quickly notify all those Pegasus fans who skipped the dirt race and went to the concert venue waiting for her performance!"
"The Pegasus never even went there!!"
"Hurry, get the spectators all to come back! Don't let this turn into an incident!"
--+--
Meanwhile.
Inside the Sheema Classic concert venue.
Two petite younger Uma Musume, Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond, sat in the front rows, full of anticipation.
"Even though we never get to see such intense, high-level dirt racing back in Japan..."
"Compared to Miss Pegasus's victory concert, let's just watch the performance."
"Yeah, seeing Miss Platinum is more important!"
As the two Japanese fillies waited eagerly for the dazzling silver-haired Pegasus to emerge from backstage...
Before long, hurried footsteps echoed, and then a staff member in a conspicuous racing association uniform, face stunned, took the stage with a microphone.
"Latest news! Platinum has chosen to compete in the next race, the imminently starting [Dirt World Cup]!"
"As she won the Dubai Sheema Classic by a large margin, there are no second or third-place finishers available for the usual victory performance dance. Therefore, the stage show for this race cannot proceed."
"Please everyone return to the grandstands to watch Platinum's second race—her dirt debut, right after her grass victory!"
After the staff member delivered the message, it was like dropping a powerful bomb into the crowd of nearly a hundred thousand people!
Instantly, sharp cries of shock, disbelief, and amazement erupted from the countless fans.
"???"
"Huh?!!"
"What? We have to go all the way back..."
"Hurry! The Dirt World Cup is about to start! We can't miss the Pegasus's dirt debut!"
"Missing this victory concert doesn't matter; maybe there will be another one after her next race?"
"Let's go! Quick, run back to the seats!!"
Amid the crowd, even Satono Diamond and Kitasan Black's eyes went wide.
But they had no time to think or discuss; they quickly got up to leave their seats and dash back to the racetrack.
In all the years of the Dubai World Cup, it was the first time so many spectators had left before the final race!
And also the first time such a scene had been caused by the announcement of a single Uma Musume's participation!
"The Pegasus's dirt debut!"
"The battle against Dubai Millennium for the dual-surface G.O.A.T. title! We absolutely cannot miss it!!"
--+--
A short time later.
The official start time arrived, and staff again came to the locker room.
"First betting favorite: Dubai Millennium. Second favorite: Platinum. Third..."
"Please prepare to enter the track."
Even with Platinum's popularity, many pre-race bets were placed just for her visual effects, not yet converting them to true fans.
Furthermore, very few believed Platinum would actually challenge the dirt race; most assumed she'd just entered as an afterthought.
That she still held the second highest odds, right behind the historical dirt legend Dubai Millennium, was proof enough of Platinum's immense popularity!
Hearing the reminder, Dubai Millennium stood up.
The imposing dual-surface queen tossed her cape back dramatically and strode towards the exit.
'You are the challenger!'
'Platinum, if you won't cherish your undefeated record, then bring it on.'
'I'll be taking the prize money.'
With that, Dubai Millennium left the locker room and entered the racetrack!
--+--
Soon after, the silver-haired girl rose from her corner.
As she too stepped out, returning to the same racetrack for the second time in such a short interval...
"Huh?"
No sooner had she stepped out and looked towards the grandstands than Platinum saw something that even took her by surprise.
Namely, the aisles on both sides of the spectator stands were packed with countless spectators crowding and queuing, trying to get back to their seats.
"This..."
They couldn't all be coming back from the victory concert, could they?
Platinum found herself at a rare loss between laughter and tears.
She'd entered both races ages ago. Why did nobody believe it?
'Alright, let's do this!'
It was time to use that [Hall of Fame Visual Effect] she'd been so interested in before the race.
It was time to give that arrogant American lady a surprise!
She just wondered if Montjeu and Galileo were watching...
'Now, it's finally time to [Run].'
--+--
Back in the original Sheema Classic locker room.
Some Uma Musume, too devastated by their defeat, had left immediately.
But a few others had chosen to return to the locker room to watch the next race on the screens inside.
Among them were Montjeu and Galileo.
"Huh? Platinum... she's going again??"
"No way, her opponent is Dubai Millennium! Is she really fearless, even on a heavy dirt track for her debut?"
"After that race, shouldn't the Pegasus be tired?"
Galileo and Montjeu frowned slightly. Having just lost their race, they felt utterly exhausted, wanting nothing more than to collapse into bed.
And this Pegasus was going straight into another race, against a dirt super-monster?
After a moment's futile thought, Galileo gave up trying to understand.
"Whatever, it doesn't really concern me anyway. I'll just watch the race casually."
This Dirt World Cup surely had nothing to do with a grass specialist like her, right?
[Unprecedented! The awe-inspiring, battle-hardened Pegasus, fresh off a grass G1 victory, immediately charges into the dirt arena!]
[And on a heavy track, no less!]
[Let's wait and see what kind of brilliance this silver-white Pegasus, destined for the history books, can display in her dirt debut!]
[The battle for 'Dual-Surface G.O.A.T.' between Platinum and Dubai Millennium officially begins!!]
As the commentator's voice rang out!
Most of the spectators in the stands had finally returned to their seats, their moods excited and pleasantly surprised, watching with immense anticipation for Platinum's second race!
Before this, many believed the most battle-hardened Uma Musume were the American Triple Crown winners, facing the hellish schedule of three G1 races in just five weeks.
But Platinum! Two races! In one day!
--+--
"Probably even the past American Triple Crown winners wouldn't dare imagine a schedule like Platinum's!"
"Even though I'm a fan of Platinum for life starting today, I have to admit, Dubai Millennium is the monster with the highest chance of winning... How can Platinum possibly maintain her full strength? How can she win?"
"Her first time crossing over to dirt, and on a heavy GI track while surely not at her best... if she can place in the top three! No, even in the top five, that would be an outstanding result!"
"Yeah, dreaming of a Pegasus victory is too much. Making the final four would be a success!"
Amid the heated discussions in the stands, the Uma Musume entered the starting gates one by one.
The countdown to the race imperceptibly entered its final moments.
[3!]
[2!]
[1!!!]
The next instant, all the gates flew open simultaneously.
The fourteen Uma Musume all exhibited excellent starts; not a single one was late.
And in the middle, as the number eight runner, the silver-haired girl... was uncharacteristically much faster out of the gate than she had been in the previous grass G1!
With a smooth start, the Pegasus immediately took incredibly bold strides, even outpacing the front-running horse girls on the inside, charging straight towards the lead with accelerating speed!
This move to accelerate and overtake surrounding rivals right out of the gate stunned the American Uma Musume, including Dubai Millennium, for a split second.
'The Pegasus... is running for the lead? No, that's clearly a [Suicide Pace]!!'
'This monster... after winning by eleven lengths on grass, she still has the stamina to set a suicide pace?'
'Isn't she afraid of burning out?'
This was... true madness!
--+--
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.