The silver-haired girl stared blankly, looking as dazed as a player who'd just stepped on a spike trap or found themselves unable to deploy a high-ground operator.
Her amber eyes were fixed on what lay before her.
[Kuranta Character: Margaret Nearl — Transformation Available]
[Dual-Soul System: Second Form Unlocked — Uma Musume Racing]
[Note: Upon arrival in the U.S. or Europe, the next race series will begin.]
So there really is a next series after all…
'Well, that makes sense. There was the early series, the mid-series… it can't just end in the middle, right?'
'Oh no… this is it. I'm really about to become a work slave.'
'Double the workload… there's no escaping this!!'
That newly added note at the bottom told Platinum everything she needed to know—the next series was about to begin, and it would definitely include both turf and dirt races.
But then it hit her… wouldn't that mean double the prize money? Maybe it wasn't such bad news after all?
Plus, she was returning to the U.S.—back to where she'd known so many young fillies, some she'd even been close with. Many of them had already broken through, living up to their potential.
Once she went back, she wouldn't have to worry about star Uma Musume lining up to hand over their medical fees!
Ultimate work slave, super employee working overtime—but with triple the pay!
At that thought, the silver-haired girl's mind settled back into calm.
'Alright then… time to pack the last of my things and get ready to fly overseas!'
--+--
Some time later…
The silver-haired girl had just finished her Winner's Stage performance and returned backstage when she felt a slight pang of confusion.
A staff member from the URA was waiting for her, gesturing for her to return to the stage.
Wasn't the post-race routine just a few quick interviews before calling it a day?
Why go back now?
"Fans all across Japan—and many overseas Pegasus fans—are eagerly awaiting your expedition announcement."
"So, it would be best to move the next interview to the Winner's Stage and address the fans directly."
"If you're willing, we could also arrange a more formal public announcement at the racecourse."
The staff member explained patiently, and the silver-haired Pegasus gave a slight nod, opting for the simplest option—the Winner's Stage.
If it was just turning around and walking back onto the stage, Platinum wouldn't mind a little overtime too much.
But if it meant going all the way back to the racecourse, then a quick announcement on the Winner's Stage sounded like a small, easy-to-handle task.
'This shouldn't take much effort or require extra work. I'll just say a few words.'
'Better than making some big retirement-style expedition announcement at the racecourse… make it quick, a few words, and then leave!'
With that, Platinum turned calmly, her bow case on her back, and made her way back to the stage.
--+--
Down below the Winner's Circle.
Many spectators were already preparing to leave, filled with mixed emotions.
Among them were two young fillies.
"Wahh… we won't be able to see Miss Platinum here in Japan anymore."
"If we want to see the Pegasus again, we'll have to go abroad."
"But the bigger problem is—we're about to enroll at Tracen. We won't be able to watch every one of Miss Platinum's races in person anymore."
From Kitasan Black to Satono Diamond, they were both excited and a little sad.
They really wanted to see what kind of beautiful, dazzling performances the Pegasus would deliver against stronger opponents overseas!
But unfortunately, they were already preparing to enroll at Tracen Academy.
Even though Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond were both incredibly talented newcomers, neither was confident that, like Platinum, they could become strong enough to win G1 races without enrolling at Tracen.
In Japan, you could count on one hand the number of G1-winning Uma Musume who didn't come from Tracen!
And once they officially enrolled, they wouldn't be able to just take time off to travel abroad. As professional Uma Musumes, unless it was for an official expedition, they couldn't just jet around the world to chase after races or idols.
So the Pegasus's final performance left the two young fillies feeling deeply wistful, knowing it wouldn't be easy to attend every race in person from now on.
"But if we debut early, maybe someday we'll actually get to race against Miss Platinum!"
"Wouldn't that be even better than just watching from the stands as fans?"
"If we can leave a lasting impression on our idol, or even surpass her… that would be the best tribute to the Pegasus!"
Kitasan Black clenched her fists, her slightly childish face brimming with excitement at the thought.
But she didn't know… not far from where she sat in the audience, were Uma Musume like Manhattan Cafe, Kurofune, and Jungle Pocket—all ones who had avoided racing against the Pegasus.
If those seniors had heard her words, they might have responded…
"Sometimes… maybe being a spectator is the real blessing."
But now, still not yet a professional Uma Musume and having never personally experienced the Pegasus's overwhelming strength, Kitasan Black looked forward to a future showdown!
Hearing her friend's excited words about meeting their idol on the track, Satono Diamond lowered her head slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
As an extremely devoted Pegasus fan, she had also given it some deep thought and found the idea intriguing.
But her goal wasn't to defeat Platinum—it was to join the Pegasus Hall of Fame!
Before long, more and more people around the Winner's Stage began to leave. The two fillies also got up and made their way toward the exit.
But then—the stage lights flickered back on!
Followed by the sound of footsteps approaching from backstage!
The sharp-eyed Satono Diamond's eyes immediately lit up.
"Huh? Is the Pegasus coming back?"
The next second, she hurried back to her seat, signaling for Kitasan Black to follow.
--+--
Just a moment later.
Under the relit stage lights, a silver-haired girl carrying a long bow case walked calmly to the center.
The moment her figure appeared, the entire venue erupted.
Spectators who had already reached the exit immediately turned back.
"Huh? Miss Platinum is back?"
"The Pegasus?! I'm staying. I'll leave after hearing her out."
"An encore… I wonder what she has to say."
Facing the buzzing crowd, the silver-haired Pegasus walked straight to the center and touched the standing microphone.
Then, her clear, cool voice spread across the entire audience.
[The Last Dance has ended.]
The audience fell almost completely silent, listening intently to Platinum's every word, afraid to miss a single syllable.
[Today is the day we part ways.]
[Next, I will embark on an overseas expedition.]
Suddenly, Platinum's voice filled with absolute confidence.
[No Japanese Uma Musume has ever won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Perhaps I can fill that void.]
[Look forward to my expedition.]
With that, the silver-haired Pegasus turned around.
Her bow-case-carrying figure was imprinted in the minds of countless spectators below.
"That's the Pegasus for you! You can feel her absolute confidence in every word."
"That's confidence born from true strength. I believe she can win the Arc! Even if her opponent is… the flawless Sea the Stars!"
"The European Triple Crown—the Epsom Derby, the King George VI, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. If she wins, she'll have taken two of them!"
As she prepared to leave, Platinum heard a fan shout from below:
"The Arc… will you win?!"
In response, Platinum's cold, calm voice delivered her final answer—
A declaration of victory before her expedition!
"I will win."
--+--
A few minutes later.
Outside the venue, the silver-haired girl was signing autographs for enthusiastic fans.
Having finished all her races in Japan for the current season, Platinum was in a good mood and happy to fulfill the fans' small requests.
After finishing a row of signatures, she saw two young fillies approaching her, excitement written all over their faces.
Kitasan Black was trembling slightly, her fists clenched.
"Miss Platinum!! I'm about to become a Uma Musume and debut!"
"In the future… do you think there's a chance we could race against you?"
What could be more exciting than competing against your idol on the same track?!
The silver-haired girl's exquisite face showed a trace of surprise.
Kitasan Black?
Satono Diamond?
Platinum might not have been able to tell Manhattan Cafe and Sunday Silence apart—after all, Sunday Silence never appeared in the anime.
But how could she not recognize Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond?
She had watched the second season before crossing into this world and heard the third season would star these two.
The first season of the Uma Musume anime was great, the second was a masterpiece, and with each season improving, the third would likely exceed everyone's expectations, right?
But she'd crossed over before getting to see the highly anticipated third season—a bit of a shame.
And now, the main characters of that third season were saying they wanted to debut and race against her?
The silver-haired girl's expression remained calm. With the last bit of mercy an assassin could muster, she shook her head.
"No. Give up."
"Huh? Why do you say that?"
The excited and expectant Kitasan Black was taken aback.
"Because I'm afraid I would completely shatter your confidence."
Facing her fan, Platinum offered her final piece of advice.
"If you don't become a Uma Musume, seeing me would be like a frog in a well gazing at the moon in the sky."
"If you do become a Uma Musume, seeing me would be like an ant looking up at the heavens."
As Platinum's cool voice faded, she noticed Satono Diamond's eyes sparkling beside her, nodding repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice.
The most devoted Pegasus fan firmly believed every word her idol said!
Finally, after signing autographs for the two young fillies, Platinum turned and left for good.
--+--
A few days later.
In the Student Council Office at Tracen Academy.
The current president, Symboli Rudolf, was handling official duties.
As president, her power was limitless!
As she was going through a large stack of documents, she came across a [Resignation Letter].
At first, Symboli Rudolf didn't pay it much mind and was about to sign it routinely.
But when her eyes clearly saw the name on the resignation letter…
The next second, Symboli Rudolf stood frozen. The pen in her hand, ready to sign, slipped and fell to the floor without her even noticing.
The information on the letter was from—[School Doctor: Lin Anran]!
"Wait, Dr. Lin is resigning the day after tomorrow??"
Even as Student Council President, who signed resignation letters almost daily, this was the first time she'd been so shocked.
Within the vast Tracen Academy, not counting the Uma Musume, the number of internal staff alone was well over a thousand.
From cafeteria chefs and movers to teachers, trainers, and school doctors, it was common for people to resign from time to time.
But this particular resignation letter caught Symboli Rudolf's attention like no other.
After all, this was widely recognized as the most skilled doctor for Uma Musume in Tracen—even one of the best in all of Japan!
Her successor, Tokai Teio, who had suffered multiple fractures, had been diagnosed by experienced, renowned doctors at international hospitals.
Those doctors had said it was already a habitual fracture, unsuitable for professional development. She would struggle to perform at her full potential and reach her peak, and they suggested considering retirement.
On the other hand, Agnes Tachyon had unfortunately developed tendonitis—a condition far more severe than the "semi-incurable" fractures, one that could outright end a career.
Both of those major injuries, both of those fragile super Uma Musume, had been completely cured under Lin Anran's care!
It could be said that Lin Anran's presence gave many Uma Musume in Tracen an indescribable sense of security.
For example, in the Takarazuka Kinen a few days prior, without Lin Anran, Tokai Teio would have had to carefully consider whether to challenge the Pegasus despite her fragile condition and the gap in their abilities.
It was only because Lin Anran was still there that Tokai Teio found the courage not to avoid the race!
This was the most outstanding doctor since the founding of Tracen Academy!
And now, this world-class doctor for Uma Musume was just… leaving?
Japan couldn't afford to lose the Pegasus, and it couldn't afford to lose Dr. Lin! It would be like Europe without Jerusalem!
"What a shame…"
"But Dr. Lin's medical skills are as brilliant as the Pegasus is on the turf."
"A small place like Tracen Academy really can't hold onto such an exceptional doctor."
Symboli Rudolf sighed softly, then still chose to sign the resignation letter.
Even as the proud Student Council President of Tracen, she knew all too well.
No matter what, Tracen hadn't truly reached the world stage. It wasn't an internationally renowned top-tier academy for Uma Musumes.
And Japan was still far behind Europe, the center of turf racing, and the U.S., the center of dirt racing.
So, whether it was the Pegasus as a Uma Musume or Lin Anran as a doctor, they each had their own pursuits and would eventually leave.
Small as it was, the Japanese Uma Musume world and Tracen Academy couldn't keep them forever. It was only a matter of time.
"But I never expected Dr. Lin to leave at the same time as the Pegasus."
"Now… I need to notify any Uma Musumes who are unwell to see Dr. Lin for one last treatment before he leaves."
"Also, the academy must maintain a good relationship with Dr. Lin. In the future, if any Uma Musumes suffer serious injuries with no one else to treat them, we can send them to Dr. Lin or invite him back for treatment."
--+--
At a certain training field.
Daiwa Scarlet had just finished her training and was sitting on a bench, wiping off sweat with a towel.
"Phew…"
Currently, Daiwa Scarlet was already quite a famous super Uma Musume in Japan.
After all, she had already won the first two crowns of the Classic Triple Tiara!
Winning two G1 races in a row with outstanding performances, coupled with being the first inductee into the Pegasus Hall of Fame, made it impossible for Daiwa Scarlet not to attract attention.
"I really have to thank Dr. Lin. Without his treatment, I might not have been in top condition for the second crown—maybe even forced to withdraw."
"Thankfully, Dr. Lin's skills are amazing. I made it to the race and won two crowns in a row."
Daiwa Scarlet marveled at the sense of security and support that handsome young black-haired doctor had given her.
However, from a certain perspective—
She had more than just Dr. Lin to thank. There was another major benefactor, a savior she owed gratitude to… the Pegasus, Platinum!
It was precisely because she was defeated by Platinum, because she became the first inductee into the Pegasus Hall of Fame, that she gained some international fame.
Then, she got to face world-class Uma Musume like Galileo and Fantastic Light in training matches.
Even though the results were crushing defeats…
Countless Japanese Uma Musume would kill for that opportunity. You could count on one hand the number of world-class Uma Musume in all of Japan.
And she, thanks to being five lengths behind the Pegasus, got to experience training matches with world-class Uma Musume.
That was how she grew so much stronger, completely defeating her former rival Vodka, and now even winning two crowns of the Classic Triple Tiara!
And Lin Anran's presence allowed her to train without holding back, with the infirmary there to support her!
The number one contributor was definitely the Pegasus Platinum.
The number two contributor was naturally the miracle-working Dr. Lin!
But Daiwa Scarlet would never have dreamed that the number one and number two contributors were actually… the same person!
Not long after her moment of reflection, her phone buzzed.
It was a message from the student council account.
[Dr. Lin will be resigning soon. Uma Musume who are unwell should please visit for treatment within the next two days.]
The message was brief, but it instantly wiped away Daiwa Scarlet's sense of security.
"The all-capable Dr. Lin is leaving!"
"Oh no… looks like I'll have to keep my training volume in check from now on."
At that moment, countless young fillies across Tracen Academy let out similar cries of despair and sighs.
The Pegasus was gone? Many Uma Musumes felt relieved. Finally, they could win G1 races without having to avoid her.
But Dr. Lin leaving? They truly couldn't bear it!!
One was the great demon king, the other was the priest, the healer who helped them grow stronger and possibly defeat the demon king.
It was safe to say no one could dislike such an excellent, all-around healer!
--+--
The next day.
The unscrupulous young doctor was working his last shift in the infirmary.
He had already submitted his resignation to the URA yesterday. Today was his final day.
Lin Anran had arrived in Japan last May, beginning his transformation into the Pegasus Platinum to compete for the Triple Crown.
Now, it was June of the following year, and the third U.S. crown, the Belmont Stakes, was about to begin.
All in all, Lin Anran had been in Japan for a year.
And in that short year, the Pegasus Platinum went from an unknown dark horse in her debut against Daiwa Scarlet to a world-renowned GOAT excelling on both turf and dirt!
In Lin Anran's eyes, this short year had been a success—well worth it!
His ticket to the U.S. was already booked for the next day. Of course, he didn't even pay for the ticket himself. It was covered by—Big Red!
[Big Red · Secretariat], who had already won the first two U.S. crowns and was aiming for the Triple Crown in the upcoming Belmont Stakes, had already prepared the ticket for Lin Anran.
About to embark on his expedition, Lin Anran didn't feel particularly nervous. Instead, he was… eerily calm.
After all, when he first crossed over, Lin Anran had been working as a doctor for Uma Musume in the U.S.
Returning to the U.S. felt more familiar, if anything.
But what made Lin Anran slightly uneasy was…
Initially, he had repeatedly turned down requests from Secretariat, Dahlia, and others to become their [exclusive doctor].
Then he ran off to Japan, rejecting repeated pleas from Secretariat and Flightline to stay, even making promises to fulfill all their desires once they became the strongest…
And now, he was returning to the U.S.
Surely… nothing would happen, right?
"I'm just going to watch a race, restart my medical practice, and transform into Nearl to run some dirt races."
"It should be fine. Among the American fillies I know, only Secretariat and Ruffian are a bit… assertive."
The unscrupulous young doctor made his assessment.
"Fillies like Flightline, Sunday Silence, Dahlia, and Sea the Stars have pretty good temperaments. They probably won't be mad that I disappeared for a year."
Anyway, it should be safe!
Returning to the U.S. now, restarting his practice, he could make a fortune off the American fillies!
Filled with anticipation and interest, Lin Anran found himself looking forward to his return to the U.S.
Alright, time to get ready!
He'd treat a few more Japanese fillies, then grab his luggage and go!
--+--
A short while later.
After his shift, Lin Anran returned to his room.
His luggage was already packed. He couldn't resist his curiosity about the new transformation he'd worked so hard to unlock!
"Alright, let's try transforming."
"I wonder how dominant Nearl will be on dirt."
The next moment, the unscrupulous young doctor pressed [Transform: Margaret Nearl].
A brilliant golden light flashed across the room!
In the next instant, as the light faded, a tall golden-haired girl stood there. Her long, smooth hair was tied into a ponytail, and her handsome yet delicate face was calm.
She held her head high, composed and steady. Her figure was well-proportioned and full, with smooth muscle lines that weren't overly prominent. She wore a majestic cloak, standing like a knight.
Notably, in her hand, she held a… [Swordspear]!
This was—the first appearance in this world as [The Radiant Knight]!
Margaret Nearl!
She has arrived!
--+--
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.