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Chapter 141 - Uma Musume Doctor - 141

Currently, on the road leading to a racetrack.

Sham was riding in a car, clutching two tickets in her hand, her silver teeth slightly clenched.

"Dammit…"

"I never expected Dr. Lin would turn me down!"

And what's more!

The reply she received was unusually brief, calm, and detached.

It was clean and straightforward, as if something far more important demanded attention.

[Lin Anran: Busy with something, can't make it.]

[Lin Anran: Sorry.]

These two messages were something Sham struggled to accept.

After all, before this, even if Dr. Lin was sometimes slow to reply to her texts…

It always felt like he was carefully considering his words, and every response he sent had once brought her joy.

Sham was convinced that such thoughtful replies could only mean Dr. Lin had an excellent impression of her!

With such a great first impression, inviting him to a race like this should have been easy.

But now…

The message she received was abruptly quick and decisive, as if the sender hadn't hesitated at all in rejecting her!

Why was this different from before?

Even if he had to decline due to prior commitments, he should have maintained his usual style—taking a moment to craft a considerate reply…

But this time was different; the refusal was instant and firm.

Sham's sharp instincts told her something was off!

She suddenly recalled a saying—when someone you like suddenly becomes distant, it means someone else is pursuing them.

Could it be… that another Uma Musume had already invited Dr. Lin before her?

In that instant, Sham gritted her silver teeth.

She picked up her phone and tried calling Lin Anran's number.

The spectator stands were packed and buzzing with noise.

Countless fans were eagerly awaiting the showdown between Holy Bull and The Radiant Knight, Nearl, wondering if Nearl could achieve the incredible feat of a newcomer surpassing a classic-year champion!

Normally, making a phone call would require leaving the stands for a quieter spot.

But right now, Sham couldn't care less about that—she needed to confirm her suspicions.

'If Dr. Lin doesn't answer my call…'

'Or if it's extremely noisy when he does, then it's definitely true!!'

If he couldn't pick up, or if the background noise was as loud and crowded as where she was, the answer would be obvious.

Why would he refuse her invitation to a great seat, claiming he was busy, unless he already had plans?

Who was this… other girl?

The clever Sham didn't hesitate. She pressed the call button, her heart racing with nervous anticipation.

As a top performer on the track, Sham had been praised by family elders and even race doctors for having a truly strong heart.

This wasn't just about her mental toughness—she literally had a powerful heart, ideal for sprinting and maintaining composure. It was one reason why, before the American Triple Crown, she had once even garnered more support than Secretariat!

But…

As seconds ticked by, and half a minute passed, even her strong heart began to pound with anxiety and tension.

It was true—!!!

"Who was it?!"

Which other girl had made a move before she did?!

Sham took deep, controlled breaths to steady herself and regain her cool.

No, she had to stay calm.

This was just about watching a race… even if she missed this chance and someone else got there first, it wasn't the end.

'After all, I'm a late-charging closer in this [Lin Anran Cup]. It's fine if I accelerate a bit later.'

As for Dr. Lin, who'd been whisked away by some other girl this time?

Well… she'd just consider it as Dr. Lin gaining experience!

'As long as ultimate victory belongs to me, that's all that matters!'

--+--

Ten minutes later.

At the entrance to the racetrack, a massive crowd had gathered. Thousands of spectators waited in long lines, eager for the thrilling race about to begin.

Even though the stands were already filling up, there were still tens of thousands outside waiting to get in.

It was clear just how many people were looking forward to The Radiant Knight Nearl's challenge against the classic-year champion!

There were even overseas reporters broadcasting live in various languages before the race.

"—This is reporter Jennifer Payne, bringing you the latest…"

Outside the venue, many spectators—fans of either Nearl or Holy Bull—were already deep in discussion about the upcoming race.

"I never thought an Uma Musume would dare to challenge the Travers Stakes in her rookie year!"

"This is insane… absolutely insane."

"Even if Nearl loses, as long as she places second, she's already achieved something incredible."

"Didn't it rain heavily just a day or two before the race? It might not be raining during the race, but the track condition is definitely less than ideal, maybe even heavy! Bad conditions, right?!"

"A fearsome opponent, plus a tricky track that's hard for most rookie-year Uma Musume to handle—I just don't see how The Radiant Knight can win this."

"Go Holy Bull! Teach that arrogant little Pegasus a lesson! The adult world isn't so easy to break into!"

Amid all the chatter…

Time seemed to stretch on until, suddenly—

The air around them seemed to freeze for a moment as nearly everyone in line turned to look at a golden-haired girl rushing toward the entrance.

That was Margaret Nearl, the golden-haired Uma Musume known as The Radiant Knight. Her presence carried the glory and brilliance of the battlefield as she strode forward with her sword-spear on her back.

Nearl was wearing her signature racing outfit, standing tall and poised. Her golden hair flowed lightly in the breeze like a banner on the battlefield.

Her steps were calm and graceful, as if each one moved to the rhythm of victory. The sword-spear on her back gleamed sharply under the sunlight, matching the determined flutter of her racing silks and radiating her powerful aura and fighting spirit.

The spectators watched her leisurely, confident pace—elegant like a true noble, yet fearless like a seasoned warrior. There wasn't a trace of nervousness in her demeanor!

In that instant, many were left in awe. It felt as though the very air had grown solemn in her presence.

"S-so cool! I've got new dream material! I almost hummed in admiration…"

"I want her autograph. Win or lose, Nearl's going to make a name for herself in America after this, right?"

Some younger Uma Musume gazed at Nearl, their cheeks blushing.

It was as if they'd been instantly captivated by the golden-haired girl's arrival.

Many in the crowd were also filled with surprise.

"Wait… isn't Margaret Nearl supposed to be from some obscure, fallen noble family in Poland that you can't even find online?"

"Her grace, her presence, her elegance—she surpasses every noble young lady I've ever seen!"

"Can a fallen noble family really produce such an outstanding Uma Musume? How impressive are the Nearls?"

"I've been a Holy Bull fan for ten years, but I have to admit—the Golden Pegasus, The Radiant Knight, has the most striking appearance."

"Sure, she looks cool, but there's no way she can beat Holy Bull, especially on a tricky track!"

Nearl seemed oblivious to the whispers around her. Her eyes remained fixed ahead on the entrance, as if the only things that mattered were the upcoming race and the challenge itself.

Amid the murmurs, the Golden Knight stepped calmly into the competitor's tunnel!

As her figure disappeared behind the gate, the crowd finally looked away.

But within the waiting lines…

More than one pair of sharp, intense eyes had been fixed intently on Nearl.

One of them belonged to a dark, ice-cold girl with a beast-like aura: Sunday Silence.

"As expected of Dr. Lin's little niece."

"Truly remarkable. Her presence is even more imposing than in her last race."

As one of the popular contenders for next year's Triple Crown, Sunday Silence wouldn't miss the chance to observe a potential rival.

Sunday Silence, dark and predatory like a deadly beast, watched closely, studying the Pegasus preparing for the hunt.

It was a classic case of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!

She wanted to find any weakness in Nearl.

Even though Margaret Nearl was Dr. Lin's niece, well… on the track, there could only be one winner.

No matter what, she couldn't afford to lose!

After all… how could she face Dr. Lin without a victory?!

Backstage.

"So this… is the renowned Pegasus, Nearl?"

A tall, dapple-gray silver-haired woman crossed her legs with interest, regal as a queen on her throne.

Her gaze was fixed on the golden-haired girl who had just entered the backstage.

Holy Bull, the dapple-gray Uma Musume, hadn't pursued the Triple Crown but had already won a G1 race, proving her exceptional talent and strength.

Thus, she was regarded as one of the few in her generation with a real chance to challenge the "Big Red Monster · Secretariat."

Of course, no one knew just how high those chances were.

This silver-haired queen had pride of her own. She had planned to challenge Secretariat's reign at the peak of her form in this Travers Stakes.

That's right—Secretariat, ranked among the top few in dirt track history and unquestionably the current number one, had surpassed mere titles like "Monarch" or "Empress." She was practically a legend on her own pedestal.

Yet Holy Bull remained determined to challenge her, aiming to turn possibility into victory.

But who would have thought… Secretariat would decline this race to compete against more seasoned champions instead?

And now!

This Golden Knight, with her clear, unwavering eyes and fearless resolve, had stepped into the backstage…

No, she hadn't just entered backstage—she had stormed into the pinnacle of dirt track racing!

And she'd done it as a rookie-year Uma Musume, young and at a clear disadvantage!

"Not bad. It seems she could serve as a stand-in for Secretariat."

"Perhaps she's worth a taste."

Holy Bull's interest was thoroughly piqued. She lightly touched her ample chest, feeling her heart beat faster and faster.

This statement was both an expression of her absolute confidence and a compliment to Nearl.

—At least, in Holy Bull's eyes, this was high praise, something most rising stars could only dream of earning.

A stand-in for Secretariat! That was an overlord whose legacy was top-five in history and undeniably the strongest of the current era. To be considered even remotely close…

Wasn't that acknowledging she had some of Secretariat's qualities?

But Holy Bull's somewhat condescending praise also reached Nearl's ears.

A compliment?

No, Nearl didn't see it as praise or an honor.

Becoming the "next" someone or a "monster reborn" held no glory for Nearl.

And especially not… being called a mere "stand-in."

Faced with this so-called "praise" from a self-important senior, Nearl wasn't the type to simply nod and accept it.

As a knight, she embodied both pride and humility.

The Golden Maiden paused briefly, her mind flashing back to the responses she'd given when challenged by younger Japanese Uma Musume while transformed as Platinum.

Recalling those words, Nearl calmly issued her declaration.

"Secretariat? She is not my goal—Man o' War is. Why would I resemble her?"

Her reply was brief yet brimming with fighting spirit. The moment she spoke, not only Holy Bull but the other American Uma Musume nearby were stunned.

It seemed none of them expected a rookie-year newcomer, "skipping grades" to challenge her seniors, to speak with such confidence…

She aimed to surpass Man o' War, the historical greatest, instead the current number one, top-five-in-history Secretariat?!

As these words landed, the smiling dapple-gray queen's expression froze.

A second later, Holy Bull uncrossed her arms, her eyes turning icy.

"Then be prepared. Whether you're aiming to surpass the first or second Big Red Monster, you'll have to get through me first!"

"Right now… you—are the challenger!"

The tension was palpable, neither backing down.

Amid this intense atmosphere, the time to enter the starting gates arrived.

--+--

A short while later.

[All Uma Musume have now entered the starting gates.]

[The number of participants isn't large, but the lineup is impressive—both Holy Bull and Nearl are G1 champions!]

[First favorite: Holy Bull. Second favorite: Margaret Nearl.]

[It's worth noting that about a day and a half before the race, heavy rain fell. The track has been rated as less than ideal, which poses a significant challenge for rookie-year Uma Musume.]

[The Pegasus, Nearl, is about to face the first major test of her career. Let's wait and see!]

All six competing Uma Musume took their positions in the gates.

From Holy Bull to Nearl, they listened together as the countdown began!

[3!]

[2!]

[1!!!]

The next instant, as the sound of the gates opening echoed—

In a flash—!

Nearl's tall figure reacted visibly faster than any other Uma Musume, bursting out of the gate first and alone!

As she surged ahead, leaving the others behind…

Unnoticed by most, the overcast sky from the rain two days earlier was still thick with layered clouds.

But suddenly, a golden radiance broke through, shining down right in front of the starting gates. It was so brilliant that many spectators instinctively shut their eyes.

"Huh??"

The sun should have been hidden behind layers of clouds—there was no way sunlight could break through!

"When did the sun come out?"

"W-wait, could the legends be true?"

In the next moment, that dazzling light at the gates materialized! Under the stunned gazes of the senior Uma Musume who'd been slower out of the gates…

It transformed into a golden, armored silhouette of a girl—a phantom identical to Margaret Nearl, who was now sprinting ahead!

The moment that Golden Phantom appeared, even Holy Bull, who'd seen Nearl as a stand-in for Secretariat, was utterly dumbfounded.

The previously sunless sky now seemed to cast a golden glow around the phantom, making her shine even more brilliantly!

In the phantom's hand was the very same sword-spear that Nearl carried on her back—a weapon with a distinct, cold gleam.

The phantom's posture was like a bolt of lightning ready to tear through everything in its path!

She channeled power into her arm, and the sword-spear seemed to come alive, crackling with golden energy.

Then, in an instant, she hurled the sword-spear—it transformed into a dazzling meteor! Its speed was so tremendous that the air itself whistled sharply!

And so—under the astonished eyes of Holy Bull and the other senior Uma Musume, who'd been so confident about teaching the young newcomer a lesson…

That sword-spear pierced through the air, tore through the clouds! The layers obscuring the sun shattered under its force, revealing the blue sky and blazing sun beyond!

The fierce sunlight reflected off the metal surface of the sword-spear, illuminating the path for all the Uma Musume on the track, as the sun emerged to shine upon everything!

In that fleeting moment, the sword-spear shot like a meteor toward… the finish line!!!

[Starfall Unleashed] revealed itself majestically before the eyes of every Uma Musume on the track!

Holy Bull, who had burst out of the gates and taken a forward position, was racing toward the inner track alongside the others.

Her utterly stunned, bewildered gaze was fixed on the sword-spear planted at the finish line and the golden figure accelerating far ahead.

In the mind of this self-assured, experienced senior, shock was an understatement.

This is… Uma Musume special effects?

Wasn't it said that only the Pegasus Platinum possessed such a thing?

Why did this Pegasus, Nearl, also command such incredible effects?

How did she even make the hidden sunlight break through the clouds?!

As she collected herself, the dapple-gray queen's cold eyes revealed a trace of… excitement!

'This Pegasus… she really does remind me of Platinum.'

'A second Pegasus with special effects? Just like Platinum!'

'Now, she's even more like her!'

If she could defeat Nearl…

This might become… the highlight of her career, a classic race for the ages!

'This showdown… is going to be a delight!!!'

--+--

At the very front!

The Golden Knight gazed toward the sword-spear embedded at the finish line and the torn clouds above!

The weather… had shifted from heavy and overcast to sunny once more?

Current weather: cloudy → clear, clear → Starfall Unleashed!

In Nearl's orange eyes, an intense light and fighting spirit blazed.

'Shall I start accelerating now?'

'I wonder… what will my second Zone look like?'

--+--

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.

There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?

[email protected]/AspenTL

If you guys wanna check it out.

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