Holy Bull, the Grey Queen.
Her heterochromatic eyes were fixed intently on the golden figure blazing at the front of the pack.
Margaret Nearl! The Radiant Knight, who hurled her lance before the starting gate, piercing the heavens!!
"Don't rush! The ground... feels heavy!"
"Nearl, she's just a filly from the new crop, no different than an elementary schooler among ordinary folks. Even with good development, she's at most a middle schooler."
"Compared to a senior like me, who's no less than a high school senior, with my full maturity already reached at 100%..."
With her keen instincts, Holy Bull didn't believe she was at any disadvantage.
"The advantage—is mine!"
On the contrary, she held every advantage right now!
This wasn't empty talk or delusion. Even before the race, analysts—including Holy Bull's own team and external experts, as well as senior Uma Musume—had unanimously reached this conclusion.
That was precisely why Holy Bull had overwhelmingly surpassed the Radiant Knight, Nearl, in popularity, securing the top spot.
The critical factor and analysis result was... the rain from a day and a half ago!
Coupled with this race's extended distance of a full 2000 meters!
Even though the rain had stopped, its effects were far from over.
It's worth noting that racecourses vary significantly across different countries, which is why horses often struggle to adapt when racing abroad, leading to failed campaigns.
For example, Europe uses natural, genuinely soft turf courses, adhering to authentic grassland racing.
When saturated with rain, these courses often drain poorly. It takes a considerable amount of time for them to dry completely and return to the usual firm, rain-free condition known as "good going."
In contrast, Japan employs modern turf courses designed for speed and efficiency. These are firmer, drain better, and dry faster.
This is why Europe sees a higher frequency of heavy going, with many European racecourses once jokingly called "swimming pools."
In comparison, American dirt tracks are quite different from Japan's fast courses, leaning more toward the conditions of their European neighbors!
So, after the heavy rain a day and a half ago, the track couldn't possibly be dry yet. The current dirt surface was inevitably muddy and difficult to run on!
'Even if Nearl has exceptional talent and decent adaptability to heavy going... it won't matter!'
'This Travers Stakes will be where your undefeated streak ends!'
Holy Bull's hooves tread upon the muddy track. The silver-haired grey-haired girl allowed a faint smile to curve her lips.
Poor track conditions often demand raw power, not just adaptability.
Adaptability might help a Uma Musume adjust to and overcome heavy going. But with such limited training time, adaptability alone is utterly useless!
In Holy Bull's eyes, the current Radiant Knight, Nearl, was undoubtedly a super-monster of extraordinary talent.
Yet, having talent and adaptability was one thing; converting that talent into actual strength was another. It required considerable time and extensive training to truly master heavy going.
If this were a clash at their peak, a battle in prime condition, even this silver-haired grey Uma Musume would feel uncertain and wary.
But now... sorry, since Nearl chose to enter this race, she shouldn't complain about being 'bullied by a senior'!
'She's only been racing for barely over a month! Even if she trained for a few months before her debut, it still adds up to less than half a year!'
'And I? I'm a senior who's raced from the new crop year all the way to the classics year!'
On this challenging track, Holy Bull intended to teach that golden knight, who was charging ahead so boldly, a lesson...
—Racing isn't that simple!!
Holy Bull's razor-sharp gaze was filled with the desire to hunt down her rival.
She refused to believe a filly who'd trained for only a few months could match her own power and stamina, honed over two years of training!
She would use her seniority's 'absolute stats,' her maturity and training advantages, to give this young upstart a proper lesson!
'Go on, run ahead. By the halfway point, your stamina will falter, and you'll be on the verge of fading.'
'This is a full 2000 meters—my domain!!'
--+--
[The Radiant Knight, Nearl, managed an exceptionally sharp break from the gate, even when facing a field of senior Uma Musume!]
[After bursting out of the gate, on this heavy, demanding track, she immediately began her signature front-running dash, just as she did in her previous two races!]
The commentator, gazing down from the high booth at that dazzling golden figure—like an arrow shot forward, accelerating right out of the gate—was utterly astonished.
[You have to realize... this is a 2000-meter race!!]
[Races for the new crop are typically between 1200 and 1800 meters. Nearl's previous two wins were in her 1200-meter debut race and the 1400-meter Hopeful Stakes.]
[So, this is the Radiant Knight's first attempt at an extended distance, and on heavy going no less, which tests power and drains stamina even more... This is practically... a hellish difficulty level!]
To spectators accustomed to turf racing, 2000 meters might not sound like much, but this is dirt! Most races are run over miles or shorter distances!
Not to mention, Nearl was challenging her seniors in this Travers Stakes as a rookie who'd debuted just over a month ago—as green as they come.
This level of fearlessness and courage was simply unheard of!
Thus, even the commentator's voice was brimming with surprise and anticipation.
After all... who wouldn't want to witness a potential historic, classic showdown? And who doesn't love watching a bold front-runner in action?
And then—!
Suddenly, the commentator's voice rose in pitch, as if he'd seen something astonishing.
[Layered, overcast clouds blanket the sky, yet sunlight breaks through, shining down on the path ahead for Nearl?]
[The clouds high above seem to part as if torn by a lance or an arrow?!]
[It's identical! Exactly the same strange phenomenon seen during the Hope Stakes! The only common factor in both races is—Margaret Nearl, hailed as the Radiant Knight, praised as the Golden Pegasus!]
[Is this—the Radiant Knight's exclusive special effect? Is this reality?!]
Back during the Hopeful Stakes, that spectacle in the sky had been the talk of the entire audience long after the race ended.
Even in the days following, it sparked considerable discussion and spread online, until...
Uma Musume who raced in the Hopeful Stakes, as well as retired or active Uma Musume who spectated, began speaking out on social media or during streams about the Pegasus special effects they witnessed!
Following the display of a Pegasus's aura by the Silver Pegasus, Platinum, the world's second Pegasus, the golden, Radiant Nearl, also possessed her own unique special effect!
But since Nearl only won the Hopeful Stakes—the G1 race with the lowest profile—and since the effect was invisible to the vast majority of ordinary people, the number of Uma Musume and spectators on-site who could see it was scattered, at most a hundred or so.
Therefore, while the special effect of the Golden Pegasus, the Radiant Knight, became known to many spectators, astonishing them by its ability to alter the very clouds in the sky...
Unfortunately... as ordinary people, they couldn't see that phantom image of a golden girl hurling a lance, let alone clearly make out the lance streaking like a meteor through everything towards the finish line.
In a way, this special effect, when the lance was thrown, was only half-visible.
So, the number of spectators who came specifically to see this "effect" wasn't huge. More people wanted to see whether Nearl, on this heavy going, could, as a new crop Uma Musume, defeat all the senior powerhouses on the field!
But now—
As countless spectators looked up with their own eyes, witnessing the shifting clouds, the image of the sky being torn, and the blazing sunlight pouring onto the path Nearl was charging down in her front-running dash, they were all utterly stunned.
The Radiant Knight, shining like gold, galloped freely and fearlessly under the sun, executing her front-running dash on the heavy, demanding dirt track. The torn sky above seemed created just for her.
This was countless times more shocking than anything they'd seen in recordings!
"This sight... is incredibly cool!! Nearl really looks like a knight charging into battle!"
"I-Is this the path of the Solar Knight, the Golden Pegasus, carved out by the Radiant Knight's thrown lance?"
"Even though we can only see half the effect, it's still more exaggerated than I imagined."
"I really can't imagine how shocking it would be to see all of Nearl's special effects."
--+--
Among the buzzing crowd in the stands, in a front-row seat.
A tall girl with cascading crimson hair sat with her arms crossed, leaning back in her chair. Her imposing presence surpassed even Holy Bull's back in the preparation area.
It was even more powerful than when Holy Bull arrogantly declared she could 'be Secretariat's substitute'!
Because... she was Secretariat herself, the [Pinnacle of Uma Musume], the [Answer of Dirt] that even Holy Bull regarded with awe!
And this Big Red Monster of the new era watched the changes on the racetrack with keen interest.
Unlike the ordinary spectators marveling at Nearl's lancesword, Secretariat, as an active Uma Musume, could naturally see everything clearly.
The lance piercing through the sky, streaking down towards the finish line—Secretariat took it all in.
But compared to the special effects, she was more interested in the Uma Musume's running itself.
After all...
No matter how cool, dazzling, or attractive the special effects were, the one person she loved most, Dr. Lin, couldn't see them.
"At most, Dr. Lin might see the sky change from Nearl's effect."
"Having already seen Platinum's publicly visible special effect, Dr. Lin probably won't react the same way as these spectators, right?"
In the past, it was often audiences in Europe and America who looked down upon Uma Musume and spectators from regions like Japan as second or third-tier "country bumpkins."
But now... Lin Anran, returning from Japan after witnessing Platinum's effect, was like an ordinary person coming back to the countryside from a big city, someone who'd seen the world.
Conversely, the American audience, despite being the heart of the world's dirt racing, were the ones gasping in astonishment, like country folks who hadn't seen much.
All of this was just part of the impact Platinum and Nearl had brought to the world!
Right now, Secretariat wanted to defeat and surpass both Pegasus!
And until then, she didn't mind taking some time to watch this race.
"Honestly, given Nearl's talent and ability, she's exceptionally outstanding."
"Under normal circumstances, she'd absolutely have what it takes to challenge Holy Bull, with the potential to make history by defeating a classic-year powerhouse as a new crop runner."
"But, one day ago—"
Secretariat looked up, gazing at the patch of dark clouds untouched by the lance.
"It rained."
Originally, both might have had similar chances of winning.
But the rain changed everything, tipping the scales heavily in favor of the senior, Holy Bull, with her advantages in training, stamina, and power.
"Logically, seeing the heavy rain a day and a half before the race, she should have withdrawn."
"Margaret Nearl is Dr. Lin's niece. Dr. Lin must have advised her to do so!"
Secretariat thought of Lin Anran again.
No matter what, Dr. Lin was always right!
Dr. Lin was Little Nearl's uncle, a reliable adult who could cook and heal—a dependable uncle!
And if Dr. Lin didn't advise Nearl to withdraw, didn't that mean... he had faith?
"It seems Nearl might really give Holy Bull a surprise in this race."
Secretariat might not necessarily believe in Nearl, but she always believed in Lin Anran.
So, Secretariat's gaze locked once more on the very front of the dirt track.
"Little Pegasus, accelerate all you want."
The tall crimson girl's arrogance and fierceness, befitting the strongest, were on full display.
"Before you face me... don't you dare lose to anyone else!"
'My dear—little niece.'
--+--
Amid the endless exclamations of astonishment rising from the stands!
The one who started it all, the Golden Knight whose lance pierced the sky, saw her rapidly moving hooves accelerating continuously!!
On the muddy track at the very front.
After the first turn, approaching the second turn near the halfway point.
The lead Miss Nearl had opened up was already stretched to fourteen lengths—a massive margin!
Behind her, in second place, was Holy Bull from the leading group.
And this was only before the second turn, not even halfway through the race.
On a firm turf course, over 2200 or 2400 meters, such a gap might not seem exaggerated, given this was an all-out, life-consuming, extreme Great Escape strategy!
But right now, Holy Bull, chasing behind... was starting to sense that something felt very wrong!
The sharp-eyed silver-haired grey senior Uma Musume stared with astonishment and disbelief.
'This... this is a heavy track?!'
'But why don't I see any signs of Nearl burning out or showing fatigue?'
A skilled hunter always observes their prey closely.
To seize the best opportunity to strike.
Holy Bull, currently targeting Nearl, was watching intently now... and she was starting to sweat bullets!
Holy Bull had faced front-runners before. She knew well that such an extreme running style often showed signs of weariness by a thousand meters, sometimes even earlier.
After all, this was American dirt racing, where the emphasis is on early speed. Most Uma Musume are front-runners or pressers; they wouldn't let a front-runner open up such a huge lead easily.
Plus, dirt races are mostly concentrated over miles or shorter distances—under 2000 meters—so front-runners don't typically focus heavily on endurance training.
They'd rather work on power; there aren't many 2000-meter or longer races to run. That's why American Uma Musume don't prioritize stamina much.
But now, Nearl, having debuted just over a month ago, could sustain a massive front-running effort over 2000 meters?
Her composed, commanding galloping form didn't seem like someone burning out or straining desperately; it was genuine mastery over the front-running strategy, true dominance over this long distance!
'We're nearing the halfway point; she's run almost a thousand meters already?!'
'How did she go from handling 1400 meters on firm going to conquering 2000 meters on heavy track?'
Holy Bull couldn't understand it. She gritted her silver teeth, deeply shook.
Now... she was really sweating bullets!
The pressure emanating from the front-running Nearl saturated the hearts of every Uma Musume on the track, including G1 champion Holy Bull.
She had thought the sheer jump from 1400 to 2000 meters—nearly half again the distance—coupled with the poor track conditions, would severely hamper Nearl, making it impossible for her to sustain her lead.
But now... waiting for Nearl to fade seemed hopeless.
'Change tactics. Need to consider accelerating earlier to close the gap. Can't treat her like an ordinary front-runner and wait for the final straight to make my move.'
After all, she was a powerhouse acknowledged by Secretariat. Holy Bull quickly regained her composure. As the runner in second, she maintained her fighting spirit, chasing after Nearl.
As a senior, she held onto her pride. How could she allow herself to be defeated by a junior who was supposed to be at a disadvantage?
"I will become Secretariat's successor!!"
--+--
[Incredible! This is a 2000-meter heavy dirt track, a significantly longer distance than any of Nearl's previous races.]
[Yet, she's opened up a fifteen-length lead, charging solo into the second half, heading towards the third turn!]
[Under the shining sun, the Radiant Knight's magnificent front-running dash is utterly breathtaking!]
[Will any Uma Musume be able to catch her in the latter half?]
Fifteen lengths!
Sixteen lengths!
On the muddy path approaching the third turn, the soft, rain-soaked soil was easily churned under powerful hooves.
Nearl's tall, steadfast golden form, with its sleek yet powerful musculature, galloped as if utterly unhindered by the heavy going.
She was like a longbow drawn to its absolute limit, ready to release an arrow into the sky!
This golden figure at the front shone supremely bright, like the sun, compelling spectators to gaze up in awe.
At this moment, Nearl, charging forward like a knight, gathered boundless power, continuing her relentless, daring sprint! Her powerful legs pounded the muddy track, sending dirt flying!
The nearly super-sized lead had long since electrified the entire audience.
"Who would have thought, besides that first Pegasus, Platinum, another Uma Musume would dare to front-run on heavy going?"
"Greatness needs no explanation! I just love handsome Great Escape Uma Musume!"
"The Radiant Knight is so strong and powerful, strong and powerful indeed!"
"Amazing, Nearl! I knew coming here was worth it! Go, Radiant Knight!"
"Hey, weren't you here to support Holy Bull? Before the race, you said Holy Bull would definitely teach Nearl a lesson."
"You know, I've been Nearl's devoted fan since birth. She's unbelievably strong. As for Holy Bull, I wish her luck."
Amid the overwhelming cheers of support!
Yet, this advantage didn't satisfy Nearl; it was far from her limit.
In the next moment, an endless, imposing light flickered in Nearl's orange eyes.
'This lead is still far from enough.'
'Let me see what my other Domain is truly like!'
The next instant, an unprecedented radiance burst from her golden form—a dominating aura that instantly enveloped the vast racetrack.
Under this brilliant, sun-like glorious presence, she effortlessly overshadowed every other Uma Musume on the field!
[Domain: Activate]!!
[Selecting the most suitable domain from three exclusive ones. Domain chosen:—Flaming Edge]
[Passive: Domain duration is infinite, greatly reduces stamina consumption, moderately increases power, moderately increases speed]
It was... a [Permanent] domain?!
--+--
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.