The particles shimmered incessantly, gathering behind the golden-haired maiden knight as she raced.
Then, behind Nearl, a pair of holy wings of light materialized and unfurled!
On the giant screen, the sudden close-up shifted from the front-running duel between Secretariat and Flightline, cutting to The Radiant Knight on the outer track.
Not only that, but high in the sky, where the blazing sun was mostly obscured by layers of thick clouds, leaving only a few streaks of blue, above Nearl's position, a golden radiance instantly flashed, dazzling and brilliant.
The layered clouds that had brought snow and rain could no longer shield the sun. This light, cast down from the sun high above, was so blinding that countless spectators instinctively shut their eyes!
Then, completely involuntarily, they found themselves drawn to look at that shining golden knight, as the fierce sunlight freely bathed the path ahead of Nearl.
It was as if—there were two suns in the sky!
One for the dual-class champion with her peerless beauty, one reigning supreme on the dirt!
Following the grass Pegasus Platinum, who manifested jet-black wings and perfectly secured a fifty-length victory in her retirement race,
The dirt Pegasus Nearl now unfurled her own unique, radiant wings of light!
—The Pegasus is starting to accelerate!
--+--
[Pegasus Form (Passive): Moderately improves suitability for sprint, mile, middle distance, and long-distance races. Moderately improves…]
[Pegasus Form (Wings of Light): Unfurl the Wings of Light to set sail. Moderately improves suitability for turf and dirt tracks, slightly increases stamina consumption, and assesses the average ability of all Uma Musume in the race…]
--+--
[(Flaming Sun's Obeisance): Activated]
[Domain duration becomes infinite, greatly reduces Domain stamina consumption, moderately increases Power, slightly increases Speed]
[Injuries sustained while racing, for oneself or opponents under the Domain's dominion, are reduced by one level…]
--+--
The Pegasus Stance, and even the Domain that sheltered the entire field and could be sustained indefinitely, were unleashed by Nearl without the slightest hesitation, not a trace of reluctance, absolutely no fear of stalling out from exhaustion.
And in the very next instant, the blazing sun and golden, shimmering particles manifesting around The Radiant Knight coalesced into the phantom of a golden-haired maiden clad in knight's armor!
The phantom of this maiden knight, so awe-inspiring she seemed from another world, her proud figure stood firm here.
She was like a bolt of thunder capable of tearing through everything! Yet also like a fortress wall, a defensive line, a Pegasus knight able to protect all.
The maiden knight phantom channeled power into her arms. The spear-sword gripped in her hands flashed with golden lightning, quickly spreading along the shaft, then emitted a 'Hummm' of vibration, already drawing the startled gazes of countless spectators outside.
And in the next moment, the sharp spear-sword was completely released from the maiden knight phantom's grasp, hurled forth, transforming into a dazzling, brilliant meteor!
What stunned the many spectators on site was…
That very next moment, those layered clouds which had been blocking most of the sunlight completely shattered under the impact of that spear-sword, revealing the azure sky and blinding sun above!
Behind the knight's armor of the maiden knight phantom, at the fluttering black cloak, it too transformed into a pair of holy wings of light. Her orange, authoritative eyes locked onto the finish line where the spear-sword would land.
The Nearl phantom, having extended its brilliant wings, leaped into the air in an instant. This wasn't running, it was… true flight.
Theoretically, this scene shouldn't have been the first time for the audience, but… that wasn't really the case.
Because this was the [Breeders' Cup], the premier dirt racing summit hosting over a dozen Grade I races in a single day, and because of the Pegasus Platinum, it had attracted tens of thousands of overseas viewers from outside the US.
Precisely because of the promotional efforts by US racing officials, combined with Platinum's world-leading, unparalleled popularity, the Pegasus retirement race, the legendary dirt battles—all these factors on top of each other successfully drew many turf racing enthusiasts who loved, even worshipped, Platinum.
And Platinum's 'Last Dance' successfully brought countless fervent fans who had zero interest in dirt racing, thus… for the first time, they witnessed the special effects displayed by Nearl live.
As many viewers watching the broadcast and fans in the stands widened their eyes, their faces flushing with excitement,
That maiden knight phantom with raised wings had already soared to the final finish line, turning her back to the countless spectators, and reclaiming the spear-sword that had been hurled like a meteor.
Hurl the spear-sword, raise the wings, race to the finish!
This was the legendary [Stellar Descent]!
The maiden knight phantom revealed herself openly and honorably before all the Uma Musume on the field and the innumerable spectators!
Weather, Cloudy (×)
Changed to—
Weather, Stellar Descent (√)
That scene of Stellar Descent! The Radiant Knight's Pegasus wings of light!
The blazing sun high above showered its rays, and the maiden knight phantom reached the finish line directly via Stellar Descent!
"Gasp—!!"
"I thought that after Miss Platinum's retirement, such shocking special effects would vanish from the track forever. I'd heard some dirt Pegasus also had effects, but to think it could rival Miss Platinum's?"
"So, so shocking and insane!! The dirt Pegasus is this powerful too?!"
"Dirt Pegasus, what's her relationship with the Turf Pegasus? If they had a child… would it inherit their strength, their special effects?!!"
"Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"So awesome!! Just being able to see such shocking special effects makes the ticket price worth it, even if I died now!!"
Without a doubt, the display of Nearl's Stellar Descent special effect successfully astonished and captivated many turf racing fans.
Normally, amidst the outburst of voices from outside, that maiden knight phantom should have dissipated then.
But then, a scene that left the countless spectators in the stands, the commentators in the booth, and retired Uma Musume like Man o' War and Seabiscuit utterly stunned, unfolded.
The maiden knight phantom, who had hurled the spear-sword and even altered the very sky, turned back to look at the racecourse behind her with her seemingly divine orange eyes.
And in the next second, the phantom's gaze locked onto the seating area reserved for the Breeders' Cup participants.
Among the over hundred G1 race contestants from the past dozen or so races, it instantly pinpointed a certain slightly petite Platinum figure in the middle.
Their eyes met!
The [Breeders' Cup] isn't a single race; with so many events held in one day, it's impossible for contestants to immediately proceed to the [Winner's Stage] ceremony after one race ends.
After all, no matter how resourceful US racing officials are, they can't possibly manage to move such a massive audience to many different venues in a short time.
The cost would be too high, and it would affect the viewership of subsequent races.
Such a high-cost, zero-reward move, using your own Winner's Stage to steal attention from your own subsequent races—even Japan's URA wouldn't do that, let alone the well-developed European and American racing circuits!
For a multi-GI event cup like this, the post-race Winner's Stage is often held the next day or even days later.
Uma Musume who finish their races can leave directly, or go to special spectator seats or lounges for participants.
And unless they performed far below expectations or had obvious injuries, most Uma Musume were happy to stay and watch until the end. This naturally included the Pegasus Platinum, who had just completed her retirement race.
After all… since we're already here.
The more exciting races are usually saved for the finale. Wouldn't it be a shame to leave and miss them?
That's why so many Uma Musume stayed to watch this final [Breeders' Cup Classic] after their own races.
Even Galileo, who suffered a crushing fifty-length defeat in Platinum's retirement race—a loss margin equivalent to "ten Daiwa Scarlets"—stayed behind!
And now, all these top-tier Uma Musume participating in the Breeders' Cup noticed the majestic, god-like maiden knight phantom casting her gaze their way.
"Huh? She's looking over?"
"Is she looking at me? Or… at Platinum next to me?"
"It's happening, the century stare-down! But why is it the phantom looking at Platinum, not The Radiant Knight Nearl herself?"
"Is it my imagination, or does it feel like Nearl's phantom also has consciousness, and seems very interested in the Pegasus Platinum?"
—It was as if The Radiant Knight from another world was observing this world's Platinum.
"As expected of Miss Platinum, so calm and confident, she looks really cool, still completely unruffled."
--+--
But in reality…
The silver-haired maiden blinked, not quite processing it yet.
Until the next moment, the Nearl phantom sketched a smile, and its form abruptly dissolved back into particles, vanishing before Platinum's eyes.
And just before that, Platinum seemed to glimpse, in the smile and expression of that Nearl phantom, a hint of interest and envy that was hard to detect.
Wait, why doesn't this phantom feel like a phantom?
'Is it my delusion? Why does it feel like this is Margaret herself? Wanting to join the fun?'
'If it really is her, then who could possibly stand against her?'
If next time she also brought 'another me' to her race, and also sat in the audience…
Would she see the Platinum phantom, seated high on the Pegasus Hall throne, staring intently at Nearl like this? Would she be interested in the race?
For a moment, Platinum grew curious.
But alas, she definitely planned to take it easy for a while.
Since she'd already announced her retirement, casually jumping back into frequent races would mean all those fan tears were shed for nothing, wouldn't it?!
Her next race would definitely be after the Dream Cup.
"Never mind, let's keep watching the race for now."
Platinum's gaze returned to the track, this time looking towards the very front.
--+--
The white-hot phase had already begun!
[First, at the front, Secretariat leads by four lengths, but Flightline in second has closed the gap to three… no, two and a half lengths, and the margin is still shrinking?]
[And unbelievably! The Radiant Knight, from the unfortunate outermost gate position, has raised her wings and burst forth with amazing speed, the kind of pace you usually only see in a final sprint!]
[The shining dirt Pegasus Nearl—is she proving that gate positions don't decide clashes between legends?]
[Nearl and Flightline are almost neck and neck, tied for second, closing in on the leading Big Red Monster, Secretariat.]
[But… Secretariat won't just wait to be caught. She's activated her own Domain skill too, beginning her second surge.]
As the commentator's voice rang out again—
--+--
On the track! Those three figures gathered the heated gazes of almost every spectator in the vast stadium.
Secretariat led the way, with Flightline on the innermost track and Nearl on the outermost track in second place.
The most terrifying duel, the most brutal battle, was only now reaching its peak at the highest stage!
Approaching the first turn.
--+--
"Is it coming already?"
"Two of them!"
The Big Red Monster!
Secretariat, as if sensing some imposing aura, her pupils abruptly constricted!
That kind of vast, monumental aura reaching the level of a Domain—in this unprecedented Breeders' Cup, the number of Uma Musume capable of using it was actually not small.
This wasn't some race limited to classic-year three-year-olds!
This was… the absolute peak of all dirt racing, even in world history!
And now, on this highest peak, three supreme monarchs were one too many; in Secretariat's view, only one was needed.
And those daring enough to enter a race with three legendary Uma Musume, besides having guts, mostly possessed some skill.
If they didn't even have a Domain, trying to snatch victory from the tiger's mouth was pure fantasy.
Only—
Any world-class Uma Musume, no matter what, would never go all out at this stage. It was unthinkable to pour everything into the race and exhaust all their stamina so early.
Only the true top monsters of the era possessed such excessive reserves, capable of casually unleashing this level of intensity without a care for their energy expenditure.
And those two presences… they could only be the monsters from behind… Without a doubt, only The Radiant Knight and the stubborn Flightline would so recklessly command their domains and begin their furious dash.
Even though they were just approaching the first turn, with less than a quarter of the race gone, it was enough to put the leading Secretariat on high alert.
'Nearl… In her three American Triple Crown races and her match against Flightline, she'd accelerated hard before the first turn to chase the front more than once.'
'And in her head-to-head with Ruffian, she even pushed Ruffian to the point of injury in a direct confrontation, no less brutal than when I broke Sham.'
It was only natural for Secretariat to assume that Nearl was also accelerating with all her might right now, aiming to contest the lead position with her.
But the next instant, a figure suddenly intruded into the periphery of Secretariat's vision, coming from an even more inner lane than her own number two gate position.
And on the outside, almost at the very edge of her sight, another radiant figure flickered and briefly emerged.
Not one, but two Uma Musume?!
Nearl, charging forward!
And Flightline, also going all out?
"It's actually her?"
"How can it be her!"
Secretariat's crimson eyes narrowed sharply, filled with astonishment.
Besides Nearl coming from the outside, was Flightline really speeding up from the inside lane too?
Secretariat had paid extremely close attention to The Radiant Knight Nearl's physique and overall strength; she considered her the only active dirt-track monster who could compare to herself.
Well, the dual-wielding Pegasus, Platinum, had already retired, so she didn't count as active anymore. Naturally, only Margaret Nearl remained!
As for Flightline, while she was also a legendary Uma Musume, her physical fragility was world-famous. She couldn't even compare to Secretariat, let alone some historical-grade Uma Musume.
So, Flightline shouldn't be here at all.
Which running style puts the most strain on the body?
Or rather… which style is the most damaging?
If you asked that question, even a young foal not yet enrolled in Uma Musume school, like Satono Diamond or Kitasan Black before their proper training, would answer in unison with certainty.
Namely—the Great Escape!
It was an extremely demanding running style that wrings dry every bodily function, requiring all-out sprinting for at least half the distance, with only brief periods of controlled pace for minimal rest.
But under what circumstances could it be even more damaging than a Great Escape?
That would inevitably be… a direct showdown between two Great Escapees, a head-to-head duel!
The two most classic examples were Secretariat and Sham's final leg of the American Triple Crown, where the Big Red Monster dominated the dirt with a victory by over thirty lengths, and when The Radiant Knight accepted Ruffian's tactical challenge and engaged in an honorable duel.
Back then, both Sham and Ruffian had chosen to go all out from the very start, fearing they'd be left too far behind before the final stretch.
In the end, both were broken by Secretariat and Nearl before the final straight, their bodies pushed past their limits from the intense Great Escape duel, overloaded until… they were injured!
Such stark examples, combined with Flightline's physique likely being less robust than even Ruffian's or Sham's, led Secretariat to believe from the start that her only real opponent in the first half should be Nearl, at most.
While calmly keeping a wary eye on the figure of The Radiant Knight intruding from the outside, Secretariat was also stunned by Flightline's unusual move.
'Flightline… I've never seen her Great Escape like this before.'
'Is she… really disregarding her own safety?'
Because Secretariat and Flightline had run many training races together, she knew Flightline's habitual running style.
Likewise, Flightline knew Secretariat's style.
Flightline wasn't extremely proficient at the Great Escape, given its physical toll. She usually preferred to stay just ahead of the leading pack, setting a gradually increasing pace.
Faster than the front-runners to lead, but slower than a full Great Escape to conserve energy, easily controlling the race—able to win big while minimizing strain and injury risk. That was Flightline's most common approach in the past.
And Secretariat, often starting slow, had never led from the front!
But now—this all-out, early accelerated Great Escape—these two partners who knew each other's limits from training races had unexpectedly both employed it, simultaneously delivering a staggering "surprise" to the other.
"Hah, then bring it on—!"
Secretariat, with her vast experience against Great Escapes, had famously torn apart Sham's Great Escape to seize the ultimate Triple Crown.
"Mere Great Escapes aren't enough to surpass me. Let me see what makes The Radiant Knight's and Flightline's Great Escapes different!"
"You want to overtake me?"
"Then come! If you can!!"
And Secretariat fully unleashed her power, progressing from merely activating her domain to now employing her skills.
--+--
[(Path to Godhood): Activates when Uma Musume with "Legendary" caliber are present. Slightly improves ground adaptability, moderately boosts aura intensity, slightly recovers stamina, slightly reduces stamina consumption…]
[(Lone Crimson): Dominates the racecourse. Negates moderate suppression/weakening from opponents' domains and can steal a portion of the enhancing effects from opponents' domains.]
[(The Aloof Challenger): The fewer Uma Musume nearby…]
[(The Big Red Monster): …]
--+--
No hesitation, full acceleration—!
Right now, the endurance-rich, explosively powerful Secretariat finally got serious, entering her full-power state.
With every participating Uma Musume here being at least world-class and all possessing domains, even if Secretariat only stole a portion of their domain effects…
The combined boost reached an unprecedented level. Her steps became incredibly light!
Her powerful legs pounded heavily on the ground, her confident face gradually turning cold, domineering, and nearly ferocious from the exertion.
In Secretariat's view, she had to find a way to secure more lead now, to counter both Flightline's unprecedented Great Escape and The Radiant Knight's fearsome endurance and final kick!
Her aura, vast enough to swallow mountains and rivers, perfectly matched her tall, imposing figure, transforming completely into a terrifying domain that shook the entire audience.
It was a supreme domain capable of shaking everything! A legendary domain hailed as the strongest beneath the gods!
Even a historical-grade Uma Musume, praised as a once-in-a-decade talent, would have to bow before such an awe-inspiring legendary domain.
Before Nearl's rise, Secretariat was universally acknowledged as the only one who might possibly surpass Man o' War and had the potential to become the dirt GOAT!
She would prove here that The Radiant Knight's legend ended now!
And the legend of the Big Red would continue!
But—it would no longer be the first generation's legend, but the second generation Big Red!
In an instant, Secretariat's speed reached its peak—almost matching the speed of top Uma Musume in the final stretch of major conventional races!
And this was happening… in the mere first half, a second acceleration Secretariat deployed to counter other legendary Great Escapes!
Secretariat could feel her body, her massive heart… beating faster and faster, as if born for this very moment of running!
Her acceleration had already expanded further.
Under the intense sprint, the mud churned up by Secretariat's pounding hooves flew incessantly, even gouging noticeable pits in the not-exactly-soft dirt track, a testament to her ferocious power.
From the second acceleration after activating her domain, to now soaring past the first turn and racing towards the second turn near the halfway point…
Neither Flightline nor Nearl had been easily shaken off?!
"—What fine opponents!"
"To face so many excellent rivals in this era is my honor."
The Big Red Monster, already the current number one on dirt and charging towards the title of greatest of all time, did not withhold her praise.
But praise was one thing…
The next moment, Secretariat's muscles tensed like a drawn longbow, gathering boundless power in a charge-like posture. Her steps actually pulled ahead of Flightline, who was in an even inner lane than herself!
Then, she completely left her behind, as if grinding her to dust!!
Suddenly, after holding on for nearly half the race, staying closest to Secretariat all along, Flightline finally… "fell behind."
The one who had consistently held second place, Flightline, gritted her silver teeth, filled with fighting spirit and immense frustration, could only watch helplessly as the big red figure pulled away from her again.
"This… she can accelerate again after a Great Escape?"
"Just what kind of monster is this?!"
But what stunned Flightline just as much was that the figure who had been running level with her hadn't fallen behind like she had.
Among the three legends, the first to fall… was actually herself?!
--+--
The very front, after the second turn.
As Flightline's figure disappeared from the periphery of Secretariat's vision…
It already signified that Secretariat had regained a considerable lead.
"No… that's not right…"
But before any joy could appear in those crimson eyes, it was replaced by shock.
Because on the outside, the figure initially disadvantaged by the gate draw hadn't been shaken off by her successive accelerations, almost imperceptibly.
Even more!!
Nearl's tall, steadfast, radiant form shone as brilliantly as the sun, inspiring awe and admiration!
The golden-haired maiden hailed as The Radiant Knight raised her pure white, gleaming wings, launching her own unique knight's charge!
--+--
[(O Sun, Please Acknowledge Me): When the racecourse is bathed in sunlight, slightly increases acceleration, explosiveness…]
[(Dawnbreak): Moderately negates suppression from opponents' domains…]
[(The Fearless): When only one other Uma Musume is nearby…]
[(Twilight): …]
[(Unilluminated Glory): …]
--+--
After her perpetual domain, Nearl finally activated her domain skills. Her already straightforward charging acceleration transformed further into a glide akin to "skimming the ground."
Radiant and extraordinary! Fierce and deadly!
Secretariat had shaken off Flightline.
Nearl had surpassed Flightline.
And now, only one other Uma Musume remained in their sights.
After the retirement of the Pegasus Platinum, the two strongest legendary monsters of the current era, Secretariat and Nearl, simultaneously uttered a low murmur.
"Next…"
"It's you!"
The final battle before the Dream Cup…
No, perhaps the final [duel] had arrived!
The eve of the finale between The Radiant Knight and the Big Red Monster, begins now!
--+--
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.