"An invitation... for me?"
Platinum's amber eyes, usually so lively, were fixed on the pristine, lightweight envelope before her that somehow felt inexplicably heavy. She was utterly incredulous.
An invitation!
The Dirt Dream Cup!
This was, in the truest sense... a once-in-a-century event!
Over a hundred years had passed since the very first Turf Dream Cup in Eclipse's era.
Even those legendary Uma Musume once hailed as 'the one-in-a-hundred-years' talent—more than one of them had passed away without ever getting a chance to participate in the Dream Cup.
One could say, for every Uma Musume past and present, this was the stuff of legends among legends, myths among myths.
Just the chance to participate, to stand against so many legends returned to their peak and compete... for that, any price would be acceptable.
But alas, it was only now that this second Dream Cup was about to commence, and it had switched to a dirt track, unlike the first one's turf.
Platinum didn't need to think hard to imagine the feelings of the legendary seniors from the turf racing world, like Sea Bird, Dancing Brave, and Ribot. 'Envy' probably wasn't a strong enough word.
And because they were turf Uma Musume, there was no way figures like Sea Bird or Dancing Brave could possibly rank within the top twenty in dirt track history. No matter how lofty their achievements on grass, they stood no chance of qualifying for this second Dream Cup.
It was like getting a perfect score in math—it had absolutely nothing to do with your literature grade. They were simply different worlds.
And yet, Platinum alone...!
Even she herself never imagined she would receive such an envelope—one that had 'doxxed' her, delivered by the Three Goddesses themselves: [The Dream Cup Invitation]!!
Just this single invitation, if made public, would undoubtedly be enough to make countless young fillies in racing circuits across the globe lose sleep at night, speechless with envy.
And Platinum, who originated from the turf, had gotten it!
"With... just two races, I actually received the [Invitation], and qualified?"
The lady Pegasus, who had just announced her retirement, now wore a complex expression on her stunningly beautiful face.
She had just made her getaway, rejoicing that she could finally slack off properly, free from any missions or tasks.
And in the blink of an eye, the Three Goddesses themselves invited her to the Dream Cup? And a dirt race, no less?
"Should... I go?"
Platinum fell into a long silence. This time, she was genuinely tempted.
Normally, the lady Pegasus had zero interest in work or overtime, wanting only to lie flat and loaf around.
But the Dream Cup was clearly different.
If she missed this, who knew when the next one would be? She might not live to see a third Dream Cup in her lifetime.
That legendary super tournament where all participating Uma Musume are brought to their peak condition—regardless of age or current form—for one ultimate race! This was the only chance!
Miss this one opportunity, and it's truly gone forever!
The next moment, Platinum lowered her amber eyes again, gazing down at the invitation in her hand—an invitation destined for the history books, worthy of being preserved in a museum, personally penned by the Three Goddesses.
--+--
[—To Centaurea's Own Hand—]
[The Dream Cup, 2400m Dirt Race, will commence in fifteen days.]
[From this day forth, for the coming fortnight, all participants shall arrive at their peak physical condition, which shall persist until the final day's race concludes.]
[We humbly request the manifestation of the dance belonging to the Platinum Seat.]
—Respectfully presented by [GODOLPHIN ARABIAN], [DARLEY ARABIAN], and [BYERLEY TURK].
--+--
After reading the contents once more, Platinum's eyes widened in a rare show of surprise.
"Holy crap, I got doxxed!"
The invitation used her real name, Centaurea—fine, she could let that slide. She had told Winx about it, at least once.
But this [Platinum Seat]... she had never mentioned that, not even once.
The assassin organization from that continent, the Armorless Union, used titles for its high-ranking executives: the Lazurite Seat, the Platinum Seat.
And Centaurea, having inherited the position from her bucket-carrying, runaway predecessor—her master of the Platinum Seat—had become the new office worker, leading numerous assassins as the new [Platinum Seat].
The Platinum Seat was a position. 'Platinum' was both a code name and her racing name. They were completely different.
And this invitation directly stated her official title. The sheer power of this doxing left Platinum exclaiming inwardly, 'Truly, the Three Goddesses.'
After some thought, Platinum slapped the table decisively.
"Alright, let's do it?!"
"But [the other me] will definitely go."
"So it's me versus myself? Isn't that a bit too weird?"
"If we end up taking the top two spots, or even tie for first, will the Three Goddesses get angry?"
Platinum rested her chin in her hand, her expression filled with contemplation.
But soon, she gave up thinking about it.
Anyway, if the Three Goddesses could dox her like this, they must already be fully aware of her secret identity, transformations, and alt accounts.
And since they sent an invitation instead of banning her account, they must want to see her participate, right?
Then she'd go!
Having made her decision, the newly resolved Platinum made to get up and head back to bed.
But the very next second, as she started to lift her head, Platinum froze on the spot.
Because the table she had just casually slapped now bore a distinct, spreading web of cracks.
How could an assassin girl who uses a bow, a sniper operator, somehow qualify as a heavy defender or a guard operator?
Her strength...
No, more accurately, her entire body seemed to have become far more powerful?!
"Huh?"
"I see... So that's why the invitation wasn't just a simple info sheet about the Dream Cup..."
Within the invitation's text, there were these two lines:
--+--
[The Dream Cup, 2400m Dirt Race, will commence in fifteen days.]
[From this day forth, for the coming fortnight, all participants shall arrive at their peak physical condition, which shall persist until the final day's race concludes.]
--+--
The participants shall arrive at their peak physical condition!
And this peak condition would last for a full half-month!
"Does that mean... I wasn't at my peak before?"
"While other retired Uma Musume, like Man o' War or Seabiscuit, are returning to their peak."
"So, everyone needs sufficient time to adapt. That's why our bodies reach peak condition half a month before the race, not on the day itself?"
In other words, for the others, it's about summoning their [Past Selves], transforming into the strongest versions of themselves from the past.
And the one just achieving a beautiful conclusion, the retired Platinum from the Classic-generation year, summons on the Dream Cup stage—[Her Future Self]!!
On one side, the past self [Preceded by the Ancients], and on the other, the future self [Followed by Successors]!
In this world, there actually exists a Uma Musume who, after reaching the pinnacle of strength and retiring with a beautiful conclusion, hasn't even reached her peak yet...
Could it be that the Three Goddesses, wanting to see her at her peak but only witnessing her slacking off without ever setting foot on the training ground, got so angry they dragged her onto the Dream Cup?
"Hell yeah!"
"No bugs means it's a feature?!"
The excited and delighted Pegasus no longer returned to her bed.
Since her body had temporarily reached its future peak condition, she absolutely had to familiarize herself with and master this body and its speed properly.
The Dream Cup—she must go!
Finally!
—This little ancestor who both excited and exasperated the Three Goddesses was finally turning around, ready to stride toward the training ground!
--+--
At the same time.
[—To Seabiscuit—]
In her office, Seabiscuit, having just finished watching the race, sat down at her desk.
The letter before her, opened with slight puzzlement, soon made her pupils tremble as if struck by an earthquake.
The next second, this elegant legendary Uma Musume, who held a high position and ought to keep her emotions concealed, allowed a smile to curve her lips.
"Finally, it's here…"
And then, Seabiscuit felt a rapid transformation in her own body—an incredibly obvious enhancement.
No, to be precise, it was a return to her peak.
Even though she was a legendary Uma Musume in the past, after years of retirement, she had become a revered senior to many younger generations of foreign fillies, and as a high-ranking official of the American racing authorities constantly on the move...
Because of this, her physical strength had long since declined far from her former peak. Precisely because the gap was so vast, she immediately sensed the change in her body.
It was like a student scoring 60 points improving to 95 points overnight—they would naturally feel a dramatic leap.
Whereas a certain lazy little Platinum might go from 100 points to 120 points, which might seem like less progress, but... that wasn't actually the case.
"Fifteen days of preparation and adaptation time!"
"Every second counts!! I can't waste even a single minute here."
Seabiscuit immediately turned, storing the invitation without hesitation, and headed toward her long-unvisited, familiar training ground.
At the same time, she picked up her phone, called her colleagues, and informed them she would be temporarily leaving her post for half a month.
Seabiscuit, the former idol and senior official, would briefly disappear!
In her place would be... the monstrously competitive, ghost-god-like legendary monster Seabiscuit!
And similar scenes were playing out almost simultaneously all across America.
Those paragons leaving a profound mark in Uma Musume history were unanimously setting aside everything in their hands, each resuming their peerless, dazzling forms to prepare for that final Dream Cup.
To some extent—they had heeded the call of the Three Goddesses, and they would answer on the racetrack, as always!
--+--
The next day.
At a certain training ground.
A sight that, if photographed, could only be described as [Astonishing]!
Two tall, dashing young women, both with blazing crimson long hair, each possessing an aura far surpassing so-called world-class Uma Musume, their presence overwhelmingly powerful, flying side-by-side toward the finish line.
Any dirt racing enthusiast who saw them would undoubtedly shout that name without hesitation...
"Big Red!!!"
That's right, both of them were Big Red.
Of course, this wasn't the [Third-Generation Big Red Monster · Easy Goer] who had been defeated repeatedly by The Radiant Knight, Nearl.
Although Easy Goer was immensely talented, she belonged to the same generation as Nearl. With all three crowns snatched away by Nearl, how could she possibly qualify for a spot among the top twenty in dirt racing history to participate in the Dream Cup?
The Big Red beside Secretariat was the original monster, the one long regarded as the [G.O.A.T. of Dirt]!
The first-generation Big Red, Man o' War!
"As expected of Senior Man o' War."
"Even though you've just returned to your peak…"
Secretariat, coming to a stop, did not hold back her praise in the slightest.
In her crimson eyes burned intensely high fighting spirit, along with considerable amazement.
The training ground where Secretariat and Man o' War stood was exceptionally professional, resembling a racetrack's surface, with equipment completely identical.
It's worth noting that training sessions rarely use specific starting gate and timing equipment from actual races, so accuracy usually differs slightly.
Such setups are typically only employed for final pre-race condition checks or when top-tier Uma Musume arrange direct challenges.
And what exactly were Secretariat and Man o' War, if not the very definition of top-tier Uma Musume?
But even though this was a challenge match... precisely because both were excessively powerful, Secretariat and Man o' War were currently restraining and overcoming their fighting spirit, not going all out.
After all, the real main course was still to come.
If they couldn't resist now and filled up on the appetizer, how would they handle the [main course] arriving in just fourteen days?
Whether facing ordinary world-class Uma Musume, both Man o' War and Secretariat could achieve victory without significant stamina drain, thus avoiding major impact on subsequent training and Dream Cup preparation.
But if the opponent was another legend... then restraint and control were naturally necessary.
Even so, despite not going all out in this training match, Secretariat could still feel the volcanic prelude contained within Man o' War's body—scorching and formidable, capable of erupting with astonishing speed at any moment!
Along with her amazement, excitement, and even a hint of wariness, Secretariat also felt gratitude in her heart towards the [Dream Cup] and even the Three Goddesses themselves.
'Thank goodness during the Dream Cup period, everyone reaches their peak condition.'
'The fatigue and minor injuries from the Breeders' Cup are gone during this time, so they won't affect my training.'
Just a day or two ago, that recently concluded, world-shaking edition of the Breeders' Cup!
Secretariat had been etched into the history of Nearl's Pegasus Hall of Fame with a five-length defeat, standing as the strongest opponent The Radiant Knight had ever faced.
For Secretariat, it had come at a considerable cost. Even her peak, fiercely powerful body felt pronounced fatigue and definite pain after the race.
Undoubtedly, she had pushed her injured body to its absolute limit, draining everything for that super performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Yet, despite all that, she still suffered a crushing defeat at Nearl's hands!
In Secretariat's view, if she hadn't fought with such desperate determination at the Breeders' Cup—if she hadn't dared to risk injury and push to the absolute edge, instead using a safer, conservative full effort...
She might have lost by ten lengths, maybe even been pulled into a "big difference" by The Radiant Knight!!
But even after pushing until she was injured post-race, paying an unprecedented price, she still lost by a full five lengths! It was fair to say Secretariat was deeply shocked.
But fortunately, what now made this Big Red Monster feel relieved was that the unique nature of the [Dream Cup] was that within these 15 days, all participating Uma Musume temporarily return to their peak, healthy condition.
Therefore, her fatigue reset to zero, her injuries vanished, ensuring not the slightest impact on pre-Dream Cup training or the race itself.
Filled with gratitude and anticipation for the Dream Cup, Secretariat wouldn't waste this restored optimal state and healthy body on Senior Man o' War.
Even if Man o' War was the idol and senior she had always looked up to and admired.
Compared to that, the chance to face Nearl again in the Dream Cup, along with the many other monstrous seniors etched in history, intrigued Secretariat far more.
For that purpose, Secretariat chose patience and restraint, preparing for the grand Dream Cup two weeks later.
And her senior, Man o' War, felt the same, pausing as a nearly insane, ecstatic smile played on her lips.
"Then, let's proceed with the usual training."
"Really looking forward to the Dream Cup in just over ten days."
Secretariat nodded, her eyes shining brightly.
Even though Man o' War was the idol she had always revered, when it came to battling in the Dream Cup, she absolutely had to win!
The legends of the old era have no place aboard the ship of the new age!
"Man o' War, my senior, please come and dance alongside me."
Just before turning away, Secretariat voiced her declaration of war.
This drew a proud, pleased laugh from Man o' War as she lifted her head.
"How arrogant you've become, the little one from back then."
"Who will be dancing for whom remains to be seen. Both you and Nearl are my targets."
The three greatest Uma Musume in the history of dirt racing!
Among Man o' War, Nearl, and Secretariat, only one champion would emerge!
And in this very moment, both Man o' War and Secretariat carried with them one final, lingering question from before the tournament.
That was…
The other Pegasus, who galloped on the turf, Platinum—who had just yesterday announced her glorious retirement after a perfect farewell!
Would the turf Pegasus, Platinum, participate in the Dream Cup?
And Secretariat was even more convinced… that she would most likely see Platinum make an appearance.
Because Uma Musume always seek the grandest final curtain.
In this world, there is no stage, no battlefield, no race greater than the Dream Cup!
--+--
Two more days passed.
Inside a clinic.
A handsome, black-haired young man in a white coat was looking down at his phone.
[--Dream Cup Schedule Finalized, Begins in Fourteen Days!!]
[The battle to decide the strongest in history, the once-in-a-century Dream Cup is here!]
[Counting the Uma Musume who have received Dream Cup invitations; already fourteen Uma Musume have come forward, publicly showing their invitations and confirming their eligibility.]
[The Dream Cup distance is set at the ultimate 2400 meters! Which of the participating Uma Musume might struggle with this distance…]
[Nearl Surpasses Secretariat! Will she lose her GOAT status just half a month after becoming the greatest of all time?]
[Nearl! Man o' War! Secretariat! The three top contenders for the Dream Cup—who will be the final victor, forever cementing that GOAT title?]
The news displayed on his phone was almost entirely about the Dream Cup.
It was clear this was a super event that had captured the attention of the entire world.
Typically, a famous international G1 race could maintain discussions in its home country for at least three days.
As for top-tier international G1s like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Eclipse Stakes, or the Kentucky Derby, they could sustain over a week of discussion.
But standing at the pinnacle of all Uma Musume racing, akin to the status of a World Uma Musume of the Year… were the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup! It wouldn't be strange at all for them to maintain an astonishing two weeks of discussion.
Yet this year's recently concluded Breeders' Cup, despite its massive scale, found itself overshadowed by another race.
The Dream Cup had become a super event sweeping across America and the entire global Uma Musume racing world!
"This level of attention… it's really something else."
"Feeling the pressure, Secretariat?"
Lin Anran put down his phone and looked at the crimson-haired beauty leaning back in the chair across from him, arms crossed.
As the 'Big Red Monster' Secretariat, one of the top three favorites to win the Dream Cup, she was undoubtedly the standout of the dirt circuit.
The immense attention focused on the Dream Cup undoubtedly translated into immense pressure.
So, Lin Anran was a little puzzled. Shouldn't Secretariat be training right now? Why had she suddenly come here?
But the next moment, Secretariat fixed her shining, beautiful eyes on him.
"Dr. Lin, you remember our promise from back then, don't you?"
Lin Anran's expression froze for an instant.
His memory instantly flashed back to when he first arrived in Japan.
"Hah, that 'Big Red' who even managed to lose her debut race after getting bumped? And she wants me to stay as her personal doctor? Not a chance!"
"Better to go make some money at Japan's Tracen than starve to death with her!"
And before leaving, facing the young girls clutching his clothes, their faces a mix of disbelief and reluctance, he had offered some final words of encouragement.
'Believe in yourselves, you all have talent. I'm not abandoning you, there's just something I have to take care of…'
'When you become the strongest, I'll come back to see you. Whatever you ask for then, I'll agree to it!'
Back then, Lin Anran, secretly pleased with himself, had used those final words to encourage the few girls closest to him, his mind already filled with plans for making money after arriving in Japan.
In other words, they had agreed long ago: when one of those Uma Musume became the strongest, he would unconditionally fulfill one wish for the one who achieved it.
And the Dream Cup… if Secretariat won this race, she would overtake the Radiant Knight, Nearl, defeat the original Big Red, Man o' War, and solidly claim the title of GOAT—Greatest of All Time!
"Big Red, you mean…"
Secretariat rose to her feet abruptly. She reached out with a fair, slender hand and gently touched Lin Anran's cheek.
Then, this dashing and intensely assertive crimson-haired beauty smiled.
"The trophy I want… is right here."
"I will win the Dream Cup, and then I'll marry you, Dr. Lin!"
"According to our promise, you won't refuse me, will you?"
The scheming young doctor was left speechless.
…Fine. But Nearl won't lose!
--+--
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.