Fresh Memory felt like her lungs were about to burst.
Not long after the race began, just as they entered the first turn, she was already starting to feel exhausted.
She had thought that based on her usual training, not only could she steadily complete the entire race, but she might even be able to compete for a better position...
But once she stepped onto the track, it had absolutely nothing to do with her usual training! The two felt completely different, as if separated by another dimension!
Fresh Memory had been quite confident, determined to stick close to Urban Sea and look for a chance to overtake her.
It was true that Urban Sea had won a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but her overall record was actually rather modest. Given Fresh Memory's own ability, she had thought dealing with Urban Sea would be more than manageable...
But... but...
This wasn't anything like what she had imagined...
Her heart was pounding uncontrollably, and she simply couldn't calm it down. She didn't even understand what was happening to her.
As they entered the turn, using the slight curve of the bend, Urban Sea's gaze briefly swept over Fresh Memory, almost imperceptibly, before immediately turning away.
'Heh, so full of energy, this new generation.'
'Still far from the real deal, but like a newly risen sun, they radiate a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, with a bright path ahead of them.'
'Of course, still not comparable to my dearest Sea the Stars.'
Urban Sea pondered. Why had she come to participate in this race?
Of course, one reason was because of Golden Sixty's invitation. But she was well aware of the gap between herself, Urban Sea, and other top-tier Uma Musume.
Not to mention there were monsters like Sham here; winning was impossible. And Urban Sea had considered even more. If she actually won, where would that leave Golden Sixty, the host's, pride?
In Urban Sea's view, even Golden Sixty probably couldn't clearly explain the purpose of organizing this special race.
'Then let me give it a purpose.'
'Let it serve as a demonstration race. To show these newcomers who will shine on the track in the future—'
'This is how a race should be run!'
Urban Sea's right foot pressed into the turf, twisting lightly, and in an instant, she shifted to the outside lane. Agnes Digital and Sham were locked in a fierce battle, leaving the outside lane wide open.
Fresh Memory saw the movement of Urban Sea ahead of her, and both Sham and Agnes Digital heard the change in the footsteps behind them.
'What is she trying to do?'
Urban Sea recalled her entire racing career.
She was an Uma Musume with considerable strength, one could call her a mainstay of the racing world.
But the reason 'mainstay' has 'main' in it is because there are others standing above the stay.
In terms of life, Urban Sea was already very successful: decent prize money, no major physical issues after retirement, and she could continue to find purpose in her career as a trainer.
But... running, ah, running. Just two legs alternating constantly, limbs evolved for survival.
Why... why did it make her heart beat so wildly?
What was she thinking as she galloped on the track of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?
'Ah, that was... love.'
'Do you understand now? The first thing you must learn... should be love!'
Urban Sea's cadence quickened, quickened, and quickened still more! She was like a fighter jet preparing for takeoff, even the sound of the wind left behind.
"—!"
Fresh Memory' heart skipped a beat for an instant. She watched in disbelief as Urban Sea's back grew further and further away.
'I have to catch her... I have to catch her now...'
Though such thoughts surged in her heart, her body seemed to disobey her, unable to muster any more speed.
'The race just started... I was so confident before the race...'
'Was I... too overconfident?'
Tears welled in her eyes, and her footsteps gradually slowed.
"I... I can't do it..."
Tearing up, Fresh Memory could no longer keep up with Urban Sea's pace and fell back among the new generation of Uma Musume.
It wasn't over yet. Urban Sea maintained her sprinting form, successively overtaking both Sham and Agnes Digital, even showing signs of catching up to Golden Sixty.
Sham and Agnes Digital didn't panic like Fresh Memory had. They calmly made way, watching Urban Sea run ahead, both maintaining their own pace.
Because everyone realized: Urban Sea's acceleration couldn't be sustained for long.
At this speed, Urban Sea simply wouldn't have enough stamina left for a strong final kick in the last three furlongs.
Moreover, if she was employing a strategy that sacrificed her final kick, she should have taken the lead from the very start, even getting ahead of Golden Sixty, rather than suddenly accelerating like this during the early part of the race.
'Urban Sea, what are you trying to do?' This question arose in everyone's minds.
"Urban Sea is choosing to accelerate now!"
"Golden Sixty has already exited the turn, with Urban Sea following closely behind her! In third place is Sham, with Agnes Digital hot on her heels."
"About four lengths behind Agnes Digital is Leap of Faith, and next to Leap of Faith is Platinum. Jade Lion is in seventh place, Fresh Memory has fallen to eighth, and Ever Flourishing is at the very back. Ever Flourishing doesn't seem to be in good form; can she adjust and catch up to the runners ahead?"
Platinum glanced to her right. Leap of Faith was right beside her.
Fresh Memory suddenly falling back into the pack had given Platinum a scare. Though it was a bit impolite to think... Platinum's first thought at that moment was, 'How can someone run backwards?'
'My apologies, my apologies.'
It also showed just how treacherous the front had become. Charging forward now was undoubtedly stepping into a minefield.
Looking at Leap of Faith beside her, then at the figure of Agnes Digital ahead, Platinum felt indecisive again.
The gap between her and the leading group was widening... At this rate, could she really catch up?
Platinum remembered Agnes Tachyon's instructions to her.
['Do not get too close to the leading group. The intensity of the competition among those Uma Musume is something you can't handle yet. Charging in recklessly won't give you a chance.']
['But you also can't stay too far from them. You need to reasonably estimate your remaining stamina and decide on the distance to the leading group yourself, closing the gap to a point where you can catch up at any time.']
[Agnes Tachyon raised her arm, spreading all her fingers in front of Platinum.]
['I'll give you a reference. Five lengths. Under normal circumstances, don't let the leading group get more than five lengths ahead of you.']
'You didn't tell me Urban Sea would sprint early!'
'What should I do 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.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.