What am I supposed to do in a situation like this?
I can't just jump out and yell, 'You're not playing by the rules, run back!' right?
Platinum grumbled to herself. And she had to make a decision, fast.
Right now, Leap of Faith and Platinum were leading the chase pack, trailing the last runner in the leading pack, Agnes Digital, by about four horse lengths.
Four lengths—it was already a distance that made one hesitate.
Even an endurance monster like Platinum was doubting in her heart whether she could close a four-length gap in the final sprint, let alone the newer generation behind her.
And as they raced through the bend, the gap between the leading pack and the chase pack was steadily widening. If this continued, the 'chase' pack would only be left chasing, with no hope of catching up!
Urban Sea's explosive charge had completely disrupted everyone's rhythm. Even Sham and Agnes Digital had slightly increased their pace, while the younger Uma Musume further back were growing restless, starting to consider accelerating.
"Can Jade Lion really close this gap?" A small group of out-of-town Uma Musume huddled together, watching Jade Lion on the track with concern.
"The race isn't even half over yet..."
Agnes Tachyon's ears were sharp. These young girls weren't exactly quiet, so she heard every word.
She can't catch up... Agnes Tachyon thought silently.
Only experienced, level-headed Uma Musume could handle a situation like this now. Accelerating recklessly would only burn through their stamina too quickly; but not accelerating would mean being left behind by the entire pack, creating an insurmountable gap.
Maintaining that balance was tricky, and it even depended on whether the other runners in the same pack could keep their cool, hold their nerve.
Otherwise, if just one Uma Musume started to push the pace, it would be like releasing the brake on a car parked on a slope—sending everyone hurtling downward. Once that happened, the entire pack would be swept up in a frantic surge.
Urban Sea was clearly not aiming for the win anymore. She was sacrificing her own placement to force the entire race's tempo faster.
Jade Lion was also grinding her teeth in frustration.
Accelerate? Or not?
What should she do now?
She knew, rationally, she should hold her pace. But seeing everyone around her getting eager, while the leading pack steadily pulled away—in this situation, reason felt like a rock on the shore, constantly battered by waves.
In this tense atmosphere, rationality and calm no longer held sway!
Fresh Memory looked pale, her stamina already drained without her realizing; another surge in pace would knock her right out of contention.
Ever Flourishing kept stealing anxious glances at Platinum and Jade Lion; Jade Lion herself had dropped into a sprinting stance multiple times, only to hesitate and pull back at the last moment.
Platinum, unable to see behind her, could only cock an ear, listening for the sound of approaching footsteps.
'Fine then, if anyone else speeds up, I'll speed up too!'
Platinum thought, resigning herself to the chaos.
Everyone's nerves were stretched taut. Just a little push, just one little spark...
A whoosh of air rushed past Platinum. She brushed aside the strands of hair whipped by the gust, watching the figure speeding away, and couldn't stop a cry of shock.
"Leap of Faith—!"
It was Leap of Faith, who had seemed the steadiest of them all, who charged out first!
Leap of Faith didn't look back, didn't make any grand gesture, as if she'd forgotten everyone behind her.
Her eyes were locked dead ahead, overtaking Agnes Digital, Sham, and Urban Sea one by one, heading straight for Golden Sixty.
Her legs scissored relentlessly, the black hem of her skirt dancing around her long boots. Dressed entirely in black, she looked like a shadow.
'I am just a shadow.' Leap of Faith had always felt this way—like she was Golden Sixty's shadow, an extension of her.
She'd said enough discouraging things like that. But, just for today... since she'd stepped onto this track...
Like Urban Sea, let herself burn!
Leap of Faith had never felt like this before. Her best running style was actually front-running, but today she'd unconsciously chosen a come-from-behind tactic.
Her lungs felt shriveled, full of holes, but it didn't matter.
Even her toes ached, but it didn't matter.
Could she catch up? Please, let her try.
'All this time, I've been the one chasing Golden Sixty's back.'
'Just for today... could I make Golden Sixty... chase after mine, just once?'
Leap of Faith felt better than she ever had. She could see it—she was catching up to the runners ahead.
She could do this... She might really be able to do it!
'Leap of Faith's condition is off!' Platinum frowned from behind. Even someone as perceptive as her could see Leap of Faith seemed possessed.
And then...
"Argh, whatever! If we're running, we're running! I made it through the Mongolia Derby, this is nothing!" Jade Lion shook her head, lowered her body, and matched Leap of Faith's pace.
"Huh? Right now?" Ever Flourishing stared in panic at the few surging ahead, but her feet didn't falter, showing no sign of falling behind.
"...Sigh." Fresh Memory let out a sigh worthy of her name and gradually fell behind the others. She simply didn't have the reserves left to accelerate.
'Everyone's going?' Platinum was startled. Gritting her teeth, she followed suit.
Up in the stands, Agnes Tachyon glanced at the race progress, then hurriedly leaned over next to Uncle Francis, peering at the stopwatch in his hand.
Uncle He glanced at the nervously trembling Agnes Tachyon but didn't say anything. Right now, everyone felt the same.
Platinum's time for the first 1000 meters was... 0:59.70. Still a bit too fast...
But thankfully, it was still within acceptable limits.
Agnes Tachyon prayed silently in her heart, not even realizing she was more tense now than during her own races.
'Please, please, don't get reckless! The real fight between Agnes Digital and the others hasn't even started yet...'
'You have to remember what I told you!'
--+--
—It's time to end this. Sham thought.
The race was past the halfway point. The fiercest battle was about to begin.
Sham's eyes swept sideways. Urban Sea was charging ahead, barely a neck's length in front, and even Sham could see the large beads of sweat rolling down her face. She was clearly nearing her limit.
Further ahead, Golden Sixty led the field. Her robe billowed around her, making it look like clouds were swirling at her sides.
--+--
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.