Starlight found the staff member from earlier, flashed her proof of participation, and prepared to enter.
The staff blinked in confusion, but Starlight stepped forward with the confidence of a warrior—despite her small frame and trembling wrist.
She walked through the competition tunnel toward the arena, the roar of the crowd growing louder with each step. Her heart pounded. Just as she tried to steady herself with a deep breath, someone bumped her shoulder hard, nearly knocking her off balance.
Turning around, she saw a tall race girl glaring down at her with disdain before striding past.
"Pfft," Starlight chuckled. For some reason, that moment eased her nerves.
It's not too much to aim for first place this time.
She walked calmly to the turf, waiting for the gate.
"Welcome to the Tokyo Debut Race!" the announcer boomed. "Today's track spans 2,000 meters. Which Uma Musume will rise to the top?"
The crowd erupted. Fans of all kinds had gathered to witness the birth of a new star. Some came to cheer for their favorites, others to discover the next legend.
For many, this was the beginning of a journey—watching a nameless race girl grow from debut to retirement.
Starlight entered the gate without hesitation. The small space felt oddly comforting. She glanced at the trembling girls beside her, some hesitant to enter, others visibly nervous.
Her eyes locked onto the race girl who had bumped her earlier—Flame Colorful, a fan favorite. Flame glanced back at her, then turned her focus to the race.
It was clear: the battle for first place would be between Flame Colorful and the unknown newcomer, Starlight.
Starlight wasn't popular—she hadn't even gone through the review process or shown her face publicly. But if she had, her delicate features and starry eyes would've surely won hearts.
The final gate closed. The race began.
With a burst of golden light, Starlight shot forward—her skill
"An incredible start! Platinum Star—has surged ahead, widening the gap from the pack!"
The camera panned to the rear.
"Trouble at the back! Three girls are struggling now delayed at the gate and trails behind."
The wind rushed past Starlight's ears. Her body relaxed, her stride smooth and effortless.
"Platinum Star is accelerating! Can she maintain this pace so early in the race?"
But Starlight wasn't accelerating—she was simply running comfortably. She didn't know much about strategy, but she knew one thing: stay in first, and save the final burst for the finish.
Behind her, the other girls labored to keep up. Their steps grew heavy, their breathing strained.
"What's happening? Flame Colorful's stamina is draining fast! This distance should be easy for her!"
Flame felt like she was running through mud. Every step was a struggle. She stared at Starlight's light-footed form ahead, frustration mounting.
"Did Platinum Star do something?" she muttered, gritting her teeth.
No way. I won't lose to someone I mocked before the race.
Flame pushed harder, her body glowing as she activated her acceleration skill.
"She's closing in! Five lengths… four lengths… Can Flame Colorful catch the blazing meteor ahead?"
Starlight, deep in thought, didn't notice the red glow around her—her
"I… I can't win," Flame whispered, watching the gap widen again. Starlight's relaxed expression made her feel like she was chasing the stars themselves.
"The gap grows! Flame Colorful is stalling! Platinum Star continues her dazzling advance!"
Cheers erupted across the stadium.
"What a debut! A powerful new contender—Platinum Star!"
"Could she be the next rival to Silent Suzuka, Grass Wonder, or El Condor Pasa?"
Starlight glanced back, saw Flame faltering, and eased her pace. She was tired too, and with no one catching up, she could afford to conserve energy.
She crossed the finish line five lengths ahead—graceful, effortless, victorious.
"Congratulations! First place: Platinum Star. Second: Flame Colorful. Third: Bubble."
Starlight waved to the crowd, tiptoeing to be seen. Behind her, Flame Colorful bent over, hands on knees, gasping for breath.
She looked up and saw Starlight standing tall, basking in the cheers.
I'm just lingering in the shadows where winners shine…
"She probably doesn't care about weaklings like me," Flame thought, ready to leave.
"Hey, hey! Why are you walking so fast?" Starlight jogged over and stopped her.
Flame turned, eyes wary but tinged with admiration. "What do you want?"
Even she didn't realize she had begun to admire the girl who had just outshone everyone.
"Ahaha, nothing serious. I just want to be friends," Starlight said, standing on tiptoe to pat Flame's shoulder.
"…Okay," Flame nodded, surprised but secretly pleased. If I can't beat her, maybe I can stand beside her.
She looked at Starlight's petite frame, her sky-blue hair glowing brighter than the sky itself.
That's the most unique star I've ever seen.
Note- Platinum Star is a fake identity the system made so the mc could race.