Time moved to March of the new year.
The first battle of the Spring Triple Crown, the Osaka Hai, was about to begin.
This was also the first G1 turf race of the new year.
Originally, 'Tokai Teio' had planned to participate in this race last year, but if she had, her schedule would have overlapped with 'Mejiro McQueen's'. Okino believed that 'Tokai Teio' back then would definitely have lost to 'Mejiro McQueen' in last year's Tenno Sho (Spring), so he had persuaded 'Tokai Teio' to delay her Spring Triple Crown challenge by one year.
By then, 'Tokai Teio' would not only be stronger and more likely to defeat her opponents, but also more likely to surpass the Emperor's past achievements. But no one had expected 'Tokai Teio' to be defeated by [The Overlord] in the last two races of the year—not only ending her winning streak, but also severely disrupting this year's race schedule.
Fans looked at this year's Osaka Hai participant list.
They saw 'Rice Shower's' name on it.
Immediately, many people let out excited cheers.
It was [The Overlord]!
[The Overlord] wouldn't miss this year's Spring Triple Crown after all!
"As expected, [The Overlord] is competing in this year's Osaka Hai!"
"Obviously. Given the strength and condition [The Overlord] showed at year's end, not participating would be the strange thing."
Those final two races at year's end—[The Overlord's] absolutely invincible, powerful form had deeply shaken everyone.
And from [The Overlord's] condition at the time, those two races had been won far too easily, even more easily than any of Rice Shower's previous races. It felt as if the competitor had suddenly upgraded her CPU, achieving an entirely new evolution.
Such a powerful [Overlord] would definitely participate in this year's major races.
This was practically a foregone conclusion. Unless [The Overlord] had encountered some accident in the past few months, there was absolutely no way she would pass up a race of the Spring Triple Crown's caliber, especially since the Triple Crown's distance range perfectly matched [The Overlord's] aptitude.
"I don't see 'Tokai Teio' or 'Mejiro McQueen' on the list."
"'McQueen' has already participated before, but what's going on with 'Teio'? Is she really going to skip this Osaka Hai? Could her previous fracture still not be healed?"
"Don't you follow the Little Gold Ship Channel? 'Teio's' injury healed ages ago."
"Huh? What's that?"
"You don't even know about the Little Gold Ship Channel and you call yourself a Team Spica fan?!"
"Sorry, I'm actually a Rigil fan."
"Damn, so you're one of their lapdogs!"
"Team Spica? Does anyone actually follow that team's account? They have zero marketing, and even their video content is constantly on hiatus. I like Team Spica's uma musume, but that doesn't mean I like the team itself."
"Damn it, it's all Okino's fault for not cooperating..."
"Huh? That kind of comment... could you actually be a member of Team Spica? Wait, could you be Miss Little Gold Ship herself?!"
"Do you think that's possible? How could I possibly be the invincibly cool and cute Miss Little Gold Ship?"
"No, no, you're sounding more and more like her."
"'Tokai Teio-senpai' is the strongest!"
"What? Where did this 'Teio' fanboy come from? 'Teio's' legend was shattered quite a while ago. Wow, clicking on their profile, the whole page is all 'Tokai Teio' stuff."
"Wrong! 'Mejiro McQueen-senpai' is the strongest!"
Another account appeared, its entire page filled with 'Mejiro McQueen' information.
"Sure, sure. 'Mejiro McQueen' isn't far from falling from grace either."
"And who are you?"
"I am the Second Squad Captain of [The Overlord's] Royal Guard. What, you got a problem?"
"Even against Rice Shower-senpai, 'McQueen-senpai' won't lose!"
"Damn it! 'Teio-senpai' will definitely get her revenge!"
"Yes, yes, but why don't you two check the popularity poll results for this year's Osaka Hai."
In this year's Osaka Hai popularity poll, [The Overlord] occupied first place with an unshakeable lead.
Almost all fans had chosen to vote for [The Overlord] in the ranking poll.
An undefeated Triple Crown, victories in the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen—with such a powerful competitor participating, did they even need to think about who to vote for? Before the race had even begun, virtually every voice online had declared [The Overlord] the winner of this race. Some fans seeing this spectacle couldn't help but joke that if they kept stacking buffs like this before the race started, something might go wrong.
Though nobody thought [The Overlord] would actually lose this race given her strength, the current momentum was simply too exaggerated. It made people worry that something unexpected might happen during the race, causing [The Overlord] to lose.
But in response to these voices, the vast majority of fans still said:
"Impossible. [The Overlord] is invincible!"
"Just look at [The Overlord's] results at year's end! Who in this year can even compete with [The Overlord]!"
Watching these online comments, everyone in Team Spica couldn't help but be amazed at [The Overlord's] current popularity.
"As expected of the new legend who rose by stepping on 'Teio'. The fans' worship of [The Overlord] now is even more exaggerated than how they treated 'Teio' before." 'Gold Ship' was quite envious of Rice Shower's account follower count.
"I didn't expect that absolutely no one online believes in 'Teio's' revenge."
"That's normal. Online fans are like that. No need to take it to heart."
'Mejiro McQueen' didn't care about these things at all. She couldn't even be bothered to pay attention to online chatter.
"But 'Teio' sitting out this race really does invite misunderstanding. Though it's a minority opinion, some people are saying 'Teio' didn't participate in this Osaka Hai because she's afraid of Rice Shower."
"There's that kind of talk too..."
'Mejiro McQueen' said: "You wouldn't let such idle gossip affect you, would you?"
"...Why would you think I'd be affected by those comments? Do you really think I'm that fragile?"
'Tokai Teio' gave 'McQueen' a strange look. She felt like 'McQueen' was looking down on her.
"No."
'Mejiro McQueen' explained: "I just don't want to lose a good rival."
"Then rest easy. I will definitely make you taste defeat."
"Seeing you still so confident puts me at ease. But I won't be defeated!"
Trainer Okino didn't participate in the discussion from the side.
Though 'Teio' wasn't sitting out the Osaka Hai because she lacked confidence to race [The Overlord], to be honest, he had made this arrangement because he was afraid of [The Overlord]. He worried that if 'Teio' participated in this race, [The Overlord] might use her ZONE's effect on 'Teio' again, and all of 'Teio's' months of effort would be wasted.
Don't talk about how 'Teio' should have confidence in defeating [The Overlord].
Confidence and reality couldn't be conflated.
If 'Teio' truly had absolute certainty of defeating [The Overlord], why would he have made such an arrangement?
Meanwhile, at Tracen Academy's old school building in the back mountains.
Having just finished running a section of track while pulling a mountain of tires, Mihono Bourbon stopped her training. Sweat evaporated from her entire body, and her concentrated spirit made her presence seem incredibly powerful. Trainer Kuronuma looked at the Mihono Bourbon before him, who seemed completely transformed, and felt a hint of shock. He could hardly believe this was an uma musume he had trained.
The current Mihono Bourbon's training results had far exceeded his initial expectations.
He couldn't imagine what kind of power could have caused Bourbon to transform to this extent.
Could a mental breakthrough really achieve such effects?
Trainer Kuronuma, who had previously believed more in data and theory, now once again deeply recognized his shortcomings as a trainer.
If it were the old him, he could never have possibly trained Bourbon to this level.
Looking at his so-called perfect training plan now, he could see far too many flaws.
"Bourbon, training is over. For the remaining time, rest well and prepare for the upcoming race."
Training to this point was the limit.
Trainer Kuronuma had noticed that Bourbon had shown basically no improvement recently. This meant her current strength had reached a ceiling. To break through again would require some kind of opportunity.
But according to Kuronuma's understanding, Bourbon reaching this level was already a miracle. Breaking through this limit again would be extremely difficult. But since a miracle had happened once, who could say for certain there wouldn't be a second time? Trainer Kuronuma no longer dared to make judgments based on his own understanding, because uma musume were more miraculous than he had known.
Hearing the trainer's instructions, Mihono Bourbon quickly answered: "Yes, Master!"
Mihono Bourbon was an uma musume who followed her trainer's commands very well. Though this special training had come entirely from her own willfulness, in other matters she maintained her original personality, obeying her trainer's instructions completely.
So when Trainer Kuronuma said her training was over and it was time to rest, she showed no resistance whatsoever, even though deep in her heart she still lacked confidence about whether she could challenge [The Overlord].
Trainer Kuronuma also sensed Mihono Bourbon's nervous feelings, but he didn't interfere further. Because he had discovered the key to an uma musume growing stronger—mental growth was equally important. And in this regard, there wasn't much a trainer could do. Or rather, this kind of growth had to be overcome by Mihono Bourbon herself!
At least the current Bourbon wouldn't be crushed by [The Overlord] in terms of physical attributes like before. She had earned the right to compete. She wouldn't be overwhelmed in spirit either. The rest would depend on her performance during the actual race.
As for skills and ZONE, there wasn't much a trainer could do, especially for uma musume who had already reached this level. Basic skills didn't improve their abilities much anymore, and for higher-level skills, trainers couldn't guide them too much—they could only point out a general training direction.
So for now, rest was best.
We've already done everything we could, Bourbon.
All that's left is to test your current strength in the race.
The two packed up and returned from the old school building to Tracen Academy.
...
On the day of the Osaka Hai, under clear skies, the venue was nearly packed.
"Under the warm spring breeze, we welcome this year's first G1 middle-distance turf race, the Osaka Hai! Competitors bearing everyone's expectations have gathered here. Which uma musume will claim victory in this race?"
"...Now entering is Number 6, third in popularity, Taiki Shuttle! In her brand new racing outfit this year, will she have a chance at a G1 victory?"
Taiki Shuttle, who had been waving to the spectators, heard the announcer's teasing, and her smile immediately turned somewhat awkward.
She hadn't thought about that at all.
And are you sure you're not cursing me, announcer?
Just look at today's lineup.
Last year she had never had a chance to outrun those two, and this year... probably wouldn't be any different either.
It wasn't that Taiki Shuttle lacked competitive spirit—she just had self-awareness.
Her strength simply wasn't on the same level as those two. How could she possibly outrun them?
Unless they had some accident during the race, but could such a rare occurrence really happen to her?
"Next is the introduction for our second most popular: Number 9, Mihono Bourbon! Though last year's results were somewhat regrettable, her popularity and strength are second to none. Her supreme speed ranks among the top of all active competitors! We look forward to her performance today!"
Mihono Bourbon stood before the starting gate, taking a deep breath.
She didn't look at 'Rice Shower', because she would convey her feelings through today's race.
What she needed to do now was focus all her spirit on a single point.
The other competitors nearby could feel it too—today's Mihono Bourbon was extraordinarily powerful.
That presence and focus created an immense pressure just from standing beside her.
"And then—today's star can be none other than this competitor! First in popularity, Number 2, Rice Shower! An undefeated Triple Crown uma musume—those achievements are simply too dazzling! Will this competitor once again demonstrate that peerless strength and continue the legend of her undefeated streak? Her popularity poll results are also overwhelmingly strong! She carries so many expectations!"
In the spectator stands, watching the competitors enter the gates, the cheering voices gradually quieted.
Trainer P observed the competitors' conditions, his gaze settling on Mihono Bourbon.
You've grown stronger, Bourbon.
The change in Mihono Bourbon was obvious.
Those who had thought this race would be without suspense wavered slightly after seeing today's Mihono Bourbon.
Compared to [The Overlord], who was like an endless abyss—impossible to read—Mihono Bourbon's condition today was crystal clear. Her powerful presence and bearing conveyed her determination to win this race.
P even felt he could see the old Rice Shower in today's Bourbon.
That obsession with victory was practically identical.
With the signal light's chime.
The gates opened, and the competitors' thunderous footsteps rang out from the starting line.
It's started!
Mihono Bourbon instantly entered Flow state, her skills releasing as naturally as flowing water.
In just an instant, she had pulled ahead of all competitors, running to the front.
"The race has begun! Mihono Bourbon immediately shows incredible speed, successfully taking the lead!"
Mejiro Dober and Daitaku Helios, who were also using breakaway tactics, were left behind. The two stared in disbelief at the figure ahead, wreathed in crimson waves, unable to understand why they—using explosive breakaway tactics—had fallen so far behind.
Damn it, how can she burst with such speed in the opening?!
This is bad, this is bad! Mine and Dober's race rhythm has been thrown off by Bourbon!
Both their expressions showed some alarm.
Though neither of them had expected to place well today, they'd had some ideas. But they hadn't expected Mihono Bourbon to pressure them right from the start. Though they were all breakaway specialists, the two who had only recently converted to this style obviously couldn't keep up with Mihono Bourbon, who had trained specifically for this running style.
But they couldn't change their approach now, so they could only grit their teeth and stay close to Mihono Bourbon.
"Mejiro Dober and Rising Sun follow closely behind!"
"Next is our most popular competitor, Rice Shower, calmly following the front-runner group!"
[The Overlord] appeared completely relaxed, her face expressionless as she followed behind Daitaku Helios.
In contrast, the competitors behind showed various changes in their expressions.
Because none of them had imagined they would encounter three breakaway runners in one race.
When had breakaway specialists become so common?
If this pace continues, I'll be exhausted before the final turn.
Didus calculated a very unfavorable result for herself.
If possible, she really wanted to ease off the pace and not chase those three breakaway runners.
But she couldn't.
If only those three breakaway runners were at the front, everyone might rationally choose to let them have the early lead.
But the problem was [The Overlord] had chosen to stay close to those three.
This meant they had to follow this pace too.
No one doubted [The Overlord's] stamina, because Rice Shower had already proven this point during the Kikka Sho.
In the spectator stands, 'Mejiro McQueen' said with a serious expression: "The race rhythm is already under Rice Shower's control."
"What? How can that be? Isn't the race rhythm in Mihono Bourbon's hands?"
Special Week didn't understand. As Suzuka's roommate and good friend, she had studied the breakaway style.
So she knew that in races with breakaway runners, the early and middle stages were controlled by the front-runner.
"No. Though it's hard to believe, it's exactly as 'McQueen' says. This race's rhythm is now under Rice Shower's control. Unless Mihono Bourbon and those three can shake off Rice Shower."
'Tokai Teio' agreed with 'McQueen's' assessment.
Her heart was unsettled. From the spectator stands, she could feel [The Overlord's] strength even more clearly.
I can't see any skill activations at all, but she can't possibly not be using skills. This speed is completely abnormal.
Unlike ordinary uma musume competitors.
When ordinary uma musume activated skills, their bodies would definitely show the skill's glow.
But [The Overlord's] body was constantly shrouded in a pitch-black aura that completely swallowed any skill radiance.
So just looking with her eyes, she couldn't tell whether [The Overlord] was using skills or not.
But considering the speed those three ahead were bursting with, the fact that [The Overlord] could stay right behind third-place Rising Sun meant she couldn't possibly not be using skills. The question was what level of skills [The Overlord] was using.
Because [The Overlord] looked far too relaxed.
That didn't look like someone who should be using high-level skills.
But [The Overlord] seemed to have a poker face, so this couldn't be used to judge her true condition.
"'McQueen,' how much power do you think she's using right now?"
Though her attributes and skills had been restored through training, 'Tokai Teio' without ZONE had lost her former powerful perception.
'Mejiro McQueen' answered quickly: "Hard to believe, but I feel like she hasn't even used half her power."
"I see. Then what was your feeling when she raced against me back then?"
"Do you really want to know the answer?"
"Tell me."
"I felt she wasn't using her full power then either."
"I see. So my feeling back then wasn't wrong after all, though it's still hard to believe."
And hearing their conversation, everyone nearby was stunned.
"Hey, are you two joking?"
"Even at that level, she hasn't used half her strength?"
"Impossible! How could anyone be that strong?"
"...So strong."
Hearing everyone's words, the two simply watched the race in silence.
The truth was indeed hard to believe, but even so, it was still the truth.
Though I always thought 'Teio' would be my biggest opponent this time, it's different now. Someone like this...
'Mejiro McQueen' felt intense unease.
Next month's race—facing [The Overlord], could she really say she had absolute confidence in victory?
No, she couldn't.
Setting aside the ZONE effect 'Teio' had mentioned, just the strength [The Overlord] was displaying now was already terrifying enough.
No, I can't let myself be overwhelmed by my opponent's presence before the race even starts!
Don't look at the opponent. The only goal I should focus on is the finish line!
'Mejiro McQueen' tried to divert her attention using her grandmother's teachings, but the trembling in her shoulders wouldn't stop.
In another section of the spectator stands, Turf Dream, who was preparing to run in next month's Satsuki Sho, watched this race with wide eyes.
Amazing, so amazing! Her condition hasn't dropped at all!
She had thought that the power [The Overlord] had burst with in those final two races last year was just a special state, and that her condition might start declining once the new year's races began. But now [The Overlord's] performance told her she had been overthinking.
It's just like Rigantona-senpai's bearing. Hahaha, coming here really was the right choice!
Though Rigantona and The Overlord had different running styles—one a closer, one a stalker.
But in Turf Dream's eyes, their bearing was so similar.
Both so powerful, both so invincible, unable to use their full strength in races.
And such a powerful competitor was only one cohort ahead of her.
Could there be anything more exciting than this?
Turf Dream had always thought that among her generation, no one could make her get serious.
But now she realized she was wrong.
Because right before her eyes was such a competitor—one who could definitely make her truly get serious.
The exchange race—you'll participate, won't you?
For the first time, the still-young Turf Dream displayed desire. It was the feeling of wanting to compete against a powerful opponent and achieve final victory. Only by defeating such an opponent would the victory in hand truly hold glory worth savoring!
"The race is past halfway! Still in the lead is Mihono Bourbon, but the competitors behind won't let up! Mejiro Dober and Rising Sun refuse to give ground! The three are separated by only a small margin! One length behind Rising Sun is Rice Shower! Though this race pace seems somewhat rushed, her condition appears unaffected!"
Watching this scene, Symboli Rudolf couldn't help but say: "How reckless."
This race pace was unprecedented—completely irrational.
"It is a reckless way to run, but if she truly possesses overwhelming power, then it's not reckless at all."
Legacy World shook her head.
A stalker sticking so close to breakaway runners in the early and middle stages—that was indeed reckless, placing great strain on stamina and breathing control. But what if this speed didn't require much effort from that competitor?
Then it was a different matter entirely.
And what [The Overlord] was demonstrating now was exactly that.
Though they didn't know how much or what level of skills [The Overlord] was using, from her current appearance, that consumption obviously wasn't enough to make her feel tired.
"She still hasn't used her full power."
Rigantona made the declaration from the side.
Symboli Rudolf's face flickered with shock at her words.
Compared to Legacy World and Rigantona, she clearly still had some shortcomings.
At least she couldn't accurately judge whether [The Overlord] was using her full power.
In this regard, 'Mejiro McQueen' and 'Tokai Teio' below were the same—they had only vaguely sensed something through intuition.
But since even the former world champion had said so, Symboli Rudolf naturally didn't need to keep guessing.
She hadn't expected [The Overlord] to be this strong.
I didn't expect Rice Shower's second personality to be this powerful?
Though P had been hiding this matter and not reporting it, such things couldn't possibly be hidden from Symboli Rudolf.
Setting aside everything else, [The Overlord's] personality and behavior were far too different from the old Rice Shower. Just by thinking deeply along these lines, one could arrive at the truth that [The Overlord] was Rice Shower's second personality.
Symboli Rudolf was shaken by [The Overlord's] strength.
But then she suddenly thought—perhaps this was the level an uma musume who had awakened ZONE before debut should be at.
The previous Rice Shower wasn't weak, but her strength had at least been within 'normal' range.
But as an uma musume who had awakened ZONE before debut, Rice Shower shouldn't have been that normal.
So now, seeing [The Overlord's] terrifying strength, Symboli Rudolf actually felt this was correct.
This was what a [Monster's] true face should look like!
In the race, Mihono Bourbon's spirit entered a selfless state. Before her eyes flashed Rice Shower's appearance when she had surpassed her back then.
Red waves suddenly expanded. Accompanied by a sonic boom, Mihono Bourbon's speed rose again!
[One Who Overcomes Hardship (Flash): Stamina recovery, speed increase!]
[Coco Action (Flash): Stamina recovery, speed and acceleration increase, instant speed boost!]
Dual Flash skills activated!
In an instant, Mihono Bourbon successfully began pulling away from Mejiro Dober behind her!
Mejiro Dober's eyes went wide.
Is this for real?! Is this girl made of iron?!
Daitaku Helios gasped for breath.
I... I can't anymore... This isn't normal breakaway running, sis!
"At this very moment, Mihono Bourbon bursts forward again!"
More than halfway through the race, Mihono Bourbon—who had been leading the breakaway the entire time—could still burst with more speed. The spectators were all shocked by this sight.
The competitors behind, hearing the commentary, their already pained expressions became even uglier.
What kind of joke was this?!
How could Mihono Bourbon's stamina hold out like this?
They couldn't imagine that Mihono Bourbon, having undergone hellish training, had not only overcome her natural stamina weakness but had even mastered multiple stamina recovery skills. Under these circumstances, Mihono Bourbon was no longer last year's Chestnut Express.
The current Mihono Bourbon had achieved super evolution!
[The Overlord] watched Mihono Bourbon's figure, her empty eyes revealing no emotion.
Not enough. This alone isn't enough. Is this the limit of what you can achieve?
This alone couldn't shake her, nor could it reach Rice Shower deep within the mental space.
And most importantly, mere power alone wasn't enough to satisfy her.
It seems it's time to end this.
[Shattered Dreams, Withered Blue Roses, Peerless Pursuer (Flash)!]
A storm-like figure launched forward on the track.
Daitaku Helios and Mejiro Dober couldn't stop her at all. In the blink of an eye, that pitch-black figure overtook them from behind.
"Rice Shower is making her move!"
Mejiro Dober and Daitaku Helios were pressured front and back by Mihono Bourbon and [The Overlord]. Their initially burning fighting spirit was instantly crushed to absolute zero.
I can't do this anymore!
Damn it, the fortune-telling results were completely unreliable!
In the spectator stands, Zenno Rob Roy and Matikanetanhaiza seemed to hear their hearts' cries, and each offered their own mental responses.
That's why I said your future was covered in pitch darkness.
Feng shui can guide direction, but this kind of gap isn't something feng shui can change.
The reason Mejiro Dober and Daitaku Helios had chosen breakaway tactics was because they had consulted these two uma musume for fortune-telling before the race. Though both Zenno Rob Roy and Matikanetanhaiza had said the future seemed covered by immense darkness, beyond that darkness lay a glimmer of light. To grasp that glimmer, they needed to use breakaway in the upcoming race!
But Mejiro Dober and Daitaku Helios had clearly been selective in taking the advice. They believed that by using breakaway tactics, even they had some hope of winning today's race—but they hadn't noticed that Zenno Rob Roy and Matikanetanhaiza had said their glimmer of light was in the future beyond the great darkness, not right now.
Both felt their stamina failing, instantly losing the will to continue.
At that moment, footsteps sounded from behind them.
Taiki Shuttle, in her brand new racing outfit and still glowing with rainbow skill radiance, gritted her teeth and pressed forward, catching up to the two ahead.
Even if I can't win, I must give my all to every race!
She couldn't betray the feelings entrusted to this racing outfit!
The light shining in Taiki Shuttle's eyes made the two who had lost their fighting spirit rally again.
I don't know why, but right now I want to keep going!
A true gal won't be defeated by this kind of difficulty!
"All the competitors behind are bursting forward at this moment! But there's still quite a gap from the two ahead! Can they make it in time?!"
Though the competitors looked fired up, and many spectators felt their blood pumping.
But many uma musume watching the race felt pain and suffocation.
After all, this was still the entrance to the final turn. At this point, the vast majority of competitors had already entered exhaustion—all of them forced to go all-out here. One could imagine how brutal this race's pace had been.
And even racing this desperately.
The massive gap between the competitors behind and those two ahead still remained. How despairing was that?
Many uma musume watching the race didn't understand how, even in this situation, the competitors behind could still try so hard.
Back in the race.
Mihono Bourbon felt the footsteps catching up from behind. She knew clearly those were [The Overlord's] footsteps.
Even though she had achieved a miraculous super evolution, even though she had surpassed her past limits—before [The Overlord], she still seemed so powerless.
But—
She wouldn't lose!
I won't fall here!
Rice Shower, my hero, lend me just a little of your obsession with victory.
This race alone—I must win!
The air rang with a crisp sound like shattering glass. A brand new aura appeared on Mihono Bourbon.
[The Overlord's] expression changed slightly.
That power is...
ZONE!
By continuously immersing herself in Rice Shower's obsession with victory, Mihono Bourbon had successfully stepped into the realm of ZONE.
Though this obsession with victory wasn't entirely her own, this was the 'victory' she wanted right now!
Now Mihono Bourbon would become a figure just like the 'Hero'!
You...
[The Overlord] looked at the figure ahead, feeling somewhat dazed.
Though she had indeed hoped Mihono Bourbon would grow stronger, she hadn't expected Mihono Bourbon to awaken this kind of power.
[Hero Worship (ZONE): Set a goal for yourself and temporarily gain full status boost. The stronger the conviction, the stronger the effect!]
Blue flames—identical to Rice Shower's—appeared in Mihono Bourbon's left eye, while her right eye burned with the pinkish-red flames representing herself.
Anyone familiar with the original Rice Shower could now see glimpses of Rice Shower in Mihono Bourbon.
Coming back to her senses, [The Overlord] couldn't help but think: You really have exceeded my expectations.
With this, one of the conditions for clearing had been met.
Gaining others' recognition.
Clearly, Mihono Bourbon had just provided the best possible answer.
Can you see this?
[The Overlord] opened the previously sealed mental space, transmitting this scene to Rice Shower.
At that moment, Rice Shower—who had just returned from the other world—saw this.
I see it. Will you let me handle the rest of this race?
Can you do it?
Yes. The me of now won't retreat anymore!
I see...
Eyes switched.
Rice Shower returned to this world.
Bourbon, thank you. I've witnessed your resolve. Now it's my turn!
This is...
[The Overlord] watched Rice Shower's next action in surprise.
Because Rice Shower no longer rejected her power—she directly entered ZONE state.
[Pursuer of Blue Roses (Flash)]
[A Hero's Resolve (Flash)]
[Hero's Support (Flash)]
Fusion!
[Explosive Resolve, Hero's Descent, Blue Rose Hunter (Flash): Eliminates fatigue, major stamina recovery, speed and acceleration surge dramatically, burst effect determined by one's own will!]
Elegant blue bloomed around the pitch-black aura.
Rice Shower's figure chased after Mihono Bourbon's back.
Right now, she had two fusion skill states buffing her. Normally, whether it was Fusion's first effect or second effect, Rice Shower had to release the previous one before using it again. But because the previous fusion skills had been used by [The Overlord], Rice Shower's own abilities weren't in cooldown!
And under these two extraordinary skill buffs, Mihono Bourbon's domain burst simply wasn't enough.
Once again!
On the final straightaway, Mihono Bourbon watched as that 'Hero' with determined eyes caught up from behind and overtook her.
...
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