One day, the Pegasus found herself lost in thought.
So that's how it was…
While racing on the track, she had felt something—something she could release.
And after the race, when she reviewed the footage, she noticed it—the moment she let it out, every Uma Musume on the field had slowed down, just a little…
Was that… [Momentum]?
Using it for too long would drain both her stamina and her focus, so it was best saved for the most critical moments in a race. Had she been wasteful, using it like she did in her last match?
Eh, whatever. I won anyway.
Lazy as she was, Platinum grasped it immediately—her Growth Stage was still too low, so her current level of [Momentum] wasn't enough. Not like Agnes Tachyon or Tokai Teio—those monsters had already reached the realm of [Domain].
Her eyes flicked to her status screen.
[True Name: Centaurea]
[Alias: Platinum]
[Race: Kuranta]
[Current True Form Progress: 5%]
[Surface Affinity: Turf (A), Dirt (B)]
[Distance Compatibility: Sprint (B), Mile (A), Intermediate (A), Long (B)]
[Running Style Compatibility: Leader (B), Frontrunner (A), Stalker (A), Closer (A)]
[Unique Skill: ???]
Her gaze locked onto two lines in particular.
True Form and Unique Skill—those were what mattered.
If Tokai Teio said that a higher True Form would raise her [Momentum] ceiling and gradually unlock skills…
Did that mean her Unique Skill was still locked away? Would it just pop open once she hit a certain growth stage, like some gacha game's promotion system?
Or would she have to train it from scratch?
And what kind of Unique Skill—what kind of [Domain]—could a Kuranta like her, not even a proper Uma Musume, even achieve?
For once, Platinum felt a flicker of genuine curiosity. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
Because two of Tresen Academy's heaviest hitters—Tokai Teio and Agnes Tachyon—were still staring right at her.
"Now that you understand, you see it too, right? You're not lacking in anything. You're just… new."
"Give it a few more months. Once your True Form peaks and you hit your stride, you'll have what it takes to face Agnes Tachyon—maybe even beat her. But right now… don't push yourself too hard."
For some reason, Tokai Teio was always extra patient with gray-furred Uma Musume.
And Platinum was gray-furred, right? This "Pegasus" thing was just a flashy nickname from her dominant performances, wasn't it?
Teio's words were careful, almost pleading—hoping this adorable little "gray" filly would wake up and abandon her insane, hell-difficulty plan of tackling the Irregular Triple Crown.
Then—
Platinum gave a small nod. Message received.
"If there's no training match, then we're done here."
"Teio, where to next?"
The Pegasus signaled it was time to move on.
Beside her, Tokai Teio snapped out of her daze and nodded rapidly.
"Ah—right! Let's go."
If the Student Council President had already met Platinum, they could skip the student council office, right? Time for a proper tour!
The clever Tokai Teio, ever the diligent guide, was ready to show Platinum around with renewed enthusiasm.
But just as the two began to walk away—
"Platinum."
Rudolf's voice rose slightly, sharp with finality.
"Have you truly thought through your race schedule?"
"Tell me—"
"Do you think you can win?"
The silver-white Pegasus didn't stop. Her steps remained steady, unhurried.
Only after a few seconds did she finally glance back—her face as cool and unreadable as ever.
Strongest vs. Strongest!
Platinum vs. Agnes Tachyon!
Irregular Triple Crown vs. Undefeated Triple Crown!
This wasn't some clash of legends—no "Greatest of the Past vs. Greatest of the Present" drama.
But in Japan's century-long history of Triple Crown races?
This would absolutely leave its mark.
And Platinum's answer came in the most casual, offhand tone imaginable.
"Nah, I'd win."
--+--
That was her answer.
That was Pegasus's choice.
"This girl…"
Meanwhile, Symboli Rudolf walked back toward the student council office, her usual composure nowhere to be found.
The storm in her heart refused to settle.
She hadn't used her authority as the "Emperor" to forbid Platinum from entering this year's Triple Crown. In the end, she'd accepted it.
Because maybe—
Just maybe—
A miracle might actually happen.
"This'll be a Classic Series like no other."
"Once Agnes Tachyon and Platinum tear into each other… whoever comes out on top will be coming for my throne next."
"And when that happens—"
"Teio and McQueen will be the ones feeling the heat. Who'll be Japan's strongest then?"
--+--
Training Grounds.
The mad scientist of Uma Musume, Agnes, sat on a bench just off the track, her expression shifting between dark and intrigued.
For the first time in years, she'd encountered something she couldn't immediately dissect—a Uma Musume who still held mystery.
And this genius monster had pieced it all together from just Rudolf's few words.
"The President warned her about race schedules…"
"If it was just some baby-tier cup months away, she wouldn't have bothered."
After a moment, Tachyon crossed her legs, her usual lazy smirk returning.
"So that's it."
"This little Pegasus wants a piece of me. That's why Rudolf rushed over—to stop our training match and talk her out of the Classic Series."
Her eyes snapped open—crimson pupils burning with something rare for her:
Battle lust.
Sure, her legs had been acting up during training lately, but it was nothing.
She had three weeks to recover. More than enough.
Platinum might have the body, but Tachyon had the skill and the mind. She'd tear her apart the moment she slipped up.
And if Platinum really dared to step into the Japan Derby?
"Then I'll teach you the hardest lesson of your life, little Pegasus."
--+--
T/N: Goatjo?!
--+--
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.