[Platinum's Potential Token]
[Description: Used to unlock Platinum's true potential.]
Lin Anran immediately clicked to use it. He was curious to see just what kind of upgrades Platinum—now a Uma Musume instead of some sniper operator—could receive.
In games, the first potential upgrade usually reduced deployment costs. But in the world of Uma Musume… surely it wouldn't be something like that, right?
With a mix of skepticism and curiosity, the scheming young doctor stared at the new line of text that flashed before him.
[Potential Unlocked]
[Current Potential: Stage 2]
[Effect: Slightly improves heavy track adaptability, slightly increases stamina, enhances long-distance adaptability.]
[Evaluation: You have taken a step toward the true Pegasus of ancient legend. An unprecedented "atavism" begins here!]
The description wasn't long—in fact, it was downright brief. But within seconds of reading it, Lin Anran's pupils shrank sharply.
This token…
Was ridiculously straightforward—and useful!
Even for someone like him, who was more focused on making money and squeezing coins out of horse girls rather than mastering their competitive prowess, the sheer value of these upgrades was undeniable.
Improved heavy track adaptability!
Increased stamina and long-distance adaptability!
Platinum was about to challenge the Irregular Triple Crown, which meant enduring an insane series of races within just one week.
First, the 2400-meter G1 Yushun Himba (Oaks), followed just seven days later by another 2400-meter GI Japanese Derby—where she'd face a monstrously strong opponent like Agnus Tachyon!
Add it up, and that meant running a total of 4800 meters in just eight days!
Even the famously grueling American Triple Crown spread its three G1 races over a month, with at least two weeks of rest in between.
Compared to that, this Irregular Triple Crown—4800 meters in eight days—was downright brutal.
If the past American Triple Crown-winning Uma Musume saw this, they'd probably raise their thumbs in respect for such sheer fighting spirit!
Originally, Platinum's long-distance adaptability was rated B—a clear weakness compared to her A in middle-distance.
So Lin Anran had been worried about whether she could handle the back-to-back races in the first two legs, not to mention the long-distance Kikuka Sho in the third.
But now? Thanks to the generous sponsorship from his dear big spender, Tokai Teio, not only had he gotten a hefty sum of coins—he'd also gotten this token, perfectly patching Platinum's weakness!
The scheming young doctor couldn't help but sigh in admiration. 'That useful Miss Teio just earned +1 favorability in his heart!'
"The drop rate… is insanely good."
Without wasting time, Lin Anran quickly pulled up Platinum's status screen to check the changes.
[True Name: Centaurea]
[Codename: Platinum]
[Race: Kuranta (?)]
[Current Growth Progress: 15% (Standard Horse Girl Skills Unlocked)]
[Track Adaptability: Turf (A), Dirt (B)]
[Distance Adaptability: Short (B), Mile (A), Middle (A), Long (B → B+)]
[Running Style Adaptability: Leader (B → B+), Front-Runner(A), Stalker (A), Closer (A)]
[Unique Skill: ??]
After reading through it, Lin Anran blinked, his expression turning odd.
"Huh? Why is there a question mark after 'Kuranta' now?"
[Race: Kuranta (?)]
With her growth progress advancing and the token activating, this sudden addition left him baffled.
Could it be… she's really evolving into a Pegasus?
But compared to some vague, mythical legend, what truly delighted Lin Anran was—Platinum's visible improvements!
After all, prize money was real, something he could touch and see.
And just like how no person was perfect, the same went for horse girls in races.
Most specialized in one type of race—middle-distance, for example. Only a rare few mastered two, like Mejiro McQueen, who excelled in both middle and long distances.
So even if you looked at the stats of current top-tier Japanese horse girls like Mejiro McQueen and Tokai Teiou, their panels would likely max out at one or two A-ranks.
The same went for running styles—most horse girls only specialized in one or two.
But now? The Platinum he'd transformed into, Centaurea, had no adaptability below B—and her long-distance and front-runner adaptability had even risen to B+!
Near perfection!
If he could squeeze out one or two more tokens, Platinum might even achieve the ridiculous feat of 4A adaptability—[A], [A], [A], [A]!
"Now… the chances of her collapsing from the grueling schedule should be much lower, right?"
"And surprisingly, at 15% Growth Progress, she's already unlocked standard horse girl skills?"
"If that's the case… what kind of non-standard stuff will she unlock later?"
Lin Anran felt relieved. Ah, the comfort of being a stats monster!
It was the same kind of reassurance as Kitasan Black in Uma Musume, or Ch'en the Holungday and W Alter in Arknights!
His confidence in conquering the Irregular Triple Crown had just skyrocketed!
--+--
The Next Day.
The vast Tracen Academy was shaken by the latest race entry announcement.
Because—
In the lineup for the Fillies' Triple Crown races two weeks later, a brand-new name had appeared—Platinum, the super rookie who had recently taken Japan by storm!
Not only that, but her name was also listed in the Japanese Derby, the most prestigious leg of the Classic Triple Crown!
Normally, the registration period had already closed. To join now would require paying a hefty additional fee—something that would cripple a rookie who'd only won one low-tier stakes race!
But more importantly—
This meant Platinum had completely abandoned the so-called "baby cup" (Hopeful Stakes) and chosen to make this year her Classic Year!
This was no joke—Platinum was dead serious about competing in either the Oaks or the Derby!
And this news? Its impact wasn't limited to just Tracen Academy. Countless horse racing fans across Japan were stunned!
Meanwhile, in one of Tracen's classrooms…
Agnes Tachyon, this year's Satsuki Sho champion and the undisputed favorite for the Derby, let out a low chuckle. Her crimson eyes flickered with amusement—and something far more unhinged.
"As expected~"
"That girl… didn't disappoint. She's a madwoman just like me."
Her lips curled into a grin, her excitement for the upcoming Derby undeniable.
"Come at me, little Pegasus."
Beside her, a raven-haired girl sipped her coffee calmly before speaking.
"Calm down, Agnes."
"You've been… off lately. Maybe you should go see that Dr. Lin?"
--+--
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.