[Uma Musume: Harbinger]
[Status: Critically Injured]
Platinum's amber eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the treatment panel displayed before her.
The race had just ended…
And it was already flagged as a critical injury? One severe enough to end a career?
In other words, barring any miracles, Harbinger might as well start considering retirement now?
A flicker of regret stirred within Platinum's heart.
This was the first time she'd encountered an opponent who ignited such a fierce competitive spirit in her.
For a rival like this to retire so early… what a waste.
After a moment's thought, Platinum held back from immediately handing over the contact details of her other self—the renowned Dr. Lin, famous in Japan and even the States.
After all, she could diagnose the injury and its severity, but Harbinger couldn't.
From the perspective of a defeated Uma Musume, if the opponent you'd poured your heart out to beat, after offering some praise, casually slipped you a doctor's number…
Wouldn't that feel like the ultimate insult? It'd almost certainly come across as insulting, "You're utterly pathetic," or "Go get yourself checked out."
Besides, a top-tier Uma Musume like her would undoubtedly have her family's preferred hospitals or personal physicians on speed dial. Some young, no-name doctor from abroad, unheard of in Europe, would hardly be their first choice.
So, Platinum decided to offer her own contact info first.
"You ran a great race. Maybe… we could have a practice match sometime."
"My number is—"
As Platinum spoke again, Harbinger's heart skipped a beat. Not only had she received praise from Platinum herself…
But now, an invitation to a practice match?!
The spirited young maiden's face flushed—whether from nervous anticipation, shyness, or simply catching her breath after the race—the rosy hue spreading all the way to the tips of her ears.
To this fleeting meteor, the elusive Silver Pegasus was a rival worth chasing after.
'Platinum… she's not just humoring me? She actually acknowledges me?'
'All this time, I've never heard of her doing practice matches with anyone!'
'Rumor has it, even that two-crown Japanese queen, Daiwa Scarlet, who came closest to the Pegasus and only lost by five lengths, never got the honor of a practice match against her.'
And yet… she, Harbinger, was Platinum's *first*?!
At that thought, the blush on her delicate features refused to fade, her heart racing without any sign of calming down.
Before the race, she'd believed… that in today's world, the only true heroes were Platinum and herself.
But now, it felt like the heavens themselves had singled her out for misfortune.
'This defeat in the King George Stakes… even in loss, it wasn't unjust. I performed at my absolute best.'
'I was simply outclassed. That's all.'
Yet the comfort and recognition from Platinum just now had soothed much of the regret weighing on her heart.
"I understand…"
Harbinger gave a slight nod, indicating she'd committed it to memory.
Even though her legs throbbed with pain and her body felt weaker than ever before.
She'd already decided—if her injuries weren't too severe, she'd start training with Platinum the moment she recovered!
This seemed like Platinum's way of acknowledging her.
Currently, the Pegasus Platinum held significant popularity and influence across Europe, both among fans and the elite circles of Uma Musume.
So, when Platinum announced her European expedition a few months ago, it sent ripples of excitement—and panic—through the top families. Many spirited Uma Musume were eager to face this legendary Pegasus in practice matches.
But… according to intel gathered by various elite families, in all these months, Platinum hadn't recorded a *single* practice match with any European Uma Musume!
Not one, from start to finish!
Even when invitations were extended before or after races, Platinum never accepted. This had sparked quite some discussion within European elite circles.
Was the proud Pegasus looking down on Europe's Uma Musume, deigning them unworthy of facing her in practice matches?
And now…
Platinum was proactively inviting *her* to a practice match?!
This was practically an honor, a glory worth boasting about!
This was the first time since Platinum's European expedition that she'd willingly shared her contact info and agreed to a practice match!
But what Harbinger didn't know was—
Platinum already knew she was injured. It'd only be a matter of time before a medical exam revealed the truth.
Once Harbinger called to cancel the practice match due to her injury, Platinum could smoothly offer comfort and then segway into sharing her "exclusive contracted doctor"—her other self's—contact details.
Killing two birds with one stone: helping a talented but unlucky young filly, while also… securing herself a new source of income, another generous patron!
Helping others while earning some gold—could anything be better?
A win-win!
Except Platinum wins twice!
Although, running an opponent to the brink of "career-ending injury" and then having them seek out her main identity to spend big…
This "one-stop service" did sound a tad questionable.
But in reality, Harbinger, who'd never been in the best of health, had prepared herself mentally before even setting foot on the track. She'd never blame anyone else for her defeat or her injuries.
Without unwavering determination, how could she have achieved such an astonishing speed, leaving the third-place finisher far behind?
"Well then, I'll take my leave."
The Silver Maiden's dark wings had vanished, as if she'd transformed back from a Pegasus into an seemingly ordinary Uma Musume.
"See you at the practice match."
She turned toward the Winner's Stage—a place reserved for the sole victor, the lone dancer who triumphed by a vast margin, needing no accompaniment.
Without a doubt, Platinum, who'd won by a staggering sixteen lengths, had earned the right to that solo performance.
Finally, Harbinger watched Platinum's retreating figure with a gaze full of reverence and admiration.
And at that very moment, the prestigious international G1 race, the King George Stakes, which had drawn over a dozen top competitors, had just concluded.
Behind Platinum and Harbinger, the rest of the pack—already left in the dust by an uncountable number of lengths—stumbled across the finish line, gritting their teeth in haste.
Even though the race had just ended, the commentator's voice remained fervent and booming!
[Look! Harbinger's time and winning margin have broken all previous records in the history of the King George Stakes!]
[If not for the Pegasus Platinum, she would have shaken Europe and stunned the world with this performance alone!]
[No, even as the runner-up, her achievement and performance are astounding enough—a monumental feat that even some legendary Uma Musume might not accomplish!]
There was no reason for the commentary to focus solely on the second-place loser without mentioning the champion.
But this was… the commentator, a fervent fan of the Pegasus, praising and acknowledging Harbinger's strength and excellence, only to highlight the victor who'd surpassed her—Platinum!
The next second, the commentator's voice grew even more passionate and heated, rising to a crescendo that echoed throughout the venue.
[And the Pegasus Platinum, who defeated even an outstanding Uma Musume like Harbinger fair and square… just how powerful is she?]
[Historical-grade? That might not even be enough to describe her! Beyond that lies the realm of once-in-a-century legends!]
[To all the fans and spectators who witnessed the King George Stakes today, do you believe… that Platinum has earned the title of «Legend»? Let the world hear your roar!]
As the commentator's voice faded, the next moment…
The sea of spectators erupted into an unbelievable uproar—more heated than the cheers that greeted most G1 race winners crossing the finish line.
"Legend!!! Legend!!!"
"Pegasus!! If she isn't a legend, then what is?"
"Without a doubt, she's the strongest on turf! The true [Once-in-a-Century Legend]!"
"She's surpassed all historical-grade Uma Musume, but… Harbinger doesn't have much of a record, does she? A G2 win and a G1 second place aren't enough to solidify her as a legendary Uma Musume. I think she might need one more major win?"
"Even so, what achievements does that dirt racer, Secretariat, have right now? But she's the main credential for being crowned a legend. If Secretariat is the dirt legend, then Platinum is the turf legend!"
"Exactly, Platinum is truly undefeated! A master of both dirt and turf—a dual-wielding superstar the likes of which history has never seen!"
"That's right! Harbinger shattered almost every record in King George Stakes history, yet Platinum still left her in the dust by a huge margin! That's the most awe-inspiring legendary feat!"
It was recognition!
It was admiration!
And it was the highest form of praise for the first legend of the new era on turf.
Even if there were some doubts—that she might need more achievements or experience—the overwhelming majority had already voiced their acceptance of Platinum. That was enough.
After all, even when the dirt legend Secretariat across the pond was crowned after the Belmont Stakes, the skepticism seemed even louder, yet she was still hailed as a legend.
Compared to Secretariat, Platinum's record was more consistent, and she'd even notched a G1 win on dirt. Her global recognition was naturally sky-high!
In other words, this victory over Harbinger in the King George Stakes solidly established Platinum's titles as [World's Top Turf Uma Musume] and [Legendary Uma Musume]!
Now, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the monstrous red legend of the dirt, Secretariat, atop the world—the answer to the world of Uma Musume!
Meanwhile, among the numerous Uma Musume in the front rows of the audience, a complicated situation unfolded.
For instance, in the section where the dozen or so Uma Musume from the Coolmore group sat…
Most of them wore expressions of shock and regret.
"What… were we thinking, trying to corner a legend?"
"In decades of Coolmore's history, we've nurtured countless Uma Musume, but not a single one has become a legend, right?"
"What a mistake it was to try and box in a monster like her."
Even Fame and Glory bit her lip, filled with remorse.
Unlike the others, her gaze lingered on Harbinger.
During the race, Harbinger's straightforward sprint, her all-out, no-holds-barred acceleration, had left even Fame and Glory stunned.
She had no confidence she could match Harbinger…
No, not just her—probably even the best Uma Musume in the current Coolmore lineup wouldn't stand a chance.
Not just in speed, but in that determination and fighting spirit, Harbinger surpassed them all.
'That… is what a [true Uma Musume] looks like! Only someone like Harbinger deserves to face Platinum!!'
--+--
Simultaneously, the audience continued to roar with excitement.
"Platinum!! Platinum!!"
"Pegasus-sama is the best in the world!"
And in a section where two little Japanese fillies sat, a voice broke through the restraint, belonging to a young girl.
"Such a dazzling legendary Pegasus-sama, and she's taken by Satono Diamond! How lucky to be her lover!"
Instantly, voices around her buzzed with curiosity.
"Satono Diamond? Platinum's lover? Never heard of her, can't find any info."
"That would be me…"
--+--
United States!
Inside a villa's living room, two Uma Musume stood facing each other.
It was worth noting that both were tall and imposing, with the same fiery red hair.
One of them was Secretariat, the second-generation red monster currently dominating the dirt racing scene. Yet, her presence was completely overshadowed by the Uma Musume before her.
Even more astonishing was the look of respect on her face as she gazed at the tall, red-haired Uma Musume.
There was also a hint of competitive spirit, and… regret.
Secretariat, and Man o' War.
Those were their names.
The second generation and the first!
Top five in history and number one!
They seemed to be deep in conversation.
"Man o' War Senior, what did you want to discuss?"
Secretariat got straight to the point, addressing the senior she respected so highly.
Man o' War smiled faintly and posed her question to the direct Secretariat.
"Who do you think, among the current… no, among this generation's Uma Musume, has the potential to compete for the title of strongest?"
It was a topic many Uma Musume enthusiasts loved to debate passionately.
And for Secretariat, it was familiar territory.
The red-haired girl didn't hesitate to list the names that interested her.
On Secretariat's list of interests…
Worldwide, probably only a handful of Uma Musume—less than ten—were worthy of Secretariat's attention.
The outstanding Uma Musume on that list were…
[Margaret Nearl]
[Man o' War]
[Platinum]
[Ruffian]
[Seabiscuit]
[Flightline]
Just a mere few names.
Yet they encompassed all the historical-grade and legendary Uma Musume Secretariat had encountered in the world today!
There might be other talented, heavyweight Uma Musume in other countries, but they were too distant, and no matter how skilled, they couldn't possibly surpass Man o' War, Platinum, or Seabiscuit.
So, currently, Secretariat most wanted to challenge these Uma Musume.
"Nearl, Man o' War Senior, Seabiscuit Senior."
"And Platinum, War Admiral, Ruffian, and Flightline…"
"That's about it. Why do you ask, Man o' War-senpai?"
Secretariat gave her answer.
Hearing this, Man o' War nodded approvingly.
She then followed up with a slight sigh.
"Barring a miracle, there's no way I can return to the track."
Man o' War's sudden statement took Secretariat by surprise.
"A miracle? Wait, senpai, are you talking about the legendary…"
"Yes, the Dream Cup held under the Three Goddesses' blessing—a mythical race only recorded in historical texts, where Uma Musume from different generations compete at their peak."
"But where are the Three Goddesses? Theoretically, the Dream Cup is impossible to witness."
In Man o' War's voice, this proud first-generation Big Red held a rare trace of… yearning.
Normally, such an emotion shouldn't belong to Man o' War.
She was America's undisputed number one, an undefeated war goddess over the past century, who'd beaten more than one historical monster during her career! Her record even surpassed Seabiscuit's!
But only when mentioning the Dream Cup would Man o' War, the contemporary number one in the US, allow herself to feel anticipation and desire.
Precisely because Man o' War was too invincible.
The word invincible might as well have been coined for her! Throughout her legendary career, she had only one unfair second-place finish—every other race was a victory!
Because of such formidable, unmatched strength, she was crowned "Man o' War belongs to America," considered the "Mount Everest" of her nation's Uma Musume—an absolute legend even Seabiscuit couldn't reach!
The extremely battle-hungry Man o' War desperately wanted to face rivals who could challenge her!
Man o' War wanted to defeat Uma Musume on her level, or… to experience the feeling of giving her all and still being beaten. Either outcome would satisfy her.
But regrettably, she retired without ever tasting defeat, and never encountered another legendary Uma Musume during her career.
The only thing that could make up for her life's biggest regret and hope was the legendary Dream Cup!!
If an ordinary person heard about the "Dream Cup," they might find it vaguely familiar.
Because various Uma Musume communities worldwide held their own Dream Cup races! Only… those weren't the "Legendary Dream Cup" Man o' War referred to.
Those were merely imitations organized by racing authorities, inspired by the mythical original.
These well-known Dream Cups involved inviting retired Uma Musume—like Maruzensky, Symboli Rudolf, Narita Brian—to come together for a run.
Ultimately, it was more of an exhibition match, like inviting retired players for some "friendly competition" during event times—usually less intense than regular G1 races.
After all, these were retired Uma Musume who'd given up racing and high-intensity training—how could they compare to the current generation's elite?
But the legendary, *true* Dream Cup was nothing like that!!
According to the legends Man o' War knew, about a hundred years ago, in an unverifiable era, the great Three Goddesses opened the Dream Cup.
Somehow, the Three Goddesses invited renowned retired Uma Musume from around the world to participate in a race that transcended generations and time.
Adding to the mystery, it was said that upon entering the track, all participating retired Uma Musume—regardless of age or condition—briefly returned to the peak form of their careers!
In that first Dream Cup, even the weakest competitors possessed remarkable domains!
Other international G1 races featured a few world-class Uma Musume clashing, but that Dream Cup… finding a world-class Uma Musume might've been hard because… they might not even qualify.
More details about that Dream Cup remained unknown, but Man o' War recalled that the ultimate victor was said to be… Eclipse!
But because it happened so long ago, and no subsequent Dream Cup occurred, whether the Dream Cup truly existed remained a mystery. That didn't stop various Uma Musume communities from naming their retired Uma Musume exhibition matches… Dream Cup, though they were far removed from the original a century ago.
But Man o' War believed the Dream Cup was real!
A chance to perform one last dance at her peak alongside other legendary Uma Musume in the mythical Dream Cup—it was something every retired Uma Musume yearned for, even Man o' War and Seabiscuit!
If the Dream Cup truly could be opened, she could face off against a peak Seabiscuit, the rising new-generation legend Secretariat, the second Pegasus Nearl, Flightline… all at their best!
And if the Three Goddesses truly reopened the Dream Cup, who would be… the strongest of all generations, the winner of this Dream Cup?
"It's been so long that few believe it was real anymore."
Man o' War casually dropped news that could shake the entire Uma Musume world.
"But it's definitely real. Once, I prayed before the Three Goddesses' statue and asked… the answer was yes."
"Next year, the second Dream Cup in history will go down!"
The next second, this elegant and composed senior curled her lips into a nearly delighted, insane smile.
"Secretariat, I'll be waiting for you and Nearl at the Dream Cup."
"Don't disappoint me, Junior!!"
--+--
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.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.