The Dream Cup!
The real Dream Cup!
So the legendary race where Eclipse was crowned the strongest… it was actually real?
At that moment, the second-generation Big Red Monster, Secretariat, felt her pupils contract sharply, her mind going completely blank.
It's worth noting that this contemporary legend was known for her poise, immense power, and commanding presence. Even after achieving the rare feat of winning the American Triple Crown and cementing her legendary status, she had never been this visibly shaken.
But now, it was different.
Once the initial shock passed, a faint, almost crazed smile of pure delight tugged at the lips of this crimson-clad girl. Her gaze, fixed upon her senior—the first-generation Big Red Monster, Man o' War…
The respect that was once there had now been utterly replaced by an overwhelming fighting spirit.
In Secretariat's memory, within the records of the Dream Cup, it was said that the winner could even make a wish to the Three Goddesses…
Whether that wish-granting was real or not, Secretariat couldn't care less.
What she cared about was the chance to battle past greats from every era—to fight the Triple Crown winners before her, the previous legend, Seabiscuit, and the original Big Red Monster, Man o' War herself!
After winning the Dream Cup, forget just being the greatest in history—she would soar far beyond Man o' War and the previous Dream Cup champion, Eclipse!
After all, Eclipse's era was ancient. Even the top champions from back then might not amount to much by today's standards. When it came to the quality of her opponents, Eclipse had been at a huge disadvantage.
And Man o' War was the same; she also lacked victories over legendary names.
By the time the Dream Cup opened next year, there would be at least two legends participating: Secretariat and Man o' War! Not to mention others like Flightline, Nearl, who might also achieve legendary status.
So, this second dirt Dream Cup would undoubtedly have far greater prestige than the first turf-dirt Dream Cup. The winner wouldn't just solidify their status as the dirt GOAT—they could probably drop the 'dirt' prefix altogether after defeating multiple legends! They could ascend to godhood in a single campaign, surpassing even Eclipse!
For the unprecedented opportunity to face retired seniors in battle, the ambitious Secretariat had no intention of losing!
"Hmm?"
Man o' War looked at the battle-crazed Secretariat before her, who seemed ready to devour everything, with an amused, knowing smile.
In the eyes of this elegant, poised, and statuesque beauty, a spark of interest was quietly igniting.
She had always seen Secretariat as her successor, hence publicly bestowing upon her the title of 'second generation,' believing she had the potential to match or even surpass her.
But now… the miraculous [Dream Cup] was coming!
In other words, Man o' War wouldn't just be a spectator from the sidelines—she would have a chance to return to the peak of Uma Musume racing!
So, sorry, but a rejuvenated emperor doesn't need a capable crown prince.
Even if the mythical [Dream Cup] was a one-time event. That alone was enough to awaken the slumbering beast!
Thus, in the next instant, Man o' War grinned openly, boldly declaring her own fighting spirit.
"Let's be clear—you're the challenger here!"
"Not only that—"
"The one who shakes my throne… might not be you, but perhaps that little Pegasus instead."
In other words…
In Man o' War's view, during the current active season, Secretariat might not even hold the title of [Strongest of the Current Era].
Let alone challenge her, the [Strongest of All Time].
The Strongest of Today vs. The Strongest in History!
Would it be Secretariat, or would it be Platinum? Who would challenge her as the reigning strongest?
Man o' War was waiting to find out!
After hearing Man o' War's final declaration, Secretariat's expression returned to calmness. She turned away coolly.
"Oh? Is that so."
"The results will show that I can surpass not only Nearl, but you as well."
"Under the witness of the Three Goddesses, in the Dream Cup, I will become the strongest!"
In the next moment, an overwhelming, crushing aura erupted from Secretariat's body.
As for Margaret Nearl?
She was nothing but the second fraud!
Her words, filled with absolute confidence, didn't surprise Man o' War much.
As Secretariat was about to leave, Man o' War offered one last reminder.
"Don't get careless; Nearl isn't that simple."
"Not only that, but there's more than one or two monsters on the dirt nowadays. Besides Nearl, there's Flightline, Outlaw, and Prove It as well."
The reminder made Secretariat, who was already leaving, wave a hand without looking back, indicating she understood.
"I know, I won't let my guard down."
"After all—"
A certain doctor was still waiting for her!
--+--
Japan, Tracen Academy.
Most of the Japanese Uma Musume had currently paused their training or outings to watch a particular overseas race.
Only a top-tier international G1 could attract that level of attention—it was the King George VI Stakes.
Even so, the King George typically garnered less discussion in Japan than the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But this year, every screening room in Tracen was opened up for all school staff and student Uma Musume to watch the live broadcast together!
Platinum's participation had pushed this year's King George's attention past even that of past Arc de Triomphes—such was the influence of a Pegasus in Japan.
In the main screening room.
From the curvaceous, crimson-haired girl Daiwa Scarlet, to her former rival Vodka, whom she could now defeat repeatedly, to this year's classic Triple Crown dominator, Orfevre!
Besides them, there were also the geniuses of the Mejiro family, Mejiro Dober and Mejiro McQueen, among others.
As the leading lights of Japan's promising new generation, they had all specially made time to watch this race from start to finish.
After the race ended and the data was displayed, Daiwa Scarlet was utterly stunned. She saw that Platinum had won by over a dozen lengths from the second-place Harbinger, who in turn had left the third place far behind by a massive margin…
Beside Daiwa Scarlet, numerous voices rose in discussion.
"Incredible, that Harbinger! Her speed could absolutely sweep any world champion. The only one who could crush her is Lady Pegasus!"
"Who would have thought that even after breaking the past record with a super performance, even after activating her Zone early and unleashing her final kick, the closest Harbinger could get was within [five lengths] of Platinum?"
"Yeah, five lengths… just like Daiwa Scarlet."
"It's like the Pegasus Platinum was softly saying: 'You may come this far, but no farther!' Then she utterly demolished Harbinger, who got as close as five lengths."
"I'm curious, as the holder of the smallest margin against Platinum, what result could Senior Daiwa Scarlet achieve if she raced Platinum again? Would it be a repeat of Harbinger's race?"
"Senior Daiwa Scarlet, could you win?"
Hearing these voices around her, especially the discussions and speculations about a rematch with Platinum, Daiwa Scarlet's face froze.
There were even direct questions asking if she could win, if she had a chance.
Even now, Daiwa Scarlet herself was still puzzled about why she had only lost by five lengths. Could it be that the little Pegasus had never even run a training race before, that it was her first time running and she didn't know anything, so she only won by a little?
In that debut race showdown, Daiwa Scarlet felt it was all due to her own luck—pure chance, with no sweat, effort, or real skill involved.
If she were to really face the Pegasus Platinum again…
Could she win?
She'd get slaughtered!!!
Daiwa Scarlet didn't even dare compare herself to the badly beaten Harbinger in second place. With a complicated expression, she looked instead at the third-place Youmzain, and the other G1 champion Uma Musume in fourth and below.
Even as the current two-time filly classic winner with immense popularity, even with her title [Crimson Queen] and multiple G1 wins under her belt, Daiwa Scarlet didn't believe she could compare to the top five finishers in the King George she'd just watched.
But it seemed some Japanese Uma Musume genuinely thought she might stand a chance against Platinum and put on a good show!
After all… most Japanese Uma Musume didn't understand the gap between Japanese runners and world-class ones. They thought winning a few Japanese G1s meant they couldn't be much worse than foreign G1 champions.
In Daiwa Scarlet's view, many Japanese Uma Musume today lacked both strength and perspective. Seeing Platinum was like a frog at the bottom of a well looking up at the moon.
If any of them were lucky enough to become a Japanese G1 champion one day, seeing Platinum would be like a mayfly glimpsing the vast sky!
That wasn't an exaggeration. Daiwa Scarlet knew she fell short even against world-class Uma Musume. Let alone a monster like Harbinger who could crush world champions!
And Platinum? She was even above Harbinger! If that wasn't legendary, then what was?
A once-in-a-century legendary Uma Musume, before whom even the proudest European racing houses would bow to her legendary throne.
So, the thought of possibly encountering Platinum again, of a second showdown, made Daiwa Scarlet fall silent.
Others might not know her true level, but Daiwa Scarlet knew herself all too well!
The young fillies around her, looking up to her and dreaming of her battling Platinum, hoping for a miracle repeat of the five-length difference, had no idea…
'Don't come, don't come, don't come…'
'I need to go pray at the Three Goddesses statue soon. I hope Platinum, having a successful campaign overseas, never comes back to Japan!'
'What's the point of dominating in Europe only to come back to little Japan to beat up on small fries!'
'Japanese G1s have nothing but prize money, they're worthless otherwise. Platinum wouldn't be interested, she won't come back… right?'
The curvaceous Crimson Queen was praying inwardly, hoping she wouldn't run into the Pegasus!
Not far from her, a petite girl wearing a face mask sat with her legs crossed and arms folded.
This petite girl was none other than the one known to the outside world as the Golden Tyrant, Orfevre, famous for her iconic explosive final kick and bizarre diagonal running.
Currently, Orfevre had already won two classics. No one doubted she would win the Kikuka Sho to complete the Triple Crown; her ability all but guaranteed it.
This wasn't just blind outside opinion; even within Tracen Academy, from the Student Council to Ms. Hayakawa, everyone agreed.
Remember, this was a feat not even Tokai Teio or Agnes Tachyon had accomplished, yet it seemed within reach for this Tyrant!
Thus, Orfevre was also highly expected to be the one most likely to succeed the Pegasus Platinum as Japan's next great talent.
At this moment, the tyrant's blue eyes were filled with a strange light as she recalled the image of Platinum crossing the finish line on screen.
"So strong!!"
Orfevre wasn't the type to buy into the external hype and believe she could actually approach, let alone match, Platinum.
No, rather… she didn't even have the brainpower to bother with outside praise!
The Tyrant spent her time, aside from training, often having practice races with her sisters in the [Gold Family]. She couldn't be bothered with others' opinions and didn't easily hold senior Uma Musume in awe.
After watching this King George, the Tyrant wore a stunned expression.
"The Uma Musume on the inside rail only needed to sprint straight to get ahead of Platinum, who had to angle inward."
"And the turf was turned into heavy ground, making it hard to run. Yet Platinum, starting from the widest gate and naturally falling far behind…"
"Crushing Harbinger?"
Orfevre had the confidence and belief that she could compete on the world stage.
She wouldn't fear even historical greats, such was her courage.
But at this moment, Orfevre, the strongest classic contender in Japan, felt her heartbeat quicken slightly, almost instinctively sensing danger.
A monster!
A level of power never witnessed in Japan!
Orfevre remembered that in the race replays she'd seen of Platinum, her performances overseas were stronger than those in Japan.
Could it be that the Pegasus only got more serious when facing stronger opponents?
But that would require having mastered such incredible ability very early on. How was that possible?
Without outstanding rivals and a superior training environment, no amount of training in Japan could make someone that strong, right?
She couldn't have just been born that absurdly strong—if that were true, she wouldn't be an Uma Musume anymore!
So… the Pegasus must have evolved and grown stronger faster after going overseas into a better environment!
After deducing this "answer" with her excellent Gold Family brain, the Tyrant immediately made a decision.
'After winning the Kikuka Sho and the Arima Kinen this year…'
'Next year, I'll also campaign overseas and challenge the Arc de Triomphe!'
'Next year, the Pegasus will surely run in the Arc again. Then I can have a full-on battle with her!'
As Orfevre was deep in thought.
The large screen in the screening room suddenly cut to the next segment.
The post-race procedures were similar across countries, differing maybe in order. In Japan, for example, interviews came after the winner's ceremony.
Currently, before the Winner's Stage began, the interview segment started early.
A reporter asked a standard question.
"Miss Platinum, what are your impressions of the second-place finisher, Harbinger, in this race?"
Any viewer worldwide who watched this race knew that Harbinger, whose only previous win was a G2, undoubtedly possessed super strength surpassing ordinary world champions.
Thus, Harbinger would become famous globally after this, making a question about her unsurprising.
Then, under the gaze of Daiwa Scarlet, Mejiro Dober, Manhattan Cafe, and others watching the live broadcast, they heard the Silver Pegasus girl's answer.
"It was a brilliant race. Harbinger performed excellently. I think I'll remember her for the rest of my life."
Platinum praised Harbinger frankly and sincerely.
It's worth noting—
When this answer rang out, the expressions of Daiwa Scarlet, Mejiro Dober, and Manhattan Cafe all stiffened simultaneously.
Because…
Nearly every one of them, as past losers, had heard these very words from Platinum before.
At the time, most of the Japanese fillies had been overjoyed at being remembered by Platinum.
After all… she was Japan's strongest Uma Musume! Losing to her wasn't a disgrace, and being remembered by her for life was a great honor.
But now!
It was all a lie, wasn't it?!
Unless Platinum could remember dozens of Uma Musume for life!
Daiwa Scarlet's face flushed red, whether from excitement or anger, her ample chest rising and falling noticeably.
"It's a lie?!"
The usually quiet Mejiro Dober clenched her pink fists, her breathing becoming rapid.
"Why does Platinum say that line… so easily?"
The dark-haired girl Manhattan Cafe nearly crushed the coffee cup in her hand with her Uma Musume strength.
"Dammit, it really is a lie."
The intense reactions weren't limited to them; similar responses were happening elsewhere, even overseas with fillies like Galileo…
This one sentence from Platinum had finally caused fillies around the world watching the broadcast to explode!
--+--
United States.
Inside a clinic.
A black-haired young male doctor sat behind his desk, intently reading the newspaper.
The papers Lin Anran read were all about Uma Musume racing news, helping him learn about the many geniuses on the vast American dirt tracks.
After all, the races were important, the prize money was important. He needed as much information as possible to prepare for his transformation as Margaret Nearl to win races.
"If the system hadn't unlocked the 'Transformation' feature, I might still be working as an Uma Musume doctor," mused the somewhat unscrupulous young doctor who earned prize money through his Uma Musume side job.
"Of course, treating Uma Musume isn't bad, but transforming into one offers me much broader horizons."
Lin Anran had zero resistance to transforming into an Uma Musume to win races!
As the lazy, slightly shady young doctor was engrossed in the newspapers, suddenly, another phone he carried—the one used by Margaret Nearl—began to ring.
Seeing the caller ID shown as [Seabiscuit], Lin Anran's pupils constricted sharply.
That legendary senior Uma Musume, immensely famous in the US and holding a high position in the American racing authority, had added Nearl's contact through official channels after she gained fame.
They had only spoken on the phone once before. Seabiscuit had said she wouldn't disturb Nearl's training unless something important came up.
This phone call now… meant something big was happening.
He quickly stood up and went to close the clinic's main door securely.
Then, the shady young doctor initiated his transformation.
In the next second, a tall blonde girl took the phone and answered the call.
"Hello, this is Nearl."
"Senior Seabiscuit, what's the matter?"
Nearl got straight to the point.
Seabiscuit then explained.
"Next year, the true [Dream Cup] will appear."
"At that time, top dirt Uma Musume who have left their mark on history, no matter how long they've been retired, will be able to participate in the Dream Cup in their peak, youngest form, provided they qualify."
"It's said the winner can even make a wish to the Three Goddesses."
Hearing this, Nearl was stunned.
"A Holy Grail War? The Holy Grail?"
I get to fight in a Holy Grail War? Seriously?
--+--
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.