Margaret Nearl.
The undisputed super-prodigy of Japanese Uma Musume Racing, though currently competing in regional circuits, only a fool would judge her by that standard alone.
From her debut last autumn to now, Nearl had run in 23 local races.
Undefeated.
If that alone didn't convey her dominance, then consider the winning margins: 30 lengths.
And that was the minimum. By her final few races, the commentators had almost stopped tracking her position entirely, occasionally noting just, "Nearl is still leading!"
Yet despite these foregone conclusions, the public's fervor only grew.
Every race was a sell-out, often drawing bigger crowds than some central G1 events.
As spectators, they certainly loved nail-biting duels, Uma Musume pushing each other to their absolute limits. But that didn't mean it was the only thing they'd accept.
Nearl's emergence offered them a different kind of hope, a different dream.
Just how fast could she run? How long could this invincibility last? Could she become a fixed star in racing history, eternal and unchanging? Could she take an undefeated record onto the world stage?
And… could she show them the ultimate limit of what an Uma Musume could be?
It was all like a mysterious box, endlessly pulling the crowd's attention.
They entrusted her with their focus, poured their passion into her runs, and placed their dreams upon her future.
The audience held boundless expectations for Nearl, as if awaiting a new legend, a new goddess.
But as the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf, once said, this was a pressure no person should bear.
The crowd's expectations would bind you, forcing you to climb ever higher without rest.
Show a single moment of weakness on that ascent, and those very dreams would transform into a thousand-ton boulder, crushing you beneath its weight, leaving you unable to ever rise again.
But while Uma Musume are spirits blessed by the gods, they are still flesh and blood in the end, not infallible machines.
Time at the peak is limited, and physical health is a finite resource. This destined that only those with heaven-defying luck, or…
…those whose talent truly surpassed all past and present, could walk this path to its end.
--+--
It had been nearly a year since Kitahara Jo moved to the central circuit as Oguri Cap's new trainer, and he found himself under intense scrutiny.
Back when the news broke, conspiracy theories ran rampant in the reports, the noise deafening for a time.
After all, Musaka Ginjirou was the central circuit's most famous active trainer. Having him guide Oguri Cap had been a comfort to her fans.
But who was Kitahara Jo?
An average trainer who only passed the central exam in middle age, with no notable achievements to his name. How could a trainer like that reassure Oguri Cap's fanbase?
Yet, all the noise was for nothing. The severe foot injury Oguri Cap sustained after the Arima Kinen meant she couldn't race at all.
With no results to compare, her fans couldn't definitively say if Kitahara was worse than Musaka. What if he improved her even more?
So, for a time, the criticisms went quiet. But everyone knew the doubts never truly disappeared.
Until that one race—Oguri Cap's comeback after nearly a year of recuperation.
The Mainichi Okan.
Though only a GII event, its prestige outstripped many lesser GI races. As a precursor to the Autumn Tenno Sho, its significance and competitiveness were beyond doubt.
In this race, Oguri Cap delivered a perfect answer.
Her death struggle with Inari One left every spectator utterly satisfied, and her victory by a mere nose only highlighted Inari One's own formidable strength. There were even voices hailing it as the 'Race of the Year'.
Following this, Rudolf's magazine capitalized on the moment, publishing a piece on Oguri Cap's regional past, clearly outlining the bond between her and Kitahara.
This finally let the broader audience understand the sheer effort of the man, Kitahara Jo.
With that, the opposing voices largely vanished, replaced by understanding and admiration—praise for Kitahara's perseverance, and envy for the bond between those two.
During this year, the student council at Central Tracen Academy saw some changes in its membership.
First, Mr. C.B. She was coldly expelled from the student council by Symboli Rudolf, stripped of all her positions and authority.
Not that Mr. C.B. minded much, to be honest.
The new member brought in to fill the vacancy was Air Groove, who had performed exceptionally well over the past year.
Serious and diligent, she had always seen Symboli Rudolf as her idol. The invitation left her overjoyed.
So she accepted without hesitation.
Whether she'd later regret that quick agreement once buried in a paperwork hell was another matter, but for now, she was thrilled.
As for the previously mentioned Agnes Tachyon, after seeking numerous treatments, she still found no cure for her chronic condition. With great pain and reluctance, she announced her retirement.
The impact on her was plain to see.
After that, sightings of her around the academy became rare. Agnes Tachyon grew reclusive, unwilling to see others.
But she wasn't just languishing in despair. A prodigy since childhood, she had no reason to simply give up.
'If these people can't cure me, then I'll do it myself!'
With that mindset, she embarked on her own journey into medicine and experimentation, and truly, through her intellect alone, began to achieve some results.
And after that, strange, cackling laughter in the dead of night at Central Tracen became a… frequent occurrence.
--+--
Beyond the individuals mentioned, countless other events unfolded, but they need not all be detailed here.
For now, all eyes turn to Nearl's final race on the regional circuit.
The race was the Kasamatsu Kinen, the highest SPI level event in the region—a 2000-meter dirt race. Nearl's farewell match.
Countless spectators gathered as one, their purpose singular: to witness the miracle Uma Musume, Margaret Nearl, embark on her new journey.
"Nearl-senpai, there are so many people outside wanting an interview. Should I turn them away like usual?"
Everlamp leaned against the door, asking with a hint of impatience, though she already knew the answer.
As the only familiar face currently by Nearl's side, Everlamp had consciously expanded her self-assigned duties, taking on tasks like handling interview requests.
"Thank you, Lamp-chan. Please send them away for me."
Nearl opened her eyes, resting until now, and agreed with Everlamp's suggestion.
But this time, Everlamp didn't hurry off. She gazed towards the door, as if her sight could pierce the walls and take in the packed, bustling venue beyond.
"Nearl-nee… is this really the last one?"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.