Every fiber of her being screamed in protest. A pair of blazing golden haloes flashed before Narita Brian's eyes—the pupils of the girl in black, fixed unwaveringly upon her.
Even without turning, Brian knew with absolute certainty that she was being watched, pinned by that gaze.
In a daze, it was as if a predator had bared its fangs at her. The hunter and the hunted, their roles were shifting in that very instant.
Lion and tiger, leopard and wolf—the racetrack had become a battleground. What unfolded before the crowd was less a race and more a brutal, desperate struggle between two ferocious beasts, locked in a savage clash of tooth and claw.
Bones creaked, veins bulged against skin. An intensely fierce and sharp aura erupted from Narita Brian. Each stride gained speed, every step pushed to its absolute limit.
She was closing the gap at an unbelievable rate.
Yet, for all her overwhelming presence, she found herself at a disadvantage against the black-haired girl ahead.
There was something terrifying about that body.
It was like an ancient Phantom hidden from the world!
A dark quagmire that threatened to swallow everything whole!
A primordial beast, slumbering deep beneath the earth, had stirred and now awakened.
A surging black energy instantly crushed down on Narita Brian, so oppressive it felt like her very breath would stop. A dazzling star tore through the sun's radiance, casting its light over the track. The sky was choked with an impenetrable fog, and the world plunged into gloom.
Nightfall had arrived, here and now, in Narita Brian's world.
The black Uma Musume's lips curled upwards.
A smile of utter, supreme arrogance spread across her face.
Watch closely—!
Behold the miracle unfolding before your very eyes!
The girl made a motion as if stumbling, her toe digging firmly into the ground.
First step—shattering the earth!
Her horseshoes seemed to grind the very air, producing a harsh, grating sound.
Second step—shattering the track!
The spectators' hearts hammered in their chests, 'thump-thump-thumping' in time with her footsteps.
Third step—shattering everyone's preconceptions!
The crowd at Tokyo Racecourse heard it simultaneously—the sound of a bowstring drawn taut, the cocking of a gun.
Bang—!
A black lightning bolt shot forward. Under the watchful eyes of Narita Brian and tens of thousands of spectators, the girl achieved a blindingly brilliant three-step acceleration—
Her speed finally reached its zenith.
"The nameless black Uma Musume, with her overwhelmingly powerful stride, has done it again, she's done it again! She's pulling away from Narita Brian!! Now, she bares her fangs against all her rivals!!"
"One length, two lengths, three lengths—the gap is widening!!!"
"What incredible strength, what incredible speed! In all my years of commentary, I have never seen an Uma Musume achieve such a level! Nameless black Uma Musume! Just who are you—!?"
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. They saw the black flash skimming low over the ground, each footfall landing with an explosive report.
Fast! Unbelievably fast!
That peerless speed left all sound and doubt far behind.
I can't catch up…
Narita Brian's teeth ground together. Her body thrummed with excitement, yet also fear. It was as if an aura of supreme authority, that of a 'superior being,' emanated from her opponent.
This… is pure ecstasy!
The gnawing hunger in her belly was, for this moment, satisfied as never before.
"This cup, I toast to blood—"
With a final, desperate lunge, Brian tried to sink her fangs into her rival. But she remained locked three lengths behind, unable to close the distance any further.
"The Nameless Black Phantom, with her invincible, ultimate power! She crosses the finish line—! The winner of this [Japan Derby] is, making history, contestant number nineteen!!"
Silence gripped the racecourse for a heartbeat, then shattered as if struck by a thunderclap.
"Ooooooooooooooh—!!!"
Everyone was on their feet, roaring their acclaim. The entire Tokyo Racecourse trembled with the deafening noise.
They had come expecting a show from Narita Brian, but more than that, they had craved a spectacular race.
And this unexpected contender, after facing scorn and doubt, had revealed a form beyond imagination, seizing victory with an overwhelming margin—three lengths clear of the formidable Narita Brian.
Could her victory mean that Narita Brian was weak?
Not a single spectator who had watched the race from start to finish could possibly entertain such a thought.
Narita Brian's terrifying dominance, her frightening speed, her dreadful endurance—it had completely redefined everyone's understanding of the word 'powerful.' Accelerating from mid-race until the very end without showing the slightest weakness.
Behind her, the third-place finisher trailed by a staggering eleven lengths.
What kind of race was this?!
This was the [Japan Derby], symbolizing the highest honor, a race where Uma Musume threw caution to the wind for glory.
Even those who couldn't match Narita Brian were no ordinary talents to have earned a place in the Derby.
Yet, this fiercely competitive event had culminated in an unbelievable duel between two phenomenal athletes.
Before them, everyone else seemed helpless as children.
The crowd applauded furiously, palms turning red, hearts burning with fervor.
Some might lament Narita Brian's defeat, but no one could remain unimpressed by the race itself.
Accelerating from the very start, maintaining it until the very end, she had perfectly embodied the meaning of 'speed' with her own body.
And at the center of it all, the black-clad girl didn't stop after crossing the finish line. As if her mission was complete, she shoved her hands into her pockets and began to walk slowly towards the exit.
The insatiable hunger that had gnawed at her since arriving at Tracen Academy was, today, finally sated.
Watching the black-clad girl depart, Narita Brian quickened her pace and gave chase.
"You, the strong one—"
She called out loudly, "Tell me your name!"
The black-clad girl halted, but still did not turn around.
My name…
Even before she had broken the tape, one person had been waiting there quietly.
Her body felt leaden, immovable, as if the slightest touch would make her collapse.
Seeing such a desperate, straining form, in her eyes, was almost like watching a child's play.
So earnest, yet so amusing.
Perhaps I'm still utterly unworthy of that name now. But one day, I will reach that distant, lofty realm.
So… until that day comes, allow me to borrow your title, to show the world.
'My name is—' She gave her consent.
The girl swept her cloak aside, declaring in a tone of unparalleled arrogance.
"'Sunday Silence.'"
Their two voices overlapped.
Try to keep up with me—
That black figure walked away from the track without a backward glance.
Watching her go, Narita Brian clenched her fists.
She could feel it…
A beast that has had its fill will grow larger, more ferocious.
After this battle, her hunger would be greater than ever, her craving even more… intense.
Swarms of reporters, ignoring all restraint, leaped onto the track, desperately chasing after the retreating figure.
Amid the ear-splitting cheers and thunderous applause, this unprecedented [Japan Derby] finally drew to a close.
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T/N: ABSOLUTE CINEMA
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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.