"If that's the case, then I will too!"
With a sudden snap, Morgan, who had been trying to accelerate, froze in place.
"What's happening?"
If an Umamusume were a high-speed machine, then rhythm would be its core. Every Umamusume has her own unique rhythm, and the essence of the front-runner strategy lies in disrupting the racetrack's rhythm to seize victory.
"Physical clashes aren't just for the big girls."
Twilight Cloud's Balance Disruption had inspired Kousei, allowing her to see further. By weaving rhythm changes into their duel, frequently shifting her tempo, she subtly and relentlessly pressured Morgan. The string of acceleration, stretched taut, was bound to snap eventually.
Rhythm Shift, Core Collapse—this was the birth of Kousei's own version of [Balance Disruption].
Logically, a rhythm change should affect both parties. Why was Kousei immune? Morgan already knew the answer: because Kousei was [Freedom].
Her unrestrained running style allowed her to run as she pleased.
Kousei had matured in every aspect, her nature as [Mist] growing more pronounced. She no longer relied solely on her physical prowess.
In an instant, a thick mist enveloped the surroundings.
The two had been dueling for too long, and the pack behind them was already closing in. The race had unknowingly entered its latter half. The reserved stamina burst forth at this moment, engulfing Morgan like a monstrous wave.
The Umamusumes' fierce will to win crashed against Morgan. She knew there was no room for error now—either she broke free from the chaotic pack or secured a good position to save strength for the final straight.
"You're not getting away!"
Kousei burst out from the pack. Morgan had expected her to stay in a safe position, waiting for the final straight, but she charged straight into the fray.
Kousei no longer evaded. The instant they collided, a chilling malice drilled into her mind.
Just like with Narita Brian back then, the twisted will threatened to consume the Umamusume herself, dragging everything around her down with it.
Kousei's consciousness began to waver, her vision blurring. Even so, she clung to Morgan, refusing to let go. The race accelerated, and the thunder of countless hooves announced the arrival of the final turn.
"You bastard! Are you trying to take us both down?!" Morgan panicked completely. In those blood-red eyes, she saw only madness.
"She's not even trying to win! She just wants to drag me down with her!"
2000M MARK PASSED!!!
"GET AWAY FROM ME!!"
Endless malice erupted into overwhelming killing intent, completely enraging the Killer. In the final charge, every Umamusume pushed forward with all their might—the path to their ideals allowed no compromise!
Faster! Even faster! The Gate of Dreams is within reach!
But then!!
The Killer has arrived!
"You dare try to beat me?! I'll crush your pride completely!"
The Killer appeared on the outside, and time seemed to freeze, like the instant a bullet pierces its target.
"Kousei! Where's Kousei?!" the commentator shouted anxiously.
In that moment, everyone's hearts leaped into their throats. They frantically searched for Kousei's position, but she was nowhere on the screen!
"It's over!"
Whether in the stadium or watching on screens, their anxious hearts finally sank. Being outside the frame in the final stretch almost certainly meant no chance of winning.
Black Bullet and Leo Durban glanced at Teio, their expressions complex. They didn't know what to say. Teio's face remained solemn, her gaze fixed on the screen.
Is she going to lose? As expected, can she really not reach the world's level no matter how hard she tries?
People always project their own dreams onto Umamusume, building up their own expectations only to be disappointed.
"Until you cross the finish line, anything can happen, right?"
The moment McQueen smiled at the screen, brilliant clouds of fire rolled across the horizon—the flames had never been extinguished!
"Why?! Why is she in that position?!"
A shot from an unexpected angle, emerging from another dimension. Her path was blocked from the side and front—there was nowhere to go.
Or was there?
There is a way. How could the path to a dream be a dead end?
"Could it be?!" Morgan saw the insane idea in Kousei's eyes. "You madwoman!!!"
If I'm chasing an ethereal dream anyway, I might as well strive for something even more fantastical, even more breathtaking.
I am who I am!
Kousei surged forward without hesitation, the path ahead vast and open. Shattering all common sense, she charged alone into the Forbidden Zone.
∴win Q.E.D., Limit Operation, Victory Acceleration.
Instantaneous Top Speed! Great Arrest!
"Nowhere left to run!"
Breath held still, hearts pounded wildly. The Triumphant Pulse thundered across the entire racetrack!
The wind carried the scent of cherry blossoms; a few sparks flickered in the sky. Nameless Cherry Dance, Three Strides in a Single Breath.
"This is the end!"
The Net of Heaven is Vast, Ominous Star Shines Overhead! Slay the Foe, Behead the Enemy, Make Your Name Known to the World!
Not enough! Still not enough!
Kousei didn't stop. She kept pushing forward.
"I finally understand. What stands in my way isn't any single Umamusume."
What blocked Kousei were high walls named talent or rules, and what obstructed "us" was the long-standing adherence to conventional wisdom.
Among the dazzlingly talented, in an era that shone on the turf, our records were filled with suppression. Amid the praise for the victors, we tasted endless bitterness.
Behind our dust-covered backs, no one ever asked what we truly thought.
Primal Stirrings, I Will Forge My Own Path! World, I Will Be Your Rival!
Sketch Wings with Bones, Listen to the Voice of the Dream!
"AAAAAAAHHHH!!"
The roar of the wind mingled with the crowd's gasps, pride boiling in her blood. A will that refused to bow, tempered by every break, strengthened by every setback—I am the one who drives myself forward!
"Bourbon! Rice Shower! Vodka! My proud juniors, watch me now!"
Let My Back Tell the Whole Story!
Dispel the Derby's Shadow, the Morning Star Heralds the Dawn. Soar! Break Free from Your Cage!
"Forget everything else! Go forth and chase an unprecedented dream!"
One length! Two lengths! Three lengths! The gap kept widening!
A comet trailing a crimson tail, confronting the taunts that echoed in her ears. In the dark galaxy, she flung aside the passing denials along with the stardust.
I will run relentlessly until I burn out.
Repaying the Legendary Nine Lengths, a Crushing Victory in a Single Race! This Blow Leaves You Speechless!
A power far beyond mere victory or defeat. Morgan stood frozen, momentarily stunned.
"I lost... and she didn't even use her gate technique..."
Kousei approached, and Morgan's heart tightened. They passed each other without a word, Kousei not even sparing her a glance.
The next moment, thunderous cheers erupted, celebrating the victor's arrival. In that instant, Morgan's fierce pride shattered completely, and her haughty head finally bowed.
"Amazing! That was so amazing!" Jamie danced with excitement. "Mom, I want to be an Umamusume Trainer when I grow up!"
"Is that your dream, Jamie?" his mother asked, gently stroking his head.
"Yeah!"
"Being an Umamusume Trainer is very demanding, you know."
"I'm not afraid! I won't give up! I'll keep working hard until the day my dream comes true."
All great things seem like a joke at first.
In the winner's circle, flashes and shutter clicks relentlessly captured Kousei's every move. The cheers were deafening and endless, with countless people swept up in the excitement.
They were waiting, waiting for the victor's speech.
Kousei had won fair and square, her theories now proven true. She raised a single finger straight into the air, mirroring Symboli Rudolf's legendary gesture after winning the Satsuki Prize.
"One victory!"
The roar of the crowd drowned out Kousei's whisper. A new legend began here.
"Hahahaha!"
She flung her arms wide, drinking in the thunderous cheers that belonged to her alone. Upon her shoulders rested a mountain of expectation, and she answered it not with humility, but with defiant pride. Let the world call it arrogance—she wore it openly. For tell me: among all the heroes of this age, who could ever rival the height of her soaring ambition?
The universe is vast and clear, its opening chapter written in my ink. My aspiration pierces the clouds, reaching ten thousand meters high.