"If the future belongs to you..."
"Then prove it to me."
The golden-haired girl, armed with her swordlance, spoke with keen interest to the familiar Sunday Silence before her.
It wasn't a refutation of Sunday Silence's words, but a response delivered with calm yet formidable confidence.
If Sunday Silence wanted to snatch the future from her hands, to win under the gaze of her "uncle," then she had to prove it with speed and results!
Margaret Nearl believed that Sunday Silence would not disappoint—that she would undoubtedly showcase what it meant to be a top-tier Uma Musume.
No one understood Sunday Silence better than she did!
To some extent, Margaret Nearl was more than qualified to say that.
After all, the reason Sunday Silence could compete safely and maintain her fierce momentum to challenge Nearl was all thanks to the efforts of Nearl's "original self."
That shady young doctor might take money quickly, but he treated injuries just as fast!
Lin Anran was highly experienced in treating Uma Musume, and if some little foreign fillies were particularly generous with their payments, his treatment speed could accelerate slightly.
For minor injuries like Sunday Silence's, coupled with swift payment, she would receive the "miracle doctor's" care and quickly recover, resuming training and preparing for races.
Of course, this didn't mean Lin Anran would neglect other ordinary fillies or slack in their treatment. That would tarnish his reputation as a gentle doctor!
He could heal any typical injury—the title "Shady Holy Hand" emphasized the "Holy Hand" part.
As for injuries more severe than the usual, visibly serious and hard to cure, Lin Anran would choose to "claim each was hard to treat, yet cure every one flawlessly" to avoid seeming too unnatural.
Still, he controlled the treatment duration appropriately. He wouldn't heal major or near-major injuries—ones that should take months—within a few days.
This way, his medical skills appeared exceptional without crossing into the realm of "fantasy."
Thus, Sunday Silence became the biggest beneficiary, successfully recovering her excellent physical condition and returning as the second most popular contender in this race, right after Nearl.
As for Easy Goer, who had more severe, gradually worsening injuries nearing major severity, she had to choose between the second and third crowns and opted for the latter.
So she couldn't make it today. The only opponent the Radiant Knight slightly cared about now was [The Dark Noble·Sunday Silence]!
Not long ago, during treatment, that shady young doctor had thoroughly examined Sunday Silence's feet, clearly understanding her physical condition!
Now, transformed into [Margaret Nearl], she understood even better the immense, profound, and terrifying aura Sunday Silence radiated.
But true top-tier geniuses grow visibly with every high-stakes race; they aren't stagnant.
If Sunday Silence had the courage, potential, and talent to undertake such insane [training through racing], it meant she was confident in her rapid growth, daring to risk injury for a faster path to her peak!
In her second race, Sunday Silence might have lost her advantage on an ultra-heavy track, but she still lived up to her name as a top favorite among the top three, proving even more exceptional than outsiders imagined.
Facing such a worthy opponent, even Margaret Nearl would show her respect.
Since she respected her…
She had to get serious, right?
"Alright, we'll soon find out who the future belongs to."
Sunday Silence's cool, dark, profound eyes remained fixed on the golden-haired knight girl.
The race was about to begin.
Only a few minutes remained until the start.
But suddenly, her cherry lips parted slightly, as if she couldn't hold back a question she'd long wanted to ask.
It had nothing to do with the race, but in Sunday Silence's view, it was just as important.
"Nearl…"
"No, [Margaret Nearl]."
"Can I ask you a question?"
As Sunday Silence hesitated but finally asked, the golden-haired knight girl let out a soft, curious sound.
Immediately, the spirited and heroic golden-haired girl nodded.
Answering a question was no big deal.
It was like setting the table before enjoying a delicious dessert!
"Your uncle, Dr. Lin…"
"Could you tell me?"
"What's his other name?"
Sunday Silence finally asked the question she'd been so curious about!
Lin Anran, as [Margaret Nearl]'s uncle—his other name!
In the U.S., many people adopt another name when they come to a foreign country.
Since Margaret Nearl and her uncle Lin Anran were from a "lost noble family" or "fallen house," they should share the same family name.
That was a surname maintained regardless of the family's rise or fall, a constant through all circumstances.
From noble family traditions to American customs, from the perspective of local dirt-track fillies, no matter what, Lin Anran must have another name bearing the "Nearl" surname!
Others might not know, but as Lin Anran's niece, [Margaret Nearl] absolutely knew the answer!
So, Sunday Silence couldn't help but ask.
When the petite, dark-haired girl asked with intense curiosity about a certain shady young doctor, the tall, spirited golden-haired girl before her…
The knight girl Nearl, who had always been composed and unshaken even if Mount Tai collapsed before her, suddenly froze.
[Uncle]'s… name???
Oh no, she's coming for me!
Margaret Nearl remained silent for a moment, but not because her thoughts had paused.
On the contrary, her mind was racing, trying desperately to come up with a suitable name on the spot.
But unfortunately…
As someone who struggled with naming things, she couldn't think of anything in such a short time.
'Do I have to use that one?'
As if making a major decision, the golden-haired girl, in her usual calm tone, uttered a name for the first time—one that felt strangely familiar.
"My uncle's name is…"
"—[Mlynar Nearl]."
Miss Margaret spoke the true name of her uncle from another world.
And silently apologized in her heart.
Sorry, Uncle, I'm borrowing your good name.
Before and after her transformation, they were uncle and niece. Not only had her original self drawn a bit of [Mlynar Nearl]'s endurance, but she'd also inherited Mlynar's decade-worth of accumulated vacation days.
Borrowing his name seemed fitting, right?
The golden-haired girl quickly added.
"But that's just another name. The one he usually goes by is [Lin Anran]."
Hearing this, Sunday Silence, her curiosity satisfied, nodded slightly, finding nothing unusual about it.
It was like how the first-generation Big Red Monster, Man o' War, had been given many titles or alternate names by the outside world.
For example…
[Man of War]
[God of War]
But that strongest Uma Musume only cherished her "Big Red Monster" and "Man o' War" names, indifferent to others.
Sunday Silence lowered her head in thought for a few seconds, then suddenly remembered.
'Then… mine and Dr. Lin's child should have two names too, right?'
'One with the surname Lin, the other with Nearl, each reflecting Eastern and Western characteristics.'
Before the race even began, the petite dark-haired girl, already late for the [Lin Anran Cup], entered her "fantasy time."
But she didn't get to indulge in her fantasies for long before footsteps echoed from outside the backstage.
Soon, the door swung open.
A staff member walked in, holding registration forms.
As she scanned the room, noting the [number of participants], she raised an eyebrow in surprise, seemingly caught off guard by what she saw.
"Huh? I thought there were new entries for the Preakness Stakes."
"Are they late? Or…"
"Did they change their minds and withdraw?"
The Kentucky Derby had started with over a dozen Uma Musume, a large field.
Many Uma Musume dreamed of winning the Derby and challenging the classic races, seeing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
So they had to try at least one race, regardless of undefeated records.
To many American Uma Musume, even if monsters appeared out of nowhere, those monsters would struggle to maintain an undefeated record if they raced frequently.
There were no certainties in racing.
There were always gamblers willing to take the risk.
So the Kentucky Derby had a large field. After the Derby, some withdrew from the Triple Crown after realizing their limits, some had to withdraw due to injuries, and some chose to save their energy for the Belmont Stakes to snipe the Radiant Knight later…
Naturally, the number of participants who signed up for the second crown dropped drastically, almost halving.
With vacancies in the Preakness Stakes and a significantly smaller field, new gamblers often stepped in to fill the gaps—this was normal.
According to the second crown registration forms, there should have been around ten participants!
But now… only seven?
The answer was obvious: some Uma Musume had paid the entry fee but hesitated and decided to participate at the last minute!
The staff member's expression turned complex. She couldn't help but glance out the window, looking up at the sky.
If a sudden downpour had turned the fast track into a heavy, demanding one right before the race…
It might have caused some Uma Musume lacking adaptability to such conditions to withdraw reluctantly.
But under clear skies and sunny weather, having three Uma Musume withdrawing was almost unbelievable.
In her years of work, this was only… [the second time] she'd seen such a scene!
The first time wasn't long ago—it was last year's final Triple Crown race, the [Belmont Stakes]!
Last year's Kentucky Derby also had a large field. When the dominant second-generation Big Red Monster, Secretariat, achieved her second crown with overwhelming power…
By the time of the Belmont Stakes, barely any Uma Musume dared to challenge her.
'But even Secretariat, who now ranks top two in history and challenges for the greatest of all time, only made the entire generation withdraw at the Belmont Stakes.'
'And Margaret Nearl… she doesn't even need two crowns? With just one Kentucky Derby, she's replicated Secretariat's legendary feat?'
'Could she really have what it takes to compete with Secretariat and Man o' War for the title of [Greatest of All Time]?'
Filled with awe, the staff member snapped back to reality and hurriedly looked down at her documents again.
"First favorite, Margaret Nearl, please enter the gate."
"Next, second favorite, Sunday Silence, please get ready…"
"Third favorite… withdrew."
A moment later.
The petite dark monster, Sunday Silence, watched as the tall, dazzling golden-haired girl strode out of the backstage.
"The number of participants is really small."
"But it doesn't matter. Whether there are many or few, the only one worth watching out for is her."
Sunday Silence knew exactly why the field had halved.
Many clever noble-born Uma Musume wisely chose to give up… to skip one race! Focusing on challenging the final crown of the Triple Crown.
It was like—saving their best for the Belmont Stakes to face other exhausted favorites, a legitimate strategy.
It wasn't uncommon for dual crown winners to be sniped and miss the Triple Crown. Facing well-rested, endurance-focused geniuses while exhausted was an immense challenge.
The American Triple Crown was notoriously intensive on Uma Musume's bodies. Even the greatest legend, Man o' War, had skipped the Derby to avoid overracing and focused on winning the last two crowns.
So, having dropouts in the first two crowns wasn't strange; it actually showed how fearsome the favorites were that year.
But this year's Triple Crown seemed to have an unusually high number of dropouts in the second crown, the Preakness Stakes.
Sunday Silence didn't mind much, as long as it didn't affect her goal of defeating Secretariat!
'Dr. Lin… he'll definitely come to watch the race.'
'I've already lost once; I can't lose a second time!!'
The petite dark-haired girl, full of momentum and fighting spirit, stood up and prepared to stride onto the track.
--+--
At the racecourse, in the commentary booth.
The time for entering the gates was approaching.
But the entire audience of over a hundred thousand, along with the millions watching live on TV, showed slight confusion.
Because, just before the start, the big screen suddenly cut to the commentary booth. More notably, there were three seats instead of the usual two.
The regular race commentators sat on the left and right, leaving the central, most prominent seat empty, as if waiting for a third commentator.
This was a G1 race, part of the prestigious American Triple Crown's second leg. Usually, only two experienced commentators were qualified to take the booth.
Even popular retired Uma Musume typically only served as guest commentators for non-G1 major races.
As part of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes might be considered slightly less prestigious than the Derby or Belmont, but it was still a highly watched G1 classic.
So, perhaps only a Triple Crown winner inducted into the American Uma Musume Hall of Fame could qualify as a guest commentator for this race.
But this empty third seat, right in the center, suggested the event organizers had no worries about potential controversy from the upcoming Uma Musume.
And somewhere in the audience…
Seabiscuit looked slightly surprised.
She had previously served as a guest commentator, but being "guest" meant she couldn't do it repeatedly.
Since a super senior with immense popularity and Hall of Fame status had already been a guest commentator, inviting another one would raise fans' expectations too high.
So, either the next guest had to be even more famous, or they should stop inviting guests to manage expectations.
After the living legend Seabiscuit commentated on the first crown, how could there be another guest for the second crown?
What level of fame would be needed to meet the expectations of all dirt-track fans?
The next second, she seemed to think of an unbelievable name.
"Could it be… that one?"
She wasn't in charge of this race's details and hadn't bothered to work overtime and find out, so she didn't know.
But now, the answer was almost clear.
The next moment, the big screen showed a tall, imposing figure with long, fiery red hair and a heroic air.
This majestic figure wore white gloves and a dazzling, dress-like outfit as she walked in.
Despite her handsome smile, she could make almost any Uma Musume feel… what true majestic, god-like power meant!
Her name was Man o' War, the legendary Uma Musume, dressed in an early version of her victory outfit, appearing before the entire audience.
She was the pinnacle of American Uma Musume, the one who would always be named the greatest of all time, no matter the era.
Seabiscuit, one of America's two living legends and the most popular, couldn't stay calm knowing the answer. She looked on with near-reverence at the existence far surpassing any queen or empress.
To Seabiscuit, she was almost like a "god," a "Pegasus," "transcending Uma Musume."
Today, many Uma Musume and ordinary fans idolized Seabiscuit, the most inspirational and popular of the three legends.
Usually, fans would overpraise their idols, believing them superior even if their skills were comparable or slightly worse than European counterparts.
But Seabiscuit's countless fans knew better than to call her "the greatest" or compare her to Man o' War.
Seabiscuit became a legend because she gave her all to achieve legend status.
Man o' War became a legend because, despite unfortunate luck and lacking stronger opponents, she still stood at the pinnacle of legends.
Above this first-generation dirt Big Red Monster, no one could be found in dirt racing—you'd have to open the history books and go back a hundred or two hundred years to find [the first Dream Cup winner · Eclipse]!
Otherwise, no Uma Musume could surpass Man o' War's legend!
In other words… other Uma Musume idolized the legend Seabiscuit. But Seabiscuit idolized Man o' War!
The legend Seabiscuit felt marvelous and excited.
'It really is Senior Man o' War!'
'After retiring so many years ago, she's only commentated twice before.'
'The first time was my [one-on-one showdown] with her sister, the Triple Crown winner War Admiral.'
Man o' War had defeated one Triple Crown winner and had another as her sister.
'The second time was last year's Belmont Stakes, where Secretariat won by over thirty lengths, achieving the Triple Crown and becoming a legend!'
'Those two times, Senior Man o' War witnessed the rise of two legends.'
Thinking this, Seabiscuit gasped.
'Then this third time—'
--+--
Live broadcast.
In the commentary booth.
Even the professional commentators who had witnessed classic race champions and dual crown winners were filled with excitement.
After all, this was Man o' War.
The undisputed favorite to win the year-end Dream Cup, the strongest legend to hopefully [retrace Eclipse's path].
But Eclipse's era had ended, existing only in past legends and myths.
Man o' War was a living, walking legend! This made the usually calm professional commentators extremely excited.
It was safe to say…
The moment the strongest legend, Man o' War, appeared, this Preakness Stakes—which should have had lower popularity than the Kentucky Derby—instantly captured everyone's interest!
Now, the attention on the Preakness Stakes skyrocketed in a short time, bound to surpass the first crown of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby!!
[Before introducing the entrants, please allow me to introduce with great respect… the Uma Musume who will temporarily commentate on this Preakness Stakes.]
[Her presence is an honor for the Preakness Stakes!]
[She is the strongest legend in dirt history, the only myth to rival Eclipse! The GOAT pursued by Secretariat yet reigning supreme!]
The commentator's voice boiled with excitement as he announced the name.
[She is known as [Man of War], [God of War], and… [Man o' War]! The super legend! The undeniable strongest!!]
Instantly, the hundreds of thousands in the audience and millions watching live erupted into booming cheers and wild reactions!
While in terms of popularity, this Uma Musume might not surpass Seabiscuit, when it came to racing and competition, countless people regarded her far above Seabiscuit!
On screen, Man o' War sat centered like an emperor on her throne, becoming the focus of everything.
The strongest legend smiled gently, appearing gentle and elegant, and calmly addressed the millions of viewers.
"Pay me no mind. I'm only here to observe [Margaret Nearl]."
"I want to see how high a potential rival in the year-end Dream Cup can reach."
After speaking, Man o' War's elegant smile turned into a tyrant's grin. She removed her white gloves, intertwining her revealed fingers.
It was like… a knight removing gloves to declare war, preparing for a duel.
This wasn't condescending praise for a junior, mentioning Nearl's talent.
This wasn't discussing winning probabilities for a classic-year Uma Musume.
This was clearly… as a favorite in a certain race, showing interest in another favorite she saw!!!
That race was the [Dream Cup], which would attract extreme worldwide attention!
When her response echoed, it successfully drew incredulous reactions from the audience.
"It's actually… Man o' War?? The strongest legend came specifically for Nearl?"
"First Seabiscuit commentated on the first crown, Kentucky Derby. Now Man o' War for the second crown, Preakness Stakes? There are only three legends in the U.S.!"
"Guess what? Could the last Belmont Stakes have the only active dirt legend, Secretariat herself?"
"Wait, more importantly, the real point is that Man o' War is [observing] Nearl, treating her as a rival!!"
"Right, that's the most terrifying thing! The greatest dirt Uma Musume in history sees a newcomer as a major threat?"
"Could it be that Nearl's Pegasus form in the last Kentucky Derby wasn't her full power? Can she perform even better?"
"As expected of Man o' War! Other Uma Musume might find excuses to observe rivals, for pride or hiding tactics. But as a senior, she makes sure Nearl knows she's being targeted!"
She didn't use her legendary status to evaluate a junior.
Instead, she used words like [observe] and [rival], showing absolute respect!
From insight to strength to courage, Man o' War displayed it all!
Remember, Man o' War wasn't just the strongest active—she was the historical strongest above all active Uma Musume!
Under such rapt attention, with the legend's presence…
The second crown of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, finally began!
Amid the sea of people and booming cheers, a tall golden-haired girl, her white coat fluttering in the wind, strode forward under countless watching eyes!
--+--
A moment later.
Margaret Nearl entered the starting gate.
Her sharp senses caught every word of the commentary.
She was no stranger to Man o' War, Seabiscuit, or Secretariat—the pinnacle of the pyramid.
In fact, anyone racing on American dirt tracks would know their renowned names.
Especially Man o' War, whom even Secretariat continuously chased but couldn't surpass for the [GOAT] title, failing to fulfill a promise with a certain shady young doctor!
'I never expected… the historical number one!'
'To calmly declare in front of the world that she sees a Uma Musume who hasn't even finished the [Classic Triple Crown] as a rival worth observing?'
Even the calm Radiant Knight was filled with amazement.
It was almost unbelievable, yet the first-generation Big Red Monster named Man o' War said it without hesitation.
Those few words weren't praise, but they far surpassed any ordinary compliment.
They would make Nearl a phenomenon, ensuring that for months to come, whenever Man o' War was mentioned, Nearl would be too.
All dirt racing fans, and even overseas audiences who didn't care about dirt but knew Man o' War's name, would wonder if Nearl had what it took to challenge the Dream Cup and face Man o' War.
A new storm was brewing.
If she could demonstrate strength worthy of such praise, she might be able to control this storm!
Even Nearl had to admit—the strongest first-generation Big Red was a monster beyond her imagination.
Such strength!
Such courage!
This was… the most valuable, most worthy opponent!
It ignited an uncontrollable fighting spirit in the golden-haired knight girl.
Well then, watch closely and wait patiently.
The Dream Cup wasn't far away!
But before that… she had to finish this race quickly.
Originally, Nearl saw Sunday Silence as a decent opponent, a "dessert" worth savoring.
But after witnessing the strongest of the strong, the first-generation Big Red with top-tier presence and power…
It was like having a famous local delicacy placed before you, only to see a full [Imperial Feast] behind it!
It wasn't that the taste was bad, but there was no comparison.
It was like choosing an operator to promote in Arknights' rogue-like mode.
One operator is W, the other is… Whislash.
No choice. Absolutely no choice.
Sunday Silence was indeed strong, potentially a Triple Crown winner in a regular generation.
But Nearl had already surpassed her once and now aimed to surpass Man o' War, whom no one had ever surpassed!
Suddenly, the little foreign filly Sunday Silence didn't seem as appealing. The Radiant Knight wanted to end this quickly—win the Preakness Stakes, then conquer the Belmont Stakes!
"So, let's make this quick!"
[3!]
[2!]
The countdown to the start began abruptly.
Inside the gates, even Sunday Silence held her breath nervously, ready to burst out and seize the inner track!
'I know Nearl is strong, unbelievably strong.'
'But for Senior Man o' War to see her as a rival… isn't that going too far??'
The petite dark-haired girl was losing her composure before the race even began.
Sweat trickled down.
In the distance, in the outer gate, the tall golden-haired girl remained perfectly calm, seemingly indifferent to the start.
No, it wasn't indifference—it was confidence in her strength, believing she surpassed everyone in reaction, power, and explosive force!
[1!]
As the final call sounded.
Instantly, almost all Uma Musume on the field burst out of the gates with extreme focus!
It was no exaggeration—those who dared to race in this Preakness Stakes after the intense Kentucky Derby were all courageous and confident geniuses.
So, the initial start posed no challenge; all six Uma Musume executed excellent starts!
The dazzling golden girl was among them.
She was in gate seven, the outermost position.
If she wanted to maintain a Great Escape, she'd need extra stamina to move diagonally toward the inner track ahead.
Fortunately, gate seven wasn't as disadvantageous as double-digit outer gates, which significantly reduced winning chances, but it did affect positioning.
The gate, the outer track—none of it bothered the golden-haired knight girl.
'Last race, Sunday Silence was in the outermost gate, gate 14.'
'And she easily took second, [almost] dominating the field.'
'With gate 7, I have no reason to lose! I need to show that [future rival] on the platform my strength.'
Nearl's orange eyes gleamed with determination.
This time…
Let's give Sunday Silence a surprise and try a new running style?
The next moment, she made her decision.
The golden-haired girl's figure, after a perfect start, charged toward the inner track where Sunday Silence was, closing in as she raced!
Not only that.
The next instant, a radiant glow appeared where Nearl had started, shimmering with golden particles, forming a Phantom of a golden-haired knight girl in armor!
As the Knightly Phantom fully materialized, she gripped the distinctive [sword-spear] that was Nearl's signature weapon!
The Knightly Phantom, stance firm on the dirt, seemed to make the entire course tremble slightly, even drawing a deep, intrigued gaze from Man o' War on the high platform.
Then, the sword-spear left the Knightly Phantom's hands, thrown like a dazzling meteor!
Its speed created a sharp, whistling sound in the air! And as fast as the thrown sword-spear…
The Knightly Phantom spread a pair of holy wings behind her, leaping into the air and soaring toward where the spear was thrown!
Stellar Descent! Soaring into the distance!
As the shocking scene unfolded before the audience.
Even the blazing sun above seemed to cast its rays, paving a path of light for the Golden Maiden toward the inner track.
While the countless spectators on both sides were amazed by Nearl's externally visible special effects open to the public!
On the high platform, Man o' War crossed her arms, her focus returning to Margaret Nearl.
'Spectacular effects visible to the public, just like Platinum's…'
'It's like she's the Three Goddess's favorite, almost like Platinum's sister, sharing her lineage of visible effects.'
'But more shocking than the effects are Nearl's potential and strength!'
Man o' War was perhaps the Uma Musume who held Nearl in the highest regard worldwide.
As impressive as Nearl's effects were, with their knightly, exotic style, Man o' War was more interested in the heroic, tall, and captivating golden-haired girl herself.
'A genius who always won with a Great Escape.'
'Finally, getting serious and showing other running styles she can master?'
'Let me see your full power, Margaret Nearl!'
--+--
Meanwhile.
On the dirt track, at the front of the inner lane.
A petite dark figure hunted down one front-runner after another.
The already small field left only one front-runner.
Sunday Silence wanted to plunder, replace the original front-runner, and switch to a front-running or come-from-behind strategy.
Because Nearl was on the outer track! Overtaking her would require extra stamina and time.
Now was the perfect chance to claim first place!
'If I can't match her late speed.'
'And if using a front-running strategy still lets the Pegasus pull too far ahead.'
'Then I'll utilize a Great Escape too! Let's see how you pass me…'
No, wait!
The next instant, the petite dark-haired girl saw something incredible, her deep eyes widening in shock.
In her peripheral vision, on the inner track beside her, a dazzling golden figure charged in with imposing presence!
The Radiant Knight wasn't running front on the outer track as usual but diagonally to… her side?
Even the white ahoge on her head seemed to curl into a "?".
"You're not Great Escaping?"
"Then I will!"
--+--
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.