The Golden Knight clad in armor was charging forward, lance at the ready!
Her body leaned forward, charging across the muddy track as if she could trample everything in her path. It seemed that no fortress wall was too strong, no horizon too distant—she would reach it, shatter it, even tear it through!
No distance was too far, no opponent beyond her reach!
As Nearl surged ahead, her momentum peaked, far surpassing what most other Uma Musume on the field could even comprehend.
Zone, Unleash!
--+--
[Selecting the most suitable domain from three unique options. Current choice—]
[Domain: Flaming Edge]
[Passive: Domain duration is infinite, greatly reduces stamina consumption, moderately increases strength, moderately increases speed]
--+--
One of the three domains mastered by Nearl, and just like Platinum's unique powerful Zone "Pegasian Sight," it belonged to the [Perpetual] type!! Its name—Flaming Edge!
At the same time, her zone skills activated instantly, leaving no room for the other competitors to catch their breath.
To some of the Uma Musume watching from behind, Nearl—who had only set foot on the track a few times—displayed the decisiveness and judgment of a knight who had seen real battle!
--+--
[(Sun, Grant Me Your Nod): When the track is bathed in sunlight, slightly increases acceleration, explosive power, and continuously...]
[(Dawnbreak): Moderately negates suppression effects from opponents' domains, moderately increases strength, slightly increases speed and explosive power...]
[(The Fearless): When only one other Uma Musume is nearby, moderately increases fighting spirit, stamina...]
[(Unglimpsed Glory): ...]
[(Sweeping Ride): ...]
[(Supreme Technique): ...]
--+--
In an instant, the golden-haired figure who had been holding second place shot forward like an arrow released from its bow, flying toward the finish line.
A radiance unlike any before burst from the young knight's golden form—an overwhelming aura that instantly blanketed the entire arena, asserting absolute dominance.
Under the brilliant, sun-like pressure of her Zone, every other Uma Musume was easily suppressed! Not only did it enhance her speed and strength, it could also be maintained indefinitely—a true [Perpetual] Zone!
Ahead of Nearl, Sunday Silence—excellent and powerful as she was—had been conserving energy for a final sprint, but now even she was caught in the suppression.
The moment [Perpetual Domain: Flaming Edge] was activated, the Radiant Knight's striking golden figure became like a thrown lance—swift and deadly!
Nearl's already blazing speed, which had kept her just behind Sunday Silence, visibly accelerated in the next instant.
From her graceful yet firm body erupted—
Her strides grew more powerful, her step frequency and speed qualitatively surpassing what came before as she dug deeply into the muddy track!
In that burst of explosive energy, the significant lead held by the dark-coated monster in first place rapidly shrank. Their positions switched in a heartbeat, returning to the ranking most familiar to the fans and spectators.
It was as if Nearl's earlier sprint hadn't been her burning her limits or pushing herself to the edge—it wasn't even a warm-up.
Only now, after overtaking Sunday Silence and reclaiming her familiar first place, did Nearl's true warm-up begin!
Sunday Silence could only watch in shock and disbelief, robbed of the chance to react or even think.
She could do nothing as the Radiant Knight—who should have been behind her—drew up beside her, then instantly seized first place without a moment of side-by-side struggle.
The instantaneous change in ranking drew screams from the crowds on both sides of the stands.
"Accelerating halfway through?!"
"She's picking up speed already? As expected of the legendary Radiant Knight!"
"Will she burn out? Can she really keep this up?"
"So fast! After passing Sunday Silence, she's still widening the gap!"
"As Man o' War said, Nearl's front-running style is more like a stalker's, and staying in second was like being a closer or a mid-pack runner… I've never seen a closer or mid-pack runner accelerate halfway and overtake the leader!"
"The Undefeated Double Crown is within reach—this is your one and only chance, Miss Nearl. You have to win!"
If she couldn't go faster, she couldn't fight!
If she couldn't grow stronger, she couldn't surpass!
And if she couldn't answer these passionate cheers, she didn't deserve victory!
Under the roaring crowd's excitement, the golden knight, elegant yet blazing like the sun, raced on!
The intense reactions and anticipation that usually only emerged in the final straight—sometimes not until the last few hundred meters—were unfolding now!
Just before the third turn.
Ten lengths!
Eleven lengths!
Twelve lengths!
"H-how… how is this possible…?"
The dark-coated monster, the second favorite to win, could only watch helplessly as that dazzling golden figure blew past her with unstoppable force!
Distance control?
Pace manipulation?
Before this absolute speed and genuine strength, all of it was overturned!
Sunday Silence stood dumbfounded, her mind reeling. Everything she knew as an Uma Musume was being shattered.
Though she usually appeared cold and silent, her true nature was far from gentle.
That stark contrast between her appearance and personality was also reflected on the track!
In terms of racing style and individual ability, Sunday Silence was top-tier—her running was almost tyrannical, ferocious.
That was why she was called both "The Noble" and "The Beast"!
And now, this dark-coated beast broke out in a cold sweat, a sense of crisis flooding her heart.
Because that monster's acceleration, and the widening gap between them… it was just too absurd!!
In Sunday Silence's view, she could only watch the golden-haired figure ahead, seeing the already ridiculous lead grow even larger.
Fifteen lengths!
Sixteen lengths!
Accelerating!! Still accelerating!!
Beyond that, she was still accelerating!!
Effortlessly, the Radiant Knight surged toward the third turn, charging onward to the fourth and final bend.
But in Sunday Silence's memory…
During the last Kentucky Derby, even when Nearl had led from the front, she'd only opened up a gap like this by this stage.
Now, though—Sunday Silence had switched to a faster, more aggressive front-running style herself, so why was the gap even bigger?
'When I was stalking, I was almost blown away by Nearl's huge lead by the third turn.'
'Now that I'm leading, I'm still almost blown away by a huge lead by the third turn?'
'Then what was the point of changing my strategy??'
Gritting her silver teeth, the petite dark-coated maiden suddenly thought of something, her pupils contracting sharply.
The fighting spirit burning in her heart was doused by a wave of cold realization.
N-no, that's not all…
Last time, it was one of the heaviest tracks in history, wasn't it?
This race is on a standard fast track—much less draining—and Nearl held back early on!
Forget about her burning out; at this point, this acceleration might not even be Nearl's limit!
Once she realized just how terrifying the stamina and power within that tall, radiant golden body were, Sunday Silence clenched her fists tightly.
Her breathing grew noticeably ragged.
But Sunday Silence would not yield! She refused to admit defeat easily!
'Dr. Lin is watching from the stands!'
'If I lose badly, how can I face him again?'
What the dark-coated maiden didn't realize was that before the American Triple Crown, her goal had been to win all three crowns.
But now, her standards had unconsciously lowered—first to 'win at least one crown,' and now to 'not lose disgracefully'!
Still, with her high fighting spirit and sharp reflexes, Sunday Silence quickly made a precise decision.
That was—accelerate!!
If she didn't accelerate now, it would really be too late, even for a finisher like her.
--+--
[Domain: Unfold]
['Dark Hunt': Makes all Uma Musume on the track agitated, slightly reducing the effects of their domain skills. Calming down takes time.]
['Yesterday's Grudge, a Thorn in the Back!': Locks onto one Uma Musume. The closer she gets, the more her fighting spirit and speed increase.]
['No Early Moves': Slightly agitates and slows down Uma Musume ahead.]
['Illusionist': Narrows the vision of Uma Musume ahead during the final stretch.]
['Monopoly': ...]
--+--
In an instant, the dark domain that spread across the track became like the grim reaper from every Uma Musume's darkest nightmares.
Countless heavy shackles seemed to bind every Uma Musume except Sunday Silence herself.
Behind Sunday Silence in second place, several excellent competitors widened their eyes, their teeth chattering slightly. The chilling pressure suppressed their fighting spirit and filled them with dread.
Even though most of them had faced Sunday Silence's domain in the Kentucky Derby, they were still overwhelmed by its terrifying force.
Sunday Silence's domain focused on [weakening opponents] to indirectly strengthen herself—its suppressing effect far exceeded that of a normal Uma Musume's aura!
This was Sunday Silence's domain! Dark, profound, and fearsome—aimed at victory. But when faced with the Radiant Knight's perpetual zone, [Flaming Edge]—
'Su-suppression failed?'
As Sunday Silence watched the radiant figure ahead maintain her speed undiminished even after the domain was activated, she made her judgment.
'N-no, it's impossible… She must be reducing my suppression effects and using insane stamina to accelerate and resist!'
'That has to be it—!'
'Her acceleration shouldn't be as terrifying now. This is my best chance to catch up!'
The next moment, the dark figure pushed with all her might, pulling far ahead of the Uma Musume behind her amid their unwilling stares!
But after a very short time…
Seventeen lengths!
Eighteen lengths!
That's right—the gap wasn't shrinking, it was growing.
Sunday Silence's eyes also showed frustration. Even at her absolute limit, pushing with everything she had, she still couldn't… close the gap?
'No way…'
'Could this guy even break the Triple Crown record that Secretariat set just last year—the one everyone thought would last half a century?'
No, absolutely not!
She didn't want to become a stepping stone like Sham, didn't want to suffer a humiliating defeat in front of Dr. Lin.
'Hmph, I'll never admit defeat!!'
--+--
Somewhere in the elevated spectator stands.
A cute girl with striking pink short hair caught the eye. Her large, bright eyes held a look of astonishment, as if she'd been [Deeply Impacted].
Her delicate face was framed by a braided strand and a few loose locks. With her refined features and slightly upturned cherry lips, she gave off a sweet, charming vibe.
Treve, a young star from France, had come to watch the race.
What was the point of coming to America if not to see the world's number one Triple Crown?
"In-incredible!!"
"They're already having a Zone Clash in the second crown?!"
This lively, pink-haired girl radiated both playful innocence and the sharpness of a skilled Uma Musume.
Though not yet debuted, under the guidance of her mentor, Treve had a decent understanding of zones—the pinnacle skill of elite Uma Musume.
Mastering a zone during the classic races was uncommon, but not rare.
But having two domain users facing off in the second crown? That was rare—a sight seen only once every few years!
What Treve didn't know was that they'd already clashed zones in the first crown! This was just a "rematch," yet it still made her cover her mouth in awe.
"What's even more amazing is that even though zones are usually hard to rank, the Radiant Knight's zone is visibly stronger, clearly suppressing her opponent!"
"So this is… Dr. Lin's little niece? The one Little Star recommended to me?"
[Sunday Silence activated her domain, suppressing almost every Uma Musume on the track. She easily opened a huge lead over third place, reaching a near-record gap.]
[But—]
[The golden figure up front had already entered the final straight after clearing the last turn!]
[The Golden Pegasus, the Shining Knight, also wielded a zone—and her momentum wasn't fading, it was growing!]
[Twenty-three lengths! Twenty-four lengths! Twen…]
The commentator's voice announced the arrival of the final straight—and the lone runner who entered it first.
It was… the Golden Maiden, charging forward with dignified grace.
As Nearl's feet touched the final straight, the commentator's voice and the entire stadium erupted into booming excitement!
Even overseas spectators like Treve were swept up in the atmosphere, captivated by the Radiant Knight's mid-race sprint!
Many in the crowd were at a fever pitch—the roaring cheers were no less intense than those for Secretariat's Triple Crown win last year, perhaps even greater!
"I thought after seeing Secretariat's legendary Triple Crown, no classic race could excite me again. I guess I underestimated Nearl!"
"Nearl!! Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"How can you not love a Pegasus like that?"
"I used to think the turf fans' obsession with the Silver Pegasus, Platinum, was over the top—even more than us dirt fans loved Secretariat."
"But now… it makes perfect sense! She runs beautifully, impressively, and has that unique Uma Musume flair! Sorry, Secretariat, but you're only my second favorite now!"
On the big screen, the footage focused solely on that dazzling golden figure.
Two domain users had taken the track, but only one remained in the spotlight!
Amid the crowd's exhilaration, the Golden Maiden charged down the final stretch with breathtaking presence!
The finish line drew nearer. Yet on Nearl's focused face, there was no sign of strain, no flushed cheeks or labored breathing.
She maintained her knightly charging posture, continuing to accelerate! Her already swift strides burst forth with even more shocking, visibly increasing speed?!
Twenty-seven lengths!
Twenty-eight lengths!
Was that… a second burst? Or a third?
Sunday Silence, who had entered the straight not long after, could only watch with disbelief and bitter resignation as Nearl flew toward the finish line—so close, yet utterly out of reach.
That Radiant Knight, swift and awe-inspiring as a meteor, was just as majestic on the fast track as she had been on the heavy going!
[Thirty-one lengths! Breaking through all rivals, the first to cross the line is the Radiant Knight, Nearl!]
[The record set by last year's Preakness Stakes champion, Secretariat—a record many thought would stand for half a century—has been shattered by the stunning emergence of Nearl in just one year!!]
It was the legendary guest, Man o' War, who delivered the final words of praise.
[Sunday Silence is a worthy rival, but against Margaret Nearl, every challenger, every track, every record will be broken!]
[The Radiant Knight wins the Preakness Stakes, claiming her seventh consecutive victory!]
[The Undefeated Double Crown is achieved!!!]
This unbelievable moment, this battle destined for the history books, came to a close!
Under the praise of the greatest first-generation Big Red Monster, it was declared: Nearl had surpassed what might have been a half-century record set by the second-generation superstar!
The entire stadium erupted into thunderous cheers. Tens of thousands of spectators continuously voiced their amazement and congratulations.
"In-incredible, a thirty-one-length absolute domination?"
"Nearl!! Nearl!!"
"She won by even more than in her Great Escaping victories! I've only seen this level of domination from Platinum!"
"How do you even train an Uma Musume like this? I wonder if Nearl needs a trainer—I'd do it without a share of the prize money!"
"I'm excited—the Triple Crown is within reach! She might really face Secretariat and determine who is the new dirt GOAT, surpassing even Man o' War!!"
Beyond the finish line, the brilliantly shining knight came to a dignified halt.
The next moment, a system panel appeared before her.
--+--
[Eclipse Stakes (Europe Turf) (Victory Achieved)]
[King George VI Stakes (Europe Turf) (Victory Achieved)]
[Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Europe Turf) (Victory Achieved)]
[Kentucky Derby (US Dirt) (Victory Achieved)]
[Preakness Stakes (US Dirt) (Victory Achieved)]
[Belmont Stakes (US Dirt) (Not Started)]
--+--
Only one left—the final crown of the American Triple Crown!
'The latter part of the schedule is almost complete!'
'Will there be new races after that?'
The Golden Maiden, her fighting spirit ignited, felt it would be a shame if it ended here.
To Margaret Nearl, this was the best of times—excellent opponents kept emerging, and the Dream Cup seemed to be approaching later in the year.
If her schedule ended with this third crown of the American Triple Crown, it would be far too brief.
There was Ruffian, who'd promised to challenge her to a one-on-one match after the Triple Crown!
There was Flightline, that super monster who seemed fragile and raced only once every few months—but won dominantly every time!
And then there was Secretariat, the strongest dirt Uma Musume of the era!
Not to mention… the two other retired legends in the Dream Cup: Seabiscuit and the first-generation Big Red Monster, Man o' War!
So many worthy opponents. The thought of facing so many excellent and powerful Uma Musume filled even Nearl with anticipation.
Then, before her eyes, refreshed text appeared…
[Final Schedule—(Preview)]
Preview??
A preview of upcoming races?
Nearl's orange eyes focused intently on the display.
--+--
[The Everest (Turf Sprint) (Australia)]
[Queen Anne Stakes (Turf Mile) (Europe)]
[Pacific Classic Stakes (Dirt Mid-Distance) (US)]
[Breeders'…]
--+--
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.