The race concluded with the jet-black Uma Musume charging across the finish line.
Hishi Amazon secured second place.
Biko Pegasus, whose confidence shattered right before the finish line causing her to decelerate, didn't manage to hold onto third, being overtaken by the Uma Musume behind her.
Of course, all official results would exclude the black Uma Musume, moving every subsequent finisher up one place.
Even so, this race made every spectator realize one thing.
Her victory wasn't due to luck, nor perfect conditions, not even the rules.
It was thanks to those utterly peerless, powerful legs—an unshakeable, raw strength.
A mile race, falling behind by five seconds and still managing to overtake everyone? Who else could possibly do such a thing?
How many Uma Musume present here today could demonstrate that level of power!
However, mixed in with the words of admiration, the stands were also filled with other voices.
"Hey, hey, what's going on? This wasn't supposed to be her race, was it?"
"We came to see Hishi Amazon win, not to watch this farce!"
"Besides, that runner didn't go through any pre-race checks. Who knows if she's on some kind of banned substance, running that fast."
"What's there to celebrate about a non-regular competitor winning? She took something that didn't belong to her."
"She didn't even dare stick around after the race, just rushed off. Definitely has something to hide, I'm sure."
"It's got to be some people trying hard to undermine the Central races, putting her on the track."
"And that Uma Musume too, probably loaded up on stimulants. Otherwise, no matter how talented, there's no way any Uma Musume could reach that level!"
Back in the day, when the racing system wasn't as strict, many Uma Musume used stimulants before races to heighten their nerves and win.
Now, to prevent that, they check all competitors before the race, looking for any signs of drug use.
So, a significant portion of the audience refused to believe that black Uma Musume possessed such ability.
"Who knows what she's really like under that disguise? Probably struggles to even be last place," they sneered, their voices dripping with scorn.
Amidst the mixed chorus of cheers and doubts regarding the black Uma Musume's appearance, inside the room overlooking the track, Symboli Rudolf's expression was decidedly grim.
She had considered the possibility of the other making a last-minute surge, but overtaking all the way to first place? That was something Rudolf could never have imagined.
Over a total distance of 1,600 meters, the other had likely run 1,700, or even more.
The extra distance alone wasn't what shocked her the most; what Rudolf found hardest to accept was her final sprint down the homestretch.
It far surpassed her final three-stage acceleration during the [Japan Derby], leaving even Hishi Amazon in the dust.
To think that even the 'Jet-Black Heroine' was no match for her.
"A power even greater than imagined."
This is... truly bad.
Rudolf murmured to herself.
If she had failed in this race, even just placing second, it would have significantly reduced the impact the black Uma Musume would have on the Central racing scene.
Because people would have realized she had skill, but not an invincible level of it.
However, by winning under such adverse conditions, the influence of the black Uma Musume would be like waves with matching ripples stacking together, growing into a colossal tidal wave capable of sweeping away houses and flooding the land.
She would rewrite the meaning of the Twinkle Series.
As a stage meant to combine glory and strength, that intruder had mercilessly snatched away the victor's crown.
Leaving only hollow titles attached to their names.
So, what meaning would there be for any Uma Musume standing in the position called 'victor'?
A race is like a firework in the night sky, burning through its intense life in a fleeting moment.
They sear the memory of their running figures onto people's minds, becoming the most beautiful, most memorable part.
This holds true for every Uma Musume, no matter how powerful.
When those greats retire, as one generation's legend concludes, a new generation's legend begins.
The entire world of Uma Musume revolves in this cycle.
Yet, today, this cycle was utterly shattered.
Over the brilliant, blazing life-force of the Uma Musume, a lingering shadow had been cast. Those legendary stories belonging solely to them now contained an unwelcome, irremovable impurity.
Lacking official competitor status meant she couldn't, like other legendary Uma Musume, pass the torch to the next generation after burning out her own spark.
Her unknown origins meant she could, at any unpredictable time, use her shadow to eclipse the rising new stars.
This was a significant blow to every Uma Musume participating in the Twinkle Series.
On the track, Hishi Amazon was waving to the spectators, jogging slowly around the course.
But when she saw her own name next to the '1st' place on the giant screen, her smile was strained.
What filled her heart now wasn't joy, nor relief, but an indescribable bitterness.
She was bitter about being overtaken like that, and even more bitter about being awarded that hollow title.
Yet another 'winner' with nothing to show for it...
"That Amazon, she's got a good look in her eyes," Narita Brian, standing nearby, suddenly spoke.
"Her fighting spirit has been thoroughly ignited."
Rudolf then recalled that at the critical moment, when witnessing that astonishing acceleration, Brian hadn't shown any particular surprise.
"It seems she holds a rather high position in your esteem," Rudolf said.
"Can't deny that."
Brian nodded.
Her tone, intense as if she were on a battlefield, made Rudolf narrow her eyes.
In Brian's words was a clear acknowledgement of a true powerhouse.
"Brian, what is your view on that rule-breaking Uma Musume?" Rudolf asked again.
"She is an opponent absolutely worth fighting with all one's strength, a rare rival. I hope to meet her in a future race."
Brian answered without hesitation.
Her goal was the ultimate stage five months later, known as a platform where only the strongest Uma Musume can claim victory.
The 3,000-meter race, the [Kikuka-sho].
The meaning of her efforts was to be able to compete against her on that stage belonging solely to the strong.
"I see..."
Rudolf lowered her head.
Even unspoken, Brian's attitude was perfectly clear.
Her desire was to battle the strong.
Regardless of whether that powerhouse complied with the rules, or whether her actions would affect the future of Uma Musume racing.
Narita Brian wouldn't concern herself with such trivial matters.
Just as Rudolf was pondering the future implications, the ringtone of her phone sounded from her pocket.
Seeing it was an international call, she pressed the speakerphone button with a sense of puzzlement.
"Yo, good evening," a young woman's voice came from the receiver.
Hearing the familiar voice, Rudolf was stunned.
"What, no words? It's been a while, don't tell me you've forgotten me?"
"Hah, as if," Rudolf broke into a smile. "I could forget a lot of things, but you'd be the last."
"Long time no see, Sirius Symboli."
--+--
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.