The faint scent of grass still lingered around the Starry Sky Cup's podium, as if nature itself had paused to celebrate. Shadow Radiance stood tall on the platform, quietly savoring the moment of victory.
Just then, a system prompt echoed in her mind:
" Congratulations on your victory!
Reward: Unlimited Series Potion (3/10) – Nutritional Supplement.
Effect: Stamina recovery speed increases by 50% for 48 hours."
Hearing this, Shadow Radiance's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"Not bad. With this, I can push my training even further," she murmured, a flicker of excitement dancing in her eyes.
Just as she was about to step down from the podium, a clear, youthful voice called out:
"Radiance-! Please wait!"
Turning her head, Shadow Radiance saw a young Uma Musume with twin pigtails bounding toward her, clutching a notebook. She wore pink earrings that swayed with each step, her cheeks rosy like ripe apples. A sparkling star-shaped hairpin adorned her pigtail, and her eyes gleamed like the sky after a summer rain.
"I—I'm Starlight! I just watched your race, Radiance-, you were amazing! C-can I have your autograph?" Starlight's voice trembled with excitement, her small hands gripping the notebook tightly, as if afraid Shadow Radiance might refuse.
With a gentle smile, Shadow Radiance took the notebook and signed her name. As she did, a system panel popped up:
Name: Starlight Lovely
Speed: F+ 198
Stamina: F 105
Power: F+ 172
Guts: E 220
Intelligence: E+ 280
Aptitude:
Turf: A Dirt: B Short Distance: A Mile: S Middle Distance: B Long Distance: F
Running Style:
Pase Chaser: S End Closer: B Late Surger: C Front Runner: F
Core Skill:Last Spurt
Speed increases by 15% in the last 300 meters. Stamina consumption increases by 20%.
Passive Skill:Focus
Immune to external distractions during races. Guts +50.
"Oh ho." Shadow Radiance thought. "This little one's stats are promising. She'll definitely be a genius in the future. But… why haven't I heard of her before?"
The thought lingered, puzzling her more the longer she considered it.
Just then, Starlight spoke again, her voice softer, more hesitant.
"Radiance-… I… I… can I make you my goal?"
Shadow Radiance looked at her, her expression softening.
"Of course. You can even train with me."
"R-really? That would be wonderful!"
Starlight's voice trembled with joy, and she bounced on her toes, eyes sparkling.
Shadow Radiance smiled at the lively girl, but then paused, as if remembering something important.
"But first, you'll need your parents' permission."
The light in Starlight's eyes dimmed. Her voice dropped.
"My parents passed away long ago. All they left me was a house and some money."
Shadow Radiance lowered her gaze, her voice gentle.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to bring up something painful."
Starlight quickly composed herself, her smile returning.
"It's okay. It's in the past now. I don't really mind it anymore."