Umamusume's days are numbered

Because this would cause her to misallocate her energy!

Platinum was currently acting like she'd been injected with adrenaline, in a state similar to someone who'd been terrified in a horror game and started swearing as they turned around to fight the boss who'd been chasing them. Platinum had lost her judgment on the battlefield; the adrenaline-fueled illusion made her think she had inexhaustible energy... but it was just an illusion after all.

If it were a closely contested match, this would have been the key factor in Platinum's loss of the championship.

The premise is that this is an evenly matched game.

Even for Ibuki Maikaku, who is said to be able to compete with the Emperor of the East Sea on the field, it is difficult to tell how much of that title is genuine before the two actually fight, let alone now that she has lost all fighting spirit.

The racehorse girl, with her superior qualities, was not initially aiming to defeat Platinum.

In other words, Platinum's victory was essentially just a massive escape. If the deceleration at the end hadn't been so severe, her victory would still have been unstoppable.

"Excellent qualities, keep it up!" Ikuno Didos cheered for her teammates from the stands. At that moment, another teammate standing next to her seemed to have already figured something out. She quietly tossed her blue-dyed blonde hair and left behind the crowd.

"Where are you going..." Ikuno Didus called out as she turned around, but her expression froze as the words slipped out of her mouth.

"Who was I talking to again...?"

Episode 149 Eh—

Of course, what is described above is like a post-match replay, breaking down each action and process in the match and analyzing it step by step to determine the opportunity that led to the final result.

The reality is, Platinum wasn't thinking about anything. She was just focused on rushing off.

How terrifying! What if those excellent qualities suddenly surge up at the last minute?

Given her cunning nature, it seems quite possible that such a thing could happen!

Since you're suffering alone, why not make everyone suffer together? That's probably what you're thinking, right? Excellent quality!

I will not let you succeed; I will break through your blockade!

It's not good to make malicious assumptions about others, Platinum.

No way, I absolutely won't fall for that! I won't give anyone any chance!

With these dark thoughts in mind, Platinum pushed her legs with all her might—it was rare to see her run so energetically in a race. Even when Alice was chasing her on her bicycle, she never managed to run like this.

"The platinum runner is entering the final straight! Here, she will climb a 2-degree uphill section at around 1800 meters. Although it may not sound like a steep incline, it will be very strenuous for a runner who has already sprinted nearly 2000 meters."

"Can Platinum break his own limit on this 100-meter uphill climb and bring us the final victory?"

The commentator's voice trembled slightly. She didn't consider the possibility of other athletes winning, and the "limit" and "victory" she mentioned didn't refer to the final championship.

Given the current situation, unless Platinum is suddenly injured and unable to finish the race, the final championship is already a foregone conclusion.

Such a despairing gap...it's almost reminiscent of the new American emperor—the airline!

The commentators and the audience were eagerly anticipating whether Platinum could break the Yayoi Prize record.

Can she break the record for the Yayoi Prize?

Excellent qualities, excellent qualities, excellent qualities!

Gritting his teeth, Platinum silently recited the name of Excellent Quality, and rushed towards the finish line like a wild horse that had broken free of its reins.

Excellent qualities, excellent qualities, excellent...

Where are your excellent qualities?

Platinum crossed the finish line in a daze.

"Platinum player crosses the finish line! A victory that is beyond doubt, a sure thing for Platinum!"

"The total time of the entire match..."

"Around 118.5 seconds."

A sigh came from the audience, and even the commentator couldn't help but sigh softly.

"A very good result, but it did not break the Yayoi Prize record."

"That's true. Platinum's energy management was a bit problematic, and he slowed down noticeably on the final uphill climb. However, breaking records isn't something that can be forced, and Platinum has already proven his strength to everyone present."

"Looking forward to Platinum's performance at the Satsuki Prize."

Platinum himself looked back blankly after crossing the finish line.

No, where are you, with your excellent qualities?

I've reached the finish line, but where are you, "Excellent Quality"? Where are you?

This...this can't be...

Platinum trembled as she covered her head.

"Ibuki Mai Kagura is ranked second."

"Excellent qualities are ranked third."

He wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and sighed with a wry smile.

"...Another mediocre result...well, just barely passable."

The trainer lifted the twin turbines to the waist and pushed them to the front of the audience, raising his hand high to give a thumbs up to those with excellent qualities.

"Getting third place is already great!"

Kagura Ibuki hurriedly wiped her mouth with her sleeve, drooling uncontrollably as she ran... It was incredibly embarrassing for someone who had always maintained an elegant image.

I absolutely cannot let anyone take a picture of me looking like this!

After tidying up her appearance, Ibuki Maikaku looked at Shirogane, who had a blank expression, with a complicated expression.

Although I still don't understand why Platinum is so obsessed with outstanding qualities, I at least understand why Platinum is indifferent to himself.

Because for her, he was only just qualified to compete with her.

My pride and the talent I've always been so proud of are actually nothing to brag about.

Platinum...maybe she'll become a "historic" racehorse girl...who knows?

Watching her retreating figure, Ibuki Kagura unconsciously had this thought.

Platinum, on the other hand, is trapped in a disillusioned state of mind, unable to extricate himself from doubting the meaning of life.

No, what happened?

Where are the formidable and thrilling opponents I was promised? Where are your excellent qualities?

Why did it end?

Platinum couldn't help but cover her head and scream.

“Eh——”

In the blink of an eye, Platinum was already standing in the very center of the winner's stage. As the music started, all the spotlights shone on him.

Platinum remained stunned, clutching his head.

Seeing that Platinum wasn't making any move or singing, the person with excellent qualities quickly and secretly tugged at Platinum's skirt from behind.

"Hey, Platinum, sing a song, what are you waiting for?"

Platinum let out a scream.

“Eh——”

In the blink of an eye, Platinum, Ibuki, and Kagura, along with their excellent qualities, were sitting in front of the stage, with countless flashing camera lights in front of them.

"Ms. Platinum, is there anything you would like to say to your supporters regarding this victory?"

Platinum just stared blankly at his head, seemingly lost in thought.

"Ah...ah!" Excellent quality hurriedly stood up, sweating profusely, and stood in front of Platinum. "Well...although Platinum didn't seem to answer, based on my understanding of her, she has actually said what she wanted to say."

Oh dear, what am I doing... My excellent self-control is about to crumble, and I forced a smile as I answered, "Yes, yes, we're really close, we're best friends..."

"She was actually looking at the camera with deep emotion just now. What does that mean? It means... well... it means she was telling her fans, 'Is this all the expectation you can give me? I can do even better...'"

Platinum, overshadowed by her superior qualities, covered her head and let out a screeching sound like a groundhog.

“Eh——”

In the blink of an eye, Platinum was surrounded by the people of Spica. Goldship pulled the confetti cannon used for parties, and with a bang, the confetti sprayed everywhere, even splashing a lot on Platinum.

Congratulations on winning the championship!

We knew you could do it!

Platinum remained standing blankly in the middle of the crowd, covering her face and letting out a shriek.

"Eh—"

In the blink of an eye, Platinum was lying on her bed, her hands pressing down on the corners of the blanket, staring blankly at the ceiling but unable to fall asleep.

After staring at the ceiling for a long time, a sudden scream came from Platinum's room again.

"Eh—"

Episode 150 I'm so strong!

"What are you yelling about?" Alice impatiently tapped Platinum's forehead with a roll of paper. "Go to sleep. I need to go back to sleep after you fall asleep."

After Rudolph Symbol and Manhattan Coffee strictly forbade the drugging tactic, Alice was at a loss for how to deal with Platinum's sleep deprivation. After trying various methods, Alice finally discovered that the best way was still the oldest one—watching her fall asleep.

Every time she sat on the edge of the bed looking at Platinum's half-closed eyes, Alice felt she should read her a storybook or sing her a lullaby.

Sigh, I'm so young, how come I'm already doing the things a housewife should be doing?

Platinum was actually quite embarrassed. Alice's combo was practically a death knell, and Platinum, a grown-up minor, had to have a guardian spirit standing by her bedside just as she was about to go to sleep. It was truly shameful.

After multiple attempts to get feedback, there was still no result.

The conversation between the two went something like this:

—Alice, stop guarding me!

—If you fall asleep, I won't stay by your side.

—I can't sleep if you're watching over me!

—If you can't sleep, I'll have to stay by your side.

—But I can't sleep if you're watching me!

—If you can't sleep, I'll have to stay by your side.

This process continues in a continuous cycle.

Platinum glanced sideways at Alice and sighed softly.

"I just feel a bit disillusioned."

"I originally thought the Yayoi Prize would be a fierce battle. But it turned out to be a very easy win."

"Otherwise what?" Alice curled her lip. "Do you want to encounter an opponent like Golden Spear Sixty?"

Platinum blinked and sighed again. As soon as Alice heard Platinum's tone, she knew she was about to say something annoying.

"I just feel like I'm really strong."

A vein throbbed on Alice's forehead. Even though it was the truth... seeing Platinum say those words and look at her like that... why did she just want to punch her?

No sooner said than done, Alice is always a woman of action. She punched Platinum in the forehead: "You can talk about this after you win the Classic Triple Crown."

"Now, get ready for bed!"

Perhaps it was because Alice's attack was powerful enough that Platinum simply stuck out her tongue, tilted her head, and became motionless.

Alice went over and patted Platinum's cheek, then bent down and pressed her ear to Platinum's chest to check for a heartbeat. Once she was sure Platinum was asleep, she left, satisfied.

Look, sleeping like a baby.

After Alice closed the door and left, and some time passed, Platinum finally opened his eyes furtively.

Why sleep? I won't sleep unless the moon does.

After confirming that Alice had really left, Platinum sat up cross-legged and began to examine his spoils with great interest.