Uma Musume, do I have to tell you that I know how to use the Santa Hat special move?

Watching the Stardust Illusion being chased by the Emperor of the East Sea, I even heard the two of them shouting at each other from afar...

Obviously, obviously I was the one who knew Saber first!

Sweepy is Saber’s nemesis!!!

Transforming this feeling into fighting spirit, Dongshang Reform continued to run steadily, lowered his head deeply, and used the brim of his hat to block his sight forward——

(I'll let you two be proud of yourself for a moment... Sweepy's upcoming stage hasn't arrived yet!)

There were far more than just one or two people who were intimidated by this burning fighting spirit.

The Emperor of the East China Sea listened to the intermittent panting sounds behind him and cast his turquoise eyes towards the opponent who was already within reach.

I'll catch up next, Stardust.

Then, how will you deal with me...how will you deal with my steps that have evolved again? !

The Emperor of the East China Sea, who had changed his running style to become a specialist in the middle, was still approaching from behind the Great Escaper in the middle stage of the race.

This perfect speedrunning achieved by going downhill would be horrifying to almost anyone who saw it.

Stardust Illusion also knew that he was fundamentally different from a true genius.

It's not just when you're learning theory that you're looked down upon by all kinds of people. Even if you want to learn other people's skills, it's quite difficult.

When she followed Condor and Super Stream to learn how to run corners, she could only rely on countless attempts to force the running methods of others into her mind.

There was no gain, and she even fell down while running at high speed... Even though she had a body that would not really get hurt, the pain and weakness would still affect her without any reduction.

Rather than saying that Stardust Illusion relies on his talent to run, it is more accurate to say that he relies on the superpowers granted by the system and endures several times the amount of training and pain of other players to forcibly catch up with this advantage.

But... this doesn't mean that she thinks she is inferior to others.

Quite the contrary, Stardust Illusion believes that as long as they are on the field, everyone has an equal chance of winning, which is why he has been working hard until now.

(Ahh, that's it.)

The Stardust Illusion, who was running ahead of everyone, sighed in his heart.

(For a person to truly shine on the stage, there must be an opponent...)

Running alone can indeed catch other people's attention by running away, but... it's boring and unsatisfying.

And now, at this moment.

The long-awaited opponent, the Emperor of the East China Sea, was chasing after him at a speed no one could imagine.

Even Stardust Illusion herself had to admit that even she, the current emperor, couldn't be faster than her.

That is the kind of speed that only runners who have truly mastered downhill running can fully utilize.

The so-called speeding means that with the help of some off-field factors, the runner is able to break through his original speed limit. For example, there was once a horse girl who used the strong wind to push her to break the limit of her last foot.

According to JRA regulations, the results achieved by runners in this speeding state are real and valid, but will not be included in any records.

No matter what, even though this speed is achieved with the help of external forces, the results that come with it are real.

At this point, the distance between Stardust Illusion and the pursuer behind it is only 2 horse lengths!

However, this is exactly what Stardust Illusion has been waiting for, an enemy stronger than he could have imagined...

(Yes, that's right!)

(Being able to break through boundaries that ordinary people can't imagine, that's the only way to make my blood boil!)

So, how should she respond?

“Hehe, hehe, hehe, hehe…!”

She couldn't help but laugh at the thought that just flashed through her mind.

Isn't it obvious what to do now?

This is a duel in which the emperor invites me and I need to respond.

(Since you have already taken out your support in the initiative attack, it is uncharacteristic of a duelist to not respond.)

Face her head on.

Completely defeat the emperor and then surpass him!

Push this little girl to her limit, and then let her burst out into the same state as in her debut battle again.

This is her stardust illusion, the proper etiquette of a horse girl who enjoys running and shining!

Ignoring the increasingly rapid footsteps in his ears, Stardust Illusion suddenly sank his body and began to accelerate.

That's right, at this moment she has taken the lead in stepping to the end of the downhill and onto the straight road.

There is no need to worry about the dangers of going downhill anymore. There is no need to hesitate or think. Right here...

Show the power of that monster and decide the outcome!!!

Taking this instant decision as the final conclusion, Stardust Illusion leaned forward almost close to the ground and suddenly stepped out with his legs.

The phoenix that was originally soaring in the sky felt like it was facing a formidable enemy at this moment.

The aura rising from the runner, Stardust Illusion, quickly condensed and transformed into a monstrous fighting spirit, releasing all of this might.

The explosion occurred from the soles of her feet.

Trampling, roaring…and then the storm hits!

[Skill Victory Incitement... has been activated! ]

The surging aura rushed towards him, turning into a strong wind that instantly swept across the entire arena.

This fighting spirit that had been brewing for a long time was no longer concealed at this moment, and the monster's fangs were directly pressed against the necks of all the contestants.

"—!"

Narita Shirahito, who had already rushed to the fourth position and was preparing to organize an offensive, also noticed the terrifying aura coming from the front.

As if returning to that almost shameful game again, the monster's aura surged, grabbing everyone's attention.

The savior dragon that rode the strong wind and soared in the sky, with the devilish nature that took away his last fighting ability, revealed an aura that showed that he did not take him seriously at all.

And the same terrifying atmosphere as that at the Yayoi Appreciation, which completely abused everything.

This familiar feeling...

Narita Bairen suddenly lowered his head and looked in the direction of his legs and feet.

Then, she indeed discovered the demonic aura that had begun to entangle her.

Narita Bairen's face darkened, and he suddenly released a burst of fighting spirit within his body to sweep away the evil nature.

Are you planning to use the exact same method to get me out early again...?

No, I'm afraid that's not the case.

Narita Shirahito could sense the pure intentions of Stardust Illusion from the huge waves of momentum at this moment.

That is the feeling of enjoying the game, enjoying competing with others, and enjoying the shining moment on the track.

"...Tsk."

After realizing all this, all I could do was gasp in amazement.

That’s right, since the other party was just enjoying the game, it only meant that she was not treated specially at all.

In other words, she, Narita Shirahito, has been considered as belonging to the category of "Others".

Damn it… No, I can’t let my anger affect my judgement!

The anger that had just ignited was extinguished by himself. Narita Bairen regained his balance and ran forward.

Just when she was about to continue to endure, the two high-spirited horse girls had already begun to show a clear desire to fight.

The roaring monster and the flying phoenix also collided with each other at this moment.

(The moment has finally arrived...)

He had long anticipated that the Stardust Illusion would not be defeated so easily, and he also knew that his provocation of the monster would only lead to a more intense counterattack.

Faced with this pressure, the Emperor of the East China Sea, who had been distanced again in the blink of an eye, became extremely excited.

At this moment, they no longer have room for any other runners, only each other——

And in this arena, there is no room for two rivals who want to compete for the most shining Top Star.

(Today, I will use you, Stardust, as a stepping stone to the Emperor's undefeated triple crown!!!)

(I will never give up this shining scenery in front of me!)

Taking a step forward, Stardust Illusion has now stabilized its lead again.

For the two of them now, words no longer need to be spoken with the mouth.

No communication is required, words are necessary, and even no actions are required.

For her and the Emperor of the East China Sea, as long as they keep running, they can convey what they are thinking to each other.

For Uma Musume, this is enough.

Everything else is no longer important.

In a trance, the runway in front of Stardust Illusion seemed to have turned into the scene of that debut battle again.

But anyway, it doesn't matter.

Is he an undefeated genius who can defeat me again, or is he someone who will be defeated by me?

Step on the...

Step on that.

Step on that!!!

Let’s fight it out, Emperor of the East China Sea!!!

Chapter 226 (6k) Mighty Phoenix Cannon!

No matter who she is, when she stands on the lawn, she comes with the awareness of fighting for victory.

Run, compete, and win.

Everyone has this ideal and wants to achieve the ultimate shine on this battlefield.

However, most of these runners will only become foils for others.

Every game will produce such losers, and it is their responsibility as winners to carry the will of the losers and develop stronger faith and awareness.

The expectations of the audience, the wishes of former opponents, and one's own determination.

The more victories she won, the more these things weighed on her like heavy rocks.

[Undefeated], behind this title lies a great yet precarious reality.

The more you win, the less likely you are to lose.

The Emperor of the East China Sea is facing such a situation today.

From the audience's perspective, witnessing the birth of the second "Unbeaten Triple Crown" is the greatest honor.

And this runner carries all of their expectations.

She couldn't fail, wasn't allowed to fail.

This was not just for the Emperor of the East Sea himself, but for all the audience, for every fan who supported her, and for the losers who were left behind by her in the previous competitions.

Everyone has already stuffed this wish into the girl's arms without any explanation.

This laughing little girl who loves to drink honey drinks is actually bearing pressure that is so heavy that it is frightening.

It's not just that she wants to emulate Rudolph's symbolic achievement, but it's also that everyone hopes she can succeed.

In the face of such a driving force, everything else no longer matters.

however--

Something is wrong.

It doesn't mean that it's wrong to try your best to win and achieve your ideals.