Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

Twilight Song's steps felt heavier than usual.

Willpower was a remarkable thing—it could push the body beyond its limits and carry you to the finish line.

But once that goal was achieved, once the pressure finally lifted, the body inevitably crumbled, overwhelmed by exhaustion.

As Twilight Song regained her senses, she suddenly realized she should've activated her [Unique Skill] back there. Then she could've maintained her sprint, dashed straight into the tunnel, and—

Well, avoided pushing herself to the brink just to hide her weakened state from the audience.

Her lungs felt like they were burning. She'd secured an overwhelming victory, but at a heavy price. Simply put...

She'd lost fifteen days of life.

A harsh lesson indeed.

With the gap between herself and the second-place Yaeno Muteki still dozens of horse-lengths wide, Twilight Song staggered toward the exit, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Now that I think about it, my condition was never great to begin with. Although her last race had been half a month ago, just ten-odd hours ago she'd been on the other side of the world—in New York.

She'd landed that morning, hopped straight into a taxi, and rushed immediately to the racetrack.

Barely arriving on time. While she'd rested briefly during the trip, could anyone really sleep comfortably on a plane or in a taxi?

Twilight Song certainly couldn't.

Thankfully, all that's left is an interview.

After that, she'd repeat the same exhausting trip back to New York. Ugh...

When she finally stepped into the shadow of the entrance tunnel, away from prying eyes, Twilight Song dropped her guard for the first time.

Even though she reacted instantly, she couldn't stop herself from coughing up a mouthful of blood.

Twilight Song clenched her teeth, panic flickering briefly in her eyes as she glanced around.

Thankfully, she was in a blind spot. No one outside could see clearly, and the security cameras of this era wouldn't notice much either.

Though someone might've seen her awkwardly collapsing onto her knees, half-hidden by the shadows—well, there wasn't much she could do about that.

Twilight Song prayed this wouldn't lead to trouble. Quickly, she pulled out tissues to clean up the blood, scrunching them into a tight ball before stuffing them hastily into her pocket.

She needed a bathroom, urgently.

About ten minutes later, Twilight Song reappeared at the press conference as if nothing had happened, calmly facing cameras and flashing lights.

Of course, the interview itself was mostly dull.

Other than her initial gesture—pointing one finger confidently toward the sky—Twilight Song had little enthusiasm for answering questions. Even that first question got a half-hearted response.

It's not time to reveal everything yet.

The meaning behind that gesture would be clear enough to her rivals at the Kentucky Derby…

After dealing briefly with the press, Twilight Song let out a relieved sigh and moved swiftly toward the exit. But just as she reached the door and turned—

She froze at the sight of someone entirely unexpected standing there.

Why in the world is Symboli Rudolf here?

Yes—Symboli Rudolf. The Emperor of Tracen Academy, the absolute number one Uma Musume in all of Japan.

At least for now, Rudolf was unmatched.

She'd clearly come with a purpose. And, unfortunately, there was an even worse complication.

Twilight Song bit the tip of her tongue, forcing herself to summon what little energy she had left.

Because the figure before her wasn't merely the Emperor. To be more accurate, there was another title she carried here:

Kousei-hito.

Right now, Twilight Song was living in the era of Oguri Cap—the Cinderella Gray. And as the most famous manga in the Uma Musume universe, Twilight Song naturally knew a bit about it.

At least she knew the most famous meme:

"Do not disrespect the Central Academy."

Of course, Twilight Song had no intention of playing up such an old joke. Rather, it clarified exactly what kind of state Rudolf was in now.

Unlike her future gentler self, the current Symboli Rudolf was fully in her phase of absolute control, eager to make decisions for others—a terrifyingly dominating presence.

In comparison, Mejiro McQueen, currently sprinting toward her excitedly from Rudolf's side, barely registered in Twilight Song's mind.

Wait a minute—

McQueen? When did she get here?

My goodness, little troublemaker—have you gained weight again during these months apart?

Encountering Fatty McQueen in the interview hall, visibly plumped up after months apart—barely defeated through sheer willpower.

Twilight Song nearly coughed up another mouthful of blood onto McQueen's face. But as an older sister, she desperately held herself back.

That's absolutely not something I should ever do!

"Ruka-neesama, you were amazing! I'm gonna become an incredible Uma Musume just like you!"

But McQueen, radiating excitement, had no clue what dark thoughts swirled inside the Uma Musume embracing her. She only voiced her heartfelt admiration.

Becoming strong like me, huh? You sure have ambition. Still, it would take double the effort.

"Really? Well, I'll be looking forward to seeing just how strong you'll get, McQueen."

"You'll see, Ruka-neesama! My debut race, the Triple Crown races, and all the others—I'll win them all!"

The little filly's eyes sparkled brightly as she stared at Twilight Song, openly overflowing with excitement.

"When that time comes, will you watch my races, Ruka? Will you come see every single one?"

Ah, hmm, well—watching all of McQueen's races, huh?

Twilight Song carefully studied the hopeful young filly before her. Ultimately, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

What can I say? I'm sorry, McQueen—I'm just a lying adult. Forgive me.

"I'll be there. So work hard and grow strong, McQueen—but don't push yourself too much, okay?"

It would be wonderful if I really could watch McQueen's races. It felt so unfair...

Twilight Song didn't consider herself someone who lied casually. But the truth was, she'd never get to see McQueen become an Uma Musume.

Realizing this, Twilight Song gently released her embrace and, under McQueen's curious gaze, removed her own blue-star earrings.

She placed the small, blue star carefully on McQueen's ear, leaving herself without any adornments, returning to her simple, unornamented state.

"When that day comes, why don't you wear these and conquer the races, McQueen?"

That way, at least a part of me can be there to witness your run.

"Yes!"

McQueen nodded energetically.

"Good. Now, can little McQueen wait outside for me? Miss Rudolf is here to talk with me, isn't she?"

The little filly was sensitive enough to recognize the mood—or perhaps she'd known from the start. Obediently nodding, McQueen moved aside toward the exit, leaving only two Uma Musume—one tall, one short—facing each other.

Twilight Song stood directly before Symboli Rudolf.