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

The skies over Paris were always gloomy and shrouded in mist.

After spending a week here, Twilight Song understood this deeply.

How to put it?

Not once had Twilight Song seen the sun since arriving; occasional drizzles were the only weather changes she experienced.

But these things had little impact on her anyway.

Her routine since arriving in Paris was straightforward—head to the racecourse each day to familiarize herself with the track and maintain her regular training intensity.

Naturally, many other things had occurred during this time. Reporters frequently sought interviews, and one TV show even asked her to appear.

Twilight Song had declined them all—she didn't have time to spare for these distractions.

Also, Symboli Rudolf had flown from Japan to Paris.

She said it was to personally witness the birth of Japan's first Arc champion.

However, the amount of hype surrounding Twilight Song's entry into the Arc had indeed reached an excessive level.

Not just because of her stellar performance this year or Dancing Brave's public challenge—

The most significant reason was that Twilight Song might become the first runaway Uma Musume to win the Arc.

Front-running Uma Musume didn't just have many fans among viewers; they also had an astonishing number of loyal supporters among other Uma Musume. Twilight Song had even begun to quietly embody the spirit of a new generation of runaway racers.

If she truly became the first runaway Uma Musume to conquer the Arc, she might erase that "quietly" altogether, surpassing figures like Van Gogh and becoming the undisputed icon of front-running style—the face of runaway racing for years to come.

After all, every other running style had already claimed victory at the Arc, while runaway supporters were still holding a grudge: Why not us? Is it just because we don't have an Arc victory? Do you look down on us?!

Those harboring such thoughts were Twilight Song's most passionate and unwavering supporters.

What was the consequence of this devotion?

If Twilight Song and her companions hadn't been actual competitors, they might not have found hotel accommodations—

These passionate fans had begun booking hotels before the St. Leger Stakes had even concluded!

When Twilight Song heard this from the hotel receptionist, her mouth twitched uncontrollably.

Incidentally, that same receptionist turned out to be one of her biggest fans—or rather, a fanatical supporter of runaway racing.

As thanks for their hospitality, Twilight Song offered her first-ever autograph—

On the sleeve of the receptionist's suit.

Honestly, facing a foreign fan directly was quite surreal, but Twilight Song deeply appreciated such sincere support.

In any case, becoming the spiritual leader of runaway Uma Musume did sound pretty cool. Even if she might never witness it herself, still…

There's no way I'll lose the Arc. How could she describe this feeling?

The whole world was watching.

Watching, waiting for her to prove her greatness.

Right, Twilight Song?

With that thought, she stepped outside, walking along the gravel path toward the gates of Longchamp Racecourse.

Tomorrow was the official opening day of the Arc, so Twilight Song planned one final visit to the track to feel the wind and fully familiarize herself with the battlefield where her last race would unfold.

Her footsteps echoed crisply against the path, and she skipped playfully through the tunnel leading to the course.

Although she'd been a weary office drone in her previous life, she'd found herself increasingly acting like a carefree child as she approached the end of her life.

And why not? Life—especially a life spent chasing mere survival—was exhausting and painful. But now, when she had freedom, no worries about basic necessities, Twilight Song refused to live as dull and numb as she once did.

Stiffness and boredom, begone!

She spun on the spot, made a playful leap forward, cleared the last obstacle of the athletes' tunnel, and landed gracefully on the grassy track, spreading her arms in a gentleman's bow.

A perfect ten! It must be a perfect ten!

Then Twilight Song clearly heard someone's gentle laughter nearby.

Huh? Who else would be here at this hour? Don't panic. It must be a stranger. Nothing to worry about.

Thinking this, the filly glanced in that direction—and her fragile hope was swiftly crushed.

Who could possibly be out on the grass at Longchamp at a time like this?

First, a staff member; second…

A rival, here to familiarize herself with the track before tomorrow's race!

And why, of all people, was it her?

Standing tall, elegant in her attire, the chestnut-haired Dancing Brave regarded her calmly from a distance.

"Good afternoon. I didn't expect to see you here, Miss Twilight Song."

Ugh, can we just pretend you didn't see me?

"G-Good afternoon."

To be honest, Twilight Song wasn't prepared for a face-to-face encounter with Dancing Brave yet. Meeting on the track during a race was fine, but what was she supposed to do right now? She certainly couldn't just turn around and run.

Besides, they were rivals, weren't they?

Among everyone awaiting her victory worldwide, Dancing Brave was probably the sole exception.

"I'm glad to see you're still energetic. When I participated in the Arc for the first time, I was far more nervous than you seem to be."

"Um… thanks? I'm actually not that nervous at all."

Was it due to the support of everyone around her?

Even so, Dancing Brave was surprisingly friendly…?

"That's good to hear. I'd been planning on comforting you tomorrow if you seemed nervous. But it looks like I can relax now."

The distance between the two narrowed slightly, as Dancing Brave approached first.

"Comforting me? But we're opponents, Miss Dancing Brave—um… Onee-san?"

Dancing Brave's lips curved upward, clearly pleased by the term 'Onee-san.'

"We certainly are opponents. But as your senior, I naturally hope my junior can perform at her absolute best. Is that not allowed?"

Of course, it's allowed. You're absolutely right.

Twilight Song could only nod obediently.

"In truth, I came here specifically to defeat you—but above all, I genuinely want you to be even stronger than me tomorrow, Ruka. Do you know why?"

Twilight Song shook her head. How could she possibly know? And wasn't it rather strange to say something like that to your opponent?

"Because we're rivals who'll compete on the same battlefield. I'm not here to run against someone weaker than me. So, listen closely, Ruka."

"Tomorrow, I'll step onto the track fully prepared to risk my life. And that's no exaggeration."

The whole world was waiting for her to answer their expectations with victory—Dancing Brave was no different. But before that…

Bring forth everything you have. Clash with me fiercely on the track.

Between us, there will be a spiraling battle without bloodshed—but one no less intense.

"I hope you'll give your absolute best… no, I want you to surpass your limits. Otherwise…?"

"You'll lose."