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

The entire world roared with a single voice. Even though Dancing Brave had claimed glory here before—even though, by all rights, Longchamp should be her home turf—

Right now, all that could be heard were cheers for Twilight Song. The former champion's radiance was completely overshadowed, just as the sun's brilliance vanished behind dark rain clouds, leaving no trace of its glow.

Yet Dancing Brave was utterly unaffected.

She merely raised her arms, embracing the stormy heavens.

Indeed, the Arc remains the same as ever. What a pity, Twilight Song. Under normal conditions, I'd never beat you—but today, beneath these rainclouds…

I'll seize you by the throat and choke off your path to victory.

Dancing Brave was the first to step into her gate. She shut her eyes, calming her mind, adjusting herself to peak condition.

When was a race truly decided?

Normally, it was hard to pinpoint—but against Twilight Song, there was only one moment that mattered:

The instant the gates opened would be the instant victory was decided.

"Dancing Brave, our second favorite, is now securely in the gates! Just look at her confidence—it's clear she's still at her peak even after previously winning the Arc. And this marks her second attempt at capturing victory here, correct?"

"Yes, indeed! Dancing Brave is once again ready to showcase her talents at the Arc on a rainy day, just as she did before. However, today's competition is expected to be far fiercer!"

The commentators' lively exchange pumped excitement into the crowd, though in truth, the spectators hadn't stopped their clamoring even for a second. Even inside the starting gates, Twilight Song could spot her fans waving banners in passionate support.

Rain poured relentlessly, the stadium's shelter unable to keep everyone dry. Yet, not a single fan opened an umbrella or left their seat.

The entire world waited, eyes wide, for the birth of a new legend.

Twilight Song silently raised her face toward the falling rain. She felt no hesitation, only calmly confirmed the time once more before stepping into her gate.

Gate Number Four.

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Longchamp Racecourse.

2,400 meters

Terrible Weather Conditions.

Honestly, she'd drawn the worst possible scenario. But Dancing Brave—did you really base your confidence on the assumption of a muddy track? Did you think you could defeat her because of the rain?

Don't make me laugh—!

Twilight Song had never considered changing her strategy. Even though Mejiro Ramonu had warned her before the race that Dancing Brave was an expert in targeted pre-race preparations, and that her declaration of war surely meant she'd found a weakness—

Under such circumstances, the safest move would undoubtedly be adopting a different style, like staying in the pack and relying on her explosive speed to secure victory.

Yet Twilight Song had flatly rejected the idea. If she won that way, forget about disappointing her fans—she herself would find no joy in that victory.

She wanted her name engraved boldly, fiercely into history—not just as an emotionless winning machine. And besides…

As the unprecedented British and American Triple Crown champion, as well as Japan's Dual Crown winner, wasn't her place in history already secured?

In this final race of her life, Twilight Song chose to be wildly reckless one last time.

Moreover, wouldn't winning the Arc as a runaway Uma Musume leave an even greater mark on history? It was an enormous gamble, but Twilight Song willingly accepted it.

Dancing Brave, isn't this exactly what you wanted—to face me at my absolute limit, at my most reckless? Fine, I don't want to waste any more time thinking!

Forget everything unnecessary.

Just fight!

"All competitors are now inside their gates! After this final check, the race will begin! Such an electrifying event we have today—whether Dancing Brave claims her second Arc or we crown history's first runaway winner, both outcomes are fantastic! But who are you rooting for?"

"I'm obviously rooting for Twilight Song! I've been a believer in runaway racers since birth! Isn't everyone here to witness history? Let me hear your voices—let Ruka hear your cheers! Let our new queen be crowned right here!"

Clearly, the commentators loved to stir up excitement—or perhaps a fanatic had snuck onto the commentary panel. She even stood up, dramatically waving to guide the audience.

Soon, the chaotic cheers aligned into a rhythmic chant, beating like the heart of the stadium, pouring boundless strength toward the girl they adored.

"Caesar, Ruka! Caesar, Ruka! Caesar, Ruka!" Mejiro McQueen shouted louder than anyone else. The lively little filly refused to miss a single moment, knowing this race might inspire her for decades to come.

The one racing, the one about to be crowned beneath the world's gaze, was none other than her own beloved sister!

Mejiro McQueen's idol, her shining inspiration… no, the word "glory" was meaningless unless associated with Twilight Song! McQueen intended to conquer the entire world, following in the footsteps of her adored sister who'd inspired her to chase greatness!

In that instant, Mejiro McQueen resolved firmly to one day stand proudly at the Arc as a Mejiro, under Twilight Song's watchful eyes, and claim victory herself.

The filly gently touched the earring once belonging to Twilight Song, her eyes burning with determination.

She wanted nothing more than to share the fierce winds of the track alongside her beloved Ruka-neesan.

"Do your best, Ruka-neesan!"

"Yes! Yes! Our new queen deserves to be eternally followed by devoted fans! Now, quiet down, everyone—the race is about to begin! Listen carefully for the gates opening. Racers, prepare yourselves!"

Three!

"Here in Paris, France, at Longchamp Racecourse!"

Two!

"Witness, behold, and thunderously applaud!"

One!

"A new legend shall be born!"

And what would her name be?

Dancing Brave's lips twisted into a feral grin, her elegance and lavish dress unable to conceal the beastly spirit now fully unleashed!

Her name might become Twilight Song's—but since they'd stepped onto this track, Dancing Brave's determination to win was unshakable!

Do you understand, Twilight Song? People always show their weakest points when victory seems certain—that's exactly when the serpent hidden in darkness strikes.

Come declare your strength at the Arc next year, Twilight Song. But this year's victory is mine.

Mine alone!

"And the race begin—wait…? Huh?! W-What's happening here?!"

The gates burst open, and only a single figure exploded forward, instantly seizing the lead and sprinting ahead of everyone else.

But it wasn't Twilight Song.

It was Dancing Brave.