Uma Musume Girl, I'll tell you about my Santa Hat special move too?

I... lost?

The suffocating feeling, as if someone were choking you, overwhelmed the runners of Stardust Illusion at that moment.

She seemed to hear a judgment from beyond the heavens:

"You lost."

That's what the voice said to her.

Stardust illusion—her escape had utterly failed at this moment.

Chapter Eighty-Seven: Full Power!

At this point, most of the spectators in the stands felt their nerves starting to throb.

These successive battles left them with absolutely no room to catch their breath.

Every runner was showcasing a spectacular race.

However, at this moment, one young spectator's vision was blurred with tears. They stared blankly at the situation on the field, muttering to themselves:

"Liar..."

"Lord Stardust Illusion's great escape has failed?"

"Impossible... This can't be happening!"

"It's so noisy, Dancing City!!!"

Beside the little girl, whose face was streaked with tears, a charismatic opera singer with short, orange hair interrupted her thoughts with a loud shout.

"What do you mean?! The match isn't over yet!"

Good Opera stood with his hands on his hips, looking defiant.

In her view, it was just that the Great Escape had been overtaken, far from being something to cry over for the Stardust Illusion.

Even though she's temporarily behind, she believes her idol will definitely regain the top spot!

"They've only been overtaken temporarily! Stardust Illusion will definitely find a way, right, Uncle?"

As she said this, she turned her head, wanting to seek the approval of the talkative adult in front of her.

However, the man standing beside them was also looking at the arena in disbelief:

"She surpassed her? She was able to maintain that speed... Is there really no hope left...?"

--------

The raindrops, falling on her face, were instantly evaporated by the intense heat emanating from her.

Feeling the slight coolness, and gazing at the clean, empty racetrack ahead.

Zhuo Fu's smile did not fade at all.

She grinned, enjoying the feeling of the strong wind on her face.

(At the start, because I wasn't quite familiar with the track, I couldn't catch up immediately...)

(But this time it's different! I really caught up with her, Stardust Illusion!)

(Her explosive running style was indeed unpredictable. In that situation just now, she was even able to use deceptive rhythm changes, which almost made me lose my balance...)

(However, I still have the advantage in speed.)

(Stardust Illusion... Although her burst speed is faster than mine, her potential is higher.)

(I won this contest!!!)

The girl's bright blue eyes were fixed on what was in front of her, but her mind was racing.

The joy of victory filled her limbs, making Zhuo Fu feel even more at ease.

(Thank you, Stardust Illusion...)

This exhilarating feeling made Zhuo Fu's steps even lighter.

Normally, the horseshoes would splash water droplets when they touched the ground, but now, on this muddy lawn, there are no traces of her footsteps, as if she were gliding along the ground like a maglev train.

Victory is mine!

Even with such a strong opponent, and even though it was my first time standing on the field.

But in the end, it was Zhuo Fu who, carrying her grandmother's will, won the victory.

Zero-gravity running...

The decree of a prominent family...

The strongest runner by destiny!

It is only natural that they were able to defeat their opponents and achieve victory.

This feeling of running...it's so wonderful!

Indeed, enjoying the game like this is the most joyful thing!

----------

"……phantom……"

"Stardust illusion..."

"Stardust Illusion!!!"

The call from beside her ear roused the Stardust Illusion from its sense of powerlessness.

Turning her head, she saw Miura Nappa, who had been following behind her, calling her name.

"...Bourbon?"

Although both of them maintained a running posture, there was no significant loss of speed.

But as soon as he opened his mouth, Stardust Illusion discovered that his voice was unexpectedly hoarse.

Is it because of what just happened...?

"Master said that being distracted while running is forbidden."

Bourbon's tone didn't fluctuate much, but Stardust Illusion could still hear the concern in his voice.

Was she worried that she would feel disappointed because of what had just happened?

Is he concerned about this, about himself being defeated by Zofu in a head-on confrontation?

……

Why should we care about our opponents?

Since you've noticed I'm not in good shape, then go ahead and surpass me!

Use your speed to surpass me!

What kind of behavior is this, following me around so casually and asking about my condition...?

Are they pitying me?

Seemingly not receiving a reply, Bourbon, slightly out of breath, spoke again:

"Phew... Your movements are starting to go awry, the range of your arm swing is now off by more than 5cm..."

"We're in the game right now, don't remind the opponent, Bourbon!!!"

The anger and resentment turned into a shout and a cathartic outburst.

Before Stardust Illusion could even control its emotions, it lowered its head and roared.

A moment of silence followed, and it seemed that only the sound of their hurried footsteps could be heard.

"--what!"

However, the Stardust Illusion immediately realized what it had just done and quickly turned around to look back—

What she saw was Bourbon's watery blue eyes, eyes that showed no emotion, yet they did not flinch in the face of her earlier roar.

After staring at the stardust illusion for a moment, Bourbon suddenly nodded and continued coldly:

"You're right, Stardust Illusion, it's a competition now."

After saying that, the seemingly detached runner fell silent.

Bourbon took a deep breath and gradually quickened his pace.

(And those idiots like Stardust Illusion are hard to explain with theory and language, Bourbon.)

(If you encounter a situation where you need to persuade her—why not run? Use your running to convey what you want to say!)

Recalling what Hikari Toyama had said to her, Miura Happen's gaze remained fixed on the track ahead.

Stardust... If you're still confused about this match, let me awaken you!

Just watch, my... outburst!

"Following Master's instructions, Miura Bourbon will begin its quest for first place."

"Full power!!!"

Bourbon leaned down and stepped onto the lawn, channeling all her strength into every muscle of her thigh.

They had been running behind the stardust illusion of the Bourbon, but now they had instantly shifted their positions and found themselves on a clear road ahead.

Despite being defeated by Stardust Illusion and Zofu in succession, she showed not the slightest bit of frustration.

For this racehorse girl, her talent was already something she had anticipated, and failure was just a trivial part of her daily life.

But talent doesn't define everything about Uma Musume.

(Now... even if it's not for myself, but for the sake of Trainer Toyama's constant companionship, I want to—)

As she unleashed her full power, freeing it from all limitations, the entire grassland seemed to emit a mournful cry as if it had been utterly shattered.

Lightning flashed from where the horseshoes had struck, piercing through the heavy pressure on the field.