May 21st. Tokyo Racecourse. Clear skies, firm turf.
This was the starting point of Dream Weaver's journey.
As an Uma Musume, she had seized countless victories on this very grass, but returning to Tokyo Racecourse today offered her a perspective she had never seen before.
Standing before the magnificent glass windows of the VIP lounge, Dream Weaver looked down upon the grounds in a way she never could have previously.
She saw the spectators flooding the stands, the frantic staff in the commentary booths, and that emerald track—a sight so familiar, yet rendered strange and new by the height.
Involuntarily, her gaze drifted toward the currently empty course, imagining a streak of crimson lightning flashing across it.
"So... this is how they saw me race."
"It really is a fresh feel—"
Dream Weaver was about to sink into her reflections, but the words were cut short by a startled cry from behind her.
"Wait, you mean those food manga weren't lying?!"
That voice was unmistakable. Even without turning around, Dream Weaver knew it was Hishi Miracle making a scene.
She turned back with a resigned sigh, ready to say something, only to be interrupted again.
"Trainer, Trainer! Look! The desserts here are literally glowing!"
Dream Weaver followed Hishi Miracle's pointing finger to the dessert station by the bar. There sat plates of magnificent treats shimmering with a golden light.
Even if Dream Weaver couldn't identify the specific pastries, their soul-stirring radiance was enough to leave anyone breathless.
"It's likely just a layer of gold leaf on the surface," Agnes Tachyon remarked, casually tossing a sweet into her mouth. After a few chews, she offered her critique: "Average."
"Though, your typical VIP lounge doesn't get this kind of treatment. The organizers must have prepared this specifically with Dream Weaver in mind," Tachyon continued.
"Even the drinks at the bar are the high-end stuff," Sugar Lights added, sitting before the wine cabinet and holding up a bottle of red wine that looked expensive just from the packaging.
Dream Weaver nodded noncommittally at their explanations. At her current status, people looking to curry favor were a dime a dozen.
Putting aside the news media that constantly plastered her face on headlines, she had received no fewer than five invitations for documentaries alone.
Though she was currently in a state of semi-retirement, the influence she had built was very real.
If she wished, she could even reach into the Association to demand reforms, much like Shinzan did in the script world.
However, since this world seemed to be modeled after reality—where Uma Musume could chase their dreams freely—Dream Weaver saw no need to stir the pot. Given that background, it wasn't hard to understand why Tokyo Racecourse would provide such extravagant service in the VIP room.
But none of that was the actual reason Dream Weaver had chosen the lounge for the Japanese Oaks. It was simply because the summer heat was becoming unbearable.
During the last Oka Sho, she had worn a disguise to avoid a riot and ended up drenched in sweat; if she tried that again in the sweltering heat of the stands, she was certain she'd get heatstroke.
With the girls' chatter, Dream Weaver lost the mood for sentimentality. She ignored the group snacking behind her and refocused on the track.
The others weren't worried about the results at all; they were unanimous in their belief that Liberty Island would win today's Japanese Oaks.
Dream Weaver agreed, but as a Trainer, she had more to consider.
After a month of training, Liberty Island's physical condition had improved significantly.
More surprisingly, Dream Weaver could clearly feel the power of the embryonic "Zone" within Liberty Island growing stronger with every mock race.
Her initial judgment had been correct: due to the environment and her competition, Liberty Island couldn't fully awaken her Zone in practice, but that power was already seeping into her body through osmosis.
It was like a gathering volcano—the eruption hadn't come yet, but the energy within was surging daily.
When the moment finally arrived, that long-suppressed power would take the world by surprise.
"The Japan Cup..."
"There's still about half a year left."
Just as Dream Weaver was mapping out the plan for the next six months, a knock sounded at the door.
"Is it the waiter?! What amazing service! Come in!" Hishi Miracle looked up, mouth full of food, instinctively assuming a staff member was coming to restock the desserts.
The door swung open, but instead of a waiter with a trolley, a tall Uma Musume with long chestnut hair stepped inside. She carried an air of dignified authority, and even her sunglasses couldn't hide her refined features. Her mere presence commanded the room.
An Uma Musume with that kind of aura couldn't possibly be a nobody. Even Hishi Miracle sensed something extraordinary and stopped chewing.
Dream Weaver turned toward the newcomer, feeling a nagging sense of familiarity. But before she could place the face, Agnes Tachyon spoke up.
"To think last year's World Uma Musume of the Year would personally visit the Oaks... Did you see the potential of a future world-class talent, just like back at the Dubai Sheema Classic?"
Last year's... World Uma Musume of the Year? Hishi Miracle blinked, her mouth hanging open as she pointed a trembling finger.
"Sea... Sea the Stars?!"
Indeed, it was the recipient of last year's World Uma Musume of the Year title—the legend who, along with her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory, stood alongside Dream Weaver as one of the top three talents of the century: Sea the Stars.
Recognized, Sea the Stars gave a soft chuckle and removed her sunglasses. Her eyes, like shards of black crystal, swept over the room before settling on Dream Weaver.
"Liberty Island has potential, and I do believe she will become Japan's next Triple Tiara winner," Sea the Stars began.
"However... she is still a long way from being 'world-class.' There is no world in which she surpasses Equinox."
She paused, her gaze sharpening. "Even with you as her Trainer, it cannot be done."
Dream Weaver narrowed her eyes. She didn't know why Sea the Stars had come to Japan, but she wasn't about to let such a provocation slide.
But before Dream Weaver could fire back, a familiar figure popped out from behind Sea the Stars.
"Senior, could you please stop making it sound like we're here to pick a fight?"
Equinox gave Sea the Stars a slightly annoyed look before waving cheerfully at the group.
"I'm back from overseas! Long time no see, Senior Dream Weaver!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.