["STAAART!"]
The alarm shrieked.
The gates burst open.
In an instant, Argentine unleashed her strength, dashing forward to seize the lead. No one blocked her path. A golden opportunity had appeared.
But—
'Whooom!'
—something unexpected happened.
"…?!"
From the corner of her eye, Argentine caught a shadow streaking past from the left.
Her mind couldn't process the movement.
Before she even realized it, that shadow was already ahead of her.
["What's this, everyone?! Caraxes has taken first place right from the start!"]
"That bastard! She changed her running style!" Milord shouted in disbelief.
["Completely unexpected! After using a Late Surger tactic in yesterday's race, Caraxes has returned today with her signature Front Runner style!"]
The roar of the crowd exploded across the stadium. The sudden spectacle right from the start had captured the attention of every single spectator.
"Unlike yesterday, Caraxes looks serious this time," Trainer said.
"Yeah. She's completely dominating. As if she's saying she can do anything," Sunny replied, glancing sideways. "Do you think your sister can beat her? You know what Argentine-chan is capable of, right?"
"That depends on Argentine herself—whether she can observe Caraxes's change in strategy or not." Thalassa's eyes sharpened. "Unfortunately… she's starting to panic. She probably didn't expect this."
Meanwhile, behind the rapidly widening gap created by Caraxes, Argentine was still stunned by what had just happened. Her plan to seize first place had failed, and she quickly began thinking.
The outside lane was already being shadowed by other racers. If she hesitated, her position would be taken.
"What should I do? If I wait, Caraxes will only get farther away. And her final burst is extremely dangerous. Should I attack now?" Argentine thought.
Elsewhere, Milord noticed something wrong behind Argentine.
"This is bad! She's going to get trapped!"
Suddenly, the pack closed in.
Unlucky—Argentine slipped slightly, her speed dropping sharply. The racers behind immediately seized the opportunity.
["Argentine is losing balance! Rofata Eclipse takes the golden opportunity! Bodyguard Pararaja is pushing forward as well!"]
"Gah!" Argentine fought desperately to regain her balance.
["She drops straight down to fourth place! Argentine is truly struggling this time, viewers!"]
Up in the stands, Gavi's hands—gripping the fabric of her skirt—tightened into fists.
"No! Don't take the bait, Aru! she thought."
"Your sister is starting to lose her composure. She's too fixated on Caraxes. If she tries to match Caraxes's speed, she'll run out of stamina before the final turn," Trainer said.
"Yeah. She needs to think of a new strategy quickly this time," Thalassa replied. "The Tegalwaton Circuit has two long straights, two short straights, and four tight corners. Argentine has great acceleration in corners, but here that could be very dangerous. The tight corners make it hard to stay stable. Collisions are likely… even broken legs could happen."
Gavi murmured, "So the only way for Aru to attack is…?"
"The long straight," Milord finished sharply. "That's where you have to make your bet."
.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Argentine]
—
.
The first corner passed.
I'll use the first short straight to analyze the situation.
Three racers are in front of me. The distance from the racers behind isn't that far either. As usual, Salva is waiting in the rear. Meanwhile, I'm caught between a Late Surger and a Pace Chaser.
Caraxes is far ahead of us.
She's completely different from the last race. I know Front Runner is her specialty, but I never expected her to pull that far ahead.
Even without releasing that intimidating aura, she's leaving us behind with ease.
I have to hurry! I have to catch up!
["Entering Turn-2! Argentine begins to move! Behind her, Salvatore Minang is also closing in from the outside lane! Meanwhile, Caraxes remains calm in the lead!"]
"Haha! Not bad! Try to catch me if you can!" Caraxes taunted.
["Will Argentine surprise us again? Yesterday—in her debut, she overtook two racers effortlessly at the final corner!"]
Bodyguard Pararaja stayed glued to me.
I know what she's trying to do—forcing me to run along the outside lane.
A strategy meant to drain your opponent's stamina.
But—
'WOOOMH!'
.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
—
.
["Here comes King Argentine again! The incredible acceleration we witnessed in the previous race! Locking in and overtaking from the inside lane!"]
"Damn it!" cursed Bodyguard Pararaja.
["The threat from Argentine is closing in! One racer has already been passed! Rofata up ahead is the next target!"]
"We're only halfway through the total distance," Sunny said. "As long as she still has plenty of stamina, choosing to attack on the long straight isn't a bad decision, but…"
"The problem lies in the next short straight," Thalassa continued.
Milord, who had been staring intently at the race, immediately turned. "Eh? Why is that a problem?"
"There's still one more racer before she can chase Caraxes. That means Argentine-chan still has to spend more energy before reaching the final straight," Sunny explained.
Milord still wasn't convinced. "So what? Doesn't she still have plenty of stamina left? As long as she can keep her speed consistent, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Ya. As long as she can stay consistent," Trainer said.
Gavi and Milord both turned toward Trainer at the same time, silently demanding an explanation.
"Did you forget? The Tegalwaton track has fairly hard ground with very little sand. That actually reduces the endurance of your legs. And remember—your leg anatomy is different from that of humans."
Trainer's eyes remained fixed on the track.
"Running at nearly 70km/hour, on top of hard ground. The load on your legs increases because the ground doesn't absorb the energy well. Instead, that energy bounces back into your legs. The greater the returning force, the heavier the burden your legs must endure."
"That's why broken legs aren't uncommon here," Thalassa added. "It's not just about speed. This track tests our endurance. It's an incredibly harsh challenge. That's what Tegalwaton is like—almost as if it's selecting which horse girls are the strongest."
Hearing the explanation, Milord and Gavi fell into thought.
They knew Thalassa was right.
The proof was right there—both of their legs still ached now that the adrenaline had faded. Even Gavi herself couldn't exert her strength due to her injury.
Meanwhile, the thunder on the track grew louder.
Dust scattered into the air. Small stones shot in every direction, some even striking Argentine's face.
Yet instead of slowing down, she accelerated even more.
Argentine was now in third place.
Bodyguard Pararaja could no longer keep up, already running out of stamina. That gave Argentine room to widen her path slightly and prepare her next move.
'Whooosh!'
["Another sharp dive from Argentine! She cuts smoothly through the small corner from the inside lane! Her sights are now set on Rofata Eclipse!"]
"The second short straight! Now!"
Gathering all the strength in her legs, Argentine drove them deep into the ground.
Her eyes locked onto an opening after a quick analysis.
The outer side of Rofata's path began to open.
Argentine didn't waste the opportunity.
The Hunter began to move in for her prey.
'BOOM!'—Like a fired bullet, Argentine surged forward.
With a single explosive stride, she immediately drew level with Rofata.
["Argentine bursts forward! She immediately challenges Rofata to a duel! A fierce battle for second place!"]
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Realizing Argentine was right beside her, Rofata could do nothing. Fatigue began clouding her mind. Her breathing was ragged. Her vision blurred.
She could no longer maintain the rhythm needed to counter Argentine's speed.
In the end, the Hunter claimed another victim.
["Second place! Argentine has taken second place, ladies and gentlemen!"]
"Woooaaah!"
Like waves crashing against a cliff, the sea of spectators erupted into cheers.
Voices overlapped as people shouted the names of the horse girls they supported.
An unstoppable battle unfolding on the track.
"Go, Argentine!"
"Catch Caraxes! Catch Caraxes!"
"Come on, Caraxes!"
Meanwhile, up in the stands, Emerald Team and the others could only freeze at the sight.
They could hardly believe what Argentine had just demonstrated.
["Last Corner! Caraxes enters the turn smoothly! Meanwhile, Argentine is still about five lengths behind!"]
"Thalassa! Can Argentine-chan make it this time?!" Sunny could no longer control her voice.
She was completely tense. Everyone was.
"I don't know. The distance between them is still large," Thalassa replied, equally tense.
Even Milord began to grin fiercely.
"Good! Just a little more! Just a little more and you'll beat that bastard!"
Argentine poured every ounce of strength into the approaching Last Spurt. She had no intention of letting her final prey escape.
Caraxes, meanwhile, was also doing everything she could to maintain the distance.
All eyes were fixed on the front. No one paid attention to the racers behind.
Until the unexpected happened.
'BOOM!'
"…!"
No one noticed—except those running on the track.
'Boom! Boom!'
The heavy thunder of footsteps rang in the ears of every horse girl.
They were stunned.
None of them had ever heard footsteps that powerful before.
Running at the front, Argentine—who had been completely focused—began to sense something approaching from behind.
Caraxes felt it too. Her instincts flared violently.
Slowly, to confirm it, both Argentine and Caraxes glanced back.
Searching for the source of the sound that had sent chills down their spines.
From the back—
'Boom! Boom! Boom!'
—long chestnut hair whipped violently in the wind.
Her body leaned forward.
Her teeth clenched tightly as she gathered every ounce of strength.
Her eyes sharpened—
'BOOOM!'
—and the leg that struck deep into the ground exploded forward.
["What's happening?! From the rear—Salvatore Minang bursts forward, ladies and gentlemen!"]
"GEEEAAAH!"
'Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom!'
["Salvatore Minang is overtaking! Salvatore Minang is overtaking them one by one! She's cutting down every opponent ahead of her!"]
Sunny's eyes widened in shock. "Isn't that…?"
"Yeah. Charging from the rear with full force. Running on the outer lane to avoid the pack. A Late Surger strategy that requires enormous stamina," Trainer explained.
"It might look simple, but in reality, that strategy is extremely dangerous," Thalassa added.
"Dangerous?" Gavi asked.
"So dangerous that it's even nicknamed the 'Life Eroder.' Your heart is forced to work far beyond normal—sometimes even past its limit."
"…!"
"I've heard about it before. Long ago, there was a horse girl who often relied on that strategy. Running along the outer lane the entire race, then unleashing an explosive surge before the Last Spurt. She even gained a nickname for her unbelievable ability."
"A nickname?" Milord asked curiously.
"The legendary horse girl who ushered in a new era—
TheGrayMonster… OguriCap."
Gavi and Milord froze in shock at that familiar name.
Elsewhere, Gavi couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was the first time she had ever witnessed Salva truly unleash her ability.
["Last Corner cleared! Entering the final 300 meters! Salvatore is now right on Argentine's heels! Caraxes is still in the lead!"]
"Faster! I have to go faster!" Salva screamed in her heart.
"Just a little more! Just a little more!" Argentine pushed herself as well.
Seeing Salva's unexpected approach, Argentine accelerated even further.
"Go, Argentine-chaaan! Salva-chaaan!"
"Come on! Just a little more! Just a little more!"
"Go, Introvert! Crush that bastard! Crush heeer!"
["Argentine and Salvatore are chasing Caraxes! Argentine–Salvatore! Argentine–Salvatore! Caraxes is in danger, ladies and gentlemen!"]
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Caraxes]
—
Three hundred meters left.
That's what I'm thinking right now.
Never before have I wanted the finish line to come this quickly. My races have always been smooth—victory always resting comfortably in my grasp.
Everything carefully calculated. My opponents read through their actions, reactions, and psychology.
Especially that snot-nosed brat named Milord. Playing with her emotions is ridiculously easy.
But the ones I'm facing this time are different. I've never even broken this much of a sweat before.
Argentine… and Salvatore. Your abilities have far exceeded my calculations.
One is a gloomy girl with the eyes of a hunter. Even though this is only her second race, she can still analyze everything quickly under pressure.
And the other acts like a fragile girl who panics easily, yet hides a truly terrifying ability beneath that façade.
I admire the both of you. You've managed to entertain me—far beyond my expectations.
King Argentine.
Salvatore Minang.
As a gesture of my respect—and my gratitude for the show you've given me—allow me to repay your efforts.
With all the strength I have!
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
—
The sound of footsteps from behind slowly faded… then disappeared.
Caraxes closed her eyes.
She drew in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. When her eyes opened again, they were sharp and fixed straight ahead.
Power gathered into both of her legs. Her muscles tightened, veins bulging beneath her skin.
A dense, dark aura began to rise from her entire body, spreading across the width of the track as she ran.
With overwhelming force, the Tyrant Dragon shot forward like a land-bound jet.
'Booom!'
Sand exploded into the air, a cloud of dust engulfing the track behind her.
The sudden blast startled both Argentine and Salvatore.
"Guagh!"
"Gagh!"
The spray of sand kicked up by Caraxes slammed straight into their bodies.
They struggled to wave away the thick dust, only to realize that Caraxes was already far—far ahead.
["Caraxes bursts forward! Caraxes refuses to be conquered! Incredible! What unbelievable power!"]
"She still has that much strength left?! Even after running in the lead the whole time?!" Sunny exclaimed in shock.
"Fuck! Fuck you, Caraxes!" Milord cursed.
["Caraxes has gone wild! Caraxes has gone wild! She's pulling farther away! Six lengths! Seven lengths! Eight leeengths!"]
The finish line was now within sight.
Argentine and Salvatore could no longer catch up. A crushing victory lay right before Caraxes.
And yet—just before reaching the finish line, Caraxes turned her head toward the spectators.
More precisely, toward several figures seated at the very top of the stands.
Her eyes met one person staring back with burning fury.
Seeing Milord's genuine rage, Caraxes grinned with satisfaction.
And then—as she crossed the finish line, her hand rose.
Caraxes placed her index finger over her lips, a mocking gesture aimed directly at Milord.
"…!"
["Finiiish! Caraxes crosses the line with a decisive victory!"]
"Wooooah!"
A roaring wave of cheers erupted from the sea of spectators, filling the entire grandstand.
They welcomed the Tyrant's return to the throne.
The strongest crown was still hers.
Not a single rival had been able to match the power of the Tyrant Dragon.
["Once again! Another overwhelming victory! The undefeated champion! Caraxeees…!"]
"Nagariii!"
["Caraxeees…!"]
"Nagariii!"
["Caraxeees…!"]
"Nagariii!"
The chants for the winner echoed throughout the Tegalwaton stands. The entire audience was exhilarated by the spectacle they had just witnessed.
In stark contrast, Gavi, Trainer, Sunny, and Thalassa could only sit there in silence, as if unable to believe what had just happened.
As for Milord—her sharp gaze remained locked onto Caraxes, who was now acknowledging the crowd.
Her two teammates had been utterly crushed, just when they had almost managed to close the distance.
And then there was that gesture Caraxes made before the finish line.
It filled her with burning fury.
Without realizing it, Milord's breathing began to grow heavy.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly.
Her eyes reddened.
Her teeth ground together.
She looked as though she might explode at any moment.
With all the rage boiling in her chest, Milord rose from her seat—shouting the name of the one she hated.
"CARAXEEES!"
※ ※ ※ (Chapter – 11_B) ※ ※ ※