Central Tracen Academy was so peaceful today—no unsettling figures loitering at the gates. If only things could remain this quiet and calm forever.
Well, obviously, that was impossible.
Ever since her rebirth, Gotham Song had clearly understood one thing:
Her second chance at life would never be smooth sailing.
Sunday Silence’s miserable shrieks were still echoing in her ears. Earlier, while passing by Manhattan Cafe’s room, Gotham Song had distinctly heard that ghost’s pitiful cries through the walls. She couldn’t help but wonder what the old fossil had done to deserve such a heart-rending—
Wail!
Anyway, Gotham Song sincerely prayed in her heart:
Hope that person... I an, ghost, will be alright.
Fortunately, since Manhattan Cafe had already unleashed her anger so fiercely, the matter should be over. And besides...
Thank goodness I wasn’t the one on the receiving end of her wrath. That would’ve been horrible. Tee-hee.
In any case, Sunday Silence would be fine—such scenes probably happened daily to her.
But still...
The thought of this whole incident was hilarious, and Gotham Song felt absolutely zero guilt.
After all, the old fossil has tricked plenty of tis too!
Gotham Song even humd cheerfully as she skipped down the stairs and stepped leisurely onto the turf.
Dancing Brave was already waiting for her there.
Perhaps because there were several empty training grounds available, or simply because having a legend like Dancing Brave around made Central Tracen Academy look prestigious, the academy chairman had generously assigned a dedicated field specifically for Dancing Brave.
Nominally, it was ant for Dancing Brave’s personal use, but in reality?
It existed purely so Dancing Brave could privately coach Gotham Song.
After the usual greetings, the two began their daily joint training session.
This had beco sothing of a regular routine.
Today, though, Dancing Brave was clearly in an exceptionally good mood—far beyond her usual self.
Almost as if... she’d heard so wonderful news, or received so long-awaited announcent?
Sensing this, Gotham Song’s curiosity was piqued. Dancing Brave also shot a aningful look at her, practically begging Gotham Song to ask directly.
Why aren’t you being obedient and asking already?
"So... did sothing good happen, Dancing Brave-san?"
"You really are patient, aren’t you? Well, sothing I’ve waited for a very long ti finally has an update."
Sothing? What could possibly make a legendary Uma Musu like Dancing Brave show this kind of expression?
Though she’d spent considerable ti with the legend recently, this was the first ti Gotham Song had ever seen Dancing Brave so visibly excited.
Naturally, Gotham Song beca intensely curious as well.
Dancing Brave’s mysteriousness lasted only a mont—rather, she was dying to share the news.
"You should know about this already, Song. Or rather, you definitely should, ’Song-san.’"
How would you react, hmm?
"Have you heard of the Dream Cup?"
The Dream Cup?
Gotham Song actually knew this na quite well from fanfiction in her previous life. Often depicted as a miraculous event capable of fulfilling dreams, the Dream Cup allowed participants to return to their absolute career peak, running at maximum strength for victory.
But that was just fictional fan lore. Since coming to this world, Gotham Song hadn’t actually heard anyone ntion the Dream Cup.
Honestly, if Dancing Brave hadn’t ntioned it just now, Gotham Song might’ve believed it didn’t exist at all.
"So... the Dream Cup actually exists?"
"It does indeed—a miraculous race overflowing with infinite possibilities."
Dancing Brave studied Gotham Song’s face carefully but saw only pure surprise and confusion in the filly’s eyes.
Clearly, Gotham Song had no concrete understanding of the Dream Cup yet.
Don’t worry, Song-san. You’ll soon learn exactly what the Dream Cup is.
"The Dream Cup, according to legend, has only been held once before. Unfortunately, no footage remains due to primitive filming technology back then. However..."
Dancing Brave’s voice was tinged with longing and excitent. After all—
No Uma Musu could remain indifferent about participating in the Dream Cup—not even a legend like Dancing Brave.
Because, while Dancing Brave was indeed a contemporary legend, the horses who appeared in the Dream Cup...
"There’s word it might happen again, soti soon."
Dancing Brave continued passionately, each detail leaving Gotham Song increasingly stunned.
In short...
The Dream Cup wasn’t rely a race where current participants returned to peak performance. It was far grander.
Hadn’t people always wondered:
Compared to past legends, just how strong were modern legendary Uma Musu, really?
This was a question impossible to truly asure, impossible to answer definitively.
Because the very words "past" and "present" explained it all: under normal circumstances, such a showdown was absolutely impossible.
Usually, comparisons could only be made through cold statistics or rankings, but such thods inevitably fell short. Every legend had her own unique strengths: absolute power, strategic preparation, or psychological dominance.
Therefore, statistics alone could never accurately asure the gap between legendary Uma Musu across generations.
The elusive gap between past and present legends had thus been aptly nad: "The Distance of Dreams."
Now, the aning behind "Dream Cup" beca crystal clear, didn’t it?
Returning current legends to their absolute pri was just one thrilling aspect.
The real reason every Uma Musu desperately wanted to compete was because...
In the Dream Cup, contemporary racers could finally challenge the legendary Uma Musu of the past.
Contemporary legends could test their ttle against history’s greatest, while fans of past legends could witness their idols’ unmatched brilliance once more.
Anyone even remotely involved with horse racing—whether human or Uma Musu—couldn’t help but go wild at the re thought.
So, which historical legends had appeared at the first Dream Cup?
Sea Bird, Man o’ War, Brigadier Gerard, and...
Eclipse.
That legendary monster rumored to have defeated opponents by hundreds of horse lengths.
Even excluding Eclipse, Sea Bird and Brigadier Gerard alone matched or surpassed Dancing Brave by modern rating systems.
Honestly, these were legends whose achievents could drive Japanese fans wild with envy.
However, Gotham Song noticed sothing else behind Dancing Brave’s rarely-seen fervor.
The historical legends didn’t seem to be what truly excited Dancing Brave.
Instead, the fiery gaze of the legendary Uma Musu seed fixed on soone specific...
Wait a second.
Who could possibly inspire this level of passion in Dancing Brave? Soone only Dream Cup could possibly summon again?
Who indeed?
Gotham Song fell silent, unsure what to say.
? Racing Eclipse?
Well, one battle, maybe...
Wait, racing Twilight Song?
No, if Twilight Song appeared at the Dream Cup, then...
Then who exactly was Gotham Song?
Gotham Song’s brain short-circuited, sinking her into utter confusion.
That’s...so weird. Wait, let’s think again—still weird.
"You an... you want to challenge Twilight Song-san at the Dream Cup?"
"Of course. It’s my absolute dream! I’d give anything to see that burning shadow on the track again—to witness everything she had..."
And then defeat her with every ounce of strength!
Dancing Brave practically burned with passion, the intensity even infecting Gotham Song.
Honestly, disregarding the strange Twilight Song issue, Gotham Song desperately wanted to compete in the Dream Cup herself.
She truly wanted to face these legendary figures—especially Secretariat at her career peak, or even Eclipse, whose exploits had beco proverbial.
What would racing such legends feel like?
Could Eclipse push her to burn her very life away again?
Gotham Song was startled by the sudden thrill she felt at that terrifying thought.
Why am I even thinking like this...? How strange.
Unbeknownst to Gotham Song, Dancing Brave quietly watched her reaction, unsurprised and deeply nostalgic.
After hearing news of the Dream Cup, it seed even you couldn’t remain indifferent, Song-san.
How nostalgic. Last ti I saw you like this was at Longchamp Racecourse, that deserted afternoon before the Arc, when we first t.
Dream Cup, please hurry. This ti, victory won’t slip through my fingers again.
Dancing Brave felt her blood boiling.
Although she could run alongside Gotham Song right now, having been retired several years, she could no longer produce a performance she’d consider worthy.
To challenge Gotham Song under such conditions would disgrace them both.
Before Dream Cup, I’ll reveal your true identity. You really haven’t changed at all, have you? Just a bit livelier.
It’s obvious, really. Back then, you burned your life to prove your very existence.
Yet, why hadn’t others recognized Gotham Song’s true identity?
They’d all known her far better back then.
Lost in thought, Dancing Brave stared at Gotham Song, startling the filly who finally broke free of her reverie.
"Um, Dancing Brave-san? So when exactly is the Dream Cup scheduled? Is there any official date yet?"
"According to previous information, the Dream Cup occurs the day after the Breeders’ Cup next year, at the sa venue."
In other words, if it happened, it would be right after next year’s Breeders’ Cup?
Gotham Song nodded, ntally noting the date.
By the way, Breeders’ Cup was also an ultra-prestigious international event... Should she participate next year?
The Breeders’ Cup, divided into Turf and Dirt races, uniquely held both top-tier events on the sa day.
So, should she run the Turf or Dirt race next year?
While Gotham Song agonized over this decision, Dancing Brave leaned close, gripping her shoulders gently but firmly.
"If it’s you," Dancing Brave whispered mischievously, "why not enter both?"
"You’re ri—wait, WHAT?!"
Startled, Gotham Song stumbled forward. Thankfully, Dancing Brave hadn’t tightened her grip, yet Gotham Song’s heart nearly exploded.
Both races?! She’d never even competed on dirt!
Wait...
WAIT.
No, surely not.
Sweating profusely, Gotham Song’s smile froze as she confronted the worst-case scenario:
Who else was famous for running—and winning—both turf and dirt?
Who could Dancing Brave possibly an by "if it’s you"?
Oh no.
"Dancing Brave-san, wait—are you implying that I’m... SECRETARIAT?!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)