Chapter 94. Serial Quest
On the other side, after exchanging brief greetings with several of the other jockeys, Shuta An was approached by the on-site host for a post-race interview.
"Congratulations on another magnificent victory in Europe this year. How are you feeling right now?"
Holding his riding crop in a reverse grip, Shuta An answered with a radiant smile.
"I feel like I've just survived a catastrophe. My heart right now is filled with gratitude."
He gently patted Tokai Teio's neck.
"More than anyone, I want to thank Tokai Teio. To me, he is the strongest partner of all. Even after coming to Europe and riding so many outstanding Racehorses, I still firmly believe that."
"Tokai Teio's performances this year have been nothing short of extraordinary. Winning both the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is enough to secure his place in European racing history."
The host smiled before asking his next question.
"Will Tokai Teio return to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe next year?"
"No."
Shuta An answered without the slightest hesitation.
"He won't. After this season, Tokai Teio will retire to the breeding shed next year. He won't race again."
"That is certainly unfortunate news."
The host paused briefly before continuing.
"During today's race, who did you consider your greatest threat?"
"Urban Sea."
Shuta An thought for a moment before replying.
"If I hadn't deliberately delayed Tokai Teio's final sprint, Urban Sea probably would have caught us from behind."
He smiled wryly.
"His finishing speed was incredibly fierce. Honestly, it exceeded everything I expected before today's race."
Finally, the host asked his last question.
"Is there anything you'd like to say to the Horse Owners, Trainers, and all the spectators here today?"
Shuta An nodded.
"I want to thank Mr. Uchimura for accepting my proposal at the beginning of the year and investing so heavily to allow Tokai Teio to challenge both the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"I also want to thank Trainer Matsumoto for meticulously managing Tokai Teio's condition, ensuring that before every race he always gave me absolute confidence."
"I thank Stableman Higashi Ikuo for constantly updating me on Tokai Teio's physical condition throughout our overseas campaign and for working with me to analyze race strategies."
"I thank every member of the training staff for providing countless valuable suggestions regarding Ascot and Longchamp Racecourse. Without everyone's efforts, Tokai Teio would never have achieved today's result."
Finally, he looked toward the packed grandstand.
"And I thank every spectator here today. It was your cheers that allowed me to keep pushing with everything I had, even after my body had completely reached its limit."
Shuta An bowed deeply toward the stands.
"This is not my finish line. I will definitely return here. And one day, I will challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe again."
—
In the day's final race, the Longchamp Chapelle Race, Shuta An partnered Monde Bleu.
This time, however, he failed to catch Frankie Dettori aboard Lochsong.
As soon as they crossed the finish line, Frankie Dettori shouted toward him from horseback,
"Lochsong means no less to me than Tokai Teio means to you!"
Shuta An merely shrugged without responding.
He had long since grown accustomed to Frankie's habit of celebrating victories with endless chatter.
Besides—
The young man's mind was occupied by something far more important.
Tomorrow morning—the Summer Fame quest should finally settle.I wonder what kind of rewards I'll receive.
Seeing that Shuta An had no intention of engaging in a verbal sparring match, Frankie Dettori quickly lost interest and immediately rode off to bother Thierry instead.
—
After waking the next morning, Shuta An rubbed his sleepy eyes.
He did not immediately open the Attribute Viewer to check his settlement rewards.
Instead, he calmly washed up first.
Then he sat solemnly in the living room, quietly offering a brief prayer.
Only afterward did he prepare himself to receive the fruits of his months of effort within the Dream World.
"I hope it's something that's actually useful in the real world."
He repeated the wish several times before finally opening the Attribute Viewer.
"INCREDIBLE."
"Although Sunday Silence's American Triple Crown had already earned you considerable fame before arriving in Europe, your victory aboard Tokai Teio in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has elevated you into the ranks of truly world-class jockeys within European racing."
"Everyone who witnessed your performances throughout England, France, and Ireland over the past several months will never forget the remarkable spectacle you created."
"Generally speaking, that world and this one exist in one-to-one correspondence. Information obtained there often manifests differently here, influencing the corresponding Uma Musume."
"For example—the future achievements of Oguri Cap's offspring."
"Did you know? Had Tokai Teio not participated in this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Urban Sea would have won the race instead. However, regardless of his accomplishments during his racing career, he would still become the greatest stallion of the modern era."
"Thus, your first reward originates from this phenomenon."
"Your children will inherit names destined to become legendary across generations in another world."
"Eh?"
Shuta An blinked.
After fully understanding the reward's meaning, the very first thing that came to mind was everything he had learned in the Dream World about Oguri Cap's descendants.
"So..." He slowly clenched his fist. "I don't have to worry about that in the real world anymore? Oguri's children can inherit her legacy as well."
The Attribute Viewer continued.
"Tokai Teio's victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has significantly altered the fate of the Byerley Turk bloodline."
"Although historical recording errors mean the real survival rate of the Byerley Turk line is not actually as low as commonly believed, you and Tokai Teio nevertheless restored much of the Goddess's honor."
"As recognition for this achievement, your second reward is the Goddess's Blessing."
"When training Uma Musumes descended from the Byerley Turk bloodline, their probability of injury will be greatly reduced, while training efficiency will be substantially increased."
"I can't verify it directly—" Shuta An murmured. "But it'll definitely be useful for Teio."
His expression relaxed.
"Reducing the chance of injury alone is already an incredible reward."
Whether in the Dream World or reality, the greatest concern that had always lingered in Shuta An's heart whenever Tokai Teio raced—Was injury.
From the very first day he assumed responsibility for overseeing her training in the real world, that shadow had never truly left him.
The Attribute Viewer displayed the final reward.
"All previous rewards required activation before a race."
"Have you ever worried about an unforeseen incident occurring despite being fully prepared?"
"This final reward exists precisely for such situations."
Alarm Clock
After activation is confirmed, you may return to the moment before the race begins.
Remaining Uses: 2/2
Compared to the previous two rewards, Shuta An was noticeably less excited.
"If the problem is simply a strategic mistake, rewinding before the race won't actually change the result."
He thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
"It would only truly matter if someone suffered a catastrophic injury. But everyone on Team Sadalsuud already undergoes routine physical examinations. The possibility of something like that has already been reduced to almost zero."
After thinking it over, he quietly reached his conclusion.
"Then—"
"I'll treat it as the final insurance policy."