Inside the conference room at the URA Association headquarters, the heavy atmosphere grew even more subtle and tense after Director Shizuko Kitahara proposed the name of Myriad Dreams.
Arguments for and against the motion clashed fiercely, with neither side able to convince the other.
Just as the debate seemed to be sinking into a stalemate once again, the Association President, a spirited elder with profound eyes who had been sitting at the head of the table listening silently to the arguments, slowly spoke.
His voice was not loud, yet it possessed a power that commanded silence.
"Everyone, please be quiet."
He scanned the room, his gaze finally resting on Shizuko Kitahara with a slight nod.
"I agree with Director Kitahara's proposal."
The statement sent a wave of shock through the room.
The dissenting directors, in particular, had looks of utter bewilderment written across their faces.
The President continued in his calm yet unquestionable tone.
"It is an indisputable fact that Myriad Dreams has been debuted for a very short time. However, everyone, please do not forget that her strength and the achievements she has already attained are just as tangible. We cannot afford to ignore them."
He clasped his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly.
"The American Dirt Triple Crown... how many famous Umas who have campaigned for years have never even touched that honor?"
"In a strange environment, on strange tracks, and against a pack of equally powerful opponents, she displayed adaptability, a capacity for learning, and a competitive spirit that grows stronger when faced with strong foes."
"Is that not exactly the quality we have always hoped for, the quality to compete with the world's best on the highest stage?"
The President paused, a kind smile appearing on his face— one that was weathered by time yet remained open-minded.
"Since she has already created a miracle for us out of the impossible, why can't we believe in her once more to challenge another 'impossible'?"
He looked toward the directors who still wore worried expressions, his tone becoming more candid.
"I know what you all are worried about. Experience, adaptability, pressure... these are indeed unknowns."
"But think for a moment: How many times have we failed in our pursuit of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe? If we fail one more time, what substantive loss is there for us, really?"
These incredibly realistic words struck like a heavy hammer against the hearts of many.
It was true. They had been disappointed so many times already, perhaps a different kind of change was exactly what was needed.
"But what about the possibility of success?"
The President shifted his tone, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"If she succeeds, it will be epoch-making! A young girl from the East, debuted for barely half a year, conquering the highest European honor of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe... the shock and influence that would bring would far exceed our imagination."
"I believe this risk is worth taking."
Ultimately, the President called for a vote.
"Now, those in favor of dispatching Myriad Dreams to represent Japan in this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, please raise your hands."
After a brief silence, Shizuko Kitahara was the first to raise her hand. Then, the President steadily raised his own.
Stirred by the President's words and a shared longing for "possibility," several previously hesitant directors also slowly raised their hands with a touch of grim determination.
In the end, the tally froze at six to four.
The proposal passed by a narrow margin!
...
Back at Tracen Academy, Myriad Dreams, having just escaped the devastation of Student Council paperwork, was chewing gum and planning to head to the training grounds to stretch her limbs.
Before she had gone far, she saw Student Council President Symboli Rudolf walking toward her.
Unusually, Rudolf's face wore an expression that was... almost cheerful, or perhaps even faintly excited?
The alarm bells in Myriad Dreams' mind went off instantly.
She subconsciously took a half-step back, her face a mask of vigilance and helplessness.
"Madam President... you... you have more work'to assign me, don't you? Let me tell you right now, I am absolutely not doing any more interviews! Not even if you kill me!"
Looking at her "on high alert" posture, Rudolf couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle and shook her head.
"Rest assured, it's not an interview this time, nor is it Student Council business."
She walked up to Myriad and stood still, her expression becoming solemn once more, though tinged with an imperceptible trace of fervor.
"Myriad, I am here to officially notify you. I just received the final resolution from the URA—"
Rudolf took a deep breath and spoke clearly and forcefully:
"After deliberation, the Association has decided to dispatch you, Myriad Dreams, as the representative of Japan to compete in this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!"
"...Oh." Myriad Dreams blinked, not fully reacting for a moment.
She just let out a subconscious hum as her brain processed the words "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
However, exactly two seconds later....
"EH?!!?!!?!!"
A scream loud enough to startle the birds erupted from Myriad Dreams' throat!
She jumped up, eyes bulging and mouth hanging open wide enough to fit a whole egg.
Her face was a mix of extreme shock, disbelief, and a hint of panic.
"Wh-wh-what?! The Arc?! Me?! President, you're not joking, are you?!" She pointed at her own nose, her voice cracking.
The sheer impact left her somewhat incoherent.
"That's the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! The highest-level, most prestigious turf race in the world! Everyone who competes there is a battle-hardened, long-established top Uma Musume, right? Having at least two or three years of experience is the bare minimum!"
"Experience, quality, understanding of the European circuits... which of those do I actually have?"
She clawed at her long blue hair, her face practically screaming "this is ridiculous."
"I... by any calculation, I've only been debuted for barely over half a year! How could the Association think of sending me?!"
"This— isn't this obviously asking me to perform a challenge I'm too under-leveled to face? And against the final Boss, no less?! They think way too highly of me!!"
Myriad Dreams felt like she was dreaming— a dream that was both glorious and filled with immense pressure.
She hadn't expected that having just conquered the American dirt, she would be thrust onto the pinnacle battlefield of European turf in the blink of an eye.
This sudden, heavy trust and opportunity made her feel the mountain-like weight of responsibility and a sliver of trepidation even before the euphoria could set in.
Looking at her shocked state, a flash of understanding and anticipation crossed Rudolf's eyes.
She knew exactly what this decision meant for Myriad.
But more than that, she believed that this girl, who continuously created miracles, harbored a potential within her body that was enough to shake the world.
"Too under-leveled?"
A high-pressure arc curved at the corner of Rudolf's mouth.
"From your debut until now, when have you not been facing challenges above your 'level'?"
"This time, the stage is simply higher, and the opponents are stronger."
"Prepare to shock the world once again, Myriad Dreams!"