Chapter 30: Unveiling Brilliance

Long-distance races were Leo Durban's forte, and she possessed unwavering confidence in her stamina. Even with Teio leading and dictating the pace, Leo believed she could conserve enough energy for a final sprint on the homestretch.

But Leo refused to back down. If that arrogant Teio could lead on a track that didn't suit her, how could Leo cower in her own domain? No! Leo Durban would never retreat! This was the pride of a true hero!

Knowing the mountain harbors tigers, yet daring to climb it. In this era dominated by Teio, some still dared to challenge the established order.

"Here I come!"

This was her moment to sprint! Burning every last reserve, she would claim Teio's "head"!

From the middle of the pack, a song of defiance erupted. A chestnut-colored figure surged forward like a raging storm, sweeping across the racetrack with the force of a natural disaster, determined to crush the seagull of the blue sky.

Caught in the tempest, even the free seagull would struggle to survive.

"What an astonishing surge," Tokai Teio murmured, genuinely impressed. Then she smiled. "Show me the full power of the strongest long-distance runner of our generation!"

The two Umamusume surged into the lead, charging into the turn side-by-side.

A muffled thunderclap shook the earth as a fierce wind tore through the landscape, shattering everything in its path. Yet amidst the tempest, Teio danced with effortless grace, untouched by the gale or the torrential rain. The natural disaster was nothing more than a fleeting spectacle in her airborne garden.

"I can't stop her!" Leo Durban cried out.

Even when cornered, the super-genius moved like a wind spirit, her dance fluid and untamed. Every attempt to restrain her, every desire to crush her delicate frame, only fueled Teio's teasing ruthlessness as she toyed with Leo's futile efforts.

Masterful arcs traced through the air, a divine figure swaying in the wind.

"Look! Look at Teio! It's absolutely breathtaking!"

"I've never seen such exquisite cornering technique, nor such enchanting footwork!"

"To live in Teio's era is truly a blessing!"

The grandstands erupted in thunderous applause.

Leo Durban's eyes darkened. Her all-out assault had merely been a garnish for the genius's performance. Yet in an instant, she regained her composure. If one attempt fails, try again! The Kikuka Sho course is long.

Leo Durban remained glued to Tokai Teio's side, acknowledging Teio's superior skill and speed. Her own strengths lay in the endurance required for long distances and explosive bursts of power. She believed victory lay within her grasp, her weapon waiting to be unleashed.

"Just one opening! That's all I need!" Leo Durban lay in wait, patiently biding her time for that fleeting moment of vulnerability.

"Hmph, finally calmed down, have we? This could be troublesome for me."

Though Teio had maintained her lead, elegantly evading Leo Durban's attacks, the effort had taken its toll. Her lungs burned with exertion, a stark reminder of the price for her reckless abandon.

"But that's what makes it fun!" Teio licked her lips, already searching for the next battlefield.

Suddenly, Kousei and McQueen gasped as if struck by lightning. "I think I know what she's planning!"

On the track, only the Umamusume could sense the storm brewing. A torrential downpour was gathering, its ominous presence stifling the fresh scent of the grass.

The Kingslayer had arrived silently, her blade gleaming through the shrouding mist.

Third turn approaching!

The downpour intensified, its relentless assault leaving Teio breathless. She weaved through the rain, wary of the hidden danger lurking within this unnatural storm.

As Teio focused on the onslaught, a muffled thunderclap caught her attention. She glanced toward the sound just as a spear pierced the rain, aimed squarely at her forehead.

"Damn it!"

The track exploded like a string of firecrackers. With the ear-splitting crack, the Kingslayer burst from the forbidden zone, her strike true.

A violent eruption tore through the turf as Leo Durban launched a surprise attack from an impossible angle. With a flash of her blade, she decapitated the King in a single, decisive stroke.

Her killing intent was overwhelming, her strength capable of toppling mountains.

Facing the blade aimed at the King, Tokai Teio's feet stirred dust as she moved with the grace of a swan, her steps light and fluid.

Will she dodge it?

In that instant, everyone held their breath, the same question burning in their minds.

Clang!

The crisp sound of the King's crown clattering to the ground echoed through the arena.

Tokai Teio stumbled backward as Leo Durban's meticulously planned strike finally brought down the King.

"No way! Even Teio couldn't evade that?!"

"It was a surprise attack, sure, but still... it's Teio!"

Leo Durban's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Yes!"

Even the Sky-High Teio Step couldn't save her this time. Victory was hers!

"Heh~"

Before Leo Durban could fully savor her victory, a mocking laugh rang out from the heavens. An invisible pressure spread across the racetrack, the domineering presence of a superior being palpable not only to the Umamusume but to the spectators as well.

"A crown is merely a hollow symbol. Now, you face the true Tokai Teio." Mejiro McQueen unconsciously clenched her fists.

Kousei gazed at the racetrack, her mind still reeling from the sudden shock, unable to regain her composure.

In the VIP seating, Narita Brian, who had initially shown no interest in the race, involuntarily raised her head as she sensed the overwhelming aura. Her gaze became fixated on the track, a restless excitement stirring within her. The monster has awakened, she thought, a primal longing blooming in her heart.

On the high platform, the Empress and Emperor watched the race intently. A faint smile played on Rudolf's lips, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her brow. "Let me rediscover you," she murmured.

Leo Durban turned in astonishment to see Tokai Teio enveloped in a dazzling blue radiance, shining like the brightest star in the heavens. The arrogance on her face remained undiminished, perhaps even intensified.

Despite her petite frame, Teio radiated boundless authority. If the previous Tokai Teio had been a seagull soaring freely over the sea, she was now a true sovereign, born to rule.

The last vestige of freedom vanished, replaced by an aura of conquest and domination—the essence of a natural-born ruler.

The crowd held its breath, finally comprehending the full extent of Tokai Teio's power. This absolute, crushing presence rivaled even that of the Emperor herself.

They had almost forgotten that it wasn't the crown that proved the king, but the king who bestowed value upon the crown.

This was the sole protagonist of the Royal Road: Tokai Teio, the Emperor Returns.

For a moment, Leo Durban felt a flicker of fear. Her steps faltered, her balance wavered—the Kingslayer herself shaken by the radiance of a true sovereign.

"Am I... afraid?"

Tokai Teio's true form unleashed a destructive force across the entire racetrack. Even the Umamusume trailing far behind felt a surge of dread, their hearts gripped by her overwhelming presence.

Her mere existence compelled awe and reverence.

Distracted, Tokai Teio glanced toward the grandstand and spotted Mejiro McQueen watching her intently, her gaze unwavering.

"Now, your eyes can only be on me, right?"

From the moment they first met, these destined Twins had walked intertwined paths.

"I never intended to unleash my full power against anyone else, but she challenged me with such unwavering resolve. I have no choice but to meet her challenge!"

Whether it was McQueen or not, the world was about to rediscover the true Tokai Teio.