The wind howled past her ears, but Almond Eye heard none of it. Her eyes were fixed solely on the finish line beyond the curve ahead.
Her breathing grew more rapid, her chest heaving violently. Every breath felt like she was storing energy for her next burst.
Sweat slid down her cheeks and dripped onto the grass, yet it did nothing to hinder her advancing steps.
As she accelerated, she silently analyzed her opponents' positions.
She keenly noticed that one opponent on the Inner Lane was slightly ahead, but her stamina had clearly begun to decline.
Her steps had grown heavy, and her breathing had become ragged.
Another racer followed close behind, leading on the Outer Lane and trying to seize the chance to overtake the opponent ahead. Yet a trace of fatigue showed in her eyes.
A faint, confident smile curled at the corner of Almond Eye's lips.
Seizing the moment, she suddenly powered toward the Outer Lane. With her exceptional cornering technique, she became a streak of black lightning, swiftly overtaking the two racers beside her.
Her acceleration caught the surrounding opponents completely off guard. They all tried to block her, but could only watch helplessly as Almond Eye slipped through them like a phantom.
The commentators, Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa, noticed Almond Eye's change. Grass Wonder said in rare surprise:
"The race has reached the final turn. It may be a little early, but—"
"Almond Eye has begun accelerating!"
Her voice carried across the entire venue through the loudspeakers, filled with surprise and delight, as though announcing the opening of a spectacular show to every spectator.
El Condor Pasa was even more astonished, her voice trembling slightly with excitement:
"What incredible speed—very impressive! Go! Almond Eye!"
El Condor Pasa's eyes remained locked on Almond Eye