Perhaps due to the high number of contestants and numerous exceptional scores.
This time, eight people advanced to the second review.
For Baimu, this means one more match than the previous Kanaz Conference, and it brings more uncertainty.
On the screen.
Eight headshots start rotating, shuffling to determine the order of the upcoming matches and opponents.
Xiaoguang rarely became serious, holding Piplup while intently watching the big screen. The latter also didn't look over at Mawile as usual, obviously valuing the Gorgeous Competition's Ribbon Medal more than beauty.
After all, this is the dream shared by it, Xiaoguang, and their other Pokémon pals.
There should be no slacking off, and no compromises allowed.
Ding.
A soft sound.
The order of appearance and opponents have been assigned.
Xiaoguang didn't end up facing Baimu, and they aren't even on the same side; a battle between them might have to wait until the finals. The Trainer using Milotic is highly likely to be his opponent after he finishes his first match.
Xiaoguang is the first to go on stage.
"Looks like I'm starting first." She released Piplup and lifted her skirt, confidently saying to Baimu, "Let's meet in the finals. After all this practice, we've never fought until the last second."
"Piplup!"
Piplup's eyes were filled with battle lust as well.
"Then I'll look forward to it."
Baimu responded with a relaxed smile, hesitated for a moment upon seeing the other raise her right hand, and then slapped it with a smile, "See you in the finals!"
Clap~
The handshake pledged friendship.
"See you in the finals!"
Xiaoguang strode towards the contestant hallway.
But their determined-to-advance behavior aroused discontent from others in the preparatory room, casting gazes at Baimu, who remained, but as soon as he glanced over, they turned away as if nothing happened.
Geez!
Why does this person look so fierce?
Baimu ignored them, fully unleashing the aura he developed back in Pyrite Town, then found a place to pull out his phone and chat with Liuqia, who was continuously messaging him.
She indeed seemed to constantly follow his performances, managing to get news of his competitions without advance notice.
In a string of encouraging messages and emoticons, Baimu learned she reconciled with her agency, which would fully support her participation in the Gorgeous Competition.
They actually didn't terminate the contract?
Though a bit surprising, it's likely her own choice.
More importantly, Liuqia was back on the journey, indicating they would be rivals in the future, and might even clash in the next competitions.
Baimu replied to her: 『Congrats! Looking forward to the master-disciple battle!』
Bzzz.
The phone buzzed instantaneously; it was Liuqia's reply.
『Oh! The disciple challenges the master now? I'll never lose to you! Looking forward to the master-disciple battle!』
She playfully sent several emoticons of Altaria with headbands, looking spirited.
Baimu replied with a laughing Lairon and put away his phone to watch the big screen.
Xiaoguang's match had begun.
The opponent used Beautifly, a Pokémon known for its beauty and cuteness, often seen in the Gorgeous Competition.
Unfortunately, Xiaoguang chose Pachirisu, which had appeared in the first review.
Electric Attribute against Flying plus Bug Attribute.
Having an attribute advantage in one-on-one singles is quite beneficial, especially when one's Pokémon's average combat power rivals the young Gym Leaders.
So.
Under Xiaoguang and Pachirisu's adept display of moves, the score wasn't deducted by even a quarter before the countdown ended, securing victory over the opponent.
The excessive electric light overwhelmed Beautifly's moves, turning them into fireworks.
Seeing this, Baimu instantly realized this was a trick Xiaoguang learned from Wula La's Plusle and Minun, who were best at turning enemy moves into fireworks using electric light.
Didn't expect Xiaoguang to learn it from Wula La, akin to the Bubble Beam counter shield.
"All a bunch of copycats,"
He couldn't help but smile since he's also a copycat, even specifically asking others for guidance, with the simulator's various memories being a learning tool for him too.
Quickly, after Xiaoguang won and left the stage, the second match began in succession.
Five minutes flew by in a blink, and thus Baimu had no choice but to prepare for his entrance.
"Good luck!"
Meeting Xiaoguang in the contestant hallway, she waved to encourage him.
——
"Time's up!"
"The second match has ended, the semifinalists have been decided!"
Vivian's shout announced the results.
Then.
She extended each hand towards the contestant passages on both sides, "Now for the third match! Let's welcome Mr. Baimu and Miss Caiyu!"
The moment she finished speaking, the entire venue erupted, there's no doubt they've been eagerly anticipating someone's entrance.
Baimu and the opponent each arrived at their designated spots, observing each other from afar.
"The time limit is five minutes!"
Vivian raised her hand, exclaiming, "First round, third battle! Begin!"
Ding!
The countdown on the big screen began.
Both trainers threw their Pokeballs forward.
Bam bam!
Countless ethereal feathers fluttered, a clear cry emerged from the white light, Altaria with cloud-like wings spun and danced!
"Chirru~"
On the other side.
Murky mist enveloped the surroundings, the dark young dragon howled and suddenly broke through it, revealing a tender yet upright figure to the audience.
"Mrowl!"
Deino's appearance brightened the judges' eyes, known for its outward appearance which is crucial for Coordinator Trainers.
Like Mawile, Deino's fur and temperament showcased Baimu's talent in cultivating skills.
Not to undermine Altaria's cultivation.
It's just that, in the experienced eyes of these cultivators, the former's brilliance was too apparent, understood at a glance.
"Charming Voice!"
The opponent initiated the attack, Altaria sang a captivating melody, countless pink hearts emerged and flew towards Deino!
"Chirru~ Chirru~"
The enchanting melody made both the audience and judges show mesmerized expressions.
Vivian couldn't help but remark, "A wonderful performance! Altaria fully showcased its specialty—"
"Mrowl!"
Before she finished, Deino, under Baimu's command, counterattacked, lunging towards Altaria while skillfully dodging the hearts with a fierce roar, an extremely frightening ghostly face suddenly surged from its shadow!
"Chiru~"
Altaria, terrified by the ghost face, had its high notes, raised to the limit, disrupted!
In an instant.
The score wheel below both participants' headshots on the big screen moved, but it was evident Altaria's side deducted more!
Baimu smiled, he had his reasons for boldly choosing Deino to enter.
"Dragon's Pulse!"