Deino's evolution opportunity is evidently easier to explore than Aggron's.
It's the same battle.
Compared to Aggron, which evolves to better defeat enemies, Deino's evolution should be a reward, as the two have vastly different personalities.
At first, Mr. Baimu didn't know how to guide it, but upon seeing Miss Caiyu use Altaria, he had a sudden inspiration.
How about using victory to excite Deino?
Therefore, to successfully take down Altaria, after discovering that Dragon's Pulse couldn't defeat it, he intentionally let Deino use Ice Fang to sell a flawed move, gaining an opportunity to knock it down.
Under the Vitality Trait, Dragon Dive was indeed extraordinary, and it turned Altaria's own Dragon's Pulse against it, plunging Altaria into defeat on the spot.
Having tasted victory, Deino, exhilarated, naturally evolved.
Victory achieved.
And then it became stronger!
Deino's simple thinking allowed it to gain a new form—
Zweilous.
As soon as Vivian announced the competition result, Mr. Baimu rushed toward it and hugged Zweilous's two heads without hesitation.
"Hey woo...""Hey woo..."
The synchronized gentle voices indicated that Zweilous was relaxed, clearly because it sensed its trainer's scent.
"Rest well, you've worked hard." Mr. Baimu returned it to the Pokeball.
Deino's evolution leads to unique developments different from other Pokémon, but currently, there's not much time to fuss over it, so it's allowed to rest in the Pokeball for now.
After the Gorgeous Competition, they'll consider other matters regarding it.
This is the best approach.
Returning to the preparation room.
Xiaoguang said with lingering fear, "I almost thought we were going to lose. Altaria's Cotton Defense is amazing! Didn't expect to turn it around at the last moment, and Deino evolved too!"
"Boquak, boquak!"
Piplup was particularly amazed by Deino's evolution, having battled with it the most these days, and since both are in their initial forms, it felt quite fond of Deino.
Yet within just a few days, it evolved!
"Cotton Defense was indeed impressive."
Mr. Baimu nodded. As one of the few moves capable of bringing significant Ability Value increases, the boost it provides is enough to bewilder many Physical Attackers.
Facing Xiaoguang's excited expression, he said, "Zweilous is a bit inconvenient to release now, let's wait until the competition ends. For now, let's focus on the match."
"True."
Xiaoguang was slightly disappointed but agreed with a nod.
Meanwhile.
The fourth match of the first round had already finished, and the undeniable victor was the Coordinator Trainer utilizing Milotic, though she might have switched to Surskit to preserve Milotic's stamina.
She ultimately succeeded by having a higher score to secure victory.
"Even her Surskit is this strong..."
Xiaoguang looked at the screen solemnly, "Just how powerful must Milotic be?"
"When soldiers come, we fight them; when water arrives, we block it. Don't worry, leave it to me."
Mr. Baimu remained calm and said, "We've promised to meet in the finals, so we can't give up halfway; the same goes for you."
"Alright!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoguang nodded firmly.
——
With the start of the first match of the second round.
Xiaoguang was the first to step onto the stage.
Her opponent was using a Pokémon from the Carlos Region—Meowstic, with a predominantly white appearance and apricot-yellow eyes, indicating it's female.
Due to a lack of familiarity with this Pokémon, Xiaoguang's Mamoswine started off eating several losses before turning the tide.
First swallowing Ice Shard to create spike-like Ice Armor, then using Awakened Power to surround herself, reflecting the ice spikes on her back, finally using a rushing Ice Fang to successfully take down Meowstic.
The entire combo was effortlessly executed; in an animation, Xiaoguang's exclusive BGM might play.
"Indeed, what Xiaoguang shows in the Gorgeous Competition is her genuine 'battle strength'." Mr. Baimu couldn't help but feel sentimental.
From many subtle details, one can perceive Xiaoguang's growth; the people and Pokémon she has encountered during her journeys, and every Gorgeous Competition she participated in have become nutrients for her to grow stronger.
Perhaps there's still some distance from becoming a top Coordinator Trainer, but it's believed she will ultimately cross this threshold.
The phone vibrated slightly.
Liuqia sent congratulations on Deino's evolution, he replied briefly, took a deep breath.
"It's our turn to take the stage."
Mr. Baimu held a Pokeball and said softly, "Get ready to set off!"
The Pokeball gently vibrated in his palm.
Walking through the players' tunnel, just as he was about to exit, Xiaoguang turned around and came in.
The two did not exchange words but merely nodded to each other.
In the stage.
Host Vivian loudly announced.
"Second round of the semifinals, second match, let's welcome both contestants—Mr. Baimu and Miss Mira!"
Both entered the stage, took their designated positions, and gazed at one another from afar.
"Battle start!"
With a command, both threw their Pokeballs.
Bang, bang!
Countless pink hearts flew everywhere, Chansey bathed in numerous dazzling hearts slowly appeared.
And not far away.
With numerous stars falling from midair, the East Sea variant of Gastrodon with emerald green dorsal fins and sky blue belly landed on the ground, not the Milotic Mr. Baimu had imagined.
Hmm...
Was he being underestimated?
Mr. Baimu glanced at opponent Mira's calm face, recalling the information found online about her.
Compared to him, a newly debuted Coordinator Trainer, Miss Mira had participated in countless Gorgeous Competitions, gaining three Ribbon Medals within a year.
Through various videos and introductions online, it's concluded she's a top-notch expert.
However, the opponent didn't exert full effort against him, causing Mr. Baimu some regret. Had she perceived his essense of not being "strong" in Gorgeous Battles?
Thinking this was indeed correct.
The Pokémon he uses in Gorgeous Battles usually don't perform particularly gracefully.
"Rain Seeking!"
Mira saw Mr. Baimu hadn't initiated an attack for a long time and stopped wasting time, raised her hand to give the command.
"Dori~"
Gastrodon raised its voice in a long call, the sky quickly gathered sheets of silver-gray rain clouds, scattered rain fell from above, dripping onto Gastrodon to form a crystal-clear water film on its surface.
Vivian excitedly said, "Gastrodon's Rain Seeking has created an environment more suitable for its movement! Look, it has become more spirited! The gleaming water film is also so beautiful!"
The score on Mr. Baimu's scoreboard decreased.
This was because Gastrodon's method of presenting its move particularly satisfied the judges; any Coordinator Trainer can achieve the same by showcasing a Pokémon's characteristics.
At the same time.
Mr. Baimu also issued a command, "Electromagnetic Wave!"
"lucky!"
Chansey rubbed its two small hands in front of its chest, forming a lightning strike directly at Gastrodon!
"What! Chansey actually used Electromagnetic Wave on the Ground Attribute Gastrodon!"
Vivian exclaimed in surprise, Mira and Gastrodon also showed puzzled expressions.