When Baimu returned to the preparation room with Blissey and Mawile.
The gazes of many participants had already transformed from initial wariness to awe.
"Clap clap clap..."
Sparse applause arose, from some participants full of admiration.
Few people can consistently maintain high-level performances, let alone scores above 29.5. The more famous and higher-level a Coordinator Trainer is, the higher the judges' expectations are. Correspondingly, if the performance is not up to par, points are deducted ruthlessly.
On the other hand, judges and even spectators are very willing to give newcomers "encouragement points," whereas under high demands and standards, veteran Coordinator Trainers can be at a disadvantage.
Therefore, frankly speaking, many believe that Baimu's current fame far exceeds his "strength."
With praise there is criticism, some find it difficult to experience the charm of Mawile's performance through a video, often viewing it with bias, leading to conclusions of "it's just so-so."
That's why, one month after his last appearance, Baimu is not well-regarded.
After winning two consecutive Gorgeous Competitions, can he still achieve such high scores now that he's out of the newcomer protection period? Will he be exposed?
The worries or schadenfreude emotions, once outside the online space, were rather evident in this small preparation room.
But in the end.
Baimu, Blissey, and Mawile used their strength to prove to everyone that even with repeated themes, even in their first challenge of a combination performance, the highest score was still theirs!
Any professional Coordinator Trainer watching would no longer believe that Baimu's high score was due to a newcomer protection period.
Besides, the proposition of "getting high scores because of a newcomer protection period" is unrealistic in itself, judges aren't fools. With their unique insight, it's impossible for them to casually give scores above 29.5.
Each high score withstands scrutiny.
Thus.
This little drama that couldn't affect Baimu, something he was even unaware of, started inexplicably and ended silently.
After weathering storms, he gained more and more recognition, officially progressing from a fleeting newcomer to a rising star, only waiting for the future to compete with various powerful figures in the grand celebrations.
Of course.
He must win this Fallarbor Conference and obtain the third ribbon first.
Due to the high difficulty of combination performances, not many Coordinator Trainers came to participate, and by about three o'clock in the afternoon all the scores were out.
Baimu still had the highest score, but there was another participant who achieved the same score.
Most participants who know they won't advance had already exited the preparation room, leaving those staring at the TV screen.
Beep.
A light sound.
Four portraits appeared on the screen.
"Let's congratulate these four contestants for passing the first round of review!"
Vivian's sweet voice spread through the speaker.
The participants who did not advance either looked bleak or forced a wry smile, leaving the preparation room with their Pokémon partners, but a few encouraged Baimu before departing.
Though he was baffled by their "don't be influenced by online opinion," he politely thanked them.
Online opinion?
What online opinion?
He immediately turned to search for relevant content and discovered the comments that were skeptical of him—
Honestly, they were non-aggressive.
People in Pokémon World mostly prefer focusing on the matter at hand, unlike the real Neon network, which is often filled with sarcasm and irony.
Being skeptical about a person is just being openly skeptical.
Thus, Baimu felt relieved after reading it.
The Lucky Scale hadn't overwhelmed everyone to the point where everyone likes him, apparently its power has limits.
Beep!
Another light sound.
Baimu looked up to find that the order of entry and opponent allocation had ended with random shuffle.
He was clearly set to be the first on stage, and his opponent was a blonde guy in a blue suit, whose score from the first review was only 0.2 points lower than his.
The Pokémon he used was...
"The only one who can compare with Liuqia is me; through the upcoming gorgeous battle, I will make you clearly realize this!"
The blonde guy suddenly spoke, holding the Pokeball in his palm and pointing with his index finger, a deep confidence apparent between his brows, then striding towards the contestant tunnel.
Baimu: "...?"
What's he saying now? How is it comparable to Liuqia?
He felt as if he had been disconnected from the internet staying in Meteor Village these days?
Well, he really hadn't used his phone much.
Under the gaze of the other two, he stowed Mawile and Blissey and hurriedly followed.
No matter what is said, it doesn't matter.
He just needs to unleash the full power of his two Pokémon.
——
"You've waited long enough! Ladies and gentlemen! The gorgeous battle competition is about to start! Let's welcome Mr. Baimu and Mr. Ge Mann!"
Vivian opened her arms towards the contestant tunnels on either side.
Under the expectant gazes of the audience, Baimu and the blonde guy named Ge Mann walked slowly to their respective positions.
The arena instantly erupted.
Cheers and encouragement once again drowned out all other sounds.
Gorgeous battle competition.
Even though Baimu and Mawile have undergone several enhanced trainings, this is still considered their weak point. Performing is one thing; making moves both powerful and highly aesthetic is no easy feat.
However.
Winning this match should not be a big problem.