In the white light.
The Pokémon acclaimed as the most beautiful gradually emerged.
The once sparse tail fins continuously elongated, transforming into a magnificent leaf-shaped scale fan, and the shabby fragment-like fish scales changed into beautiful hexagonal long scales.
The upper body followed suit, stretching out, the emaciated fish head transformed into a plump and elegant elongated head, the chest fins gradually retracted, antennae-like strands grew and fell from the sides of the head, while the eyebrows sported two long whiskers growing upwards outlining the shape of a heart.
Its dorsal fin morphed into a straight unicorn horn pointing skyward, the fixed black eye circles became lively and bright light blue eyes.
Finally.
The light faded.
The altered-color Milotic stretched its radiant body, the golden and red scales shimmered under the sunlight after the clouds dispersed, revealing a rainbow-like glow, the cream-colored upper torso and light blue hair-like fins exude a special sense of peace.
It gazed down at all the beings focused on it, then lazily closed its autumn-water-like eyes.
Inside the venue.
A blanket silence.
Even the most restless hearts at that moment returned to tranquility.
The Gyarados in the water had long since ceased rotating, and the Pelipper even landed on the water surface, they and their Trainer all gazing upwards.
In their eyes was both shock and an unstoppable yearning and longing.
As if their souls had been captured by the altered-color Milotic.
Suddenly.
Beep——!!
A piercing siren-like sound.
The Water Spout dissipated as the altered-color Milotic plummeted from the sky but was swiftly controlled by Blissey using Strong Mental Will to bring it to safety, only then did the audience snap out of their reverie.
Some people instinctively touched their chilly cheeks, discovering at some point they were unknowingly streaming with tears.
So spectacular.
It has been too long since witnessing such a spectacular performance!
And this isn't a scene meticulously crafted in a film or drama, but a real presence in a Gorgeous Competition's epic showdown performance! A real ongoing performance!
On the stage.
Vivian gently and swiftly wiped the tears off her face, while the three judges each tidied their attire,
"Time's up!"
She shouted into the microphone, provoking everyone to subconsciously turn toward the large screen.
Including Ling Juan standing on the other side of the venue.
Clearly visible under the scores below their avatars, Ling Juan's score was completely deducted while Baimu still had over a quarter remaining.
This unequivocally proved that Ling Juan's skill combinations were indeed score-worthy, especially when successfully executed.
If not for the Shiny Feebas with fierce determination breaking through the Inverted Scale Water Spout and evolving completing a desperate reversal, merely judging by prior deducing, it was still undetermined who would win or lose.
Truly a victory akin to walking on a tightrope.
Vivian announced the result loudly.
"The winner of the finals is—Mr. Baimu and his Pokémon partners! Let's congratulate them for achieving ultimate victory at the Fallarbor Conference!"
Applause akin to crashing waves alongside cheering seemingly able to peel the canopy resounded around the venue as the audience rose vigorously applauding, cheerleaders even forgot to dance, merely sobbing while applauding.
Screams, whistles, praises, and shouts were abundantly offered to this stage of the Gorgeous Competition, dedicated to participants and Pokémon whose emotions moved them.
Overhead, the sound of cannon fire echoed continuously as countless ribbons drifted and fluttered, celebratory music played over the broadcast.
"We won!"
Baimu embraced the gently smiling Blissey and the exhausted yet immensely proud altered-color Milotic, stating with a voice not loud but resounding: "We won!"
"happy!"
"Chirp~"
The utterly joyous sound akin to enchanting notes.
For the altered-color Milotic, this Gorgeous Competition duel was comparable to the day it surged past the Dragon Gate Waterfall, marking a moment to be remembered for life.
Moreover, it did not disappoint its Trainer, companions, nor itself, successfully achieving the final step of reversal—
It evolved!
A broader future lies ahead awaiting it!
In realization, the altered-color Milotic couldn't help but revitalize itself, nearly forgetting the physical exhaustion.
"Congratulations! You have my utmost respect for your victory."
A gentle female voice sounded.
Baimu and his two Pokémon turned their heads, astonished to see Ling Juan had traversed from the stage edge to the side of the pool, where the large-headed Gyarados and floating Pelipper appeared.
They intently watched the lazy altered-color Milotic, eyes filled with unrestrained yearning and admiration.
Unquestionably the Pokémon labeled as the most captivating, ensnaring two Pokémon into deep fascination within mere minutes.
"Thank you, your two Pokémon are formidable, their exquisite skill combinations left me in awe."
Baimu sincerely praised: "I hope to battle you again next time!"
Combinations of differing attribute techniques are often several-fold more arduous to train than those of the same attribute, and if the difficulty involves restraint relationships, it is even more exaggerated.
Behind the trio combination of Gyarados and Pelipper lay countless days and nights of arduous practice.
Having yet to fully cultivate similar skills within his Pokémon, Baimu deeply admires Ling Juan.
Who doesn't like hearing others praise them?
Ling Juan is no exception.
She initially presumed Baimu's personality would be rather arrogant, deducing from his battles that at times his trust toward Pokémon seemed almost unwaveringly convinced in the future's trajectory.
As though everything conforms to his imagination.
Such individuals might not be the easiest to deal with—
Ling Juan initially thought this, but reality's response surprised and delighted her immensely.