No matter how many times Machoke's seemingly heavy fists struck it, they could only cause it to tremble continuously, showing no signs of breaking.
Defend!
Why?
How could it execute the move so quickly?
Boom!
When Machoke swung the last punch and instinctively stepped back a few steps to keep a distance for another attack, the light shield of Defend dimmed accordingly.
A Blissey with a palm-sized top atop the altered-color Milotic was quite eye-catching.
"Happy~"
The recent Defend was undoubtedly initiated by it, and successfully blocking this powerful attack once again reduced Ge Mann's score.
[Minimize]!
Vivian promptly explained the mystery to the audience.
"So cute~"
Miss Joy blushed as she supported her chin.
Baimu glanced at the large screen and said, "Tie Tight! Healing Bell!"
It's over.
Under Ge Mann's silent gaze, the altered-color Milotic swiftly wrapped Machoke like a swimming dragon, and the Blissey atop hummed a bell-like melody.
A thin layer of green light enveloped Machoke, and in its astonished expression, the poisoned state was dispelled.
This healing maneuver also brought Ge Mann's score down to zero.
Beep——
The loud whistle announced the end of the match.
"The victor is—Contestant Baimu!"
Vivian, the host, proclaimed to the entire audience.
Roar!
The audience erupted in applause and cheers.
"Two minutes left."
Baimu glanced at the countdown timer.
Though he initially planned to drain Ge Mann's score with a defensive counterattack strategy, he hadn't expected Ge Mann to show no progress compared to last time, if not even weaker...
No, that's not it.
Had he become stronger?
"Well done, that was impressive."
Baimu returned the altered-color Milotic and Blissey into their Pokeballs, realizing how much he had grown in battle prowess during his temporary stint as a Hall Master.
The grand event also made him aware of his considerable growth in the art of the Gorgeous Competition.
Unfortunately.
This was likely his last Gorgeous Competition.
Just as Baimu was about to approach Ge Mann for a friendly handshake to complete the post-match etiquette, the latter hastily retreated towards the contestant tunnel after recalling his Pokémon.
Seeing that deeply buried head, it was clear the match had dealt him a heavy blow.
"How old is this kid? The same age as Liuqia, I think?"
An inexplicable sense of guilt arose within him as if he had bullied an elementary or middle school student.
According to Liuqia, Ge Mann was akin to an early Gary Oak, looking down on others with a lofty attitude and a penchant for monologues.
However, Gary Oak's mindset began to change in the Johto Chapter.
Ge Mann... Whether this young man can transform depends on whether this psychological shadow is deep enough.
Preparation room.
Once bustling, the room was now empty.
Aside from Xiaoguang and Wula La who were participating in the match, the others, including Liuqia, had gone to watch the match live, leaving the place eerily empty as if the match had already ended.
A inexplicable sense of loneliness lingered.
"The silence is nice too."
He sat down on the bench, watching the heated battle between Xiaoguang and Wula La on the television.
As one of the female characters in the Pokémon animated series, Xiaoguang's journey mirrored Ash Ketchum's with its fair share of ups and downs, losing to a fierce rival in her first year and failing to win in her second year.
Now, in her third year...
It must be said.
Even without Baimu's presence, judging by Xiaoguang's participation in the Sinnoh Gorgeous Competition during her journey, it's likely she hasn't secured the title of top Coordinator Trainer yet.
Unlike Ash Ketchum, who raises new Pokémon in each new region and only uses them in tournaments.
Why is it like this?
Baimu believed luck played a part, and Miss No Problem's relatively slow growth rate was also a significant factor.
Not to mention her peer, Xiaowang, had already become a top Coordinator Trainer.
Now.
Even Wula La had found a new path forward.
Yet Xiaoguang's performances still somewhat bore traces of her first year, though the judges still willingly scored her high marks, and her performances deserved those scores.
However, her room for improvement was becoming increasingly limited.
"A complete spiritual renewal is needed."
Baimu wanted to help her, but acknowledging his own lack of teaching aptitude.
Besides, judging by the current situation on TV, his next opponent was likely to be Wula La.
Stage on-site.
Ash Ketchum's Quilava and Mamoswine are trapped in a terrifying sandstorm, which is created by Wula La's ace Garchomp and Sand Cloak Form Wormadam.
The former clearly wishes to use the fiery ice tactic that defeated it before.
The latter, like a Saint who refuses to be defeated by the same move twice, disrupts Ash Ketchum's plan, encircling his two Pokémon.
Garchomp and Wormadam, resembling predators, gradually compress the escape space of Quilava and Mamoswine.
Ready to unleash a deadly strike at any time.
"Crisis is also opportunity, Ash Ketchum."
Baimu watches the silent Ash Ketchum on the TV, muttering.
The opponent seizes the moment one's side shows weakness to attack, and that's also when the opponent exposes a weakness. The core of counteroffensive lies in grasping that split-second opportunity.
If seized, one can triumph over the enemy!
At this moment.
The Garchomp and Wormadam on the television moved.
"Here they come!"
Baimu watches closely as the two Pokémon rush into the sandstorm one after the other.
Then suddenly, with a loud boom, a pillar of bright red flames erupts!
Quilava is crouched on Mamoswine's belly, with flames bursting from its back strong enough to rocket Mamoswine skyward.
Mamoswine charges forward with its frozen tusks raised, heading toward the opening Garchomp tore open.
Bang!
Both sides collide into one.
That's it!
He can't help but cheer for Ash Ketchum; though Ash might risk falling back on his past cunning, he possesses the rare talent for flashes of brilliance and making them happen.
In past battles, he's often managed to turn the tide in moments of crisis.
That's why Baimu believes Ash Ketchum merits caution.
Indeed.
With his imaginative countermeasures, Ash Ketchum swiftly gains control of the battle, suppressing the originally advantageous Wula La.
The two sides engage in an intense struggle competitive with the finals of a regular Gorgeous Competition.
Baimu, watching the scores, finds it impossible to predict who might advance to the next round.
"Yes, Wula La's strength... needs improvement."
Compared to Ash Ketchum, whose lack of breakthrough in performance affects his Gorgeous battle, Wula La's flaw is the low levels of her Pokémon.
She likely spends most of the time delving into performance content, rarely considering improving her Pokémon's energy levels.
While performance practice can enhance levels, it simply doesn't match battling others.
Finally.
The countdown ends.
Both sides' scores are left only a sliver.
The winner is—
"Contestant Ash Ketchum successfully advances to the third round!"
Vivian's voice comes through clearly.
Baimu feels regret for the narrowly defeated Wula La, while he also cheers for the successfully advancing Ash Ketchum.
Even though Wula La is gradually surpassing Ash in performance, Ash Ketchum currently has many strengths that Wula La cannot shake in a Gorgeous battle.
Train more levels.
He knows clearly where Wula La falls short, thinking that through this fight, she might have realized it as well.
So did Ash Ketchum learn anything for progression from Wula La?
At noon.
During the group meal.
Baimu sees Ash Ketchum happily eating a sandwich made by Xiaogang, somewhat curious.
Just as he thought.
In the third round.
The computer randomly selects—Baimu to face Ash Ketchum, Liuqia to face Mira.
"Hope to meet one of you in the finals."
Mira smiles and greets Baimu and Ash Ketchum.
In the Kaina tournament, the three were semi-final and final members, surprisingly unchanged in this Gorgeous Celebration, still them.
"I'll be looking forward to that."
Baimu nods in response, yet truth be told, does not hold much hope for Mira.
After all.
Her opponent is Liuqia, even without great experience in raising Milotic, she has deep understanding of such Pokémon.
With Milotic as Mira's ace, can she succeed?
Baimu remains pessimistic.
Ash Ketchum doesn't overthink as much, happily saying: "Miss Mira surely won't have a problem!"
"Hey? That means Asha thinks I'm not okay?"
Liuqia pops up seeking attention.
"Eh? I didn't mean that..." Ash Ketchum can't find the words, but Liuqia doubles up the teasing.
The two girls giggle and playfully mess around.