The light blue Diving Ball soared high.
Bang!
With a crisp sound.
Clear water flowed out from the opening, cascading down like a waterfall, forming a light blue water curtain.
In a haze.
An illusory shadow of a long serpent danced behind it.
The dreamlike scene captivated the audience, causing them to hold their breath, afraid to miss any details, which led to the venue gradually quieting down.
As the azure water curtain fell, the Altered-color Milotic swung its fan-like long tail, like a peerless beauty emerging from a bath, revealing a body that emitted a radiant golden glow to everyone.
"Mi~ lo~"
With a lazy demeanor, dazzling colorful scales, eyes like limpid autumn water, and fin-shaped hair as clear and pure as a spring.
These countless elements combined to form this Pokémon, revered by many as the Beauty God.
Exclamations of admiration arose one after another.
Just by making an appearance, the Altered-color Milotic had captured the hearts of a large number of the audience, even the judges' eyes shone, gazing at the center stage with a look as if viewing a rare treasure.
As a special guest, Ami was full of astonishment, her fair hands folded under her chin, clearly fully captivated by it.
At this moment.
"Rain Seeking."
"Mi——lo——"
The Altered-color Milotic raised its upper body high, lifting its head to close its eyes and sing out a melodious long cry.
As euphonious as a whale's song, as clear as a sparrow's chirp.
It made people can't help but indulge in it.
Whoosh~~
Moist winds, as if summoned by the song, roared in, misty white fog gathered unknowingly, circling the center stage like clouds and smoke.
Drizzle...
A refreshing light rain gently fell.
The rain dappled across the surface of the Altered-color Milotic, which instantly seemed to break free from petrification, emitting a delightful call as it leapt vigorously, diving into the rather low-hanging mist.
Dimly discernible, swaying gracefully.
"Mi~ lo~"
Freely roaming within the mist, the Altered-color Milotic fully displayed its soft and subtle beauty.
The next moment.
The mist swirled around the Altered-color Milotic's body.
As it touched down in an instant, the mist transformed into countless small, crystalline water droplets shooting in all directions, forming a brilliant and dazzling light curtain in the sunlight.
And a rainbow bridge beneath the azure sky!
Whoom!
Numerous thrilled spectators began applauding, praises and acclaims endlessly flowing.
Whether they were overjoyed or reluctant to part, they eventually harmonized in unison under the guidance of the Mawile Fan Club, calling out one name—
"Milotic! Milotic! Milotic!"
The shouts of tens of thousands pierced the skies!
The judges beside the stage exchanged glances, nodding with smiles, giving brief comments and scoring.
Patistan: "To present the gentle and obscure beauty to such an extent, Contestant Baimu is as skilled as ever."
Qiao: "Humph! Hiss——"
Miss Joy: "Though it seems that the interaction between the Coordinator Trainer and the Pokémon is sparse, there's an abundance of eye contact, showing their deep connection~"
Ami: "In just one Technique, Milotic's appearance, dance, and singing voice were displayed; the rain made the Water-type Pokémon Milotic come alive even more! Watching such a performance truly made this trip worthwhile~"
Beep beep beep beep.
As Baimu and the Altered-color Milotic performed a graceful bow.
His score was revealed—
'98'.
The Gorgeous Competition's scoring rule is a total of one hundred, but all judges grade based on a hundred, with the average rounded up regardless of the decimal.
In other words.
The exact score range for the Altered-color Milotic was greater than 97 and less than or equal to 98.
Regardless of whether it's 97 or 98, Baimu held the highest score, overlooking all other contestants from the highest peak.
And using the excuse of about to perform to avoid Ge Mann, Liuqia was actually positioned two slots after him.
So after Baimu finished, he didn't leave but waited at the exit for the other to appear.
The preliminary was swift.
Baimu waited for less than two minutes before the previous contestant scored 77 nervously exiting, clasping their hands tightly as they passed by.
According to data compiled by Gorgeous Competition enthusiasts online, scoring above 80 gives a higher probability to proceed to the main event, and 77 is undoubtedly a very precarious score.
Liuqia made a smooth entrance.
As an idol of the Gorgeous Competition in Hoenn, the cheers she received upon her appearance far eclipsed Baimu's, not even needing the help of a fan club for guidance, as numerous spectators donned colorful supporter outfits, waving myriad support rods, shouting passionately.
"Liuji! Liuji! Liuji!"
"Liuji mama loves you!"
"Liuji, you must get a perfect score!"
Some people shouted while dancing, coordinating with those around them to dance in unison as if it were rehearsed.
Regrettably, the preliminary requirements meant Liuqia couldn't fully perform her solo album, which was somewhat of a limitation for her who loves interacting with Pokémon and the audience.
However, Liuqia's skill was not weak to the point where she couldn't score high without singing.
"Let our ☆ light shine!!"
"Lu lu lu——"
The Altered-color Galarian Rapidash with a mane like fairy's hair appeared in dazzling prismatic light, dressed in a kimono jacket and short skirt, Liuqia leapt and sat sideways atop it, as the latter trod the air and ascended while she opened her mouth.
Without any lyrics or accompaniment.
Liuqia showcased her prowess as a singer—humming.
As the white clouds perfectly obscured the sun, the Altered-color Galarian Rapidash transformed into a bright moon in the sky, and Liuqia became the [Celestial Maiden] revealing herself alongside the moon.