Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate

In the lounge.

Baimu returned to a host of awestruck, admiring looks.

Many contestants had yet to take the stage, but after watching him and Mawile perform, they could think of nothing but how impressed they were. Now they were terribly worried about their own performances, and the pressure was immense.

If his debut was this spectacular, how were they supposed to compete?

Of course, not every contestant was so pessimistic. To the more experienced Coordinators, a score of 29.5 was daunting, but it was not beyond reach.

Besides, passing the first round of judging did not mean winning. The second round was what decided the outcome!

Whatever anyone else thought, Baimu and Mawile had become the focus of this Pokémon Contest. The reaction spread beyond the venue, too.

Baimu's name began circulating in PokéBlog discussions and circles devoted to Pokémon Contests. Someone had filmed the moment Thunderfire Storm turned into a flurry of fiery butterflies and posted it online. Within half an hour, the video had received tens of thousands of likes.

Several Top Coordinators had liked it as well.

But all of that was happening outside the venue.

Inside, everyone watched the screen, studying the opponents they might face next.

Baimu was no exception. He was not arrogant enough to think he was certain to win the second round. Unless the difference in level was overwhelming, there was no such thing as a guaranteed victory in a one-on-one Pokémon battle.

"Congratulations. That was a wonderful performance."

Ursula smiled as she praised him, much to his surprise.

It seemed her personality really had matured now that she was free of the scriptwriter's clutches. Good for her.

"Thanks... Hasn't your turn come yet?"

Baimu nodded to her.

Though Ursula was still young, she had already competed in at least one