Cold Mist Dance

Going later had its advantages, not just its drawbacks.

For one thing, it made it easier to estimate whether your score was high enough to advance.

In the blink of an eye, afternoon arrived.

Most contestants' performances were fairly simple, even comical, but there were still some with real talent.

The second contestant after Dawn to score 29.4 used Milotic, a Pokémon considered perfect for Pokémon Contests. With Refresh, Aqua Ring, and Safeguard, the contestant created a scene that left everyone feeling refreshed.

What bothered Baimu was that, apart from Miss Joy, the other two judges never seemed to give a perfect score. Their highest was only 9.9.

Yet their enthusiasm for certain performances seemed genuine, which made him wonder what standards they used.

What kind of performance would satisfy them completely?

The question lingered in his mind.

As contestants who knew they could not advance left one by one, the waiting room gradually emptied and the atmosphere grew tense. Even Dawn and Piplup felt it, and Dawn could not help clenching her fists.

"Don't be nervous. This is for you."

Baimu took a little cloth pouch from his pocket. "An Awakening and Cooling Sachet. I promised you one, remember?"

"Thank you!"

Dawn's eyes lit up, and she hurried to take it.

She had known for a long time that Baimu could make fragrances and admired how many skills he had. She had been looking forward to the sachet ever since he offered to make one for her.

"It's that same comforting scent~" She held the sachet close, reluctant to put it down. Beside her, Piplup was drawn in by its fragrance too.

After all, Mawile often carried that scent.

"It's almost time."

Baimu suddenly straightened his clothes. "I'll go on ahead."

Dawn came to her senses and raised a