The Pokémon Contest was over.
Just as Xia You and the others had predicted before the competition, Dawn successfully passed the first round's Performance Evaluation with an excellent second-place finish. Then, in the second round's Battle Evaluation, she cut through every opponent with ease, claiming victory and earning the final Ribbon Medal she needed.
From then on, unless she happened to come across one, Dawn no longer needed to deliberately wait for or seek out the Pokémon Contests held in various towns. She had qualified for the final Grand Festival.
For her, what remained of the journey would be spent constantly honing her own skills and those of her Pokémon, preparing to claim the championship.
The bustle in the Contest Hall gradually faded. Spectators left in twos and threes, while the staff began clearing ribbons and flower petals from the stage.
The sunset's lingering rays streamed through the glass dome, bathing the entire Contest Hall in warm gold.
Dawn stood at the exit of the Contestant Entrance, the brand-new Ribbon Medal in her hand sparkling in the sunset.
With her head lowered, she gently ran her fingers along the edge of the Ribbon Medal, a satisfied smile on her lips.
Xia You and the others, who had been delayed by the crowded spectator stands, saw this scene from a distance and all smiled knowingly.
"Congratulations, Dawn." Cheryl walked over and gently patted her shoulder.
Dawn looked up, her eyes curving into crescents. "Thank you, Cheryl!"
Makomo closed her notebook and smiled as well. "The data indicates that you really were in peak form today. Your performance was perfect!"
"Makomo!" Dawn smiled helplessly. "No data talk at a time like this!"
Everyone laughed.
Xia You, Cynthia, and Caitlin also came forward to offer their congratulations.
"To celebrate Dawn successfully collecting all