Chapter 10: Inherited Moves
"Genetics?"
From literal meaning, Terrance associated it with the biology he had learned in his past life and wondered if there was any connection between the two.
However, when Terrance tried to apply his existing knowledge to explain things in this world, he couldn't help but feel perplexed.
In his past life, plants and animals could be explained through DNA, but in this magical world, some Pokémon were difficult to explain scientifically.
Onix, whose body was made entirely of stone; Magnemite, whose body is composed of magnets; and Ghost-type Pokémon like Gastly, which is enveloped in a cloud of smoke—could these creatures be explained clearly?
So, Terrance raised his question, and even June was puzzled by it.
"That's why we do research," Victor replied with a vague answer, smiling.
"What about your main achievement, teacher?" June asked.
Both Master Ian and Master Yarrow had remarkable achievements. Speaking of which, June, as a student of Master Victor, had no idea what her teacher's "secret technique" was.
"Well, let me think. I could teach a Pokémon three or four moves, would that count?" Master Victor said.
Three or four moves?
Not only June but even Terrance felt puzzled.
Just now, an example was given of Master Yarrow, a top-level Breeder who taught a Snorlax with little talent, nearly forty moves. However, at present, Master Victor is also a top-level Breeder. How could he claim his achievement is teaching Pokemon only three or four moves?
"Do you have doubts?" Master Victor asked.
Both of them nodded.
"Then let me ask you. Take the most commonly seen Taillow from the Hoenn region as an example, can it learn Quick Attack?"
"Of course, it can."
Not only could it learn Quick Attack, but it could also learn it easily. Taillow's race could effortlessly learn Quick Attack.
"Can it learn Steel Wing?"
"It can."
Without hesitation, June and Terrance gave their answers. Although learning Steel Wing was not as easy as Quick Attack, it was still not a difficult thing.
"How about Rain Dance?"
At this question, June and Terrance were both stunned.
Rain Dance, this move and Taillow's affinity seemed completely incompatible.
"While it is extremely difficult, there is still a slight possibility for Taillow to learn Rain Dance," Master Victor said with a smile.
"Now let me ask again, can Taillow learn Mirror Move, Refresh, or even Thunderbolt?"
Master Victor once again posed examples that neither of them had heard of before.
"Strictly speaking, through normal learning, Taillow would never be able to learn moves like Mirror Move or Refresh in its entire lifetime. However, through inheritance and the guidance of a Breeder, nothing is impossible. And that…is my achievement—teaching Pokémon moves that they could never learn in their entire lives through inheritance," Master Victor said with a hearty laugh. As he spoke, he seemed incredibly excited.
"Pokémon, these extraordinary creatures, can even mate and reproduce across different species. The combinations between these different species often bring about unimaginable wonders."
"I conduct research on genetics specifically focusing on the merging of different Pokémon species."
"Do not underestimate these one or two moves. A different starting point can often ignite the deeper talents of Pokémon, unearths greater potential, and may even allow them to break through the limits of their species."
"What about Thunderbolt?" June asked in astonishment. Breaking through the limits of species? Doesn't that mean even Taillow could learn Thunderbolt?
If Taillow could learn Thunderbolt, it would completely shatter her worldview.
Can genetics really achieve this?
"Unfortunately, there haven't been any precedents so far. But precisely because of this, it's worth it for me to research and explore," the old man shook his head, but immediately smiled.
His way of thinking directly changed Terrance's understanding of Breeders, making him reevaluate this profession.
"Is there a possibility for my Beautifly to inherit moves?" Terrance asked.
"Beautifly, ah! So far, no inherited moves have been discovered. It might be due to my lack of research," Master Victor expressed regret. So far, there hasn't been any discovery indicating that Beautifly can learn moves through inheritance that were previously deemed impossible for them to learn.
"I see." Terrance nodded, but he still held some anticipation. Haven't been found doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The unknown is the fundamental reason that drives people crazy.
"What moves can my Chansey inherit?" June eagerly asked.
"For Chansey, let me think. Aromatherapy, Gravity, Heal Bell, Mud Bomb, and many others. However, your Chansey is specially prepared for newcomers within your family, so it's impossible for it to have inherited moves," Master Victor said.
June acknowledged with a sound of agreement, not feeling too disappointed.
"Perhaps one day, undiscovered inherited moves will be found by all of you," the old man said with a smile, clearly having high expectations for the two.
Master Victor's words stirred a different emotion within both of them.
In which field would they develop?
June Joy, would she follow the path of settling in a Pokémon Center like everyone else in her family? Would her lifelong work be healing injured Pokémon for Trainers?
As for Terrance, he had even more thoughts.
He initially chose to become a Breeder solely based on the benefits it offered. However, after listening to the detailed explanation from a top-tier Breeder, it seemed that being a Breeder was like a jack of all trades, where one couldn't go wrong no matter what they did.
Breeders could ensure the healthy and optimal growth of Pokémon, train them in utilizing powerful moves, and enhance their beauty. What difference was there between that and being a Coordinator?
Not only that, even exceptional Trainers probably didn't have the ability to teach dozens of moves to a single Pokémon. With numerous moves, wouldn't the tactical choices in battles become more perfect?
Moreover, breeding a special Pokémon that possesses moves it was never meant to learn seemed to be a highly challenging task.
With these thoughts, Terrance realized that Breeders were not just about creating some Vitamins and taking care of Pokémon.
Terrance's initial goal was simply to have a stable income through the identity of a Breeder. But now, it seemed that being a Breeder was not simple at all. The professions of Coordinator, Trainer, and even Professors couldn't do without the foundation of Breeders.
With the expectations of the entire Old Green House, Terrance had once vowed to take Beautifly to the final stage of a Pokémon Contest.
Now, he realized that this seemed to be aligned with being a Breeder.
In fact, becoming an outstanding Breeder would make the journey towards being a Top Coordinator, Elite Four, or even a Champion much easier.
"Thank you, Master Victor," Terrance's eyes gradually brightened. His understanding and curiosity towards Breeder has become even deeper.