Pokémon: Virus Evolution

As expected, Lucius' latest evolution resulted in a significant increase in the virus's transmissibility.

First, his core vitality surged from 192 to 392—an astonishing doubling of his previous life force. Unlike physical limbs that can be damaged or lost, a virus can regenerate indefinitely. As long as it isn't completely eradicated, it can always restore itself.

Secondly, its adaptability improved dramatically. From the results observed, aside from prolonged exposure to extreme heat, Lucius' Progenitor Virus had now adapted to most human-inhabitable environments. Even without testing, he instinctively knew he could now roam freely outside sterilized zones.

As for its abilities, since the genetic sequences of the Pokémon he had absorbed varied, the virus had previously enhanced different attributes at different rates. However, this time, the evolution resulted in a comprehensive boost across the board, further aligning it with the characteristics of the T-Virus.

In the original Resident Evil series, Alice—the perfect T-Virus evolution—experienced a full-scale enhancement in physical strength, neural response, cognitive ability, and psychic power. Not to mention her rapid regeneration—after all, an infected host is merely a vessel for the virus, and the stronger the vessel, the safer the virus itself.

Lastly, the most significant change in this evolution was Ability 3: Infected hosts can now spread the virus through bodily fluids…

Previously, the virus relied solely on Lucius' direct control for dissemination. As the collective consciousness of the virus swarm, he dictated where and how it spread. However, with this new trait, the situation had completely changed.

Now, as long as an infected host remained alive, they would serve as an independent infection source, capable of spreading the virus at any moment—whether Lucius was present or not.

Was this a good thing?

From a human perspective, this was an apocalyptic disaster. But from the perspective of the virus system's host, his viewpoint was naturally different.

Regardless, he wasn't one to overthink things. He had already completed 19 tasks—just one more to go.

Hmph, let's just infect someone and wrap this up.

"Phew…" A Syndicate member, barely twenty years old, set down the crate in his arms, breathing heavily.

"Sina, stop slacking! Lady Dolores ordered all the equipment to be packed by 4 PM!" his companion called out while carrying another box.

"Yeah, yeah," Sina responded impatiently. Instead of complying, he yanked off his gas mask, letting the cool air hit his sweat-soaked face.

"You idiot! Aren't you afraid of getting poisoned?"

"Pfft." Sina sneered. "The medical team already checked the air. Other than slightly elevated nitrogen oxides, everything's normal. There's no way we'll get poisoned."

"But…"

"No 'buts.'" Sina cut him off. "The captains were obviously attacked by some stealthy Poison-type Pokémon. Remember Mightyena? Out of all the Pokémon present, it was the only one that got poisoned. Clearly, a Poison-type ambushed it."

His companion hesitated briefly. Last night's events had indeed been strange, but right now, his main concern was something else. "I don't care what you think, just hurry up and move the equipment."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it." Sina rolled his eyes. After a short break, he resumed packing the crates.

What he failed to notice was that, in the brief moment he had removed his mask, billions of blue-purple microorganisms—shaped like mutated octopuses—had infiltrated his body.

So fast…

Unlike the previously slower infiltration process, the newly evolved Progenitor Virus exhibited a terrifying infection rate. It ravaged its host's RNA with brutal efficiency, rewriting it in mere moments.

In less than three minutes, the infection had reached 100% completion.

Perhaps due to the sheer violence of the transformation, Sina suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

Ugh, must be exhaustion from last night's work… Damn cargo… Sina shook his head, contemplating where he could sneak off for a break.

...

"Well, well, Chief Inspector Peyton, where are you off to?"

A middle-aged man in a black trench coat with deep blue, neatly parted hair suddenly appeared at the entrance of the police station, blocking Peyton just as he was preparing to lead his team out.

"Hm? Mr. Oliver?" Peyton eyed the man, a sense of unease creeping into his mind. "What brings you to Kanto? Some major case?"

"Oh, nothing much. I received word a few days ago that a suspect I've been pursuing has been spotted in Kanto, so I came to investigate." Oliver glanced at Peyton and his assembled officers. "Looks like you've got quite the operation going. What's the case?"

"Nothing serious," Peyton replied casually. "A report came in about possible Pokémon abuse, so we're heading out to check."

"Pokémon abuse?" Oliver frowned. "Kanto is the heart of the Pokémon League. I wouldn't expect such incidents here."

"Well, since I don't have much to do right now, why don't I tag along?"

Peyton's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a composed smile. "It's just a minor case—no need to trouble an Interpol agent. You must be tired from your trip. How about some drinks after work instead?"

"No worries. I don't visit Kanto often, and I'm currently short on leads for my suspect anyway. Think of it as a ride-along."

Without giving Peyton a chance to refuse, Oliver casually draped an arm around his shoulder and led him outside.

Outwardly, Peyton maintained a helpless smile. Internally, his thoughts turned grim…

...

Just outside Cerulean City, along Route 5…

"Bayleef, stay focused!"

A young girl in a white hat and blue overall shorts tossed several frisbees into the air.

As they soared, razor-sharp green leaves shot out, slicing each frisbee apart before they could land.

"Haha, that was amazing, Lyra! All ten frisbees, perfectly hit. Your Bayleef has really improved. You'll have no trouble challenging the Cerulean Gym this time." A boy in a red hoodie and yellow shorts clapped in admiration.

"Of course! I'll prove that I'm the strongest rookie from New Bark Town—not Gold!" Kelly turned to him proudly.

"Yeah, yeah, you're the strongest. Happy now?" Gold raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning playfully.

Seeing his halfhearted response, Lyra huffed in annoyance, her stubbornness showing through.

"Hm? What is it, Quilava?" Gold noticed his usually lazy Pokémon suddenly tense up, sparks flickering on its back.

Quilava signaled towards the nearby river and took off running.

Gold and Lyra exchanged a glance before following.

"Whoa… what is that?" After a short run, they arrived at a small stream where a group of Pokémon had gathered to drink.

They didn't rush forward, instead choosing to quietly observe from behind some bushes.

After over a year of traveling, they were no longer reckless rookies. They knew better than to startle wild Pokémon in their natural habitat.

"These… don't seem to be native to Kanto," Lyra whispered.

Gold hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, these Pokémon are from Hoenn…"

His expression darkened. "And they all look injured."

-----

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