Chapter 44: Pseudo-Legendary Genes! Two Choices.
Marcus ignored Kenji's shock, continuing his explanation calmly, though his expression was tinged with disgust. "Pokémon genetic fusion modification. As the name suggests, it involves fusing the genes of one Pokémon with those of a completely different species, forcing a mutation."
Kenji's eyelid twitched. Team R in this world was shaping up to be just as morally bankrupt as Team Rocket from the anime. The key difference was their focus. Team Rocket had obsessed over cloning and genetic manipulation, using Mew's DNA to create the terrifyingly powerful Mewtwo. Team R, on the other hand, was delving into something arguably even more disturbing: directly modifying and fusing the genes of existing Pokémon.
"So... that egg is a product of this genetic fusion?" Kenji asked, though he already knew the answer.
Marcus nodded gravely. "Correct. According to the captured researchers, Team R has been experimenting with this technology for over a decade with little success. It seems even within the organization, many considered the research too radical and unethical, so it received little support. Only Dr. Kenzo, that madman, persisted with his experiments."
"So... he succeeded?" The question was redundant. If he hadn't, the egg wouldn't exist. The fact that Kenji's system could scan it meant it was, at the very least, viable.
But Marcus hesitated before nodding slowly. "He succeeded... but not completely."
"Based on the testimonies of Dr. Kenzo's assistants, he only achieved a breakthrough in the last two years, resulting in the successful creation of the first genetically fused specimen."
"However, the research is far from mature. While it proved the concept is possible, the success rate is abysmally low... roughly one in ten thousand."
"One in ten thousand?!" Kenji exclaimed, startled. That probability was horrifyingly low. It meant that for every successful fusion, ten thousand other Pokémon...?
Kenji didn't ask. Seeing the grim, pained look on Marcus's face, he already knew the answer.
"Then... why? Why is Team R, or rather, Dr. Kenzo, so obsessed with this technology?" Kenji asked.
Marcus took a moment to compose himself, smoothing his expression. "The answer is simple, really. As you know, a Pokémon's strength is primarily determined by two factors: its base stats and its potential. Base stats are fixed for each species, with little variation between individuals. Potential is also determined at birth, artificially ranked by humans from F to S."
He paused, then continued in a heavy tone, "Genetic fusion modification, however, allows them to artificially boost a Pokémon's base stats and potential by fusing genes from high-stat Pokémon and altering the genetic structure itself."
Kenji stared, stunned. He finally understood Dr. Kenzo's obsession. Not everyone had a system like his. The ability to artificially enhance base stats and potential... it was the ultimate shortcut to power.
"But the process is deeply flawed," Marcus continued. "Firstly, Pokémon created through this method have significantly shortened lifespans. Secondly, due to the extremely low success rate, failure means death for the subject Pokémon. It is an utterly inhumane technology."
"The League investigators have already reported the evidence of these horrific experiments to headquarters. An international warrant has been issued, and the League is committed to completely eradicating this line of research within Team R," Marcus finished, looking directly at Kenji.
Kenji nodded thoughtfully.
"The reason I came to talk to you today," Marcus said, "is to give you two choices."
Kenji frowned, confused.
"Achieving a successful genetic modification alone is incredibly difficult. But your Ekans egg involved fusion modification as well, making the odds even lower. And... do you know which Pokémon's genes were fused into the Ekans?" Marcus paused, letting the question hang in the air.
Kenji thought about the Ekans's impossible Dragon-type affinity (implied, though not explicitly stated yet) and its Multiscale ability. A guess formed in his mind, but he played dumb. "What was it?"
"Dragonite!" Marcus stated, emphasizing the name.
Kenji put on a convincing display of shock.
"After Dr. Kenzo was captured, he refused to reveal the egg's whereabouts, clearly wanting to keep it out of the League's hands. An Ekans that has perfectly undergone genetic fusion, incorporating the genes of a pseudo-legendary... Team R will not let this go easily. Not just because of the Ekans's own terrifying potential, but because it represents the perfect research subject. As long as they intend to continue this research, they will try to get that egg back, using any means necessary," Marcus said, his voice heavy with warning.
"So, here are your choices. Give the egg to me. I will hand it over to the League investigators, and I will ensure you receive a substantial reward from the League for your cooperation. Or, you keep it... and face the constant threat of Team R." Marcus fell silent, waiting for Kenji's decision.
Kenji frowned, weighing his options. Team R was a massive, dangerous organization. While the Ekans had incredible potential, Kenji's system meant he wouldn't lack powerful Pokémon in the future. Logically, handing over the egg was the safest and smartest choice.
But logic warred with desire. How could he willingly give up such a unique and powerful creature?
He stood there in silence for a long time, nearly five minutes passing before he finally looked back at Marcus, his decision made.
"I want to try."
Besides, he reasoned, an organization like Team R... even without the Ekans egg, their paths were bound to cross eventually. Since conflict was inevitable, why should he be afraid?