Pokémon: Virus Evolution

So, the question arises: what exactly were the biological limits of a host?

100%? 200%? Or even more?

And what exactly does "collapse" mean? Does it refer to the host's death?

What about mutations?

If it simply means death, well, mortality is a natural part of life.

But then again, this is the Progenitor Virus—the very origin of the T-Virus. What if zombification occurs?

Would this world of Pokémon be plunged into a full-scale biological disaster?

Turning humans into mindless, flesh-eating undead, and Pokémon into grotesque, man-eating abominations? The very thought of it feels... out of place.

Perhaps the system deemed these philosophical musings too advanced for someone like Lucius, who at this moment was not even on the level of a single-celled organism. A notification interrupted his train of thought:

[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully completed 100% infection of the host body. Evolution state updated.]

[Successfully analyzed Chansey's ability: Serene Grace. Virus evolution increased by 10%. Hidden attribute 'Luck' enhanced.]

Host: Lucius

Virus Type: Progenitor Virus

Level: Lv1

Host Infected: 1/1 (Chansey)

Vitality: 790/790 (110 base vitality, 680 host-enhanced vitality)

Adaptability: Level 1 (Can only briefly survive without a host but can exist long-term within a host)

Evolution Progress: 53%

Abilities:

Enhances host's brain activity by 14%. (Exceeding host limit may result in collapse or unpredictable mutations.)

Boosts host's cellular activity by 11%. (Exceeding host limit may result in collapse or unpredictable mutations.)

Increases host's muscle resilience by 10%. (Exceeding host limit may result in collapse or unpredictable mutations.)

Enhances host's energy tolerance by 8%. (Exceeding host limit may result in collapse or unpredictable mutations.)

Mission: Upgrade Progenitor Virus to Lv2

The rest of the system panel displayed information on Chansey. Aside from a general increase in stats due to viral augmentation, its special defense had risen from 110 to 119, precisely corresponding to the newly unlocked ability: an 8% increase in energy tolerance.

Looking at this data, Lucius realized his virus could now enhance nearly every Pokémon attribute except for speed. The improvements were proportional, meaning the stronger the host, the more powerful the enhancements.

If I were a Trainer, these boosts alone could make my Pokémon incredibly formidable—perhaps even capable of rivaling Legendary Pokémon...

Lucius sighed. Transforming from a virus into a human again seemed far more challenging than simply evolving.

Speaking of which... just how powerful were Legendary Pokémon? If I could assimilate their genetic data, how far could I evolve? How many new abilities could I unlock?

His gaze returned to the system notification about the hidden attribute 'Luck.'

For Pokémon, this was easy to understand. For example, the move Fire Spin sometimes inflicted burns; a higher luck stat would increase the probability of such secondary effects occurring.

But for a virus? Would increased luck mean a greater chance of mutations?

Lucius waited, but the system provided no further explanation. Looks like this was another locked piece of information.

In any case, speculation alone wouldn't yield concrete answers. He'd have to experiment and gather data over time.

By now, Lucius had completely infected and assimilated Chansey's genetic information. Only an hour had passed since he had entered its body.

At this rate, reaching 100% evolution today seemed highly likely.

Estimating his progress, he decided to use Chansey's vision to search for a new host.

A Pokémon's eyesight differed from that of humans. Chansey's eyes could perceive wavelengths of light that human eyes couldn't, meaning it saw a broader spectrum of colors.

A fascinating experience, but not something that particularly interested Lucius. Evolution remained his priority.

Chansey had just finished treating a Vulpix and was now patrolling the infirmary. Most of the patients were common Pokémon like Rattata, Oddish, and Sandshrew.

Lucius observed through Chansey's eyes for a while. If no rarer Pokémon appeared, he would simply pick a random one as his next host.

Suddenly, a frantic voice called out from outside:

"Doctor! Doctor! Please help this Pokémon! It's badly injured!"

The doctor took one look and immediately called for Chansey. "Lil' Lucky, prepare for emergency treatment! This is no ordinary injury!"

Chansey, proving its intelligence, swiftly ran to the emergency room, gathering tools and medical supplies with its short yet efficient arms, showcasing its professional expertise.

Lucius heard the voice again. "I found it on the roadside near the southern outskirts of the city. It was already in critical condition when I arrived."

"The southern outskirts? This is the second case already..." The doctor's face grew grim. "Notify the police immediately. I suspect someone is illegally abusing Pokémon there."

"Understood, doctor." A nearby nurse wasted no time picking up the phone to report the case.

Abusing Pokémon? Could this be the work of some underground criminal organization?

Lucius contemplated as Chansey wheeled the injured Pokémon into the emergency room.

Through Chansey's eyes, Lucius saw the patient—a barely breathing Treecko.

Its body was covered in horrifying whip marks, deep bruises, and lacerations from severe beatings. Yellow-green blood trickled from its mouth.

Lying on the stretcher, its chest barely rose and fell. It was on the verge of death.

Even Lucius, who technically lacked a physical body, metaphorically furrowed his brows.

A Treecko—a Hoenn-region Pokémon. In Cerulean City, located in Kanto, it should be considered a rare species. Most people would eagerly seek to capture one, so who would go to such lengths to abuse it?

Wasting no time, the doctor began emergency treatment.

"Chansey, Chan~" Chansey used Sing, its mysterious power directly soothing the Treecko's brain, lulling it into unconsciousness to reduce its suffering.

Given its severe condition, the doctor avoided using additional anesthetics to prevent further strain on its body.

While its deep, bone-exposing wounds were gruesome, they were still external injuries. Given a Pokémon's natural resilience, they could be treated. The real problem was its internal damage.

"This is bad. It's been poisoned." The doctor's expression darkened.

Many of Treecko's wounds were darkened with a sickly hue, concealing typical poisoning symptoms. Its yellow-green blood had the characteristic scent of Grass-type Pokémon, masking the toxin's usual pungency. This oversight meant the doctor had failed to notice the poisoning immediately.

"Damn it." The doctor's steady hands betrayed a faint tremor in his voice.

Had they realized sooner, they might have saved it...

The monitor displayed grim vitals. With years of experience, the doctor knew: the poison had reached its organs, causing rapid failure.

This Treecko... might not make it.

----- 

Want to read ahead of schedule? 

Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635