Pokémon: Virus Evolution

Seeing the attribute information, Lucius couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.

The overall stats had increased by nearly 20%.

This Treecko had yet to evolve, yet with the virus's enhancement, its stats were already approaching those of a second-stage evolution like Chansey.

The percentage-based boost from the virus was terrifying—and this was only at Level 2.

If only I were a Trainer, Lucius mused to himself. Becoming the Champion of the Pokémon League would be within reach.

Then again, considering the T-Virus in Resident Evil could mutate humans into bio-weapons like the Nemesis, Tyrants, and other monstrous creatures with vastly superior physical abilities, his own enhancement still had a long way to go compared to the likes of the T-Virus and its successors, such as the G-Virus.

However, what puzzled Lucius was that this Treecko belonged to a Trainer. So where was its owner? Had it been abandoned?

As this thought crossed his mind, a series of fragmented memories began flashing through his consciousness.

Bright sunlight and a gentle Trainer…

Intense Gym battles and steadfast companions…

The fear of being separated from its Trainer, the cold gaze of a Pokémon Hunter…

A damp, cold underground chamber, the steel of a cage…

Shivering inside while the agonizing cries of others echoed around it…

One scene after another flashed through Lucius' mind. He could feel it—the sorrow, fear, and desperation of this Treecko. The Progenitor Virus had assimilated and infected it, allowing Lucius to tap into these scattered memories.

Based on what he had seen, the Treecko had likely been separated from its Trainer during their journey, captured by Pokémon Hunters, and sold into a terrifying place.

Since these memories weren't complete, Lucius couldn't be entirely sure.

He scoffed internally. So, illegal trade networks existed even in this world.

From what he could gather, Pokémon Hunters were far darker and more sinister than how they were depicted in the anime.

As Lucius continued analyzing the evolution data, the sun slowly set over the coastal city.

The hospital was winding down for the day. Other than a few on-duty doctors and nurses, most of the staff had already left, making the building eerily quiet.

The Pokémon world sure had a small population. A hospital this big would still be bustling at this hour back in my world, he mused.

He decided not to rush his mission just yet.

At his current infection rate, twenty hosts could be handled in a single day.

Since Treecko was still being kept in a healing capsule by the doctors, leaving wouldn't be easy. Lucius decided to remain within its body, using this time to relax. After all, orchestrating a full-scale battle earlier had been exhausting.

Simply inhabiting the Pokémon's body was a form of rest in itself.

As the clock's hands turned, midnight arrived. Most of the Pokémon in the healing ward had already drifted into deep sleep, dreaming of Cresselia's blessings.

"Treecko~"

Treecko stirred, suddenly jolting awake, its golden slit pupils contracting sharply.

It glanced around warily. Confirming there was no immediate danger, Treecko quietly pushed open the transparent lid of the healing capsule and leapt out.

"Treecko~"

Stretching its limbs, it checked its nearly fully recovered wounds, a glint of doubt flashing in its eyes.

But doubt quickly gave way to hatred and determination.

It showed no attachment to the warm, comfortable healing chamber. With practiced skill, it leaped up, grabbed the door handle, and slipped out of the ward.

Clearly familiar with human routines, Treecko skillfully avoided the hospital's patrol staff, darting between shadows where the lights couldn't reach, and soon arrived at the first floor.

Dashing through the hospital entrance, Treecko glanced back at the place that had nursed it back to health before sprinting south at full speed.

Unbeknownst to it, a consciousness was quietly observing from within, sharing its vision.

Lucius could clearly feel the burning rage and pain radiating from it.

It's going for revenge, huh?

The streets were silent under the cold moonlight. Few pedestrians were out at this hour, and none noticed the green blur darting past.

Treecko ran for over two hours straight.

So, this little guy is heading for some abandoned factory in the southern outskirts, Lucius deduced.

Meanwhile, Treecko was equally astonished at itself.

It had been running without rest, yet despite having just recovered from severe injuries, its body still hadn't reached its limit?

Its golden eyes flickered with an odd light. Is this divine intervention?

Brushing away the mist forming in its eyes, Treecko pressed forward with renewed resolve.

The surroundings changed. No longer a residential district, the area now consisted of sparse buildings and massive industrial facilities.

Unlike Oreburgh City or Pewter City, which thrived on heavy industry and mining, Cerulean City had historically been a hub for light industry and manufacturing.

However, in recent years, technological advancements and deepening interregional cooperation had brought high-tech firms from Unova and Kalos into Kanto. With improved efficiency and eco-friendly production, local factories found themselves struggling to compete, leading to mass closures.

Cerulean City had also shifted its focus toward tourism and services, further abandoning its industrial past. Many factories were now deserted, claimed by wild Pokémon as their new homes.

But evidently, it wasn't just wild Pokémon occupying this area.

As Treecko entered the factory district, its pace slowed, its gaze sharpening with vigilance.

The overgrown weeds provided excellent cover for its small frame as it crept forward.

"Dahl Metal Cerulean Branch."

The weathered company sign still stood atop the factory, a remnant of its former identity.

Tch. There are a lot of people inside.

From within Treecko's body, Lucius could sense the presence of numerous lifeforms thanks to the virus's heightened perception.

Treecko concealed itself carefully, circling the perimeter until it found a break in the chain-link fence.

Slipping through the opening, it navigated the maze-like ruins, moving deeper into the facility.

A few Mightyena and Houndour patrolled the area, but Treecko avoided them with ease.

Yeah, something shady is definitely going on here, Lucius mused. Normally, an abandoned factory would be teeming with wild Pokémon. The eerie silence here meant someone had deliberately cleared the area.

Soon, Treecko arrived at a ventilation duct. After a quick scan of its surroundings, it slipped inside.

That's when Lucius heard voices.

"Hurry up! There's another shipment coming in tonight. Be ready."

"Yes, Captain."

"Captain, this week's report is compiled and on your desk."

"Good. Make sure the shipment for Houston Corporation is handled with care. They're one of our key clients."

"Understood."

Though spoken at normal volume, Lucius could hear every word clearly through Treecko's ears, meaning they weren't far from the vent.

So, this is a Pokémon smuggling ring. Looks like this is the place where Treecko was captured and tortured.

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