Pokémon: Virus Evolution

Lucius could feel the Poochyena trembling at his words, fear surging through its body.

As the partner of a Pokémon smuggler, it had witnessed firsthand the horrifying fate of captured Pokémon.

Without hesitation, the Poochyena quickly moved forward, nuzzling against the man's leg.

"Hmph, that's a good dog. It's not in vain that he's trained you for so long." The man reached out and patted the Poochyena's head a few times.

At that moment, Lucius received a system notification:

[Analysis of Poochyena's 'Run Away' Ability completed. Virus evolution rate increased by 10%. Infection speed for Dark-, Ghost-, and Bug-type Pokémon increased by 10%.]

[Congratulations, Host. Full 100% infection of the host body achieved. Evolution state updated.]

Current Host: Poochyena

Species: Bite Pokémon

Type: Dark

Ability: Run Away

HP: 288 (240 base HP + 48 Progenitor Virus bonus)

Attack: 44 (38 base Attack + 6 Progenitor Virus bonus)

Defense: 35 (30 base Defense + 5 Progenitor Virus bonus)

Special Attack: 37 (29 base Special Attack + 8 Progenitor Virus bonus)

Special Defense: 34 (29 base Special Defense + 5 Progenitor Virus bonus)

Speed: 34

Occupation: Trainer's Pokémon, Enforcer Pokémon

Moves: Tackle, Howl, Bite, Odor Sleuth, Ice Fang

Lucius glanced at the stats. Initially, his evolution rate had been at 7%, but after absorbing the genetic data of three humans and one Poochyena, it had skyrocketed to 55%. Of this, 10% was due to the ability analysis bonus.

His current mission had also updated:

[Infect over 20 lifeforms (Progress: 7/20)]

Poochyena possessed Odor Sleuth—so that was why it had slightly sensed his presence earlier.

It seemed that infection in virus form wasn't completely foolproof. Would this issue be resolved after further upgrades?

Lucius didn't immediately unleash Venomous Plague on Poochyena. Instead, he exited its body and entered the man who seemed to be the leader.

If he infected Poochyena now, it might raise suspicion. It was better to infect this person first—take down the leader, and the rest would fall.

After all, from Mike's memories, Lucius had already uncovered the dark secrets of this base. He had no intention of letting these people walk away.

Call me… the Virus Avenger.

Just as Lucius began infecting the man, three individuals in white lab coats walked into the office.

"Medical team, determine the cause of death," the man instructed.

"Yes, Captain Nanwu."

The medical team didn't move the bodies of Mike and Matsu. Instead, they pulled out tools emitting crackling electric sparks, surrounding the corpses with them. Then, they donned protective suits and began examining the bodies on the spot.

Inside Nanwu's body, Lucius could feel it—those crackling tools posed a significant threat to him.

So, this was their sterilization technology. Seemed pretty advanced.

Suddenly, a frantic voice came through Nanwu's radio.

"Report! A riot has broken out in Section B—the cargo is trying to escape!"

"Report! A riot has broken out in Section B—the cargo is trying to escape!"

"Tch, what the hell is going on tonight?" Nanwu scowled, then turned to the medical team.

"I'm heading to Section B. You, finish your report on Captain Mike immediately."

"Yes, Captain Nanwu."

"Come out, Mightyena!"

A massive, muscular wolf-like Pokémon with dark gray fur and a black back emerged. It was taller and bulkier than an average Mightyena, its sleek fur glistening under the lights. Its crimson eyes gleamed with a fierce and ruthless aura—it was clear that this Pokémon had undergone extensive training and conditioning.

Nanwu wasted no time after releasing his Pokémon. He immediately rushed toward Section B.

Heh. This guy is cautious.

He had two Pokémon, Poochyena and Mightyena, guarding him on the ground, and a Golbat hovering above—protection on all fronts.

But your biggest threat isn't out here. Lucius smirked.

Nanwu was no fool—after all, he had climbed the ranks of a criminal syndicate. There was no way he believed that the consecutive deaths of his subordinates and the Pokémon smuggling riot were unrelated.

Hmph. If it were the police, they wouldn't use such methods. Assassination… now, that's a tactic only another criminal organization would employ.

A turf war?

Nanwu frowned. In Kanto, the only group bold enough to challenge Syndicate's territory was an organization marked by a single letter: "R".

But—

"Seviper, use Poison Tail!"

"Nuzleaf, use Vine Whip!"

Before Nanwu even reached Section B, the sounds of battle filled the air.

"What the h—"

Nanwu rushed into the corridor, but before he could finish his sentence, a Razor Leaf attack came slashing toward him.

The scene in Section B was absolute chaos. The walls and floor were covered in damage, and numerous cages had been completely destroyed, reduced to twisted scrap metal.

Two opposing groups of Pokémon were locked in a fierce standoff. One side was clearly at a disadvantage, surrounded by Pokémon belonging to the black-uniformed enforcers.

Yet, even the enforcers' Pokémon weren't unscathed—clearly, a battle had already taken place.

"Captain Nanwu! These Pokémon broke out of their cages and attempted to escape…"

A uniformed enforcer rushed to Nanwu's side and quickly explained the situation.

Nanwu sneered as he turned his gaze toward the captured Pokémon, his eyes landing on the Treecko leading them.

"Hah, you again."

He let out a mocking chuckle.

"Should I call you smart or just plain stupid? We had already given up on hunting you down, and yet you came running back?"

Treecko glared at him, unwavering.

Behind it stood dozens of Pokémon—Mudkip, Cacnea, Ralts, Slakoth, Makuhita—all native to the Hoenn region.

It was clear: these Pokémon had been captured alongside Treecko, part of the same illegal shipment.

They were in poor condition—physically exhausted and mentally drained, their eyes clouded with fear.

Lucius knew this was intentional. The Syndicate always weakened their "cargo" before transport. The more exhausted they were, the less likely they would resist.

Nanwu discreetly observed the situation, a glint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

It's only been a day, yet this Treecko has not only recovered from its injuries—it's now holding its own against both a Seviper and a Nuzleaf?

"Honestly, I kind of like you," Nanwu admitted, his gaze burning with interest.

"How about it? Want to be my partner?"

His voice was smooth, persuasive.

"Your trainer is already dead. It's not betrayal if there's no one left to betray."

A flicker of pain crossed Treecko's gaze. But then—without hesitation—it answered.

With an unleashed Razor Leaf.

Mightyena lunged forward, crunching down on the attack with its fangs cloaked in dark energy.

Nanwu laughed. "Hah! You've got guts!"

Though he admired Treecko's resolve, an enemy was still an enemy.

"And you want to save these Pokémon, right?"

Nanwu smirked.

"How about this—I'll give you a chance."

"A one-on-one battle. If you win, I'll let them go."

He smiled.

And at that moment, inside Nanwu's body, Lucius finally heard the system's voice:

[New mission detected—infect Nanwu before the battle concludes.]

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