Chapter 20: Evolve, Pichu!

Under James's guidance, the Pichus performed a series of impressive tasks. They lined up with perfect precision, engaged in a playful ball game, and even solved simple puzzles, each feat showcasing a remarkable level of intelligence.

Each time the Pichus pulled off something unexpected, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

Ethan observed from the sidelines, clearly pleased with the show's impact. In comparison, the performance at the neighboring Booth was struggling to keep pace. There, Ciguli's spirit dog alternated between aerial tricks, search routines, and quick sprints across the stage, entertaining but paling in comparison to Ethan's captivating display, which continued to draw in a much larger crowd.

The Pichus' cuteness and charm proved irresistible, especially to the women in the audience, often accompanied by intrigued male companions. Although Ciguli's spirit dog displayed impressive agility, its visual appeal suffered; at just three months old, it had developed an awkward, "ugly-cute" appearance due to the modifications made for speed and flight. Despite Ciguli's best marketing efforts, Pichu's approachable charm and endearing antics won out.

The gap in popularity between the two booths grew painfully apparent, and Jerry, Ciguli's representative and boss, clenched his teeth as he watched from the sidelines. His exclusive spirit dog, "Rocky" seemed to sense his frustration, occasionally casting hostile glares toward Ethan's booth.

"Patience, boy. Your time will come," Jerry murmured, patting Rocky's head to calm it.

"Ow…" Rocky whimpered, leaning into Jerry's touch with closed eyes.

Meanwhile, the crowd around Pokémon Biotech's booth continued to swell. Ethan invited select visitors on stage to interact with the Pichus, sparking lively comparisons between Pichu and the spirit dog.

"If the spirit dog weren't so much cheaper, I'd definitely go for a Pichu. Its intelligence is incredible!"

"Agreed! Pichu can even discharge electricity, and it's still just a baby. Imagine how powerful it'll be as it grows."

"Ethan might be onto something here. People online are saying this can't be fake. Someone inexperienced wouldn't pull this off…"

Some of these comments were loud enough for Jerry to overhear, darkening his expression. His carefully curated narrative was unraveling, undone by Ethan's bold demonstration.

Just then, Ethan stepped onto the stage to join James, guiding the Pichus through a few final tricks. After each task, the Pichus eagerly patted their bellies, hinting for treats. When James playfully withheld their rewards, they rolled around on the floor, delighting the audience with their antics.

"Timmy, hop on this bicycle!" Ethan called out, pulling a miniature bicycle onto the stage and encouraging Timmy, one of the Pichus, to climb on.

With a little hop, Timmy mounted the bike. But as its short limbs struggled to pedal, the sight sent the crowd into fits of laughter.

"Haha, this is priceless!"

"Oh my gosh, it's too cute!"

"I can't handle this little guy!"

The laughter grew as Timmy, frustrated with the bike, finally dismounted and gave it a playful kick, folding his tiny arms in a scolding stance and glancing up at Ethan with a pout.

Ethan chuckled, retrieving a small item from his pocket. "Alright, don't be mad, Timmy. I have a special treat for you."

Unbeknownst to the crowd, Ethan held an Evo pill. His plan? To astonish everyone by having Timmy evolve into Pikachu right before their eyes, a feat unheard of in this world.

In this parallel world, creatures didn't evolve naturally; only gradual genetic mutations occurred over long periods. Instant evolution was unprecedented, and Ethan knew this would leave an unforgettable impression.

"Timmy, try this," he said, offering the pill as if it were an ordinary treat.

The little Pichu sniffed the pill curiously, then gobbled it up in one bite. Ethan let out a slow breath, blending back into the crowd as if nothing was amiss, laughing along with the audience as Timmy resumed his antics.

Moments later, Timmy stopped, his body tensing as he curled into a tight ball.

"Mr. Grave, what's happening to Timmy?" a concerned voice called out from the crowd.

Others took notice, and James, too, stepped forward, worry etched across his face. "Mr. Grave, is Timmy alright?"

"Everything's fine," Ethan assured them, motioning for James to stand back.

The other Pichus gathered around, watching Timmy with puzzled expressions as murmurs of curiosity swept through the audience. Many speculated whether this was an unforeseen complication.

"What's going on?" Jerry muttered, turning to Lina Cobbs.

Lina's eyes gleamed with understanding. "I get it now. Pichu's genes must be unstable because of the forced Discharge ability. It's probably developing a 'disease' under certain conditions!"

"Disease" was the term used for genetic instability issues in bioengineered creatures, often a sign of design flaws.

Seizing the opportunity, Jerry stepped forward, raising his voice. "Everyone, take a look! This Pichu isn't perfect, what you're seeing is called 'disease'! It's a sign of a failed genetic design, and the evaluation agency should revoke its certification!"

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd as murmurs filled the air.

But just as Jerry's words cast doubt over the display, Timmy's curled form began to glow, radiating a golden light that pulsed with electrical energy.

The crowd gasped, stepping back in awe as Timmy's form grew brighter, his body transforming before their eyes.

...

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