Chapter 9: Company Excitement

Since Pichu's ability to release small electric charges required strict scrutiny, the auditors continued their visits over several days, rotating a new team with each session. Initially, most didn't take Pokémon Biotechnology seriously. But after interacting with the Pichus, they realized Ethan Grave had created something truly unique.

Surprised whispers circulated among the auditors. Why would someone as skilled as Ethan rely on questionable marketing tactics if he was capable of designing a creature with such remarkable abilities? Compared to Jerry Fowler's "Spirit Dog," which boasted only enhanced smell and speed, embedding electrical abilities in a species was a far more complex feat.

With each evaluation, Ethan's reputation within the New Century Genomics Evaluation Review and Supervision Agency began to shift. The rounds of testing concluded with high scores, clearing Pichu for the market. However, the certification came with a caveat: should issues arise with Pichu in the future, its score could drop, potentially blocking further sales.

On the day he received the certificate, Ethan went in person to collect the documents, feeling the satisfaction of hard work paying off. He'd worried Pichu might not pass, but its intelligence and friendly nature had ensured a smooth review.

Eager to share the news, Ethan returned to the company and then informed James to spread an announcement for everyone to gather. Standing in the open office, he clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"I have some important news," he said.

The thirty remaining employees gathered, their curiosity piqued. Morale had been low recently, with little work available, and most were simply waiting out the month. Ethan understood their frustration; with the company's reputation battered and no new projects, motivation was scarce.

"A new species was recently developed in the lab. I've named it Pichu," he announced, holding up the certificate. "It has passed evaluation, which means it's time to get to work. We'll need posters, videos, and everything we can prepare to build excitement."

"A new species?" the staff murmured, intrigued.

"Yes, and Pichu has a unique feature, it can release electric charges," Ethan added, watching as sparks of interest ignited among them.

Shocked whispers turned to excited chatter. Only large labs had managed to create species with electric abilities. If what Ethan said was true, this could be the opportunity Pokémon Biotechnology needed to rise from the ashes. In just a few moments, the stagnant atmosphere turned lively, the entire room buzzing with energy.

Returning to his office, Ethan queued up a video and called Annie over. "Annie, I want you to show this video to everyone. No one's allowed to take photos or record anything. Got it?"

Annie nodded, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. As she watched the clip, her face softened into a smile. "They're adorable!" she exclaimed. "Is this… the Pichu you were talking about?"

Ethan nodded. "It's also our ticket to turning things around."

Annie took his phone and showed the video to the rest of the team. Soon, everyone was crowded around, "oohing" and "ahhing" over Pichu's endearing behavior.

"It's adorable! If we release this, it'll be a hit!" an employee in marketing said, unable to contain her excitement.

"And the electrical discharge? Mr. Ethan wasn't kidding!" another added. "The art and publicity teams need to be the first to see this, people will pay a fortune for a Pichu!"

Excited discussions broke out over Pichu's potential value, with some guessing it would sell for tens of thousands and others speculating even higher.

After the viewing, Annie returned to Ethan's office, grinning. "They loved it."

"Glad to hear," Ethan replied. "Just don't idolize me too much when you find out the truth," he joked.

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Wait a minute…you created them?" she asked, eyebrows raised in doubt. When he nodded, she laughed. "I'll believe it when I see it."

Later that afternoon, Ethan led the PR team to the lab to gather materials. The Pichus quickly won everyone over with their high intelligence and affectionate behavior. While the photographers and videographers worked, others interviewed the lab staff to gather background information.

After filming, one team member couldn't help but comment, "I've never seen a creature so well-behaved. It's like they're little toddlers!"

James smiled proudly. "They're only a few weeks old, too. Imagine their intelligence as they grow."

The creative team left the lab buzzing with ideas, and as they returned to the office, they chatted excitedly with the others.

When someone asked, "Who designed them?" James answered without hesitation. "Ethan designed Pichu himself!"

The employees were in awe. Ethan, the boss they'd once doubted, was now proving himself a master of Bio Engineering. The news spread quickly, and by the end of the day, the entire office was abuzz with renewed confidence in Pokémon Biotechnology, hopeful that this was just the beginning of their comeback.

...

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