Chapter12: Wind Changes

The Weibo account for "Pokémon Biotechnology Company" went live with the announcement Ethan had been waiting for:

"To celebrate the debut of our new species, 'Pichu,' we're officially opening pre-orders! Each Pichu will be available for a limited-time price of 300,000. This adorable creature is not only intelligent and deeply affectionate but also possesses a unique electrical ability called Thunder Shock! Fully approved by regulatory bodies, check out the details, photos, and videos below!"

Attached was a video showcasing Pichu's Thunder Shock in action. Within moments, the page was flooded with clicks and comments.

"Whoa! A new species? it's so cute!!!"

"No way, it can discharge electricity? Is this company secretly supported by a major corporation? like come on there is no way such a small company can come up with such a creation of this magnitude, Right??? Right???"

"What's going on? Is this video actually real?"

As the initial skepticism began to shift, a new wave of excitement swept through. Users gushed over Pichu's cuteness, amazed by the unique Thunder Shock ability. Yet, the price tag of 300,000 sparked mixed reactions, some felt it was unaffordable, while others declared it worth every penny.

On his private account, Ethan made a thoughtful statement:

"Thank you for your support! Pichu is the first of its kind, and creating it required substantial investment and resources. While the initial price is high, I'm committed to reducing it over time to make Pichu more accessible."

This statement resonated with many followers:

"Mr. Grave, this sounds promising! Here's hoping it works out!"

"I respect that you're considering affordability. If it really happens, I'll support you 100%!"

But not everyone was convinced. Specialized genetic creatures with advanced abilities had historically been the domain of large companies with access to high-end resources. This skepticism was soon echoed by none other than Jerry.

Less than thirty minutes after the announcement, Jerry posted a scathing reply:

"Just because there's a video doesn't make it real. Sure, new species are possible, but giving them advanced abilities? That's reserved for companies with decades of technical infrastructure and resources, not small upstarts. Don't get fooled by commercial schemes!"

This sentiment resonated with many, and forums lit up with debates dissecting every frame of the video. Critics labeled it a fake, while supporters defended Ethan's integrity. The conversation split into three camps: supporters, skeptics, and neutrals, all helping keep the topic trending.

Yet, despite the backlash, interest continued growing, and the limited pre-order spots began filling up. By mid-morning, over thirty of the one hundred spots had been claimed, each backed by a 50,000 dollar deposit.

As the online storm brewed, Ethan posted a confident update on his private account:

"Seems someone's playing both sides here. Still skeptical? Mark your calendars! In three days, we'll be at the New Century Pets Exhibition with Pichu live in person. Let's clear the air once and for all!"

Pokémon Biotechnology's official account confirmed the news shortly after.

The announcement of the exhibition's appearance added fuel to the fire. The New Century Pets Exhibition, an annual showcase for the latest in genetic advancements, was the industry's prime platform, known for catapulting lesser-known companies to fame overnight. A successful Pichu demonstration could redefine Pokémon Biotechnology's reputation and refocus the industry's attention on them.

Now, the internet buzzed with anticipation. Three days was all it would take to determine whether Ethan's Pichu was truly a groundbreaking creature or just another marketing myth filled with schemes.

...

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