Chapter 22: Thanks To Friends And Businessmen
The venue was abuzz with chatter.
More people crowded around, disappointed to have missed the intense showdown. Luckily, someone had recorded a video, and soon it was circulating among the crowd. Timmy's evolution from Pichu into Pikachu, followed by his decisive Thunderbolt against the spirit dog, had the entire audience buzzing with excitement.
"We offer thanks to the team at Ciguli Biotech for their... thrilling contribution to today's events. Everyone, please give a round of applause for their president, Mr. Jerry Fowler!" Ethan Grave announced with a smile, holding Pikachu proudly.
The crowd caught the sarcastic undertone, yet clapped along anyway, some chuckling.
Jerry's face darkened as he struggled to keep his anger in check.
"Honestly," Ethan continued, "I was a little worried that Timmy might not be much stronger after evolving. But it turns out his power hasn't just improved, it has skyrocketed!"
He playfully tapped Pikachu's head, and Timmy gave a small, indignant growl. "Pika!"
Ethan grinned. "I like naming them after their sounds, so from now on, he'll be called Pikachu."
"Now, as you just saw, Pikachu has gained a new ability I call Thunderbolt, and another, for short bursts of speed, called Quick Attack. And I'm certain Pikachu has more potential abilities to discover. With training, who knows how far he'll go? I even believe he could... evolve again!"
The audience buzzed, marveling at Pikachu's abilities and the hint of further evolution.
"Could it evolve again? That's incredible!" someone whispered.
A few wealthy attendees began to regret not pre-ordering. "If only I hadn't been swayed by those rumors," one muttered. Another nodded, adding, "Yes, Jerry's subtle comments definitely threw us off."
All eyes turned to Jerry, and online accusations were already surfacing, suggesting he'd tried to steal Ethan's ideas for his spirit dog.
In truth, Pokémon Biotechnology hardly needed publicity stunts. Simply showcasing their work was enough to captivate audiences. As the crowd processed the situation, suspicion grew, and many turned skeptical eyes on Jerry.
The organizers soon took notice of the disturbance. Director Clarke arrived, eager for answers. After questioning both parties, Clarke was taken aback by Timmy's evolution but deeply disappointed by the disruption.
It was highly unusual for a genetically engineered creature to attack unprovoked, especially at an exhibition. Thankfully, the incident had been managed quickly, with Timmy's swift reaction preventing real panic. Director Clarke knew that a serious incident could have brought dire consequences for the event.
"Director Clarke, I'm as shocked as you are," Jerry quickly explained. "I can't imagine what could've provoked Rocky to attack. I assure you, Ciguli Biotech has rigorously tested its spirit dogs for stability."
Director Clarke's expression remained neutral, though he wasn't convinced. He knew about the rivalry between the two companies and strongly suspected Jerry had staged the attack.
"Is that so?" Clarke replied, his tone skeptical.
Ethan stepped forward, his voice amplified through a loudspeaker. "Mr. Fowler, don't you think you owe everyone an explanation? Are you suggesting Pikachu somehow provoked your spirit dog... from across the room? Anyone who believes that nonsense must be an idiot!"
A faint smile tugged at Clarke's mouth, though he tried to maintain his composure.
"Director Clarke, I understand you need to remain impartial, so I won't push for an official statement. After all, Pikachu wasn't the one who ended up injured," Ethan added with a pointed smile.
Jerry was livid. He'd never seen Ethan so bold.
"And everyone, please remember: the spirit dog is unstable and may act aggressively without warning! Today, it targeted Pikachu, next time, it could be another creature... or even a person."
Ethan's words, echoing through the loudspeaker, struck a chord with the crowd. Murmurs spread as they began to see the spirit dog as a potential danger. If Jerry hadn't ordered the attack, then Rocky's aggressive behavior was even more alarming.
"Ethan, shut up!" Jerry shouted, losing his temper.
Ethan chuckled. "My apologies, Mr. Fowler, but it's my mouth, and I'll say what I like. Now, maybe you should take your spirit dog back. It might make a fine barbecue for the vultures roaming the sky."
Jerry was speechless, humiliated, and enraged.
"Oh, but wait, is it still alive?" Ethan said, feigning surprise. "By regulation, any genetically engineered creature that attacks unprovoked must be... terminated. Looks like no barbecue, after all."
With that final jab, Ethan turned and walked away, visibly pleased. Behind him, Jerry stood trembling with fury. Never in his career had he felt such public humiliation. He could hardly believe it was happening.
Director Clarke, trying to regain control, ordered Rocky to be taken away. Normally, the dog might have been able to recover, as genetically modified creatures were often more resilient than natural animals. However, Clarke was leaning toward expelling Ciguli Biotech from the event. Unfortunately, due to influential backers supporting the company, he was forced to hold back, offering Ethan a private apology instead.
Ethan accepted Clarke's gesture, choosing to let the matter with Jerry go. After all, the events of today would likely sink Ciguli Biotech's reputation, while Pokémon Biotechnology's success was set to soar.
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