Magikarp and the Pokémon Virus

Inside Professor Birch's laboratory at the Professor Birch Research Institute, there were numerous machines, most of which Yuga was unfamiliar with. Several young individuals in white lab coats were conducting experiments.

"These are my students," Professor Birch introduced them to Yuga with a smile.

However, they didn't disturb the others working diligently because they seemed deeply focused.

"Let's start by conducting a full-body scan on Magikarp to check if there are any foreign substances within its body," Professor Birch suggested.

Yuga nodded in agreement.

Even though these scans had been performed at the Pokémon Center, Yuga thought it wise to repeat them here, as the facility possessed more advanced diagnostic equipment.

It didn't take long for Professor Birch to finish examining Magikarp. The results were identical to those from the Pokémon Center.

Observing the results, Professor Birch turned to Yuga and said, "There are no foreign substances inside its body, and there's nothing unusual on its exterior either. It seems the problem doesn't originate from external factors."

Yuga added, "The results here match those from the Pokémon Center. There are no anomalies within Magikarp' body."

"In that case, we need to conduct a more thorough examination," Professor Birch contemplated.

Subsequently, Professor Birch collected samples of Magikarp' saliva, excrement, blood, and scales and handed them to his assistants to conduct separate tests.

Because of the complexity of these examinations, it took a considerable amount of time for all the results to be obtained.

After carefully reviewing the results, Professor Birch paused for a long moment. Then, he extracted the results of the scale and blood tests, explaining to Yuga, "Based on the results, the issue seems to lie in the genetic makeup and blood of Magikarp."

Yuga was surprised and asked, "Does this mean that if the genes become too stable, a Pokémon can no longer evolve?"

Professor Birch responded, "Yes, that's correct. When evolution factors stabilize, there is still a possibility of reactivation. However, once the genes become stable, Pokémon lose all potential for evolution. We cannot modify a Pokémon's genes since doing so would lead to its death."

"Why is that?"

Then, Professor Birch showed Yuga the results of the blood test and explained, "I suspect that Magikarp' unique changes are related to an anomaly in its blood."

"Are you saying there's something wrong with Magikarp' blood?"

"Yes, I believe this is a form of parasitism, but these parasites have integrated themselves into Magikarp' body. So, under normal circumstances, they are challenging to detect."

Yuga's expression turned horrified. Parasites within Magikarp' body? That sounded terrifying!

Seeing Yuga's reaction, Professor Birch chuckled and reassured him, "Don't worry; these parasites do not pose a threat to Magikarp' life."

"Why not? Having parasites in the blood sounds quite serious, doesn't it?" Yuga was puzzled.

Professor Birch smiled, pointing at Magikarp in the water basin, blowing bubbles, and said, "Magikarp has been in this state for a while, right? Look at how it's not only healthy but also getting stronger both physically and in terms of size."

Yuga realized that his Magikarp was indeed in exceptional condition, far superior to other Magikarp in terms of both physique and size.

At this point, Professor Birch suddenly asked, "I wonder if you've heard of the Pokémon Virus?"

"The Pokémon Virus?"

Yuga admitted that he hadn't heard of it.

"Is the professor suggesting that Magikarp might have contracted the Pokémon Virus?"

This speculation sent shivers down Yuga's spine. A virus wasn't more formidable than parasites, was it?

Professor Birch explained, "My speculation is that, but don't misunderstand, in reality, the Pokémon Virus is a specific type of parasite."

"Virus equals parasite? I might not be well-read, but don't try to fool me!"

After the professor's explanation, Yuga had a rough understanding of this unique existence called the Pokémon Virus.

The Pokémon Virus hadn't been discovered for long, so many mysteries still surrounded it. The first discovery of these viruses was made by Professor Elm in Johto.

Professor Elm was an expert in researching Pokémon breeding, Pokémon eggs, and other related fields. A few years ago, he suddenly noticed that some of the Pokémon he was breeding had been infected by a peculiar type of parasite.

However, Professor Elm soon discovered that these parasites didn't harm the Pokémon's life; instead, they had substantial benefits. Pokémon infected with these parasites not only grew stronger and more robust but also exhibited improved training efficiency.

Moreover, these parasites were contagious, but the transmission rate was exceptionally low, and the mode of transmission remained unclear.

Over time, similar cases were reported from different regions, but the parasites didn't persist for long within the Pokémon's bodies. Due to the scarcity of cases, researchers were left puzzled.

These beneficial parasites in Pokémon were eventually named "Pokémon Virus" by Professor Elm.

"But isn't the Pokémon Virus supposed to be beneficial to Pokémon? Why would it prevent Magikarp from evolving? Also, the Pokémon Virus should disappear after a short time, but Magikarp has been like this for many years," Yuga asked.

Professor Birch lowered his head in contemplation and said, "That's precisely why I used the word 'suspect.' Magikarp' condition is strikingly similar to Pokémon Virus infection, but these two aspects make me hesitant. Perhaps this is a new strain of Pokémon Virus."

"A new strain of Pokémon Virus?"

The professor replied, "Yes, exactly. All previous cases of Pokémon Virus showed the presence of the same microorganism, but Magikarp exhibits slight differences."

Yuga inquired, "If it's indeed a new strain of Pokémon Virus, how can we resolve Magikarp' issue?"

Although it was unknown whether this new strain of Pokémon Virus benefited Magikarp, its disadvantages were evident. A Magikarp that couldn't evolve was seemingly of little breeding value. Yuga didn't want such a promising Pokémon to remain in its initial form forever.

Professor Birch, stroking his bearded chin, responded solemnly, "I haven't thought about that yet. Let me think it over; a Pokémon Virus that doesn't disappear quickly is a fantastic subject for research!"

With that, Professor Birch delved into studying Magikarp' test results, leaving Yuga on his own.

Yuga couldn't help but think that these researchers were utterly absorbed when it came to something that piqued their interest!