Pokemon: Behold the Father of All Pokemons

The dice finally settled, showing the number 1.

"Just one unlock? I Guess luck's not on my side today," Ethan muttered, watching the counter in the top corner jump from 0 to 1. The dice icon faded to gray, replaced by a cooldown timer, ticking away like a video game countdown.

"A two-week cooldown. This might take a while," he noted, his eyes drifting to the row of Pokémon images below, each in grayscale, waiting to be unlocked.

"So, what's the first choice?" He scanned the options, chuckling at the idea of aiming high. "Pikachu, maybe? Or something intense... how about a legendary?"

But there were no mythical Pokémons or even a Pikachu available. Instead, only base forms stared back at him: Pichu, Squirtle, and other familiar starters.

"Well, if I can't start with a powerhouse, Pichu it is," he decided, eyeing the adorable yellow creature. It had the right mix of cuteness and charm, perfect for winning over customers. Plus, he couldn't shake a hint of nostalgia, hoping that someday, this Pichu might evolve into a Pikachu.

With a quick tap, Ethan made his selection, and the number in the top corner reset back to 0. Pichu's image brightened, and when he tapped it again, an attribute panel appeared:

[Name: Pichu]

[Physical Gene: 5]

[Ability Gene: 5]

[Ability Gene: Shell Smash (1), Gluttony (2), Charm (4)...]

[Personality Genes: Docile (3), Irritable (1), Close to humans (3), Cowardly (2), Clingy (2)...]

At the bottom, a small "Edit" button glowed softly. Ethan tapped it, triggering a new prompt:

"Welcome to Gene Editing! You may adjust the gene points, ensuring the total remains balanced."

The instructions explained that points could be deducted from physical or ability genes and redistributed within their categories, for example: Ability with Ability, Personality with Personality.

This was Ethan's chance to fine-tune Pichu's attributes. He began by boosting Shell Smash and enhancing Pichu's docile and friendly nature, aiming for a balance that made it endearing yet a little more dynamic.

Satisfied, he clicked "Confirm."

"Please choose a culture tank," the system prompted, pulling him back to reality.

"Looks like it's time to head to the company's lab for the final step. Let's hope this actually works," Ethan thought, feeling a surge of excitement.

With Pichu's genes adjusted and ready for growth, he was finally starting to see the potential of this new world.

---

In the villa's parking garage, Ethan found his only car, a sleek luxury vehicle worth nearly two million.

"Seems I didn't hold back on spending. Not a sports car, but definitely a head-turner," he muttered, admiring its black, metallic sheen.

A few minutes later, he was cruising down the urban streets. The city had a familiar vibe, yet certain differences stood out. Pedestrians weren't just out with dogs; some led large, domesticated lizards while others led a unique bird known as the Grand Duke Chicken. These creatures were far from typical—they were larger, calm, and utterly docile, showing no sign of aggression.

Seeing them in person, Ethan couldn't help but marvel. Though he had some background knowledge about this world's genetically modified pets, witnessing them firsthand was another experience entirely.

Most of these creatures, crafted through generations of genetic engineering, had been selectively bred for temperament, making them as loyal and affectionate as traditional pets. He recalled a memory snippet: "Most genetically engineered pets are just as harmless as cats or dogs. Some even have elemental abilities like wind, fire, or electricity. Initially, they were luxury items, with prices reaching hundreds of millions."

Over time, as breeding techniques improved, prices dropped, though even now, a single pet could fetch between one hundred to two hundred thousand.

"If I can cultivate Pokémons, I could potentially be sitting on a gold mine," Ethan thought, a grin forming. The idea of becoming the world's richest person suddenly seemed within reach.

In this world, the wealthiest people led biotech companies. In fact, the top three global firms dominated biology, a testament to the industry's immense potential.

---

Lulu Biotechnology Laboratory

As Ethan stepped through the lab's entrance, he noticed a stark shift in the atmosphere compared to six months prior. Only ten researchers remained, basically a skeleton crew compared to the bustling activity before. Many employees had left with Jerry, while others resigned as the company's reputation had plummeted. Caught up in legal battles, Ethan hadn't fought to keep them.

He scanned the room, already making plans to rebuild. "With the system's abilities, I don't need top-tier biodesigners, I just need skilled technicians who can handle the breeding and cultivation."

A lethargic security guard at the door greeted him, his indifferent attitude a reflection of Ethan's dwindling standing among the staff. Under Jerry's leadership, morale was high, with everyone feeling part of a team. Now, Ethan's reputation was a shadow of that era.

"Mr. Grave, what brings you here?"

Ethan turned to see Annie Wheeler, a brilliant young scientist in a white lab coat, who was approaching him.

Annie, a top graduate from a prestigious university, was now overseeing the lab's remaining work. With the biodesigners gone, the lab's focus had shifted to breeding, where they purchased high-quality fertilized eggs from other companies and grew them in-house for a modest profit.

"I need you to clear the culture tanks," Ethan said. "I'm going to introduce a new species."

The lab housed a hundred incubators, most filled with in-demand pet breeds for the mass market.

"All of them?" Annie's eyes widened, concern flickering across her face. "Mr. Grave, we just started a batch of cat sparrow seeds two days ago. Emptying them now would be a huge waste."

The Cat Sparrow, a popular hybrid of cat and bird genes, was adored by families and had a high market value. In this world, "seeds" referred to fertilized eggs.

"No need to worry. I have something even better." Ethan gave a confident shake of the brown bottle in his hand, though it was just a prop.

Reluctantly, Annie sighed. "Alright, I'll get it done."

As she walked away, her disappointment was palpable. She had received other job offers but had stayed out of loyalty to the company and her passion for the lab. Yet, with each passing day, Ethan's erratic decisions were eroding her resolve.

'If things don't improve soon, I'll have no choice but to leave', she thought, her mind already drifting to what might come next.

...

Thanks for reading, if you've enjoyed it, please consider becoming a member of my Patreon for further benefits.

Patreon - patreon.com/chibi_mon_mon