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The treatment for the six experimental Pokémon ended in failure again today.
Unable to wait for Elekid to regain consciousness, Roy returned to his ward. The hospital lockdown was finally being lifted this afternoon, allowing school representatives from Capital University and students' parents to visit after making early appointments.
Roy's father and mother had naturally come as well.
In fact, as soon as the "Illuminati Incident" was broadcast three days ago, many parents—including Roy's—had immediately flown to the area, desperate to see their children. However, they were all stopped by the authorities, who cited concerns that an influx of civilians might give Illuminati remnants an opportunity to infiltrate the hospital.
After three days of thorough searching, the authorities finally eliminated the Illuminati stragglers and lifted the quarantine.
"I'm really fine..." Roy had already video-called his parents on his Pokégear, assuring them of his well-being, but they had still insisted on coming to the hospital to visit and care for him in person.
Roy could feel the love, worry, and a hint of regret emanating from his parents.
Regret for what?
Perhaps seeing their child become a trainer and subsequently face such danger made them question their decision to support his path.
The grief-stricken parents of the seven deceased students, who covered their faces as they wept, had deeply affected many other parents.
Professor Christian had arrived with Roy's parents.
"In the past few days, the Academic Affairs Office has received more than twenty applications for withdrawal—not only from first-year students but even from upperclassmen," Professor Christian explained with a troubled expression. "Principal Finn is so worried he can barely sleep."
"It's a heavy loss. People are saying this 20th graduating class may be Capital University's most diminished one."
Twenty or so dropouts might seem insignificant, but the real issue was how severely the students' mental states had been affected.
This was the consequence of being exposed to real "battles" too early. Once the shadow of trauma took root in their hearts, achievement would become difficult.
"I was worried your mental state might have been compromised as well, but to my surprise..." Professor Christian's voice trailed off, his feelings mixed with pride for his student and amazement at Roy's resilience.
Roy had not only defeated an Illuminati member in battle, discovered their conspiracy, but also played a crucial role in the subsequent rescue operation.
Without his brilliant performance, the outcome would have been much worse. Instead of defeating the Illuminati, all first-year Capital University students might have been abducted and used as bargaining chips in negotiations with China.
Whether they would have returned safely would have remained a question mark.
China had been desperate to eliminate this threat, perhaps even considering surrender to the Illuminati at one point.
For a student to make such a significant contribution was shocking to many insiders. The more Professor Christian thought about Roy's accomplishments, the more amazed he became. Those who claimed the 20th class would be Capital University's weakest had overlooked an extremely important factor.
As long as the young man sitting before him didn't falter, Capital University would one day be proud to call him their own.
"Officials are still discussing your commendation and reward," Professor Christian said with a slight smile. "Our school's reward for you has already been decided. It will definitely surprise you—pleasantly so."
"Oh? What's the reward?" Roy asked curiously.
He had already learned the 'infinite' Calm Mind technique and possessed items exchangeable through his system. His Pokémon showed remarkable talent, and he had been promised a "Legendary Boxing" guide by Frances. Despite being born into an ordinary family, the resources Roy enjoyed were top-tier, and his horizons were already quite broad.
Unless they offered him a legendary Pokémon, Roy didn't think he would be particularly surprised.
"Do you know why Elite Carter asked his son to attend our Capital University?" Professor Christian posed the question that had confused many university professors.
Over the years, children of Elite families with decent talent typically attended the two most prestigious institutions of higher learning: Central and League.
Caroline, Elite Carter's eldest daughter, had gone to the League to study.
But Elite Carter had sent the talented Cade to Capital University...
What was the meaning behind this decision?
"At first, I didn't understand Elite Carter's intentions. It wasn't until Cade revealed his psychic abilities that I understood," Professor Christian explained. "You've met Caroline, right? Cade psychic talent is genuine, but compared to his sister's, the difference is like night and day."
Roy nodded. Caroline's psychic powers had left a deep impression on him.
He had even wondered if she could battle Pokémon directly with her abilities.
In comparison, Cade, who could only boost Pokémon's powers, seemed significantly weaker.
"Elite Carter sent his son to Capital University to give him an opportunity to strengthen his psychic talent."
Roy was slightly taken aback. "Is there something at our school that enhances psychic abilities?"
"Of course," Professor Christian replied with a smile. "About fifty years ago, a meteorite fell in the forest near Capital University. Since that forest belongs to our university, the meteorite naturally became our property. You've actually seen that forest—it's the Pokémon Garden on our campus."
Roy recalled seeing a forest in the Pokémon Garden. That was where he had captured Riolu.
"After extensive research, we discovered an unknown virus on the meteorite. The virus uses the meteorite as a breeding ground, constantly multiplying and evolving. Every ten years, the virus enters a mature phase."
"To prevent viral leakage and potential catastrophes, we harvest the virus each time it matures. We studied the extracted virus and developed a highly stable reagent. Surprisingly, when we injected this reagent into test Rattata, they exhibited expanded mental capabilities and showed tendencies to awaken psychic powers."
"Unfortunately, the brain capacity of Rattata is too limited, so ultimately the experiments failed."
"Ten years ago, a psychic volunteered as a test subject. After being injected with the viral reagent, his psychic abilities became extraordinarily powerful—comparable to Psychic-type Pokémon. His psychic talent suddenly became one of the strongest in recorded history."
"Sadly, just when we were looking forward to studying this psychic's potential further, he fell into a catatonic state eight years ago."
Meteorite, virus, psychic powers...
Roy's expression turned peculiar as he listened, experiencing a strange sense of déjà vu.
Among the Pokémon he knew of, one species was born from a virus on a meteorite.
Deoxys.
According to the Pokédex, Deoxys formed when the DNA of a space virus attached to a meteorite was irradiated by cosmic rays, transforming into a Pokémon.
Deoxys is a Psychic-type, possessing extremely powerful mental abilities that once enabled it to challenge even Rayquaza.
Theoretically, successfully injecting and merging with this virus could enhance mental powers.
'This poor Deoxys,' Roy thought. 'Every time it's about to mature, it gets artificially harvested... Though even if it did mature fully, without cosmic ray stimulation, it probably couldn't achieve its final form anyway.'
Professor Christian continued:
"Ten years have passed, and the virus is about to mature again. After discussion, our school has decided to offer you the opportunity to receive the viral inoculation." He paused briefly. "The virus is very safe and poses no danger. Of course, this depends entirely on your willingness."
"Elite Carter already knows about this and has no objections."
"If you receive the inoculation, you may not only move one step closer to Aura powers, but you might also awaken psychic abilities similar to Cade Junior's Confusion system."