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The once-in-a-decade Meteorite virus vaccination opportunity was offered to Roy. It was clear that Capital University had invested a considerable amount of money in this.
This wasn't merely a reward for Roy's achievements but also an investment showing their confidence in his future.
After pondering for a moment, Roy asked, "Are the virus reagents really safe?"
The idea of injecting extraterrestrial substances into his body would make anyone nervous.
"I can assure you it's absolutely safe," Professor Christian replied with a serious expression. "We conducted research for forty years before we dared to transplant this virus into humans. The success of the last volunteer proved this point. Otherwise, Elite Carter wouldn't have sent his son here."
"I trust you, Professor."
Roy nodded with a smile. This was a good opportunity, and he had no reason to refuse.
"Then it's settled," Professor Christian stood up happily, ready to leave. "I'll go back and inform the committee to prepare everything. When you return to Capital University, you can immediately receive the vaccination."
Roy stood up politely and escorted his teacher all the way to the hospital entrance.
On his way back to the ward, Roy encountered Director Edward, who was leading six experimental Pokémon with Elekid at the front of the group.
All the Pokémon appeared downcast, and even Director Edward looked dejected.
Roy asked curiously, "What happened to them?"
"Oh, it's you, Roy," Director Edward noticed him and smiled wryly. "We've tried all available treatment options, but none of them can cure their condition. Today, Elekid's health worsened, so the higher-ups decided to transfer these Pokémon to the Pokémon Sanitarium, where they can spend the rest of their lives in comfort."
"Of course, we'll do our best to extend their lifespans," he added.
The Pokémon Sanitarium was an official public welfare facility specifically responsible for caring for Pokémon who had been persecuted by poacher gangs, wild Pokémon who were seriously injured, and Pokémon who refused to find another Trainer after their original one had passed away.
"Is that so..." Roy was stunned. No wonder these Pokémon all looked so dejected.
Even if they could eat and drink well in the days to come, knowing their lives would be cut short made it impossible to be happy.
This was perhaps their best outcome. Humans didn't know much about the 'Alien Lightning,' and continuing with other treatment options would likely worsen their condition and shorten their lifespans, just as had happened with Elekid.
At that moment, Elekid suddenly stepped out of the line and stared directly at Roy.
"Ele, Ele!"
"What's the matter, Elekid?" Director Edward couldn't understand Pokémon language.
Roy was slightly taken aback. "Are you saying you want to be my Pokémon?"
"Ele!" Elekid nodded vigorously, his eyes full of hope.
"No," Roy refused without hesitation.
Knowing that Elekid had a terminal illness, adopting him only to watch him die would be painful when they developed a bond. Wouldn't that just burden him with guilt?
Using items from the system to extend Elekid's life? That was possible. The Max Revive he had exchanged for Vulpix before could potentially do it.
However, Roy still couldn't accept this solution.
Although he loved Pokémon very much and would help them if he could, he was different from the selfless and loving Ash. What Roy valued most was always his own Pokémon, and he would never sacrifice any of them.
To extend Elekid's life would cost many points. The longer the time, the more terrifying the cost. It would be a bottomless pit.
And where would these points come from?
They could only be absorbed from Roy's other Pokémon, squeezing their development. That wouldn't be fair.
Although his Cosmog was currently living comfortably without contributing much, Roy knew this little one had the potential to become legendary in the future.
When this little Pokémon evolved, it would easily contribute to his battle strength and popularity.
But what about Elekid?
As an Electric-type Pokémon that couldn't control electrical energy...
This alone destroyed all its potential.
As a victim Pokémon, Elekid had attracted attention nationwide, and his popularity was valuable, but he had no potential and would fade away sooner or later.
"To be honest, I really like your eyes, which are as tough as a pine tree," Roy said frankly. "I know that in your heart, you still hold hatred for Team Illuminati, want to become stronger, and want revenge. But you have no potential, and I don't see any possibility of you becoming stronger."
"I can't waste time and resources on training a Pokémon with no potential that's also dying."
Elekid clenched his fists, knowing Roy was telling the truth.
However, he wasn't ready to give up.
He really wanted to become stronger, to continue living, to pay back the pain he had endured tenfold...
Elekid lowered his head, as if surrendering to his fate.
"Sigh," Director Edward sighed. He wasn't a saint, so naturally, he wouldn't blame Roy for his decision, but he still felt it was a pity.
Director Edward approached and patted Elekid on the shoulder, taking his hand. "Come on, Elekid, it's time to accept reality."
However, after walking a few steps with Director Edward, Elekid suddenly broke free and rushed back to Roy, blocking his path.
The commotion had already attracted the attention of others in the hospital corridor.
Under everyone's astonished gaze, Elekid knelt down like a human, and his once determined eyes were now filled with pleading. Tears streamed uncontrollably from his eyes.
"Blay!" Elekid pleaded loudly again.
Please give me a chance...
Roy understood, and the scene in front of him suddenly reminded him of the famous "Coach, I want to play basketball" moment.
The difference was that Mitsui Hisashi had asked for redemption and a chance to change his past, while Elekid was launching a fight against fate out of sheer determination.
Coach Anzai had given Mitsui a chance, so why couldn't Roy do the same?
Roy stared silently at Elekid and suddenly asked, "Director Edward, can you lend me Elekid for a day?"
"This..." Director Edward glanced between the faces of Roy and Elekid, hesitating.
According to regulations, handing Elekid over to Roy was clearly against the rules.
However, Director Edward was deeply moved by Elekid's behavior. He knew that the decision he made now could affect Elekid's fate.
"Of course not!" Director Edward said seriously. "Elekid has been resting in the ward today. When did he go out? Hmph!"
With that, Director Edward turned and left with the other five Pokémon.
Roy couldn't help but laugh.
"To be honest, middle-aged men being rebellious makes my scalp tingle..."
"Ele." Elekid stood up joyfully, nodding in agreement.
"Don't get too excited," Roy turned and reminded him. "I've just given you a chance to show your potential. I haven't promised to take you in yet."
Elekid nodded earnestly, indicating that he understood.
"Come with me."
Roy led Elekid to the hospital rooftop.
The roof door was locked. Roy took out a Poké Ball and called out Lucario.
"Break open this door."
With a swift motion of Lucario's paw, he easily broke the lock.
Standing on the hospital roof, Roy gathered his thoughts for a moment, then explained:
"Elekid, your greatest disadvantage is that you cannot control the Alien Lightning in your body. However, this is also your greatest advantage... Your lightning comes from a legendary Pokémon named Zekrom, who is the most powerful Electric-type legendary. In other words, the lightning residing in your body is also the strongest electrical power."
"Blay!" Elekid was surprised; he hadn't expected the Alien Lightning in his body to be so powerful.
The strongest thunder...
Roy continued, "I don't expect you to completely master the Alien Lightning, but at least you must be able to harness its power..."
"I once developed a training method for Lucario called 'Thunder and Lightning Exercise,' using electrical stimulation to enhance cell growth and division, greatly improving physical training effects."
"Elekid, your body naturally has high resistance to electricity. If you can harness Zekrom's power, you can forge your body with lightning. Even if you don't learn any Electric-type moves, your future potential would still be unlimited."
"I'll have Lucario teach you all the key points of lightning body forging."
Roy glanced at Lucario and received a 'no problem' nod in response.
"I'm leaving this hospital tomorrow, so you only have one day to prove yourself."
Like a drowning Pokémon clutching at a reed, Elekid accepted without hesitation.
Time was running out.
The trial started right there. After Lucario explained all the techniques to Elekid, they began to practice.
To mobilize lightning effectively, the voltage and frequency needed to stimulate cells varied according to each Pokémon's different physical condition.
This required extremely precise control of electrical energy.
Obviously, Elekid, who couldn't even use Electric-type moves, quickly met with failure.
"Bray-!!"
Elekid wailed and fell to the ground, his limbs twitching.
The symptoms were exactly the same as those he had shown in the medical room before—the backlash from the Alien Lightning.
Roy had anticipated this and had spent 10,000 Pokédollars to obtain a Heal Powder.
[Heal Powder: An item that can cure all status conditions of a Pokémon.]
The symptoms of the Alien Lightning backlash resembled an enhanced version of paralysis, not only rendering him immobile but also causing intense pain.
The Heal Powder should work.
Sure enough, after sprinkling one-third of the Heal Powder, Elekid's symptoms gradually subsided, and he regained his composure.
Elekid glanced gratefully at Roy and, without hesitation, began to attempt the 'Thunder Body Forging' technique again.
He showed no fear or hesitation despite the immense pain he had just experienced.
His eyes seemed to shine with determination.
That was the look of someone who would never give up.
"I'm really impressed..." Roy muttered helplessly and found a place to sit by the railing of the roof.
As the sun set and darkness began to fall, Roy watched Elekid fail again only to stand up with unwavering resolve. He suddenly had a premonition.
"Tonight, I'm afraid I won't be getting any Rest."