Pokemon: Behold the Father of All Pokemons

As they walked side by side through the large corridors, Ethan spoke to Henry in hushed tones. Occasionally, Henry would rattle off biotech jargon, complicated terms and abbreviations that flew over Ethan's head, though he did his best to pretend to understand. 

The two of them were on their way to the International Gene Biotechnology Exchange Conference, a place where only those with invitations could enter and display their latest genetic breakthroughs.

Ethan had already handed over his formal invitation at the registration desk in the sprawling lobby, but Secretary Elijah, who carried himself with sharp efficiency, had been immediately recognized and ushered through without a hitch. 

The staff, seeing his official credentials, were especially polite, bowing and smiling as they let him pass. Ethan, Henry, and the three small Pokémon who followed them inside.

Even before they found their seats, Ethan felt the weight of many eyes on him. Just as Minister Elijah had mentioned, countless researchers and designers had brought their own genetic organisms, strange exotic creatures that the ordinary citizens of Tarvok City rarely saw. Some of the beasts were not even for sale or public display, existing only as prototypes or private experiments.

Surveying the crowd, Ethan spotted all manner of biotech marvels:

A massive tiger-like creature that one attendee rode as if on a royal steed, drawing gasps of awe from those nearby.

A colossal bird that carried its researcher through a large window on the second level to avoid the traffic jam on the ground floor.

Had Ethan not known that this was a prestigious genetics conference, he might have mistaken the spectacle for a traveling circus. 

Everywhere he looked, he saw a cross-section of docile or openly ferocious creatures, some projecting quiet menace, others occasionally snapping at the air-yet all remained obediently at their master's side. 

Ethan suspected that those too unruly to be tamed would have been locked away or destroyed long ago. Such was the dark reality of advanced biotech research.

Eventually, Ethan and his companions arrived at the main assembly hall. Rows of chairs had been arranged in neat arcs around a raised podium. 

Despite the spaciousness of the room, it was gradually filling with people and their pets to the point of feeling almost cramped. Standing off to the side, reporters from major news outlets jockeyed for vantage points, cameras raised to capture the best angles of the spectacle.

Ethan, Henry, and Secretary Elijah chose seats near the front, where they could get a clear view of the stage. A few staffers weaved through the rows, handing out discreet earpieces for simultaneous translation. 

With so many biotech innovators gathered from all over the Alverez Kingdom and beyond, multiple languages would be used. With these little devices, Ethan would be able to follow every speaker, regardless of their native tongue.

As they settled in, Ethan noticed a handful of cameras pointing in his direction. Sure enough, the reporters were focused on the three distinctive figures at his feet: Pikachu, Squirtle, and Charmander. All three were compact in size, especially compared to the monstrous genetic creations lumbering about elsewhere, yet they attracted an outsized amount of attention. 

One or two journalists even approached, snapping close-ups and whispering questions about Pikachu's electric pouch on its cheeks or Charmander's burning tail. Some enthusiastic attendees, especially a few curious women, leaned over to pat Squirtle's rounded head and giggled as the lively turtle blinked up at them.

"Everyone wants to know why Charmander's tail is on fire," one woman remarked, eyeing Ethan expectantly.

"Oh, Charmander just likes it that way," Ethan replied with a polite, if enigmatic, smile. He offered no further explanation. Anyone deeply curious would have to settle for speculation.

Moments later, Jason Hobbes from Northam Group, a man of imposing stature and an influential figure in the biotech field, arrived on the scene. He exchanged brisk greetings with Ethan and Henry before sitting down with his own circle of associates. Clearly, the conference was attracting the big players from all over.

"I'm going to start," Secretary Elijah announced, smoothing his blazer. He glided to the stage with the collected poise of someone who had done this countless times before. Ethan, with no particular task at hand, let his eyes wander.

He spotted celebrities he recognized from television interviews or academic articles-established experts who years ago had proposed groundbreaking genetic theories, and younger designers whose names had recently exploded into prominence. 

There was a restless energy in the room, as if everyone was sizing each other up, waiting to see who would reveal the most startling development next.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ethan noticed Lina Cobbs. She sat off to one side, uncharacteristically subdued, her head lowered so that the sharp angles of her cheekbones were in shadow. A Spirit Dog lay at her feet, its ears twitching at the constant buzz of voices. Lina had once been known for her competitive spirit. Today, however, she seemed unwilling to stand out.

"Why is Lina hiding like this?" Ethan muttered under his breath. He couldn't help smirking. Considering Lina's arrogance in the past, it was strange to see her cowering in a corner. "Maybe she doesn't want to face me," he thought. "She's so used to outdoing everyone, maybe she's afraid she won't be able to steal the spotlight this time."

He felt no malice, only mild amusement. After all, Lina's desire to outdo him had never materialized into a serious threat. Her avoidance probably spoke to some internal conflict that he had neither the time nor the inclination to explore at the moment.

Meanwhile, Secretary Elijah took the microphone. Under the bright stage lights, his features seemed even sharper, and his voice was clearly projected over the murmuring crowd. "Good afternoon, everyone. Allow me to welcome you on behalf of our esteemed chairman and the host city of Tarvok City," he began.

Then came a series of formal acknowledgments, including thanks to sponsors and local officials. He briefly mentioned recent changes in the field of genetic biology, naming Pokémon Biotech and noting the company's remarkable advances in evolutionary gene technology. 

As soon as Ethan Grave's name was mentioned, a wave of applause swept through the audience. He gave a modest nod in return, but could not deny the pit in his stomach that he had no intention of revealing any secrets today.

After Secretary Elijah finished his remarks, the official conference organizer took over, explaining in detail how attendees could volunteer to give speeches or presentations about their projects. "Voluntary sharing is a cornerstone of our event," the organizer announced. "We thank those who choose to share their breakthroughs here, though we understand that some may prefer to protect sensitive commercial information."

Ethan's mind drifted as speaker after speaker took the stage. Many described partial results: new ways to refine gene editing, or improved nutrient solutions. But each held back crucial details, revealing just enough to pique interest without giving away the whole plan. The cunning was palpable. In the front row, Ethan nodded occasionally, projecting a polite attentiveness even as half the jargon flew right over his head.

Some time later, Henry, sitting next to Ethan, stretched out in his chair and scanned the stage. "Is Mr. Grave going to share anything new?" he asked, barely hiding his curiosity.

Ethan forced a measured smile. "I'm just here to listen," he replied. He had no desire to stand in front of a microphone and risk exposing the mysterious methods he possessed.

Then there was a slight commotion as another Henry (well known in biotech circles) rose from his seat. With a confident grin, he waved to the crowd, and applause broke out. He was obviously recognized by the many scientists in attendance for his past accomplishments-and for the personal fortune he'd amassed after unveiling a remarkable technology at an earlier conference.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," he began, breaking into fluent English. Ethan's earpiece carried the instant translation. "I'm pleased to be back here this year. The last time I spoke, I hinted at a project I'd been developing for some time, but wasn't quite ready to reveal. Today, I'm proud to share the progress I've made."

A hush fell over the meeting. Even Ethan, who had fought drowsiness moments before, leaned forward in his seat. Henry's eyes gleamed as he built the suspense. "But first, I must acknowledge a brilliant mind that unknowingly crossed my path. A certain talented designer from the East - Mr. Ethan Grave of Pokémon Biotech - actually beat me to the finish line on one of my core concepts. Perhaps you've all seen the new species known as Squirtle?"

A slideshow materialized on the giant screen, showing a snapshot of Squirtle releasing a pressurized blast of water. "Some may believe that Squirtle's water is stored internally, as if he were hoarding gallons somewhere inside his tiny body. But what if I told you that's not the case at all?" Henry paused for effect. "Instead, Squirtle probably uses a method of binding hydrogen and oxygen atoms and catalyzing them within its genetic framework to rapidly create water molecules on the spot. Frankly, Mr. Grave is years ahead of us."

A wave of excitement swept through the crowd. All eyes turned to Ethan. He tried to keep his face neutral and his features calm, but inside he was reeling. "And so," Henry continued with a triumphant edge, "I would like to ask Mr. Grave: am I right? Is this the secret to Squirtle's seemingly infinite water capacity?"

Silence fell as if a blanket had been thrown over the room. Hundreds of industry experts, reporters, and curious onlookers now stared at Ethan Grave, the man rumored to have discovered a whole new way of genetic evolution. 

Ethan's heart was pounding and he felt the slightest trickle of sweat run down his spine. He offered a weak, polite smile, but found himself temporarily at a loss for words.

He could almost hear Minister Elijah's thoughts from across the room: Don't give too much away. Play it close to the vest. 

Meanwhile, Henry's eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he already knew he'd cornered Ethan into asking a question no one else had been able to articulate so clearly.

A murmur began around them, rising in excitement. Cameras turned in Ethan's direction. Reporters' lenses zoomed in, eager to capture his reaction. Somewhere behind them, Pikachu's ears twitched, sensing its trainer's tension. Squirtle tilted his head, oblivious to the scientific scrutiny swirling around his existence.

Ethan swallowed, took a slow breath, and prepared to respond, knowing that whatever he said next might forever shape the world's perception of his evolving technology.

...

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