Poachers—criminals who illegally sell, steal, and even hunt Pokémon without authorization from the government or the Pokémon League.
When caught, these offenders face a minimum sentence of ten years, with the death penalty as the maximum punishment.
The consequences are severe.
Yet wherever substantial profits exist, regardless of which world or country, there will always be those willing to risk everything for personal gain.
On the black market, a single Legendary Pokémon can sell for a price equivalent to the annual GDP of a small Southeast Asian nation.
Twenty years ago, a rumor inexplicably spread claiming that "eating Slowpoke tails extends life." Despite numerous experts and professors publicly debunking this myth, they couldn't prevent a series of brutal Slowpoke killings.
To this day, rumors about consuming Pokémon meat for longevity continue to circulate in remote regions.
Professor Hayden spoke angrily:
"Whenever a new region is discovered, poachers descend like hyenas..."
"The recently discovered Alola region was no exception. Poachers infiltrated before our official blockade, plundering numerous Pokémon and artifacts. They even set fire to Pokémon habitats, forcing us to divide our resources to rescue Pokémon eggs..."
"This egg was among those we managed to save..."
Anyone who genuinely cares for Pokémon harbors a deep hatred for poachers.
Professor Christian sighed heavily, not wanting to discuss such a distressing topic in front of Roy, so he changed the subject: "Normally, rescued eggs would be returned to their natural habitat. Why was this particular egg brought here?"
Without the right environmental conditions, a Pokémon's development inside its egg can be compromised.
Therefore, until a species' habits are fully documented and a specialized 'incubation nutrient solution' is developed, authorities won't remove eggs from their original habitats.
This was especially true for newly discovered species—they didn't even know what would hatch, let alone how to create an appropriate incubation solution.
"There's a problem with this particular egg."
Professor Hayden massaged his temples, explaining sorrowfully: "The fire was too intense. Despite our prompt response, several eggs were damaged, including this one. Returning it to its natural habitat would only result in a 'nonviable egg.'"
"We had to bring it here and attempt to save it..."
"Unfortunately, all the others perished. This is the only survivor..."
From Professor Hayden's expression, it was clear that the rescue efforts for this egg weren't promising.
Indeed, according to Roy's Aura perception, the life force within this egg had diminished to barely detectable levels.
If the Aura of other Pokémon eggs resembled bright blue flames burning strongly, then this egg's Aura was like a tiny flicker in a blizzard—dispersed and on the verge of extinguishing.
But...
It was still burning.
It was still clinging to life.
This was the weakest yet most resilient Aura Roy had ever encountered in a Pokémon.
Roy felt an inexplicable connection. He raised his hand and gently stroked the snow-white egg through the glass container of nutrient solution.
After a moment, Roy smiled and declared:
"I choose this Pokémon egg."
"What...?" Professor Hayden was stunned.
"Roy, don't be foolish!" Professor Christian said sharply. "I understand your compassion for Pokémon, but you shouldn't compromise your future based on emotions."
"Professor, please trust me."
Roy showed no intention of changing his mind. His expression was sincere.
"I can't explain why, but this is my decision after careful consideration."
"Besides, the university promised I could select any egg from the breeding facility. Since this egg is being kept here, I naturally have the right to choose it... Professor Hayden, am I breaking any rules?"
"Well..." Professor Hayden smiled awkwardly, "Technically, you're within the rules."
"You, you—" Professor Christian stammered, pointing at Roy with a trembling finger.
He genuinely cared for Roy as both a student and Capital University's promising star, which explained his emotional reaction.
"Christian, come here."
Professor Hayden pulled Professor Christian aside and handed him a glass of warm water.
After Professor Christian calmed down, Hayden reasoned with him: "Geniuses often have strong convictions. You can't change his mind."
"But we can't just watch him make a mistake! These opportunities to select Pokémon from your facility are rare—how can we let him waste one?"
"Don't worry," Professor Hayden said with a smile. "I understand how important he is to Capital University, so I'll make an exception. In my report, I'll simply omit Roy's visit today. We'll postpone his official adoption date for later!"
Hearing this, Professor Christian's eyes brightened.
This was indeed a clever solution.
From their perspective, Roy had made this impulsive decision entirely out of compassion and sympathy for the Pokémon.
...While unwise, it demonstrated admirable character.
...Someone with such empathy for an unborn Pokémon couldn't be a bad person.
Professor Hayden and Professor Christian didn't discuss this aloud, but they both appreciated Roy's sentiment.
However, they believed it impossible for Roy to revive an egg that official resources couldn't save.
When the egg inevitably became nonviable, Roy would accept reality.
At that point, after a stern lecture from Professor Christian (reinforcing the teacher's authority), Roy would return to select another egg.
What about Roy visiting the breeding facility twice? Wouldn't that violate protocol?
Nonsense—officially, Roy never came. This egg simply "died" at the facility.
His next visit would be recorded as his first.
Rules were flexible, but human relationships endured.
China's traditional culture ensured that personal connections would always influence society.
After reaching their agreement, the professors returned to Roy.
Professor Hayden smiled and said, "Since you're so determined, I'll entrust this egg to your care."
Professor Christian played his part, sighing with feigned helplessness from the sidelines.
Upon receiving official approval, Roy's system panel activated, officially registering the Pokémon egg as his property.
[Pokémon Egg: Vulpix (Alola Form)]
[Gender: Female]
[Type: Ice]
[Ability: Snow Cloak]
[Moves: None]
[Comprehensive Evaluation: None] [
Popularity: None]
[WARNING: Pokémon egg in critical condition, immediate treatment required.]
[WARNING: Pokémon egg currently in incompatible environment, immediate adjustment needed.]
'It's actually an Alolan Vulpix...'
Roy felt a strange sense of destiny.
Before his system awakened, his original goal had been to obtain a Vulpix. After all these twists and turns, he had ultimately received a Vulpix after all.