Bug-type Pokémon truly did have the fastest growth rates.
In less than half a month, Caterpie had successfully evolved into Metapod.
If nothing unexpected happened, Jiang Ming would be able to witness the birth of the world’s first Butterfree in no more than another week.
As for Lin Chengfeng, thanks to Jiang Ming’s unlimited supply of Energy Cubes, Weedle had accumulated enough energy to evolve ahead of schedule.
It had even spun its cocoon two days earlier than Caterpie.
Because of the Energy Cubes, Jiang Ming couldn’t showcase every detail of Weedle’s development in the same way he had with Caterpie.
However, there was no problem with presenting its evolution as an additional feature at the upcoming press conference.
Everything was now ready.
As soon as the two Pokémon successfully emerged from their cocoons, Jiang Ming could hold the press conference.
But just then, an invitation arrived on his desk.
“Haisheng Company? They’ve cultivated a new genetic organism too?”
Looking at the four gold-embossed characters on the invitation, Jiang Ming couldn’t help showing a hint of surprise.
As a source of pride for Coastal City, Haisheng Company was a name practically every resident knew.
Although it hadn’t produced any particularly impressive new achievements in recent years, even a declining giant remained a giant.
Haisheng was still an absolute powerhouse in Coastal City, and Zhengming Company was nowhere near its level.
As someone working in the field, Jiang Ming knew all too well how difficult biological cultivation was, especially when it came to genetic organisms.
Spending years—or even more than a decade—perfecting a single creation was perfectly normal in this industry.
Furthermore, he’d never believe that Haisheng had happened to develop a new genetic organism at precisely this moment by coincidence.
After all, with the Purification Vine’s irreplaceable ability to purify the air, Haisheng had every reason to remain patient and wait for the right moment to reveal its trump card.
Doing so would allow the company to secure an even greater return.
It seemed that Zhengming Company’s sudden rise had attracted Haisheng’s attention.
When the company heard that Jiang Ming intended to unveil another groundbreaking genetic organism, it must have felt threatened.
As a result, Haisheng had decided to bring out something from its reserves to demonstrate that it was still the industry leader.
“As expected of an established powerhouse.”
After hearing Jiang Ming’s analysis, Xue Wenhui found it quite reasonable as well.
Since Haisheng occupied the industry’s highest position, there was little reason for it to reveal all its cards unless a challenger appeared.
Besides, if Zhengming Company possessed comparable strength, Xue Wenhui suspected he would make the same decision.
“So, Xiao Ming, what do you intend to do?”
Looking at Jiang Ming, who had fallen into thought, Xue Wenhui tentatively suggested, “Perhaps we should avoid confronting them for the time being? After all, our opponent is Haisheng Company. There’s no shame in keeping our distance.”
Hadn’t this practically fallen into his lap as the perfect opportunity to earn a massive amount of Reputation Points?
A direct confrontation between an established powerhouse in biotechnology and a rapidly rising newcomer would attract attention anywhere.
It was exactly the sort of sensational showdown that people loved to watch.
With such a huge audience, regardless of the final outcome, the Pokémon Jiang Ming had cultivated would leave an impression on far more people.
And wouldn’t his Reputation Points skyrocket as a result?
At the thought, Jiang Ming could barely suppress a laugh.
As for the criticism that might follow, he wasn’t particularly concerned.
He had absolute confidence in the Pokémon he’d cultivated.
Even if Haisheng’s creation turned out to be somewhat more impressive, so what?
Haisheng had its trump cards.
Did Jiang Ming have none of his own?
Thinking of the countless dark silhouettes in the System’s Pokédex that he had yet to unlock, Jiang Ming could only say one thing:
Let the storm come harder!
“Uncle Xue! Inform everyone that our press conference will proceed as planned!”
Jiang Ming suddenly stood up, his fighting spirit surging.
“So what if it’s Haisheng Company? This time, I’ll show them what it means for the waves behind to drive the waves ahead!”
Seeing Jiang Ming so full of determination, Xue Wenhui could no longer bring himself to dissuade him.
He could only follow Jiang Ming down this path.
But then again, Zhengming Company had genuine capabilities of its own.
What was there to fear?
With that thought, Xue Wenhui stopped hesitating and hurried off to make the arrangements for the press conference.
“After Caterpie spins its cocoon and evolves into Metapod, its body becomes extremely hard. It can also use a move called Harden to continuously increase its defensive capabilities.”
Inside the cultivation room, Yao Shirui was carefully recording information about Metapod.
Although Jiang Ming hadn’t specifically assigned her this task, she felt that she ought to contribute something of her own.
After finishing her notes, Yao Shirui put down her pen and rested her head beside Metapod, gently stroking its smooth body.
“It’s already been six days. I really want to see what you’ll look like after you emerge from your cocoon.”
Bzzzz…
Suddenly, a faint humming sound filled the room.
Metapod’s body began to shake, and a brilliant white light flickered across its surface.
Could it be?!
“Metapod is evolving!”
Realizing what was happening, she immediately pressed the alarm button nearby.
Before long, Jiang Ming rushed into the room with Xue Wenhui.
By then, the white light surrounding Metapod had grown even brighter.
Through the dazzling glow, they could faintly make out its shape changing.
“Buuuutterfree!”
A clear, melodious cry rang out.
As the white light gradually faded, an enormous butterfly appeared before them.
Its body was a deep blue-purple, and a pair of enormous white wings marked with black veins extended from its back.
Butterfree!
If Caterpie had been cute and Metapod had looked a little dopey, Butterfree combined cuteness with a touch of elegance.
“Butterfree!”
Admiring its brand-new body, Butterfree began fluttering joyfully through the air.
It then flew over to Yao Shirui and circled around her, sharing the joy of its rebirth with the companion who had cared for it all this time.
“Evolution… It’s a success!”
Jiang Ming was practically beaming with delight.
Xue Wenhui, standing beside him, had been completely petrified.
Although he wasn’t an expert in the field, he’d never heard of a single insect-type genetic organism that could transform directly from a cocoon into an adult creature upon emerging.
If he hadn’t witnessed it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it even if someone had beaten him over the head with the evidence.
Could this be the very thing Xiao Ming has been calling ‘evolution’?
Xue Wenhui looked at Jiang Ming, who was happily playing with Butterfree nearby.
His apprehension about Haisheng Company suddenly diminished considerably.
Even if Haisheng unveiled an exceptionally powerful genetic organism, what could it possibly do in the face of a miracle like this?
In the end, its creation would only serve as a supporting act.
Meanwhile, at Lin Chengfeng’s home, another Pokémon had just emerged from its cocoon.
A Beedrill hovered quietly in midair, its pair of crimson compound eyes reflecting the figure of its Trainer.
Bzz…
Bzz…
“So this… is Beedrill!”
Lin Chengfeng stared at his starter Pokémon, his heart pounding with excitement.