By late afternoon, the No. 2 laboratory at Pokémon Biotech buzzed with talk of a fresh rumor: Ethan planned to release eight new Pokémon at once. For most staff, two or three arrivals at a time was normal. Eight felt excessive, almost unbelievable. Yet those who had worked with Ethan for a while began to accept it, chuckling at the new coming employees' wide eyes and exclamations.
"Eight?" someone shouted. "That can't be right!"
"I'm telling you, Mr. Grave is unstoppable."
Another laughed, "He must have some secret method. Do we even have enough lab space for eight new species?"
James joined a small group gathered around a cluster of lab benches. He wore a half-smile, remembering how often Ethan had surprised them. "Where's the real shock?" he said. "We all know how Mr. Grave is. When he says eight, it's eight."
One of the newer interns blushed with excitement, as if she had designed the Pokémon. The veterans rolled their eyes, used to Ethan's major revelations. "Our boss is practically a legend," one said with a grin. "It's normal for him."
James nodded. "He just texted me: 'Finish prepping the culture tanks, then I'll stop by for the gene insertions.'"
---
Minutes later, Ethan swept into the lab carrying a small black bag filled with sealed vials. The entire room seemed to fall silent. Some of the staff stared at him, expecting a dramatic announcement. Ethan simply placed the bag on a counter and looked around.
"Good morning, everyone," he began casually. "Let's not waste any time. We have eight new species of Pokemon to put into the cultivation tanks. I'll be heading back to HQ soon; an event representative showed up today and wanted to talk about something... I'll take care of it after we're done here."
"Eight at once," murmured one of the managers, hardly believing. "Mr. Grave, you never stop, do you?."
Ethan shrugged and concentrated on the task. "It's not always like this. Let's hurry, we don't have much time." He gave James a quick grin. James discreetly guessed that Ethan had found a lucky break or discovered an advanced method. The rumor was half true; Ethan did have an unusual system, but no one knew about it, so they attributed his success to his superhuman brilliance.
The staff bustled about, distributing the gene vials among a series of specialized culture tanks. More than a thousand tanks lined one side of the facility, each capable of handling multiple species. Ethan moved from one station to the next, overseeing the gene-insertion process. The well-practiced ritual quickly filled the lab with a hum of activity.
---
While Ethan worked, another topic of conversation rippled through the group: the decision he'd made to significantly reduce the price of Pokémon. The cost of culture fluid had plummeted, thanks to breakthroughs by certain scientists around the world.
Ethan felt it was only fair to pass the savings on to consumers. Some employees were confused: "Why cut the cost by sixty percent?" they wondered aloud.
A technician whispered, "Pokémons are unique. Each one is easily worth the previous price. Why go so cheap?"
Another frowned. "He must have his reasons. Perhaps more affordable Pokémons would expand the market. Let's trust his decisions."
James remembered how Ethan had broken the news at a lab meeting a few days ago: Pokémon prices were about to be cut in half. People balked, certain that the R&D overhead meant they could safely keep the cost high. Ethan refused, insisting that it was the right time. Many lab workers still found it puzzling, but no one wanted to argue with him; he'd proven himself infallibly right before.
The staff continued setting up the new culture mediums. One person commented on how dramatically the fluid cost had fallen in the last few weeks, hitting only thirty-five percent of its peak price. "At least we can keep filling these tanks without bankrupting the lab," James joked quietly.
Ethan overheard and gave a quick nod. He remembered how expensive it used to be. Now, courtesy of Matt Murdock's new formula, large manufacturers had begun producing cheaper and better fluid.
The entire gene-biology sector felt the impact. For Pokémon Biotech, it was a windfall opportunity. Ethan believed that lowering Pokémon prices would help them corner the market faster, forging a loyal user base worldwide.
---
As soon as the last batch of new seeds was placed in the culture tanks, Ethan gave final instructions. "Keep a close eye on them. Watch for any anomalies. I can't guarantee they'll all be smooth, but we rarely have failures." He paused, checking his watch. "I must dash back to HQ. Annie's been calling me nonstop. Something about a weird fashion show, I think."
Some staff chuckled. James raised a brow. "Fashion show? Are we dressing up Pokémon now?"
Ethan snorted. "Who knows. Annie keeps saying it's called 'Victoria Show,' some big catwalk event. I first thought she meant an underwear show, but apparently it's not. They plan to invite me on stage with the Pokémons. Maybe they want a genetic creature catwalk as a gimmick."
"Will you do it?" asked a junior researcher.
Ethan shrugged, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Might be good publicity for the new pricing or the next wave of evolutions. Could spark global conversation if we do it right." He patted James on the shoulder, nodding thanks. Then he turned to the staff. "I'm counting on you for a safe breeding process. It's eight species no mistakes, please."
They all saluted with playful seriousness. "We've got this, Mr. Grave!"
---
Driving away from the lab, Ethan thought about the phone call with Annie. She had joked about him confusing the "Victoria Show" with a lingerie brand, explaining that this local "Victoria" was short for "New Century Victoria's Secret," basically a runway extravaganza to showcase advanced genetic creatures, albeit in a glitzy, fashionable style. Event officials had invited Pokémon Biotech to perform, providing a prime opportunity for runway exposure.
Ethan gripped the wheel, thinking, "If we time it right, we can reveal our big price drop at that show. The world loves a grand announcement, and cameras will be rolling. A fresh wave of Pokémon unveiling plus a radical cost slash everyone's jaws might drop."
He smirked, imagining stepping on stage with a few newly hatched creatures from his lab, letting them prance under colored lights as an announcer read out the new, far more affordable price tag. Journalists from around the globe typically covered these catwalk events, hungry for any spectacle. Some might be confused by the mixture of fashion and gene biology, but they'd sure generate headlines.
At a red light, he quickly checked his phone. Another text from Annie: 'Hurry up, the show rep is waiting! He sighed and accelerated as the light turned green, weaving through the midday traffic. Yes, life felt hectic these days, but the results were exciting.
In a matter of months, Pokémon had gone from a minor curiosity to a worldwide phenomenon. The fire department had already praised the Squirtle Squad, the local hospital had begun using Hoothoot to treat insomnia, and now a fashion show wanted them. It all confirmed his core vision that Pokémon could infiltrate every facet of human life - medicine, emergency, entertainment, even runways.
---
Some time later, Ethan parked at HQ, exhaling a faint laugh as he stepped out. His phone buzzed one more time Annie again, no doubt. He pictured the hectic scene inside: staff running around with outlines for a promotional strategy or an onstage demonstration, whiteboards scrawled with show details, and a designated corral for picking which Pokémon might appear. The possibilities excited him.
He paused to glance at a large banner near the front entrance, featuring an image of Timmy the Pikachu striking a heroic pose. The tagline read: "Pokémon, Your New Partner in Life." Smiling to himself, Ethan realized how drastically times had changed. Only a short while ago, no one believed in the viability of these creatures. Now, hundreds of thousands of people eagerly followed every update, seeing them as loyal friends or powerful allies.
As he walked through the doors, staff recognized him instantly, calling out greetings. Annie, tapping her foot by the elevator, waved him over. "Took you long enough," she teased. "We have half an hour before the Victoria Secret rep leaves, so I'll brief you. They want a major set piece with multiple Pokémon like a catwalk cameo. It can be a big advertisement for your new pricing decision if you're ready."
He grinned. "Perfect. Let's finalize it." Inside, he felt certain that the synergy of his newly expanded lab, the dropping cost of culture fluid, and the unstoppable momentum of Pokémon acceptance would catapult them onto the global stage again. Even a catwalk known for glitzy glamour might become their next stepping stone.
Walking into a meeting room full of bustling PR staff, Ethan thought, "This is it. Another chance to show the world what we've built. And soon, eight fresh Pokémon from the lab will join the fold, each perhaps starring at the upcoming Victoria Show." He pictured spectators gasping in delight as the Pokémon paraded down a runway, culminating in a triumphant speech about slashed prices and infinite potential. The future was big, and he felt ready to seize it.