Chapter 94: Fragments
"Well," Professor Oak considered Xiu's request for book recommendations. "Given your current level, jumping straight into primary research texts would be overwhelming." He disappeared back into the Institute library for a moment, returning with several moderately thick, professionally bound books.
"These should be more suitable. Standard introductory texts on ancient Pokémon linguistics and basic archaeological principles used throughout the Kanto region's academies. Start with these." He also added, almost as an afterthought, "And take some time to properly organize the main library shelves when you have a chance. Things have gotten rather… cluttered over the years."
"Thank you, Professor!" Xiu accepted the books gratefully, genuine surprise on his face. Direct access to foundational knowledge, recommended by Professor Oak himself! This was invaluable.
"Just remember," Professor Oak added sternly, preempting any potential slacking, "books are secondary. Don't let your studies interfere with your primary duties!"
"Yes, sir!" Xiu replied immediately, standing a little straighter. "Rest assured, Professor, the Pokémon will be fed precisely on schedule."
"And?" Oak prompted, raising an eyebrow.
"And… your three meals will be prepared on time as well," Xiu added quickly.
"And?" Oak pressed again, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"And?" Xiu repeated, confused. He looked down at the library key Oak had presumably given him earlier (though he didn't remember receiving it). "…organize the library?"
Professor Oak sighed dramatically, shaking his head with mock exasperation. "The Scyther research, boy! Our agreement!"
"Oh! Right, that!" Xiu quickly corrected himself, feeling slightly flustered. "Of course, Professor. I haven't forgotten. Just waiting on your specific plan, your instructions. Scyther and I are ready when you are."
"The specialized metallic compounds and alloys I ordered should arrive within the next day or two," Professor Oak replied casually, seemingly satisfied with Xiu's response. "But we can begin some preliminary baseline tests and observations as early as tomorrow."
"Materials?" Xiu asked, curiosity piqued again. "What specific metals did you order, Professor?"
Professor Oak smiled, that familiar shrewd glint returning to his eyes. "Oh, a wide variety," he replied lightly. "Iron, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, even some trace rare earths… all sorts." He deliberately emphasized the last phrase.
Xiu caught the emphasis. Something's off. "Professor," he asked carefully, "the analysis showed Scyther's elevated levels were primarily iron, correct? Over ninety percent?"
"Correct," Oak confirmed. "But the remaining ten percent consisted of a complex mixture of other trace metals. Highly unusual." He leaned forward slightly. "So, the first step is to test Scyther's affinity for these various metals individually. Is its high absorption rate specific only to iron, or does it possess a broader, generalized metallic affinity?"
"And this testing… it won't be harmful to Scyther?" Xiu pressed, concern evident in his voice. He understood Pokémon physiology was different, more resilient in many ways than human biology. But deliberately exposing Scyther to concentrated doses of various metals, especially potentially heavy or toxic ones… the risks felt significant. Heavy metal poisoning is still a thing, right? Even for Pokémon?
"The difference is huge," Professor Oak replied, seemingly addressing a different aspect of Xiu's unspoken concern. He smiled faintly. "Tell me, Xiu, do you know Scizor's primary weakness?"
Xiu thought for a moment. "It loses its Flying type, becomes Bug/Steel… so, Fire-type attacks become devastatingly effective?"
"Partially correct," Professor Oak acknowledged. "But not the most significant weakness, arguably."
"Uh…" Xiu hesitated, running through type matchups in his head. Steel resisted many types, Bug was weak to Fire, Flying, Rock… "Its Speed drops significantly compared to Scyther?" he guessed.
"Also true, but still not the core issue I'm referring to," Oak replied patiently.
Xiu frowned, frustrated. 'What's he getting at?' He thought back to the evolution process. Metal Coat. Iron content. "Wait," he said slowly, piecing it together. "The type of metal used? You said the ancient materials were mostly iron, around eighty percent. Modern methods likely refine that. Is the Fire weakness… related to the iron component?"
Professor Oak nodded, looking pleased. "Precisely. Now, why do you think both ancient rituals and modern Metal Coats rely so heavily on iron, specifically, rather than other potentially harder or more durable metals?"
"I… don't know," Xiu admitted frankly. This level of biochemical detail was beyond the scope of anything he'd studied so far.
"Because iron," Oak explained, "is relatively easy for Scyther's biology to process and integrate, even with low natural affinity. It's been verified through millennia of trial and error – iron offers the highest success rate for triggering the metamorphosis with the lowest risk of fatal rejection." He paused. "Other metals might offer different properties – increased hardness, resistance to different energy types – but the risk of the Scyther's body rejecting the integration, causing catastrophic systemic failure, is significantly higher."
Xiu suddenly felt a cold dread. He knew. Professor Oak knew all along that testing other metals carried significant risks, yet he'd downplayed it, framed it purely as scientific curiosity. 'This old fox…' He'd used the allure of evolution, the promise of unlocking potential, to gain consent for potentially hazardous experiments.
Knowing he'd been manipulated, Xiu didn't panic or lash out. He took a deep breath, calming himself, thinking rapidly. Direct refusal now would likely end the arrangement, sever his access to Oak's resources and knowledge, potentially jeopardizing Abra's chances. He needed another approach.
"Professor," Xiu began carefully, choosing his words precisely, "I understand the scientific value of testing affinity for various metals. But perhaps… there's a less invasive way? A method to gather preliminary data without directly exposing Scyther's living system to potentially harmful elements initially?"
"Oh?" Professor Oak looked at him strangely, eyebrows raised slightly. "And what alternative method do you propose, young man?" He seemed skeptical, perhaps even amused by Xiu's attempt to dictate experimental procedure.
After a brief moment of intense thought, an idea sparked. "Professor," Xiu asked, "you mentioned Scyther's current internal metal content is already abnormally high, correct?"
"Correct," Oak confirmed.
"And its evolution into Scizor involves integrating more metal into its exoskeleton and systems?"
"That is the fundamental principle, yes."
"So," Xiu proposed, "instead of feeding it new metals, couldn't we analyze the metals already present within its system? Determine their exact composition, their ratios, how they are currently integrated?"
Professor Oak looked puzzled. "How? Without invasive biopsies? That would carry its own risks."
"Maybe not," Xiu countered quickly. He suddenly remembered the broken scythe fragments from the battle with the Beedrill. He hadn't discarded them; he'd kept them, thinking they might be useful for sharpening Scyther's regrown blades later. "Professor," he said, getting excited now, "wait here!"
He ran quickly back to the warehouse, rummaging through his backpack. He returned moments later, holding out a small cloth pouch.
"What's this?" Professor Oak asked, looking curiously at the pouch.
Xiu carefully opened the pouch, revealing several jagged, green-chitin fragments – the broken pieces of Scyther's original scythes. "These," Xiu explained breathlessly, "are fragments I collected after Scyther's scythes were damaged in a battle before I arrived here. They contain the metals already integrated into its body!
We could analyze these fragments! Determine the exact elemental composition, the ratios, maybe even the crystalline structure of the metallic integration. It gives us accurate data on Scyther's current state, its natural metallic balance, without any need for further exposure, without any risk!" He looked hopefully at the Professor. "Wouldn't that provide a safer starting point for your research?"
Professor Oak stared at the fragments, then back at Xiu, a slow, thoughtful expression dawning on his face. He picked up one of the larger fragments, examining it closely. "But these pieces… they're already broken off…" he began, seemingly about to dismiss the idea.