Chapter 97: The Perfect Scizor
After several hours of meticulous analysis using the advanced equipment in the lab, Professor Oak finally had the results from the Scyther fragments. He leaned back from the main console, studying the data displayed on the screen, a thoughtful, almost calculating expression on his face. He remained silent for a long moment.
Xiu, who had been assisting with sample preparation and instrument calibration nearby, approached cautiously, unable to contain his anxiety any longer. "Professor?" he asked tentatively. "The results… what's the situation?"
"My initial hypothesis appears correct," Professor Oak stated, turning slightly towards Xiu, though his gaze remained fixed on the data. "The analysis confirms that your Scyther possesses an abnormally high affinity for metallic element absorption, significantly higher than the standard." He pointed towards a complex graph on the screen. "However, the affinity isn't uniform with all types of metals, and as expected, its natural resonance with iron is highest – look here, assimilation potential rated at nearly 98%."
Xiu leaned closer, trying to interpret the dense data. He could recognize the chemical symbol for iron (Fe) and the corresponding high percentage. Below it, a list of other metallic elements – Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Vanadium (V), etc. – each with significantly lower, but still present, affinity percentages displayed beside them.
"This isn't surprising, Professor," Xiu commented thoughtfully. "Given that both ancient and modern evolution methods primarily utilize iron compounds, it stands to reason that Scyther as a species would have the highest natural affinity for iron. It's the most common, most successful pathway." His own Scyther possessing this trait simply confirmed it was, fundamentally, still a Scyther.
"Precisely," Oak agreed. "But," he added, a sudden, intense gleam entering his eyes, "that doesn't mean iron is the optimal path."
"Huh?" Xiu looked at Professor Oak, confused by the sudden shift in tone. 'What is he suggesting?'
"Think about it, Xiu!" Professor Oak exclaimed, suddenly animated, turning fully away from the screen to face him, radiating scientific excitement. "Simulating 'natural' evolution using iron… yes, it might prove our hypothesis about wild Scizor, but what does it achieve fundamentally? We'd just end up with a standard Scizor, biologically indistinguishable from one evolved via a Metal Coat. Where's the advancement? Where's the true research value?" He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "Others could claim we faked the process, used hidden modern techniques. It proves little definitively."
He leaned forward conspiratorially. "But what if," his voice dropped, filled with intensity, "we used Scyther's unique, broad-spectrum affinity to create something… extraordinary? Something beyond a standard Scizor?" He quickly brought up new data streams on the console – complex molecular diagrams, stress test simulations, theoretical alloy compositions. "Look at this!"
Xiu peered at the screen, bewildered. "What… what is this, Professor?"
"This," Oak declared proudly, "is my analysis of Scizor's known weaknesses! Primarily, its vulnerability to Fire-type attacks, a direct consequence of its Steel typing, and its reduced speed compared to Scyther, a trade-off for increased defense."
He turned back to Xiu, eyes gleaming. "But what if we could mitigate those weaknesses? What if, instead of iron, we focused on integrating metals with higher heat resistance? Lighter, stronger alloys that enhance durability without sacrificing speed as drastically? Imagine, Xiu! A Scizor with significantly reduced vulnerability to fire! Perhaps even retaining a portion of Scyther's speed! A perfected evolution!"
"You want to… use alloys?" Xiu asked tentatively, trying to grasp the ambition behind Oak's proposal. "Instead of just iron?"
"Precisely!" Oak confirmed. "There's no single naturally occurring metal that meets the ideal parameters – high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent heat resistance, optimal biological compatibility… but," he closed his eyes, a visionary expression on his face, "a carefully designed alloy… tailored specifically to Scyther's unique affinity profile…" He trailed off, lost in the possibilities.
"You don't need to worry about the specifics," Oak quickly reassured Xiu, opening his eyes again, perhaps sensing Xiu's growing unease. "Leave the material science to me. Rest assured, I would use only the highest quality, most compatible materials."
"But Professor," Xiu pressed, concern overriding his scientific curiosity, "the risks… introducing complex, potentially unnatural alloys into its system… what about Scyther's tolerance? What if its body rejects it? We talked about the dangers…"
"Already considered," Oak waved a dismissive hand, walking back over to the petri dishes containing the scythe fragments soaking in various metallic solutions. He picked one up, holding it to the light. "Look. These fragments… I've been running preliminary absorption tests using these catalyzed solutions. The rate at which even these non-living fragments are integrating various metallic ions… it's remarkable! Far better than I initially predicted. Your Scyther's affinity… it's truly exceptional. The potential for successful integration, even with complex alloys, is much higher than anticipated." He stared intently at the fragment, seemingly lost in the possibilities again, murmuring to himself, "Yes… this could be… the perfect Scizor…"
Watching Professor Oak's near-obsessive focus, his dismissal of the risks, his framing of Scyther as a means to an end – to achieving the 'perfect' evolution – solidified Xiu's unease into a firm decision. He knew, now, what Bao Ba had perhaps subtly warned him about.
Professor Oak's brilliance was undeniable, but it was coupled with a researcher's relentless drive, potentially blinding him to ethical considerations or immediate dangers when faced with the possibility of groundbreaking discovery.
"A Scizor that overcomes its weaknesses… yes, that is appealing," Xiu admitted silently, the potential power undeniable. "But," he interrupted Oak's enthusiastic muttering aloud, his voice quiet but firm, "I refuse."
The abrupt refusal snapped Professor Oak out of his scientific reverie. He looked up at Xiu, surprised, then his expression shifted back towards that 'normal', slightly amused facade. "Refuse?" he echoed, chuckling lightly. "Don't be hasty, Xiu."
He adopted a reassuring tone. "Your Scyther is incredibly rare. Unique, perhaps, in the entire world. Believe me, I am far more invested in its health and safety than even you, its Trainer. I wouldn't proceed with any experiment, especially one involving complex alloys, unless I was absolutely certain of its safety through preliminary testing, like the work I'm doing now with these fragments."
He leaned closer, his smile turning persuasive, almost predatory. "And," he added, dangling the ultimate bait, "think about the rewards, Xiu. As the Trainer of this unique, 'perfected' Scizor… imagine the recognition! Fame, fortune, power… all within your grasp. Doors would open… opportunities…"
"Alas, Professor," Xiu sighed inwardly, completely unmoved by the attempted bribery. He met Professor Oak's gaze calmly. "What you offer… it holds little appeal for me. My only goal," he stated simply, truthfully, "is ensuring my Pokémon live well, safely."
The promise of fame and fortune… that tactic held no power over him. The Professor, Xiu realized, had fundamentally misjudged his motivations.
And Oak had only mentioned the potential benefits. Xiu, however, saw the immediate, catastrophic dangers of owning a unique, 'perfected' Scizor— a creature potentially capable of overcoming its species' fundamental weaknesses… it wouldn't bring fame; it would bring trouble. Immense trouble.
Wealthy collectors offering astronomical sums on the black market. Rival researchers desperate to steal Professor Oak's (and Xiu's) secrets. Corporations seeking to replicate the process. And countless Hunters, like sharks smelling blood, converging from every corner of the globe, drawn by the allure of capturing such a unique prize.
For Professor Oak, protected by his reputation, his connections, his institute's security, maybe such attention was manageable, even desirable. But for Xiu? A no-name assistant with a fabricated identity and limited resources?
Possessing such a Pokémon would be like painting a giant target on his back. He wouldn't last a week outside the Institute's walls before something happened. The title 'unique in the world' wasn't a blessing; it was a death sentence. He couldn't handle that kind of heat.
"Tomorrow," Xiu stated firmly, changing the subject, implicitly rejecting Oak's grand vision without needing to argue further, "I will focus on strengthening Scyther's physique. Basic conditioning. Before any experiments begin, enhancing its core strength and stamina seems prudent. It will only improve its tolerance for… whatever comes next."
"Hmm~" Professor Oak seemed to accept the deflection, perhaps recognizing Xiu's decision was made. He nodded slowly. "Sensible. Very well." He knew pushing further now would be counterproductive. Perhaps Xiu could be persuaded later, after seeing preliminary results…
This indirect agreement – focusing on basic training first – suited Xiu perfectly. It bought him time. And perhaps, by observing Oak's 'strengthening' methods, he could learn valuable training techniques himself.
The rest of the day involved more preparation in the lab, analyzing the fragment data, setting up monitoring equipment. It had nothing more to do with Xiu directly. His 'shift' was over.
"So tired~" Xiu muttered, finally walking out of the main Institute building as dusk settled, heading back towards his warehouse lodging. Helping Oak in the lab all day, on top of his regular duties and mental stress… he hadn't even had a chance to open a book.
'And I still need to talk to Scyther about this… explain Oak's real plan…' More difficult conversations awaited. More problems to solve. The weight felt immense.