Professor Oak’s sprite was glitchy, his eyes pixels of pure black. "Welcome to the world of Ntevo ," Oak’s text read, the font slightly too sharp. "Here, a monster is never finished."

The creature’s mouth, a jagged slit in the screen, moved. The speakers crackled. "YOU PATCHED REALITY. I AM THE MISSINGNO. OF YOUR INTENTION. I AM THE BUG IN THE CODE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT. THANK YOU FOR SETTING ME FREE." The Game Boy Advance SP grew hot in his hands. The screen bled light into the dim room. The creature on the screen raised a single, clawed hand, and reached out .

It was humming along with his own heartbeat.

He checked the subreddit. A new post, from a user named "Mn3m0th_Prime."

Elias chose his starter. Not the usual trio. A strange, egg-like creature called "Morphling." Its only move was "Adapt." He smirked. Perfect.