Pokémon have arrived, and they're really not called magical beasts.

[The streamer sure knows how to address people.]

[Whoa, that officer has a high rank… Is this even allowed on stream?]

[666, calling him "Officer" like this—during wartime, you'd be labeled a traitor!]

"Mr. Su, outdoor streaming isn't illegal," the guard explained patiently after collecting his thoughts.

"Then… was it the campfire I built in the forest? Or entering during a restricted period?"

Wow, self-reporting much?

The guard sighed internally. This guy's exactly like his stream persona.

"Neither. We're here to thank you for your contributions to Pokémon education."

"Oh? Oh!"

Su Feng finally relaxed. He'd thought he was getting arrested right after leaving the forest.

Wait, that phrasing sounds off… but maybe not.

The guard glanced at Torchic in Su Feng's arms and continued, "Mr. Su, my surname is Jin. You can call me whatever you like."

Su Feng hesitated. "…Military Lord?"

"…Anything but that."

"Fine. Brother Jin." Su Feng clicked his tongue, sounding almost disappointed.

Brother Jin forced a smile. So you can be normal!

"Mr. Su, some officials would like to speak with you. Do you have time?"

"Sure! I was just wondering where to go next."

Brother Jin exhaled in relief. The mission was proceeding smoothly.

"Please board the jeep ahead."

Su Feng climbed into the vehicle without hesitation, Torchic in tow. Brother Jin drove, flanked by three jeeps in front and three behind—a security detail fit for a VIP.

After some time, Brother Jin glanced at Su Feng chatting with his audience and gently reminded, "Mr. Su, the area we're entering requires confidentiality. Could you…"

"Got it, no problem!"

Su Feng agreed cheerfully. "Folks, I've got some official business to handle. Stream's ending for now!"

[Noooo!]

[Give us a return date! I'll camp in your直播间 24/7!]

[Fine. You have 10 minutes. Then get back online!]

Su Feng's eye twitched. "Ten minutes isn't even enough for a proper bathroom break."

"Torchic, say bye-bye!"

"Chirp~"

Torchic waved at the camera. Su Feng ended the stream without checking the chat, plunging the world into sudden quiet.

"Whew." Su Feng slumped back, finally relaxed.

"You've worked hard, Mr. Su," Brother Jin said politely.

"Nah, just tired from having too much fun."

Brother Jin: "…"

If I speak again, I'm a Poochyena.

After reaching their destination—a subterranean tunnel requiring a 15-minute drive—Brother Jin led Su Feng through a military-style passageway to an unmarked door. Exchanging a nod with the guard, he ushered Su Feng inside.

Four pairs of eyes immediately locked onto Su Feng and Torchic: two elderly men (one kindly, one sternly pretending to be kindly) and their guards.

Su Feng sat down casually, unfazed. Four glares? Please. They had nothing on Arceus's divine stare.

The stern elder burst into laughter. "Good! A youngster who doesn't cower before us! I like that!"

The kinder one sighed. "Don't scare the boy. Let's keep this civil."

"Mr. Su, I'm Old Chen. This is Old Xu," the gentle elder introduced.

Behind Chen, his guard stifled a smirk. No one but Chen and Xu's wife dares call him "Old Xu."

"Old Chen, Old Xu." Su Feng greeted them respectfully but without subservience.

"I like this kid," Xu muttered, amused.

Chen cut to the chase. "Su Feng, what's your view on Pokémon?"

"They're miraculous beings that can coexist with humans and reshape our world."

Chen nodded. He'd expected this answer but wanted to hear it firsthand.

"Coexistence is ideal," Xu interjected. "But if forced to fight, we won't back down."

"I understand," Su Feng replied. He knew his country prioritized civilian safety over confrontation with Pokémon.

Chen pressed further. "Do you know all Pokémon?"

Su Feng chose his words carefully. "Not all, but I'm familiar with most species and their habits."

"That's more than we know," Chen said warmly. "I recall you mentioned a 'Pokédex' project. Discuss the details with Brother Jin afterward."

"Will do."

Brother Jin = "Little Jin"? Got it.

Xu pondered before asking gravely, "Su Feng… do Pokémon exist that humanity cannot defeat?"

Su Feng tensed. This wasn't a casual question.

"Old Xu, have you encountered such a Pokémon?"

"Not us." Xu gestured to his guard, who projected a video onto a screen.

The footage showed a mountainous figure rising from molten lava—ignoring gunfire from U.S. soldiers as it summoned colossal stone swords to obliterate fighter jets.

"Groudon!?"