If cross-dressing made you stronger, would you do it?
That was essentially the dilemma Su Feng faced now. Z-Moves were gifts from nature—ancient Alolan rituals involving ceremonial dances to channel their power. Though he found the idea of performing them in public mortifying, the dances were non-negotiable.
I'll ask Butterfree to make me a Z-Power Ring later, Su Feng mused. Free power is free power. Still, he resolved to use Z-Moves only as a last resort.
With 200 Flame Coins left unspent in Gengar's shadow, everything else had gone smoothly.
"The sun's setting. Time to head back."
Golden twilight streaked across the sky as Su Feng admired the view.
[This stream was worth it—Pokémon town AND Moltres!]
[Nooo, don't end it yet!]
[After this, I'm gonna find my own partner!]
"Grrr? (Need an escort?)" Magmortar offered casually.
"No need." Su Feng smiled. "Thank you—for everything." The fire-type had been instrumental in this journey.
Magmortar shrugged. "Grrr. (Had nothing better to do.)" As the town's de facto mayor, his duties were light. The Pokémon here lived harmoniously, focused only on earning Flame Coins rather than battling for survival.
After a pause, Su Feng "retrieved" a Magmarizer from his backpack—actually purchased from the system for just 50 points.
"Here. A gift."
Magmortar's eyes widened. He recognized the device's energy. After resigning himself to never evolving, Su Feng had handed him the opportunity on a silver platter.
"Grrr. (Managing the town does require strength...)" Su Feng hinted.
Magmortar chuckled. Rule-breakers existed, but the community always banded together to exile them—no intervention needed.
Clutching the Magmarizer, he hesitated.
Su Feng frowned. "Aren't you going to evolve?"
"Grrr. (I want to save this for my son...)" Magmortar admitted sheepishly.
Su Feng waved a hand. "No worries. I've got another." He produced a second Magmarizer.
Magmortar: "..."
Before he could question why Su Feng carried multiple evolution items, white light engulfed him.
[Is Magmortar evolving!?]
[Guess so! Su Feng gave him something.]
[Dude's a walking treasure chest. Normal?]
[Since when is ANY of this normal?]
Dozens of Pokémon gathered, drawn by the spectacle of their mayor's transformation. Thirty seconds later, the light faded—revealing a taller, bulkier form with cannon-like arms.
Magmortar: "?"
From 1.3 meters to a still-modest 1.6 meters, his presence now radiated intimidation. The surrounding Pokémon averted their gazes under his low-lidded stare.
"Grrr..." He exhaled deeply. After years of being evolution-ready, the Magmarizer had finally unlocked his potential. Though his grip strength weakened, raw power thrummed through him—easily three times stronger than before.
"Grrr. (Thank you, Mr. Su.)"
Su Feng shook his head. Dusk was falling; it was time to leave. Handing over the second Magmarizer, he turned away without ceremony.
"Grrr! (Farewell!)" Magmortar called after him.
Su Feng raised a hand in silent reply, his silhouette cutting a lone figure against the twilight.
Blaziken trailed behind, as accustomed to goodbyes as when Greninja departed. Only Growlithe lingered, casting wistful glances at his birthplace.
"Ruff..."
"Don't worry." Su Feng scooped him up gently. "We'll return."
"Arf! (And I'll be the strongest Arcanine!)"
To his audience, Su Feng announced:
"Stream's ending. Next one goes live within a week."
"Please respect the volcano Pokémon's peaceful way of life. If you visit, let them choose you—not the other way around."
"And do not seek out Moltres. Her wrath is no joke."
"P.S.: I'm founding a Pokémon Academy. First batch: 10 students max, picked from followers and acquaintances. Stay tuned."
"Until next time—Xia Feng, signing off!"
The screen went dark.