The newly converted Umbreon stood before him, its red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
Unlike some of his previous soldiers, this one hadn't rejected it or made it hard for him.
It had accepted to serve him to easily like that.
That was quite new to Jin woo.
It was like the monster belonged to darkness before he turned it.
Beru clicked his mandibles, stepping forward to inspect the creature.
"Master, this beast… it looks like a beast of darkness."
Jin-Woo nodded, observing the Umbreon as it shifted slightly, its golden rings pulsing in a steady rhythm.
'Even beru noticed it, it must be a dark type beast, that would likely be the reason why it accepted without struggle or rather didn't have a choice to reject, and they would likely be more like it around here.?'
It felt different from his usual shadows, less rigid, more alive.
'Was it because this beast possessed their own unique energy, separate from the mana of his world? Or was it something else entirely?'
He reached out through their connection, testing the limits of their bond.
"Come to me."
The Umbreon's form flickered, dissolving into dark mist before reforming beside him.
He extended his hand, and the creature nuzzled against his fingers briefly before sitting at his feet, waiting.
Loyal.
Efficient.
'This world might have been unfamiliar, but the rules of power remained the same. If I could turn this monster into a shadow, then my army could grow even stronger. But first, i need information.'
Jin woo turned to Igris, who stood silently behind him, ever watchful.
"We need to move."
Beru's wings buzzed briefly as he scanned the forest.
"Where to, my king?"
Jin-Woo looked up at the sky.
The sun was still high, filtering through the thick canopy above.
If this world had a similar cycle to his own, nightfall would come eventually, and he wasn't going to wait around for surprises.
"Higher ground," he said. "We need a better view."
With that, he moved, his steps light as he wove through the forest.
His shadows followed closely, their presence a comforting reminder that he wasn't entirely alone in this world.
Somehow.
They traveled for nearly an hour, the forest stretching endlessly before them.
The more he observed, the clearer it became, this world wasn't just different in energy.
The creatures here were everywhere. Bird-like Pokémon with elongated beaks flitted between tree branches, their calls echoing through the woods.
Small, rodent-like creatures scurried through the underbrush, their fur bristling when they caught sight of the intruders.
None of them attacked.
They sensed something unnatural about him.
Which was good news for Jinwoo.
Because that meant fewer distractions.
Eventually, they reached a clearing where a massive rock formation jutted from the landscape.
Jin-Woo approached, his sharp eyes scanning the structure.
It would serve as a vantage point.
He flexed his fingers, activating 'Ruler's Authority.'
The air trembled as he propelled himself upward, landing smoothly on the highest ledge.
Beru followed, his wings carrying him effortlessly, while Igris scaled the rock with practiced ease.
From up here, the view stretched for miles.
Dense forests covered most of the landscape, but beyond the treetops, a distant lake reflected the sunlight.
Further ahead, a dirt path cut through the wilderness, winding toward a small settlement.
A village or a town, perhaps.
'Finally, civilization.'
He glanced at Beru.
"We move at night. We'll get closer without drawing attention."
The Beru bowed his head.
"Understood, my king."
Just as he was about to descend, his Umbreon, still stationed at his side, suddenly tensed.
Its ears flicked, and a low growl rumbled in its throat.
"An intruder."
His gaze snapped back toward the forest below.
Something was watching them.
Leaves rustled, and a shadowed figure emerged from the trees.
Another Pokémon.
Bipedal, covered in sleek black fur with sharp, curved claws.
A single red feather stuck out from its head, twitching as its yellow eyes locked onto him.
A Weavile.
It didn't hesitate.
The moment it saw him, it lunged.
Fast.
Faster than the Umbreon had been.
But not fast enough.
He stepped aside, avoiding its swipe with ease.
Its claws carved into the rock where he had been, sending dust and stone flying.
The Weavile landed gracefully, crouching low as it let out a sharp hiss.
Beru's aura flared, his killing intent radiating outward.
"Shall I handle this, my king?"
Jin-Woo lifted a hand, stopping him.
"No. This one is mine."
The Weavile's eyes narrowed at his words, as if it understood the challenge.
It bared its fangs, the air around it shifting.
Jin-Woo exhaled, letting the fight begin.
The Weavile blurred forward, aiming straight for his throat.
Its speed was impressive, but he was faster.
He ducked, weaving past its claws before driving his palm into its chest with 'Ruler's Strength.'
The impact sent it skidding backward, but it flipped midair, landing on its feet without hesitation.
It was strong.
But he was stronger.
It didn't back down.
Instead, it crouched again, darkness gathering around its claws.
Night Slash.
A more dangerous move.
It dashed forward, its entire form flickering as it feinted left before striking from the right.
He caught its wrist.
The Weavile's eyes widened in shock.
"Too slow."
He tightened his grip and drove his knee into its stomach.
The Pokémon choked out a breath before he spun and slammed it into the ground.
Dust exploded outward as the force of the impact cracked the earth beneath them.
It coughed, looking utterly broken and dead.
He raised his hand and uttered a single command.
"Arise."
The shadows swirled.
Dark mist coiled around the Weavile's body, wrapping it in tendrils of black energy.
It rejected.
Jin Woo sighed, and tried again.
"Arise!"
The shadows swirled.
Dark mist coiled around the Weavile's body, wrapping it in tendrils of black energy.
A few moments later, it stilled.
Then, its eyes opened, glowing with the eerie light of his power.
Another shadow had joined his ranks.
He stepped back, watching as the Weavile rose, its movements fluid yet slightly different.
The bond between them had formed, and just like with the Umbreon, he could feel its presence tied to his.
He clenched his fist, testing the connection.
The Weavile responded immediately, standing at attention, awaiting his command.
'Almost close, this one took two trials.'
Beru let out a pleased click.
"My king continues to grow his army."
The man said nothing, his gaze drifting toward the distant town.
This world had strong creatures.
Strong enough to challenge him.
But in the end, there was only one truth.
He was the hunter.