The sun was beginning to set as Jinwoo left Professor Rowan's lab.
The sky burned in hues of orange and red, casting long shadows across Sandgem Town.
The ocean breeze carried a faint, salty scent, mixing with the lingering warmth of the day.
Weavile walked beside him, ever silent, ever watchful.
Jinwoo had learned much from Rowan, about this world's structure, its rules, its strongest trainers.
But information alone wasn't enough.
He needed experience.
And for that, he would return to the wild.
Jinwoo made his way out of town, following a dirt path that led toward the coastline.
The sound of crashing waves filled the air as he arrived at a rocky shore.
The water stretched endlessly, shimmering under the fading sunlight.
The terrain was rough, lined with jagged rocks and patches of sand.
A perfect hunting ground.
Wild Pokémon roamed freely here.
Small groups of Wingull circled overhead, while Buizel darted through the shallow waters, their sleek bodies moving with speed and precision.
Jinwoo scanned the area.
He wasn't looking for just any Pokémon, he wanted something strong.
A flicker of movement caught his eye.
Across the rocky shoreline, standing atop a large boulder, was a Mightyena.
The Mightyena stood tall, its black-and-gray fur bristling in the sea breeze.
Its golden eyes locked onto Jinwoo's, sharp and calculating.
A predator.
For a moment, neither moved.
The Mightyena studied him with the same intensity he gave it.
Then, it growled.
The challenge was clear.
Jinwoo smirked.
Good.
"Weavile," he said, his tone calm.
The ice-dark Pokémon stepped forward, claws glinting in the fading light.
The Mightyena lunged first, its fangs glowing as it used Thunder Fang.
"Dodge."
Weavile vanished in a blur of speed, narrowly avoiding the crackling jaws.
It landed on the opposite side of the boulder, crouched and ready.
"Counter. Ice Punch."
Weavile struck fast, its fist coated in frost as it landed a clean hit against Mightyena's side.
The dark-type snarled, shaking off the attack before retaliating with Crunch.
Weavile twisted its body, barely avoiding the crushing bite.
Jinwoo watched, analyzing.
'This Mightyena was experienced.'
Its movements were sharp.
It didn't waste energy.
It was a worthy addition.
"End it. Night Slash."
Weavile's claws darkened, cutting through the air with ruthless efficiency.
The strike connected, sending Mightyena skidding across the rocky ground.
It didn't get up.
Jinwoo stepped forward, and muttered....
"Arise!"
Dark shadows rose up from the ground, widening towards Mightyena.
Darkness slithered toward Mightyena's body, seeping into its form.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, its eyes snapped open, glowing blue.
The newly resurrected Shadow Mightyena rose to its feet, its fur now slightly darker, its presence more menacing.
It lowered its head in submission.
Jinwoo smirked.
Another one added to his army.
As Jinwoo turned away, a rustling sound from the nearby bushes made him pause.
Someone was watching.
His sharp gaze cut through the dimming light.
The scent of sea salt wasn't enough to mask the faint presence of humans nearby.
Then—
From the shadows, two figures stepped out.
Team Galactic.
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