The journey toward Hearthome City was uneventful at first.
The dense forest gradually gave way to open fields, and the morning sunlight bathed the landscape in a golden glow.
Jinwoo walked in silence, his newly acquired Torterra trailing behind, its massive frame barely making a sound despite its size.
His other shadows moved around him like silent sentinels.
Beru floated beside him, ever-watchful, while Weavile and Zangoose moved ahead, scouting for potential threats.
Darkrai remained close, its form shifting between reality and shadow, a constant reminder of the legend Jinwoo now commanded.
The wind whispered through the dense trees as Jinwoo continued his journey.
His steps were steady, his senses always alert.
He had grown used to the silence of the wild, but today, something was different.
A scent.
A presence.
Someone was nearby.
His shadows had already detected them, but they weren't a threat, not yet.
Instead of preparing for battle, Jinwoo slowed his pace, waiting.
Then, from behind the trees, a figure emerged.
It was an older man, dressed in a dark brown coat with a satchel slung over his shoulder.
His silver-rimmed glasses reflected the sunlight as he pushed them up his nose, his eyes widening slightly as he spotted Jinwoo.
Jinwoo remained silent, observing.
The man, however, looked fascinated rather than wary.
"Amazing… You tamed a Darkrai?" he murmured, stepping closer.
His voice carried curiosity rather than fear.
"That's… almost unheard of."
Jinwoo didn't answer immediately.
His Darkrai stood beside him, its form shifting like a living shadow.
It didn't react to the man's words, waiting for its master's command.
The man finally realized his rudeness and chuckled awkwardly.
"Ah, my apologies! Where are my manners?" He cleared his throat. "My name is Professor Rowan. I specialize in Pokémon evolution and research here in the Sinnoh region."
Jinwoo narrowed his eyes slightly.
'So this was a Professor?'
He had heard the term before, briefly from the people who had Pokémon, but this was the first time meeting one.
Rowan studied him curiously.
"You don't seem like an ordinary trainer." His eyes flicked to Jinwoo's Pokémon again. "In fact… I don't recognize some of these Pokémon at all."
Jinwoo didn't flinch, but he knew the professor had sharp eyes.
Even though his Torterra, Weavile, and Zangoose, Umbreon were recognizable, creatures like Beru and Igris were not.
Rowan stroked his chin.
"And yet, they obey you without hesitation… Fascinating."
Jinwoo decided to shift the conversation before too many questions were asked.
"I don't know much about this world," he admitted, keeping his words simple. "I need information about Pokémon."
Rowan's eyes lit up with interest.
"Oh? Now that is quite an unusual request from a trainer." He adjusted his glasses. "Are you saying you've never been to a Pokémon Center? A Gym? Or even owned a Pokédex?"
Jinwoo shook his head.
The professor studied him for a long moment before nodding.
"I see… You must have lived in a very isolated place." He turned, gesturing for Jinwoo to follow. "Come. I'll explain what I can as we walk."
As they moved through the forest, Rowan began his lecture.
"Pokémon are creatures that exist all over the world, possessing incredible abilities based on their species and type." He glanced at Darkrai. "Some are considered Legendaries, like yours. They are incredibly rare, and most trainers never even see one in their lifetime."
Jinwoo listened carefully.
"Trainers capture Pokémon using Poké Balls, train them through battles, and strengthen them through experience. Many seek to compete in Gyms and challenge the Pokémon League, while others, like myself, study them."
Rowan suddenly reached into his satchel and pulled out a small red device.
"This is a Pokédex, a tool used to record data on Pokémon." He handed it to Jinwoo, who examined the sleek design. "It automatically identifies and catalogs Pokémon you encounter."
Jinwoo tapped the screen, watching as information about Darkrai appeared.
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Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokémon.
Type: Dark
It can lull people to sleep and make them dream. It is active on moonless nights.
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Rowan smiled.
"See? With that, you can learn more about Pokémon in the wild."
Jinwoo nodded, storing the knowledge away.
Rowan studied him once more, this time with genuine curiosity.
"You're a strange one," he admitted. "You appear out of nowhere, command Pokémon most trainers wouldn't even dream of having, and yet… you know so little."
Jinwoo remained silent.
The professor sighed.
"Well, I won't pry. Everyone has their secrets." He reached into his bag again and pulled out five empty Poké Balls.
"Take these. You may not need them, but if you truly wish to understand this world, you should experience it as a Pokémon Trainer."
Jinwoo took the Poké Balls, feeling their smooth surface in his palm.
He wasn't sure if he would use them, but they could be useful.
Rowan adjusted his coat.
"If you ever find yourself in Sandgem Town, look for me at my lab." He smirked. "I'd love to hear more about your journey."
With that, the professor turned and disappeared down the path, leaving Jinwoo alone once more.
Jinwoo glanced at the Poké Balls in his hand.
'A trainer, huh?'
He closed his fingers around them and continued walking.
He still had much to learn.
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