Shawn stepped lightly across the quiet streets, his shadows flanking him silently. Beru's massive form moved like a shadowy sentinel, while Igris glided with a predatory grace. To the world, he was just a high schooler walking to an empty lot, but in truth, he carried an army in his mind.
The mini-gate pulsed ahead, a thin, shimmering tear in reality. Shawn felt the dark energy vibrating from it, alive and restless. Not strong, but unpredictable. Perfect for practice.
> [Shadow Monarch System]
Mini-Gate Level: Elite
Recommended: Shadows – Normal to Knight grade
Shawn focused, feeling the connection with each of his shadows intensify. They weren't just tools—they were extensions of himself.
"Beru, Igris… split formation. Flank left and right," he commanded silently. The words barely left his mind, but his shadows obeyed instantly.
Beru's massive claws scraped the ground softly as he advanced to the left. Igris disappeared into a shadowed blur, circling the gate from the right.
A wave of crawling insect-like monsters emerged from the mini-gate. Their skin was dark, almost oily, eyes glowing red. They hissed and lunged instinctively at Shawn, as if sensing a threat.
Shawn's heartbeat quickened. Remember, this is practice.
> [Combat Interface]
Damage Calculation: Shawn → Shadow Command 95% efficiency
Shadow Synchronization: 100%
He focused again, and shadows moved with precision. Beru's massive claw slammed into a monster, crushing it with a sickening crack. Igris struck from above, his blade-like shadow extensions slicing through another enemy.
Shawn could feel the shadows' movements as if they were his own. Every strike, every dodge, every slash resonated through his body. It was intoxicating.
> [System Notification]
Shadow Command Experience +120
Shawn Level Up: 5 → 6
A faint smile curved his lips. Level six already… this is easier than I expected.
The last monster leapt at Shawn, faster than the others. He barely had time to react, but Beru intercepted, taking the hit with a low growl. Shawn sent a pulse of energy through Beru, enhancing his strength, and the monster exploded in shadows.
> [Shadow Extraction Available – Knight Grade]
Shawn froze. Extraction? He had only just begun. Not now… I need to understand them first. He decided to hold off, making a mental note to study it later.
As the last monster fell, the mini-gate shimmered and collapsed, leaving only silence. Shawn exhaled, the adrenaline slowly fading.
Beru's deep, rumbling growl echoed faintly in his mind. Igris' eyes glinted with blue energy, scanning the surroundings for threats. Both shadows seemed more alive than ever.
Shawn's mind wandered briefly. This… this is different from anything I imagined. They listen, they fight, they think. Not like minions, but like partners.
He glanced at the empty lot, now littered with shadow residue from the battle. To any passerby, it looked like nothing had happened. But Shawn knew the truth. The world was different now—and so was he.
> [Shadow Monarch System Alert]
Training Complete: Shadows at Full Synchronization
Next Objective: Strengthen Shadow Army – Mini-Gate Clearance Recommended
Shawn exhaled again, a mix of exhilaration and calm washing over him. His "ordinary life" might never be ordinary again—but for the first time, he felt ready for it.