The familiar chime of the Pokémon House System echoed through Shinzō's shop as he finished tallying the day's sales. Another successful week had passed since the Pokédex launch, with demand continuing to surge throughout Teyvat. As he locked the front door and dimmed the lights, the system's interface materialized before him in shimmering blue text.
[System Notification: Milestone Achieved - 100th Successful Pokémon Placement][Reward Chest Available: Premium Tier][Would you like to open your reward?]
Shinzō paused, feeling a familiar excitement. His last system reward had given him Kyogre—a legendary that still resided peacefully in the expanded backyard habitat, occasionally creating rain showers that the local farmers had begun to appreciate. What would the system grant him this time?
"Open chest," he said aloud.
The air around him darkened momentarily, shadows dancing across the walls as particles of deep purple and silver light coalesced before him. When the light faded, a sleek, cat-like Pokémon stood gracefully on his counter, its jet-black fur seeming to absorb the ambient light while golden rings around its ears, tail, and forehead glowed with an ethereal radiance.
"Umbreon," Shinzō breathed, immediately recognizing the Moonlight Pokémon. At level 80, this was no ordinary specimen—this was a masterfully trained Dark-type, its presence commanding respect even in stillness.
The Umbreon's crimson eyes met his, and Shinzō felt an immediate connection. Unlike the raw power of his Tyranitar or the ancient wisdom of Zekrom, this Pokémon radiated something different—a cool intelligence, patient and calculating. The golden rings pulsed gently, creating mesmerizing patterns in the dim shop.
"Welcome to the team," Shinzō said softly, extending his hand. Umbreon sniffed delicately before allowing him to stroke its silky fur. The moment their bond solidified, information flowed through the system connection: This Umbreon was exceptionally skilled in stealth, reconnaissance, and night operations—perfect abilities for the challenges that awaited.
[Bond Established: Umbreon (Lv. 80)][Special Ability Unlocked: Shadow Meld - Enhanced stealth capabilities during nighttime][Personality Assessment: Loyal, Intelligent, Protective]
The next morning brought an unexpected visitor. As Shinzō prepared to open the shop, he noticed a familiar red-haired figure approaching through the early morning mist. Diluc Ragnvindr walked with his usual purposeful stride, though his keen eyes immediately fixed on the new addition to Shinzō's team.
Umbreon had positioned itself near the shop's entrance, almost invisible in the shadows cast by the morning sun. Only the faint glimmer of its golden rings betrayed its presence.
"A new Pokémon?" Diluc inquired, his voice carrying its typical measured tone. "I don't recognize this species from your previous demonstrations."
"Meet Umbreon," Shinzō replied, gesturing to his newest partner. "A Dark-type Pokémon, evolved from Eevee through strong friendship and nighttime training. They're known for their loyalty and exceptional abilities in low-light conditions."
Diluc's interest was immediately apparent. As someone who spent countless nights patrolling the roads around Mondstadt, fighting off monsters and protecting travelers, he understood the value of creatures adapted to darkness.
"Dark-type," he repeated thoughtfully. "Another new classification. What capabilities does it possess?"
Before Shinzō could respond, Umbreon demonstrated. The Pokémon seemed to dissolve into the shadows cast by nearby crates, reappearing silently behind Diluc a moment later. The Darknight Hero's hand instinctively moved toward his claymore, but he checked the movement when he realized there was no threat.
"Impressive stealth capabilities," Diluc acknowledged. "How does it compare to your other Pokémon in terms of power?"
"Umbreon isn't about raw strength," Shinzō explained. "It's about precision, strategy, and endurance. In my world, they're often chosen by trainers who value cunning over brute force. Watch this."
Shinzō led Diluc to the shop's training area, where he'd set up various obstacles and targets. "Umbreon, demonstrate Confuse Ray."
The Moonlight Pokémon's rings flared with ghostly light, creating a series of mesmerizing patterns that seemed to twist reality itself. Even in broad daylight, the effect was disorienting—Diluc found himself momentarily uncertain of his surroundings.
"A status-affecting move," Shinzō explained as the light faded. "In battle, this would leave opponents confused and prone to attacking themselves or their allies. But Umbreon has many other techniques."
He called for Toxic, and Umbreon's body briefly emanated a malevolent purple aura before returning to normal. "That move can badly poison opponents, weakening them over time. And then there's Dark Pulse."
This time, Umbreon directed its attack at a practice dummy. Rings of dark energy erupted from its body, striking the target with surprising force and leaving scorch marks despite the lack of actual fire.
Diluc observed each demonstration with the analytical mind of a seasoned fighter. "These abilities would be invaluable during night operations," he said finally. "The stealth capabilities alone could save lives."
"Exactly," Shinzō agreed. "But Umbreon requires a specific type of trainer. Dark-types often reflect their trainer's dedication and patience. They're not Pokémon you can simply command—you have to earn their respect and cooperation."
Word of Shinzō's new Dark-type Pokémon spread quickly through Liyue Harbor. By afternoon, several curious visitors had gathered at the Poké Emporium. Among them were Chongyun, whose interest in exorcism made him naturally curious about creatures associated with darkness, and Hu Tao, who seemed delighted by anything that added mystery to the world.
"So this little shadow cat can turn invisible?" Hu Tao asked, crouching near Umbreon with her characteristic enthusiasm. "That's perfect for my business! Think of the dramatic entrances I could make!"
Chongyun, meanwhile, seemed more concerned about potential supernatural implications. "Director Hu Tao, we should consider whether Dark-type Pokémon might attract actual evil spirits. My yang energy is already reacting to its presence."
Indeed, Chongyun's constitutional yang energy was causing him to perspire slightly in Umbreon's vicinity, though the Pokémon seemed entirely unbothered by this reaction.
"Dark-type doesn't mean evil," Shinzō clarified, noting the young exorcist's discomfort. "In the Pokémon world, typing refers to the nature of their abilities, not their moral alignment. Umbreon are actually known for being extremely loyal and protective of those they care about."
To demonstrate, he called Umbreon over and began grooming its fur with a specialized brush. The Pokémon's purring—a sound like distant thunder—filled the shop as it relaxed completely under his touch.
"You see? Umbreon trusts me because we've formed a bond. Dark-types often get misunderstood, but they're just as capable of love and loyalty as any other Pokémon."
Hu Tao giggled. "It's like a big, magical shadow cat! Can I pet it?"
Shinzō looked to Umbreon, who studied Hu Tao for a long moment before padding over and allowing her to stroke its head. The funeral director's eyes widened with delight as she felt the silky texture of its fur.
"It's so soft! And warm! I expected it to feel cold and spooky."
"Another misconception," Shinzō noted. "Dark-type Pokémon maintain normal body temperature. Though Umbreon does have the ability to lower its body temperature for camouflage purposes."
As evening approached, Diluc returned to the shop, this time accompanied by a small group of Knights of Favonius. Jean, Albedo, and Kaeya had all come to observe the mysterious new Pokémon that had captured the Darknight Hero's attention.
"I've described its capabilities," Diluc explained to his companions, "but I believe a nighttime demonstration would be more instructive."
Shinzō nodded, understanding the request. "Umbreon's abilities are indeed most impressive after dark. Would you like to see a proper training session?"
As the sun set over Liyue Harbor, the group gathered in the larger training area behind the shop. Ningguang had granted Shinzō permission to use a section of the harbor's docks for Pokémon demonstrations, recognizing their value for promoting Liyue's growing reputation as the center of Pokémon knowledge.
In the gathering darkness, Umbreon seemed to come alive. Its golden rings pulsed with increased brightness, creating an almost hypnotic effect against its dark fur. The Pokémon moved with fluid grace, practically gliding across the training ground.
"The first principle of training Dark-types," Shinzō began, addressing his audience of seasoned warriors, "is understanding that they're naturally nocturnal. Their instincts, reflexes, and abilities are all enhanced in low-light conditions."
He gestured to Umbreon, who had positioned itself atop a stack of crates, nearly invisible except for its glowing rings. "Observe how it naturally seeks elevated positions that provide both concealment and tactical advantage. This isn't learned behavior—it's instinct."
Albedo pulled out his sketch pad, capturing the scene with quick, precise strokes. "Fascinating. The bioluminescent markings serve both as camouflage and communication, I assume?"
"Correct," Shinzō confirmed. "In the wild, Umbreon use their ring patterns to communicate with each other silently across distances. But in training, we can use this ability for coordination with human partners."
To demonstrate, Shinzō made a subtle hand gesture. Umbreon's rings flashed in a specific pattern, then the Pokémon vanished completely into the shadows. For several seconds, none of the observers could locate it.
"Where—" Kaeya began, only to fall silent as Umbreon materialized directly behind him, rings pulsing with what almost seemed like amusement.
"Stealth is just one aspect," Shinzō continued. "The real value of a well-trained Dark-type lies in their ability to adapt their tactics to any situation. Umbreon, demonstrate Moonlight."
The Pokémon's rings suddenly blazed with silver light, and healing energy washed over its body. Even minor scuffs from the day's activities faded away.
"A recovery move," Jean observed with interest. "That would be invaluable for extended operations."
"Exactly. Dark-types like Umbreon are built for endurance missions. They can fight, heal, provide reconnaissance, and protect their trainers all while remaining nearly undetectable."
Diluc stepped forward. "What would be required to train with such a Pokémon? Hypothetically speaking."
Shinzō smiled, recognizing genuine interest when he heard it. "Dark-types require patient, consistent training. They won't respond to harsh commands or forced obedience. Instead, you build trust through shared experiences, particularly nighttime activities."
He produced a specialized training routine he'd developed, written on high-quality paper. "This is a basic schedule I've created for Dark-type bonding. It emphasizes trust-building exercises, stealth training, and coordination drills. Most importantly, it requires the trainer to adapt their schedule to the Pokémon's natural rhythms."
The routine outlined specific activities: twilight meditation sessions to sync with the Pokémon's energy, nighttime obstacle courses to develop teamwork, and shadow-work exercises that would teach both trainer and Pokémon to move silently together.
"The key," Shinzō explained, "is understanding that Dark-types aren't just tools or weapons. They're partners who excel when they feel trusted and valued. Push too hard, or try to dominate them, and they'll simply refuse to cooperate."
To illustrate this point, he called Umbreon over and sat down beside it. The Pokémon immediately settled next to him, leaning against his side with obvious contentment.
"See? Umbreon chooses to be close to me because we've built mutual respect. That's the foundation of all successful Dark-type training."
As the demonstration concluded, several of the visitors lingered to ask more detailed questions. Kaeya, in particular, seemed intrigued by the tactical applications of Umbreon's abilities.
"The intelligence network possibilities are considerable," he mused, watching Umbreon demonstrate its ability to blend seamlessly with various shadows. "A partner capable of gathering information undetected would be invaluable."
"Just remember," Shinzō cautioned, "Dark-types have their own moral compass. They won't participate in activities they consider dishonorable. Umbreon, for instance, would never spy on innocent people or help with activities that could harm the defenseless."
Albedo looked up from his sketches. "Remarkable. You're describing creatures with genuine ethical frameworks, not mere trained responses."
"That's exactly right," Shinzō confirmed. "Pokémon aren't just magical animals—they're intelligent beings with their own personalities, preferences, and moral instincts. That's what makes them such incredible partners when properly understood."
The group eventually dispersed, but not before several expressed serious interest in learning more about Dark-type training. Diluc, predictably, was the most direct in his inquiry.
"I would like to arrange for formal training sessions," he stated. "The capabilities you've demonstrated align perfectly with certain... responsibilities I maintain."
Shinzō nodded, understanding the implications. "I'll work with you to develop a specialized program. But remember—this isn't about acquiring a weapon. It's about earning a partner who will choose to fight alongside you."
Later that night, as Shinzō prepared to close the shop, he found himself reflecting on the day's events. Umbreon had adapted to its new environment with remarkable ease, already establishing favorite resting spots throughout the building and showing protective instincts toward the other Pokémon in residence.
"You've made quite an impression," he said to Umbreon, who was perched on the counter, rings glowing softly in the darkness. "I think you're going to be very popular here in Teyvat."
Umbreon's rings pulsed in what Shinzō had learned to recognize as contentment. The bond between them had grown stronger throughout the day, strengthened by the successful demonstrations and the Pokémon's evident pride in showcasing its abilities.
As he prepared for bed, Shinzō made plans for the coming weeks. Diluc's interest in Dark-type training would likely inspire others, particularly those involved in nighttime activities or security work. He would need to develop comprehensive training materials, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines for Dark-type partnerships.
More importantly, he would need to continue building his relationship with Umbreon. Each of his Pokémon brought unique strengths to his growing team, but they also required individual attention and care. Umbreon's nocturnal nature meant adjusting his own schedule to accommodate evening training sessions and nighttime bonding activities.
The challenges were considerable, but so were the rewards. As he watched Umbreon settle into its chosen sleeping spot—a shadow-filled corner where it could observe both the front door and the entrance to the backyard habitat—Shinzō felt the familiar satisfaction of successful partnership.
Tomorrow would bring new visitors, new questions, and new opportunities to demonstrate the remarkable potential of human-Pokémon bonds. With Umbreon now part of his team, those demonstrations would be more impressive than ever.
But for tonight, he was content to simply appreciate the quiet presence of his newest partner, whose gentle purring and softly glowing rings created a sense of peaceful security that even the bustling harbor of Liyue couldn't disturb.