Shadow Monarch | Fate Stay Night

The Realm Beyond Time and Space

In the void beyond comprehension, where the boundaries of time and space converged into an endless kaleidoscope of realities, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg sat upon his throne of prismatic light. Here, in his personal domain, the Wizard Marshal watched the multiverse unfold—an eternal observer, guiding the delicate balance of fate without imposing his will upon it.

This was not because he lacked the power to do so. No, the wielder of the Second Magic—Kaleidoscope—was among the greatest beings in existence. His authority over parallel worlds was nearly absolute. But therein lay the curse of his power.

To observe a timeline for too long was to anchor it, to strip away all but a singular possibility. The future would calcify into an unchangeable road, wiping away all other paths—most of which led to catastrophe.

Zelretch, for all his wisdom and amusement at humanity's antics, feared such an outcome. He chose to remain at a distance, monitoring the multiverse, watching but never intervening.

Until today.

A Tremor in the Multiverse

A ripple, like a stone cast into the ocean of creation.

No—this was no ordinary disturbance.

This was an anomaly so profound that even Ala and Gaia, the twin Counter Forces, had recoiled in terror.

Zelretch narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. What could possibly shake both of them? The Counter Forces only moved when the very survival of the world was at stake. Even the greatest threats—be it Beasts, True Ancestors, or even the Outer Gods—were things they opposed rather than feared.

Yet now… they were afraid.

"That can't be right," Zelretch muttered, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his throne.

With a wave of his hand, a hundred realities aligned in his vision, his power granting him glimpses into infinite possibilities.

And there—standing at the center of the disturbance—was him.

A presence draped in darkness older than the stars, a force of death that predated even the dawn of creation itself. His very existence was an affront to the natural order, and yet, he did not move to destroy. Instead, he protected.

A King of Death and Darkness.

A Being Beyond the Ultimate Ones, it would be shame to compare Ultimate Ones to equal as HIM.

Zelretch felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

When was the last time I felt fear?

This being—this Shadow Monarch—was no mere anomaly. He had slain Ultimate Ones with his own hands, defied the will of the Outer Gods, and held dominion over death itself.

Such a being would have already been purged, struck down before he could threaten the balance.

Yet this one persisted.

He is not someone to be, messed with.

"Maybe I should interfere. No, I can't take decisions yet, I will observe more"

What's more… he had a son.

Zelretch's lips curled into a smirk despite himself. "Ah… now that is interesting."

The child was human, untainted by the abyss his father commanded. A mortal born from darkness, yet carrying light.

Zelretch's eyes flickered with realization. The Shadow Monarch's existence alone was enough to make the Counter Forces tremble, but his lineage? That could change everything.

If this child was fated for something greater… then there were forces at play beyond even his sight.

And that meant

"Let's see how his son will take his Path!"

He did observe. His face stuck with seriousness. The future possibilities are much harsh than he thought.

"This can't be. I need to interfere now. I can't let the journey of protector of universe and journey of final hope of mankind venturing through blazing planet and bleached planet go waste. Those OUTER BEINGS much annoying than I thought."

"I can't just sit back and watch this one," he admitted, rubbing his chin.

Zelretch stood, his prismatic realm shifting around him. The choice was clear.

He needed to act—not to fight, nor to control, but to ensure that Alaya and Gaia did not provoke the one being that even death itself would not stop.

The Clock Tower would be an issue, of course. Those arrogant mages, blind in their pursuit of knowledge, had no idea whom they were dealing with.

If they dared to challenge Sung Jin-Woo…

Even extinction would be a mercy for them.

Zelretch sighed. "Looks like I'll have to remind them why I'm still called the Wizard Marshal."

With a flick of his hand, reality bent around him.

"It's good thing that shadow monarch allies, those Rulers will solve the problem between Alya and Gaia counter forces against Shadow Monarch. But the problem here is Shadow Monarch himself. He attract dangerous beings to the world. On top of that, Those Outer beings can be only stopped by Him and his Son in this world."

And even His presence making the reality break itself because of how powerful shadow monarch is.

"I may give him the best choice And I'm sure he will choose right path even if it was hard decision. If not now I may never able to help them again."

The stage was set.

It was time to meet the King of the Dead.

---

[Jin woo household]

The scent of warm food still lingered in the apartment. Cha Hae-In, now finished feeding their son, watched as the little boy ran toward Beru, his tiny feet making soft pattering sounds against the wooden floor.

"Boss Ant! Boss Ant!"

Beru, ever the eccentric one, let out a delighted chirp.

"Kieeehh!! Young Monarch! You have chosen me once again over these dullards!"

Bellion narrowed his eyes at the insectoid shadow, his jealousy barely contained.

"...It's not a competition."

Igris, standing nearby with his arms crossed, sighed.

"It is, and you lost."

Bellion scoffed but held his tongue. The Young Monarch's break time was sacred, and he wouldn't be the one to disturb it.

'If not for Young Monarch being little young, he would choose me.'

Cha chuckled softly at the scene before turning her attention back to the old television. Most of the shows from 2004 were dull compared to modern entertainment, but she had grown used to it.

That was when she noticed her husband freeze.

Sung Jin-Woo's expression darkened. He wasn't looking at the TV anymore—his gaze was sharp, focused on something beyond the walls of their apartment.

Cha noticed the change immediately.

"Jin-Woo?" she asked, concerned.

The atmosphere had shifted. Even the highest-ranking Shadow Soldiers in the room—Igris, Bellion, and Beru—had gone stiff, their instincts sharpening.

Jin-Woo slowly turned to the clock. 9 PM.

"…I'm going out for a walk," he said. His tone was casual, but she knew better.

Cha frowned. "Tomorrow we're going to Fuyuki for the case. Don't stay out too long."

He nodded, but before he could take another step—

"Papa, I wanna go!"

A small, chubby hand clung to Jin-Woo's leg. His son, with his mother's golden eyes and his father's confident pout, looked up at him with an innocent smile.

Jin-Woo sighed. Resistance was futile.

"…Alright," he murmured, lifting the boy effortlessly into his arms.

He turned to Bellion.

"You're in charge while I'm gone. Keep an eye on Cha."

Bellion gave a solemn nod. "Understood, my king."

Jin-Woo descended the apartment stairs, his sharp senses still locked onto the presence. As he passed the watchman, the man gave him a respectful nod.

"Detective-sama, out for a walk?"

Jin-Woo nodded. "Yeah."

And then he left, his dark aura subtly rippling around him as he headed toward the colony park.

The park was empty. Quiet.

Only one figure sat on the bench beneath the dim glow of a streetlight.

An old man in a lavish cloak, his presence strangely casual, yet utterly out of place. He looked as though he belonged to another era entirely—his wrinkled face carried an expression of amusement, and his crimson eyes glimmered with unspoken knowledge.

Jin-Woo's grip on his son tightened slightly. His dark purple aura flickered, the overwhelming pressure of the Shadow Monarch leaking into the air.

"...Who are you?" he asked, his voice low and sharp.

The old man let out a chuckle. "Ah, straight to the point. I like that."

Then, in a voice laced with amusement and far too much familiarity, he said—

"Keep your aura in check, Shadow Monarch. I'm not bad guy."

Jin-Woo's purple glowing eyes narrowed.

Few people knew that title. Even fewer could speak it without fear.

The air shimmered.

A barrier spread around them, locking the world outside. The night was still. The barrier Zelretch created dulled the outside sounds, making it feel as if the world beyond had ceased to exist. The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated the two figures facing each other—Sung Jin-Woo, the Shadow Monarch, and Zelretch, the Wizard Marshal.

Jin-Woo's instincts told him that this old man… didn't seem hostile.

"Relax," the old man said, patting the empty space beside him. "Why don't you sit?"

Jin-Woo didn't move.

Beru, standing at his right, clicked his mandibles in suspicion.

"Kiehh! You speak too casually to our King! If you are an enemy, I shall—"

"Beru."

Jin-Woo's voice was calm, but absolute.

Beru immediately shut up, though his purple eyes still gleamed with distrust.

Across from them, Igris remained silent but watchful, his hand near the hilt of his blade.

Jin-Woo glanced at them once before sighing. He slowly took a seat on the opposite bench, his son still in his arms, smiling blissfully, unaware of the cosmic significance of this meeting.

"...Talk."

Zelretch leaned forward, resting his chin on his interlocked fingers.

"You're much more reasonable than I expected."

Jin-Woo's eyes remained cold.

"You have one minute to tell me why you're here."

Zelretch grinned.

"Alright then. I came because your existence is breaking reality."

Jin-Woo frowned. "…Explain."

The Wizard Marshal chuckled, clearly enjoying this.

"You see, Jin-Woo… You're an anomaly. A force that was never meant to exist in this world." His crimson eyes gleamed. "A Monarch that even the gods couldn't kill. A ruler of shadows who defied fate itself."

Jin-Woo remained silent.

Zelretch continued.

"The Counter Forces—Alaya and Gaia—fear you. They should have moved to erase you the moment you arrived. And yet… here you are, untouched."

He tapped his temple.

"And that? That's interesting."

Jin-Woo stared at him for a long moment.

Then, he spoke.

"…And?"

Zelretch chuckled. "I wanted to see you in person. To understand what kind of man could make even reality itself hesitate."

His grin widened. "And… to offer a solution."

Jin-Woo's fingers tightened slightly.

"A solution?"

"Yes," Zelretch said, leaning back. "I want to make sure Alaya and Gaia don't see you as a threat."

Jin-Woo's dark aura surged for just a moment.

"And if I refuse?"

Zelretch's grin didn't fade.

"Well… if you refuse, reality might just start breaking around you in future at one point."

Jin-Woo exhaled slowly. He looked down at his son—his reason for everything.

Then he looked back up.

"…Talk."

Zelretch's smile widened.

"Good. I knew you were a reasonable man. But I will explain myself."

He then introduce himself as head of Clock tower.

Jin-Woo, seated on the park bench, held his son in his arms, the little one playing with the fabric of his father's shirt. On either side of him, Igris and Beru stood watchfully, their auras brimming with distrust.

Zelretch, however, looked entirely unbothered. In fact, he seemed amused.

"Let's start with something simple," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable ease, as if he were discussing the weather rather than the fate of the world.

Jin-Woo's dark purple eyes remained cold and sharp.

Zelretch raised a hand.

"You're going to Fuyuki City. That place is infamous for one particular event—the Holy Grail War."

Jin-Woo didn't react, but Beru clicked his mandibles in suspicion.

"Kieeehh! And what is this 'Holy Grail War' you speak of? What does it have to do with my Liege?!"

Zelretch smirked. "A good question."

He leaned back on the bench, crossing his legs.

"The Holy Grail War is a ritual—a battle between seven Masters and their seven Servants. Each Servant is a Heroic Spirit, a legendary figure from history, summoned to fight for their Master. The victor is granted the Holy Grail, an artifact that is said to grant any wish."

"The Grail is powerful, yes. But power always comes at a price."

"I know. I'm very familiar with that." Jin woo knows the struggles to become weak to strong. The Journey of his life.

Zelretch chuckles, but his eyes are sharp now "Ah, but here is the fun." leans back, tossing a jeweled dagger between his fingers absentmindedly "Let's just say… if you were planning to use the Grail for something, I'd strongly advise against it."

Jin-Woo remained silent, absorbing the information.

After a moment, he asked, " Noted And?"

Zelretch smiled knowingly.

"The case you took—the one that's leading you to Fuyuki City—is deeply connected to this war. Like it or not, you will be involved."

Jin-Woo's expression darkened slightly. His fingers tightened around his son, who continued playing.

"...How do you know about my case?" Jin-Woo's voice was low, dangerous. "You've been watching me this whole time?"

Jin woo felt someone is watching him the moment the world is over written.

For the first time, Zelretch's smile faded—just slightly.

"No," he said plainly. "I can't do that. What I can do, however, is predict futures perfectly and see into parallel worlds and timelines. And few more, obviously I can't reveal my secrets haha."

Jin-Woo's eyes flickered with understanding.

"Then… the one who is watching me…"

Zelretch grinned. "You're sharp."

"It's Alaya."

"I see," he murmured. His aura darkened purple slightly, the air around him turning heavier.

"I don't like this Alaya."

Zelretch chuckled. "Not surprising. It is the embodiment of humanity's collective will to survive. And as you might imagine, it sees you as a wild variable—something that shouldn't exist, yet does."

Jin-Woo glanced at Zelretch once more, his gaze shifting.

A small frown formed on his lips.

"…You're immortal."

Zelretch blinked before breaking into a booming laugh.

"Hahahahaha! Oh, you really can see lifespans, huh?" He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Yes, I am. But I found immortality through… other means."

Jin-Woo didn't react.

But Igris stepped forward slightly, his deep voice cutting through the air.

"Then why should we trust you?"

Jin-Woo followed up, his cold gaze locking onto the old man.

"Someone who can see the future… Why would I believe anything you say?"

His son, still playing with his shirt, let out a small giggle, tugging at the fabric with tiny fingers. The contrast between the innocent child and the deadly tension in the air was almost ironic.

Zelretch, to their surprise, grinned.

"Hah! You're absolutely right. You shouldn't trust me."

The sheer bluntness of his words made Beru and Igris pause.

Even Jin-Woo raised an eyebrow.

Zelretch simply shrugged, a mischievous glint in his ancient eyes.

"I mean, of course I have hidden intentions," he said, smirking. "Wouldn't be much of a Wizard Marshal if I didn't."

Jin-Woo exhaled sharply through his nose.

"…You're a strange old man."

Beru clicked his mandibles irritably. "Kieeehh! He's treating this like a joke!"

Zelretch chuckled. "That's because it is a joke, Beru. Everything is."

The old man leaned forward slightly, his expression softening just a fraction.

"Listen, Jin-Woo. I've lived far longer than you can imagine. I've seen countless timelines, endless possibilities. And yet, you? You're something new."

His crimson eyes gleamed.

"That's exciting."

Jin-Woo held his gaze for a long moment.

Then, after what felt like eternity, he sighed.

"…Fine. Talk."

The cold night air was thick with tension as Zelretch sat across from Sung Jin-Woo. The Wizard Marshal, ever-smirking, twirled a silver coin between his fingers, the symbol of the Zelretch family crest glinting under the streetlights.

The old man sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

"You're going to meet Clock Tower mages. Arrogant idiots, most of them," he said, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and exasperation.

His smile thinned.

"And you'll probably kill them."

Jin-Woo's lips curled slightly, his voice cold and indifferent.

"If they're annoying inhuman shits, then yeah."

Beru clicked his mandibles in approval. "My Liege always deals with insolent insects accordingly! KIEEHH!"

Zelretch chuckled. "Heh, no doubt about that. You do specialize in shutting arrogant dipshits up, don't you?" His crimson eyes twinkled. "You remind me of someone I used to know… Ah, but that's a story for another time."

The old vampire suddenly flicked the silver coin toward Jin-Woo. With effortless speed, Jin-Woo caught it midair.

He looked down at it—a strange, ancient coin engraved with Zelretch's personal crest.

"That coin," Zelretch explained, "belongs to me. Only the highest Lords of the Clock Tower possess it, and only a few exist."

Jin-Woo examined it briefly before flicking it once in his palm. "So?"

Zelretch smirked.

"You can show it to those mages. It should make them hesitate before they start throwing spells at you."

Igris huffed slightly, his voice deep and composed.

"Hmph. A mere trinket cannot stop arrogance."

Zelretch grinned. "True. That's why I'll be pulling some strings behind the scenes with my influence to keep the worst idiots off your back."

Jin-Woo rolled the coin between his fingers before tucking it into his inventory.

"…Understood."

Zelretch's expression turned serious.

"Now, let's get to the real problem."

Jin-Woo's gaze sharpened. Beru and Igris tensed slightly.

Zelretch leaned forward.

"Alaya and Gaia's Counter Forces are watching you."

Beru hissed, his wings twitching in irritation.

Jin-Woo remained still, his cold, piercing gaze unwavering.

"I expected as much."

Zelretch nodded and stood up.

"They won't act immediately. But the Rulers, your Allies, will meet with Counter forces soon and make deal. Which will solve the problem very soon. You don't have to worry about it."

Jin-Woo let out a slow breath. Then, without hesitation, he handed his son over to Beru.

Beru's massive claws handled the child with surprising gentleness, his glowing purple eyes softening as he cradled the small human.

Jin-Woo stood up, his presence shifting.

Zelretch grinned.

"With your arrival, you've disrupted the world's balance. Turned everything into chaos."

The old vampire's tone became more serious.

"You cannot remain in the physical world for too long. When the time comes—to prevent reality from collapsing—you'll need to return to your realm and use the Throne of Heroes to summon a nerfed version of yourself. One that's connected to your consciousness."

Jin-Woo nodded slowly.

"…I get it."

Zelretch watched him carefully.

"Good."

Then, after a pause, he sighed.

"One more thing."

Jin-Woo raised an eyebrow.

"I suggest you seal your son's powers in the future."

Beru's antennae twitched, and Igris subtly glanced at Jin-Woo for his reaction.

Zelretch continued, his voice gentler than before.

"It's for his own good. If he wants to live a normal life, that is. You understand, don't you?"

Jin-Woo's purple eyes darkened slightly.

After a long silence, he said, "…I'll consider it."

Zelretch nodded. "That's all I ask."

Then—

A tiny voice interrupted the heavy atmosphere.

"Santa!"

Zelretch blinked, caught off guard.

Jin-Woo's son was pointing at the old man, his innocent eyes filled with excitement.

Zelretch stared at the child for a moment.

Then, he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! Santa, huh?! Now that's a first!"

Still chuckling, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glowing jewel.

"A gift, then." He tossed it gently to the child, who caught it in his tiny hands, eyes shining in wonder.

Jin-Woo's son stared at the jewel, mesmerized.

Zelretch smiled.

"Your son has a great future ahead of him and This world practically depends on him one day."

Jin-Woo watched his son for a moment. His expression was unreadable.

Then, Zelretch stretched his arms, looking completely carefree again.

"Well, my friend…"

Jin-Woo looked back at him.

"…This is the last time I'll be able to help you."

Beru and Igris stiffened slightly.

Zelretch's smirk returned.

"Farewell, Shadow Monarch and Little Monarch."

And with that—

The prankster grandpa disappeared.

---

Jin-Woo's Apartment – Late Night

Jin-Woo opened the door to his apartment, stepping inside with Igris and Beru following behind.

Beru carefully held the child, who had fallen asleep in his arms, still clutching the jewel.

Igris closed the door behind them.

The apartment was quiet.

Jin-Woo exhaled, rubbing his temples.

"That old man… was annoying."

Beru nodded firmly. "Kieeehh! The fool talked too much!"

Igris chuckled. "But he was… amusing."

Jin-Woo sighed, sitting down on the couch.

"…Well, things are about to get messy."

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

Between Clock Tower mages, the Counter Forces, and the Holy Grail War…

He was going to shatter this world's balance even further.

A smirk slowly formed on his lips.

"…Fine."

Let them come and he will face like always he did.

---

To Be Continued…

---

Note: I'm planning to do this Series now. This story contains 10 or 14 chapters. After this another sequel I will release which is fate x Solo Leveling Ragnarok.

Also Jinwoo to Strong. He may destroy the world with his presence in Physical world if he stayed too long. This was his price.