u/Alex-ILoveBattles

I think it would've been awesome, as it could've made them more involved with the Void and prepared to save Elmore from the yet-to-come catastrophe (look the third picture). Plus, them being mentored and then taking up the role of someone who's had a strong influence on their lifes (Richard bought Darwin from him) would have been a fitting and heartwarming character progression. However, due to Gumball and Darwin not being allowed to ever discover that their world is fictional, I can't help but wonder how this scenario could have play out to begin with, even if Rob hadn't become the Shady Man's apprentice and successor.