Nobody knew this was possible because nobody had a contracted entity that could level. The other Soulbinders received fixed passive bonuses. Their contracts didn't have levels, HP pools, or ability progressions.
Max's Shadow Echo was alive in a way other contracts weren't. It was a persistent entity that grew, evolved, and became more powerful over time.
He tested the new ability. Commanding the Shadow Echo to attack a freshly respawned Void Watcher, he watched carefully as its claws raked across the creature's body.
-42 HP!
[Shadow Echo healed for 4 HP]
The drain effect was small but real. As the Shadow Echo fought, it sustained itself, recovering small amounts of health with each successful attack.
"This is broken," Max whispered to himself. "This is absolutely broken."
A combat companion that leveled with him, gained new abilities, and could sustain itself in extended fights. As he grew stronger, so would the Shadow Echo. And based on the "Contract Evolution" skill mentioned in the forums, there was probably a way to upgrade its rank beyond D.
Max killed another group of Void Watchers, watching the Shadow Echo's experience bar increase.
[Shadow Echo gained 50 EXP]
[Shadow Echo: 897/3,200 EXP]
It was gaining experience at the same rate he was. They were truly synchronized.
He checked the time again: 6:45 PM. Velara's group run started at 8 PM. He had a little over an hour.
Max continued farming, pushing hard. The Void Watchers fell faster now—his gear was better, his level higher, and the Shadow Echo's new drain ability made fights even more efficient.
[You are now Level 8!]
The notification came with a rush of power. Max's stats jumped significantly, and new skill point options appeared. But more importantly—
[Shadow Echo has reached Level 8!]
[New Ability Unlocked: Umbral Presence]
[Shadow Echo stats increased]
Max immediately checked the new ability:
[Umbral Presence (Rank E) – The Shadow Echo emanates an aura of fear and darkness. Enemies within 5 meters have -10% accuracy and attack speed]
A debuff aura. That would be incredibly useful in group fight, especially against multiple enemies or bosses.
But the most terrifying realization was still settling in: if the Shadow Echo continued to grow with him, by level 20, level 50, level 100... what would it become?
Max was building a monster. A loyal, obedient monster that would fight beside him through every challenge this game offered.
He killed three more groups of Void Watchers, testing the Umbral Presence aura. The debuff was noticeable—the Watchers' energy beams missed more often, and their tentacle strikes came slower.
At 7:30 PM, Max finally stopped farming. His experience bar was two-thirds of the way to level 9, and the Shadow Echo mirrored his progress.
He checked his inventory: over 40 Void Essences, a dozen Watcher Eyes, and several pieces of vendor trash worth a decent amount of silver. The afternoon had been profitable in multiple ways.
But more importantly, he'd discovered something that changed everything.
Max dismissed the Shadow Echo, feeling it retreat back into his shadow. The connection remained—he could sense it there, resting, waiting. No longer just a tool, but a partner that would grow alongside him.
He opened his friends list and messaged Velara:
[Max]: Still good for 8 PM? Where should I meet you?
[Velara]:West gate. We're doing Corrupted Grove. Got a full party now—me, RaidKing, and two others random I cleared couple of dungeons with. You'll be our fifth.
[Max]: On my way.
As Max made his way toward the exit of the Fractured Abyss, he passed other players still grinding on Void Watchers. Most were level 4 or 5, struggling with the same content he'd been farming for hours.
But Max was level 8 now, with gear that was probably better than average for his level, and a secret weapon that none of them could imagine.
The Corrupted Grove was rated as a Rank C quest—significantly harder than the Hollow Caves dungeon he had cleared yesterday. But with the Shadow Echo's new abilities and his higher level, Max felt confident.
[VERIDIAN GATE – WEST GATE]
[Time: 7:55 PM (Real World)]
The west gate was crowded with players preparing for evening dungeon runs. Groups were forming, checking gear, discussing strategies. Max spotted Velara immediately—her white hair was distinctive even in a crowd.
She stood with four others:
[RaidKing47 – Level 6 – Berserker] – The massive Draconian warrior Max knew from Discord (the one with whom he raided yesterday)
[HealerMiko – Level 7 – Cleric] – A female player with the traditional healer's robes, her character based on the Elven race, tall and graceful.
[IronVanguard – Level 7 – Paladin] – A heavily armored human male with a sword and shield, the classic tank build.
[Velara – Level 7 – Shadowblade] – His friend, looking ready for action.
And now Max, level 8, rounding out the party.
"You're late," Velara said, but she was smiling. "And you're level 8? What the hell have you been doing?"
"Grinding," Max said simply. "Found a good spawn spot."
"Apparently." RaidKing looked him up and down. "Dude, you're higher level than all of us. Did you even sleep?"
"A bit."