Standing at the massive gates, Leo watched as Cecelia pushed open the final hindrance. As they opened, a slight pop echoed out, almost as if a small bubble that was stopping anyone from entering anywhere but these gates had vanished.

Now that they were open, people could travel to the Tower over the top of the buildings should they want to. Although there wasn’t much need now that all the ants were dead.

Past the gates, and down a small boulevard, the fighters found themselves in front of the Tower. There were no ants, no humans, just a swirling blue gate atop a set of steps at the base of the tower. It was not the same as The Beast Pens entrance but close enough to likely be something similar.

As they approached it, a system message flashed up in front of them.

Quest Received!

The path inward to the inner city is sealed. Ascend the Tower, endure its trials, and destroy the anchor within.

Objective: Clear the Tower of Trials

Rewards granted based on floors cleared

Initiates may leave on any floor they wish, keeping what they earned.

One attempt may be made per day

Requirements to enter: E-grade class or profession.

“It doesn’t feel like a dungeon,” Leo mused, breaking the silence.

“Dungeon?” Gareth asked curiously.

Leo quickly explained what a dungeon was and what they had gone through. Gareth’s group seemed interested and Gareth himself nodded with better understanding once he had finished.

“I see,” Gareth said. “I suggest we rest up before even attempting this thing. It is not like we are lacking in time. The hard part is done.”

Leo noticed Cecelia’s wanting gaze and knew that she was unlikely to wait much longer.

“Cece,” he began, words caring. “Take a rest. You won't get stronger if you end up dead.”

She took a step forward, eyes locked on the portal, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her from progressing. Ron held her tightly as she turned to glare at him with a questioning look.

Ron said nothing, only shaking his head. Cecelia nodded in return after a brief realisation.

Leo wasn’t sure what just happened, only that it was a good thing no one was rushing in to-

Ruby dashed right in.

“Damn it! Ruby!” Gareth yelled, following straight after.

“Wait! You’re not in her party, you won’t end up in the same place as her,” Bjorn warned everyone. He had seen the same thing happen before and was well warned in it.

Gareth didn’t stop, striding with purpose into the portal. His group followed shortly after, all disappearing into the swirling blue unknown.

“What’s wrong with these people?” Ashley asked. “Do they have a death wish?”

“I suspect,” Cecelia began, eyes locked on the portal. “That they are seeking power after getting a true taste. I am also guilty of feeling the same.”

Leo understood exactly what she was saying. In the last few days his power had grown exponentially and he wanted more.

The level ups, the skill upgrades. The feeling was addictive and not getting any easier to pace himself. He was tempted to go straight in too, and probably would. But he had a notification to attend to after the Goliath died.

A very important one.

You have slain: Antling Goliath - Level 32
Experience increased for defeating a higher-level enemy
+140 Store Credits

Your Elemental Adept Class has reached Level 27

Stat points distributed
+3 Free Points

Anchored progression:

+1 All stats, + 2 Free Points

Ellie has reached Level 20

Stat points distributed

+1 Free Point

Companion bond upgrade available.

Ellie cannot gain experience until Companion bond is upgraded.

“I will not be foolish,” Cecelia continued. “We will regain our strength and then those who wish to may attempt the Tower themselves. I will not stop you if you wish to attempt it sooner.”

No one from Leo’s camp moved to follow Gareth’s group. Most were injured, tired or both, so they collapsed into heaps. A few more people had reached their evolutions after the Goliaths so they took the time to evolve themselves.

Leo approached Ashley, completely on edge. “Ash,” he said grimly.

“What’s up?” she had noticed his tone and expression and was immediately looking worried. None of their usual joking or friendly banter was present.

He breathed out slowly as if prepping himself to deliver a terminal diagnosis. “Ellie has reached level twenty and our bond needs to upgrade.”

Her eyes went wide and then one of her eyes started twitching in what Leo could only assume was anger or an aneurysm.

“I don’t know what will happen, but after last time… I just wanted to warn you in advance.” He spoke slowly as if trying not to agitate a dangerous beast.

“Let me see her,” Ashley said, her words slow, yet steely.

A second later, a giddy and excited Ellie appeared in front of her. She now reached just past Ashley’s knees, much bigger than she had first been when hatching. Ellie saw Ashley and jumped into her arms.

Ashley held her tightly, before holding the dragon right up to her face, staring directly into her gorgeous multicoloured eyes.

“You’ll keep growing bigger, keep growing stronger. But no matter what happens, you will always be the little baby Ellie that I know and love. I love you Ellie. Don't forget me when you get big, okay?”

The dragon looked at her curiously, the same baby-like attitude still present. She may have gotten bigger but she was still less than a month old. Unless you counted egg years, which, according to Iskarion, made her beyond ancient. Leo would keep that secret until his dying day.

Ellie licked her with her big tongue, causing Ashley to giggle in delight. “Okay,” she said with a smile. “I’m ready.”

Leo couldn’t help but feel that she was perhaps being a bit dramatic. It was Ellie who was evolving after all, shouldn't it be her who declares that she’s ready? Again, none of this would ever be vocalised as Leo knew better.

“Alright, Ells. Wanna see what happens when we evolve our bond?”

She jumped from Ashley to Leo and then disappeared into his soul-space. Leo took up his usual meditative pose. He met Ashley’s eyes, she nodded. So Leo closed his eyes as he brought up the prompt.

Companion bond upgrade available

Your bond with your companion has grown past its infant stage. While your companion may still be growing, she is no longer a mere hatchling. Increase your bond so that your paths may grow stronger.

Upgrade now?

Yes/No

Leo gave his mental assent and found himself inside the plain that housed his Essences. A few screens popped up with options of evolution paths. This was different from the class upgrades and what he assumed the profession upgrades would look like. Looking at the first option, he was filled with excitement.

Bond Of Harmony

Your companion becomes a conduit of shared essence. Ellie’s growth focuses on empowering you and your allies. Her strength may be lesser on her own, but she amplifies your power and provides defensive and supportive effects.

Effects: Ellie grants you passive buffs such as increased regen, elemental resistances, minor stat boosts. She can sacrifice some of her resources to shield or heal. Skills gained will be skewed more towards support.

Stat points gained per companion level:

+3 Vitality, +3 Intelligence, +3 Wisdom, +2 Endurance, +2 Toughness, +3 free points

Ellie’s gains per level from bond:

+3 All stats

Warning: Bond choice is permanent and cannot be changed once the path is chosen.

“Damn, Ellie! Are you seeing this too?” Leo asked the giddy little dragon.

She chirped happily in response. Leo got the impression she was very excited and could feel the options that Leo could see.

“Do you like the idea of being like Ash? Healing people, healing me?”

She got into a fighting position and growled. Not at Leo, but as a sign of her ferocity.

“Ah, you want to keep being able to fight.” Leo nodded. “Alrighty, let’s check out the next option.”

Bond of Dominion

Your companion asserts her own power and becomes a fighter in her own right. Ellie’s growth emphasises raw strength, elemental mastery, and independence. She does not empower you directly but fights as a second combatant with you.

Effects: Ellie’s growth rates will increase and the stat boosts she receives will be higher per level.

Your ability to gain skills at certain milestones will be lost. Instead, Ellie will receive more skill selections, those focused on personal growth.

Stat points gained per companion level:

+3 Strength, +2 Agility, +2 Endurance, +2 Vitality, +1 Toughness, +3 Free points

Ellie’s gains per level from bond:

+5 Strength, +5 Agility, +5 Endurance, +5 Vitality, +4 Toughness, +2 Intelligence, +2 Will, +1 Wisdom.

Warning: Bond choice is permanent and cannot be changed once the path is chosen.

“That’s definitely more combat focused!” Leo cheered. It would offer him less stats than the previous but it gave Ellie a chance to become more independent and whole lot more stats. The gains were insane.

Surprisingly, Ellie didn’t seem as pleased as he was expecting. It might have been the first time he had seen the not-so little hatchling frown—which still looked cute.

“What’s wrong Ells?” Leo asked in concern. “Do you not like it?”

She looked at him and turned her nose up in disgust.

Damn, Ash is gonna love it when you do that. So grumpy. He smiled.

“If you’re worried about it giving me less skills and stats then forget about that,” Leo said, trying to reassure her. “If you like the idea of being your own dragon more than you currently are then go for it. We will still be together.”

He was still getting the impression that this wasn't what she wanted, in fact she was mentally nudging him with as much will as she could to look at the last option. And after looking at it, it made his heart fill with warmth.

Bond of Unity

Your companions power entwines directly with yours. Ellie will grow as an extension of you and will be influenced by your growth. As she shapes your path, you will shape hers.

Effects: Ellie's stat gains will be reduced in exchange for gaining a percentage of your stats.

Skills based on teamwork and coordinated attacks will be more likely to appear.

Stat points gained per companion level:

+3 Endurance, +2 Strength, +2 Vitality, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +3 Free Points.

Ellie’s gains per level from bond:

+3 Strength, +3 Agility, +2 Endurance, +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom, +1 Will

Ellie will gain 10% of your stats added to her totals

Warning: Bond choice is permanent and cannot be changed once the path is chosen.

This option was the most interesting of the bunch. It permanently intertwined their path and growth. It did massively reduce her stats, gaining half the total than she did now. But if Leo’s stats were high enough then he could make up for her deficit. That meant putting more points into Toughness…

For her… maybe.

“What do you think of this one?” Leo asked as he stroked her head.

She nodded continuously, giving her very eager assent. That was enough for Leo.

While this choice mattered to him, it mattered more to her. This was just part of his path, even if he was to somehow lose this bond, he would still be able to progress his Elemental Adept class.

For Ellie, this was her entire path. Her life.

This choice was to bind them. Forever. Was he willing to make Ellie a permanent part of his path?

Hell fucking yes he was.

You have evolved your companion bond to: Bond of Unity

You have gained the Bond skill: Draconic Equip (Rare)

You have unlocked the stat: Bond

You have unlocked the resource: Resonance

Each stat in the Bond stat gives +5 maximum Resonance

Bond can be gained by fighting together, gaining companion levels and earning titles

You will gain the following stats per companion level:

+3 Endurance, +2 Strength, +2 Vitality, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +1 Bond, +3 free points.

Before Leo could even start to unpack the new information, he was bombarded with even more notifications, but these were for his companion.

Ellie’s stat gains per level have changed from +3 all stats per level

They are now:

+3 Strength, +3 Agility, +2 Endurance, +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom, +1 Will

She will now gain 10% of your stats before Title bonuses and Equipment

Her experience gained has changed from all experience from solo kills +25% of your experience

To

Split experience when fighting together

Ellie has reached E-grade

Due to her race as a Dragon, at E-grade, Ellie will gain per level:

+1 All stats, +5 Free points

Holy system notifications.

A lot to unpack and a lot to look into further. The first thing on his mind was that it appeared Ellie had evolved to E-grade. It had made no mention of her growing any larger, and she didn’t seem to be all that changed.

Leo considered that he maybe should have asked Iskarion if all creatures and awakened evolve at the same level. Something to consider if he ever met him again.

The bonus Ellie got from hitting E-grade made him sigh in a bit of relief. He was worried about her stat growth compared to his, but this should help even things out a little bit.

If she had chosen the Dominion path and gotten this she would have been a powerhouse. Leo thought, smiling.

He couldn’t resist looking at the newly acquired skill any longer as the name alone sounded completely badass.

Draconic Equip (Rare)

Your bond with Ellie allows her presence to manifest as gauntlets of scale and stormlight. While active, your strikes carry increased might and your body hardens with Draconic resilience.
Ellie cannot act independently while equipped.

Does not count as a weapon and will gain any unarmed bonuses.

Resonance cost: 20 + 2/sec until deactivated or Resonance is depleted

Damage and durability scale with Bond

Cooldown: None

The giddiness emanating from him was almost tangible. In fact, it was. He was in his soul-space and could control this realm as if he was the god of it so he started to try and create tangible emotions and what they would look like, but it didn't go well.

Getting distracted by thought and skewing off on a tangent, a yelp from Ellie brought him back.

“Sorry, yeah. Important things to do still! Not to mention the Tower that’s just kinda there. This skill seems cool as hell, but I should probably check to see whatever this “Resonance” actually is before we try using it.”

Resonance
Resonance is the resource gained from the companion bond between you and Ellie.
Resonance will be used to fuel skills that utilise teamwork or synergy.
Resonance total is based on Bond stat
Resonance regeneration scales with Bond plus a combination of Endurance and Wisdom.
Current total: 140

He had been wondering why the bond’s main stat gain per level was Endurance. Now he knew why.

It was a little annoying that it didn’t tell him exactly what the regeneration was and how it was effected but it was the same with his mana and stamina. If it ended up being low then maybe he could upgrade his meditation to restore resonance somehow. Right now there were too many plans for skill upgrades with no time to really consider them.

With all the increases and gains of both himself and Ellie—before he attempted the Tower to see what it contained—Leo checked out their statuses.

Name: Leonidas Hawkins

Level: 27

Race: Human (E)

Class: Elemental Adept

Companion Bond: Ellie (E) Level 20

Health Points (HP): 790/970

Mana Points (MP): 820/1220

Stamina Points - (SP): 400/1080

Resonance: 140/140

Stats

Strength: 121

Agility: 169

Endurance: 108

Vitality: 97

Toughness: 75

Intelligence: 122

Wisdom: 85

Will: 67

Bond: 28

Free points: 20

Bloodline: Bloodline of the Elements

Essences

Fire (E) 2/2

Fuel the Fire (Uncommon)

Scarlet Impact (Uncommon)

Ice (E) 2/2

Frost Lance (Uncommon)

Absolute Shatter (Rare)

Lightning (E) 2/2

Voltaic Reflex (Common)

Spark Dash (Common)

Earth (E) 2/2

Stoneskin (Common)
Earth Wall (Common)

Wind (E) 0/2

Titles

Bloodline Originator

First blood

Dungeon Delver I

Stormforged Pactmaker

Ahead of the curve

Class Skills
Unarmed mastery (Common)
Elemental Stance (Rare)
Volt Crash (Rare)
Iron Repetition (Common)
Echoing Talon (Uncommon)

Bond Skills

Storm’s Guidance (Unique)

Stormforged Presence (Exalted)

Senses of the Dragon (Common)

Draconic Equip (Rare)

Race Skills

Multiversal Polyglot (Unique)

Identify (Common)

Meditate (Common)

Name: Ellie

Level: 20

Race: Elemental Dragon (E)

Bond of Unity with Leonidas Hawkins

Health Points (HP): 720/720

Mana Points (MP): 730/730

Stamina Points (SP): 750/750

Stats

Strength: 76

Agility: 78

Endurance: 75

Vitality: 72

Toughness: 72

Intelligence: 73

Wisdom: 72

Will: 72

Free points: 0

Skills
Rebirth (Unique)

Rend (Common)

Bite (Common)

Dragon Breath (Uncommon)

Growth

Split experience when fighting with a bonded companion.

Both of their stats were looking excellent. Ellie was balanced across the board still, and quite eclipsed by Leo’s stats, but she still had some level ups to get to catch up on some of the stats.

The excitement from both of them to progress and grow stronger became even more prominent between them as they ran around Leo’s soul-space.

Next it was time to try and conquer the Tower, and in turn, hopefully open up the inner city.