He entered John’s shop and rang the bell on the counter. At the first tone of the bell’s ding, the smith appeared in a flash.

“How can I help-- Oh, it’s you Spook. Welcome back! So did you get everything I needed?” asked John eagerly.

Spook took out the quest items and laid them out on the counter.

“Five lizard tails and five golem cores. All in excellent condition and freshly obtained,” stated Spook.

John inspected the materials and gathered everything up into a bundle before storing them in the back. When he returned, the cursed helmet was in his hands.

“Well, here’s your helmet as promised,” said John. Spook took the offered item and examined it.

[Greater Bascinet of the Shade

This helmet has been cursed with the power of the Shade, granting the user the ability to temporarily exchange HP for Attack Speed. However, once worn, it will slowly degrade living flesh unless the user possesses an anti-curse item.]

Thanking the smith, he left the shop and headed back into town. He didn’t want to raise any alarm by wearing the helmet in front of John. Spook figured it would be best to equip it in obscurity. Finding a quiet and secluded alleyway, he opened up his menu and took out the cursed item. Then he put it on.

Spook let out an inaudible gasp as he felt the presence of another entity enter his mind. It felt very similar to the voice that had spoken to him when he first entered the game. Then, a hot and burning sensation rippled through his body, forcing him to his knees. It wasn’t pain, but it felt like a static shock was tingling across every inch of his being. He couldn’t move. He was completely frozen in place by the strange presence.

It was hungry. It wanted his flesh. Devour. Consume. Those were the only emotions Spook felt from the presence. Then confusion. Anger. Rage. It couldn’t find what it wanted. There was nothing to eat. Despair. Panic. Without sustenance, it would fade. It needed something. Anything. But there were only bones. The host was already dead.

The presence kept shifting its thoughts. Although Spook couldn’t move, he felt as if he were watching a slideshow movie in his mind eye. By now, he understood the gist of what was happening. The presence invading his body was the curse of the helmet. As the description had said, the curse would degrade living flesh. But since he was a skeleton, there was nothing for the curse to affect.

Vile creature. What are you! The presence was speaking to him. Its voice was slippery and smooth as if it were a bottle of the world’s most elegant glass of wine.

I should be asking you that. Spook thought back. This is my body, and you’re the one invading it. You aren’t getting shit from me. You can rot and die for all I care.

He could feel the presence getting weaker. Little by little, he could feel himself gaining control over his mind and body again. It was like a mental war, and he was slowly overpowering the presence.

No! I do not die! This cannot be! I am powerful! The serpentine voice responded. I can give you power beyond measure! Stop!

At this, Spook felt a tinge of interest. He had planned on waiting for the presence to die out, but now the game had changed. He eased up on the pressure he was exerting, feeling a sense of relief from the foreign invader.

Power beyond measure? What do you mean? After I erase your presence, I’ll have both the helmet and its powers—all without the stupid curse. Spook thought.

No! I can give you more than that. I am the mighty Shade. As long as you let me live, I will provide you with benefits beyond imagination. Dragons would be crushed like ants beneath your feet. Steel would shatter on you and magic a mere trifle. With my help, you will conquer the world! The voice hissed desperately.

Go on. What do you want from me? I’m not giving you my body if that’s what you’re thinking of. I’d snuff you out before you could even say mercy. Spook warned the presence.

I only require the finest of flesh for this noble soul. The voice quickly modified its requests as it felt Spook restart his mental assault. Wait wait! I was joking! Please, I’ll change my mind. Anything you give me will be fine. All I ask is that you let me live!

Spook relented his attack once more as he considered the voice’s words. To be honest, it wouldn’t be much of a hassle to let the presence live. Based on what the curse wanted, Scaling Ingredients should satisfy its needs. It seemed like a win-win situation.

You still haven’t told me what you can do for me. You promised a whole lot, but you haven’t shown me anything. Spook challenged the voice.

I might have exaggerated some parts, but I can be useful to you. Hear me out! Apart from obtaining my helmet’s powers, I can also provide you with a unique ability: Shadow Doppel. You can use this ability as much as you want as long as I am provided enough energy. Without energy, I cannot materialize my body. The voice explained.

Shadow Doppel? What’s that? Spook thought back. The skill name sounded intriguing. Would he be able to create clones of himself?

It’s simple. I will become part of your shadow and fight for you.

How do I know you won’t try to escape or attempt some dangerous stunt? How can I trust you?

By entering a Soul Contract with me of course.

At this, a system screen popped up in Spook’s vision.

[Soul Contract

Contractor (Spook) and Contractee (Shade) will enter a formal agreement in which both parties shall adhere to the conditions stated below.

The Contractor shall allow the Contractee to retain the rights to her life and will provide her with appropriate sources of energy. The Contractee shall provide the Contractor will full benefits within her capabilities and will assist in any way possible. This Soul Contract may be broken only by death and cannot be transferred.

By agreeing to these terms, a Soul Shard will be created to represent the existence of this Soul Contract.

Agree/Disagree]