In a world torn open by rifts to monster-filled dimensions, Kai Reed is the definition of rock bottom—an E-rank hunter barely scraping by on the dregs of assignments no one else wants.

When a routine dungeon crawl transforms into a nightmare, Kai makes a desperate choice to save his team. Mortally wounded and facing certain death, he accepts the offer of a mysterious entity called the Shadow Sovereign—power in exchange for becoming its vessel.

Now, with a sentient system that only he can see and the ability to harvest shadows from his defeated enemies, Kai begins a dangerous ascent through the hunter ranks. Each monster slain makes him stronger. Each shadow claimed expands his arsenal.

But as Kai builds his army of shadows, powerful forces take notice. The Hunter Association grows suspicious of his rapid advancement. Rival hunters see him as a threat. And ancient beings stir in the darkness between worlds, drawn to the growing power of the Shadow Sovereign within him.

Kai wanted to save his family from poverty. Instead, he may have just positioned himself at the center of a dimensional war—one where the line between savior and destroyer grows thinner with each shadow he claims.

Some vessels are meant to be filled. Some shadows are meant to be wielded. Some hunters are meant to rise.