The dungeon was quiet, broken only by the soft clink of chains as Rocky shifted, testing his strength. The magical system still hovered in front of him, pulsing faintly, highlighting the environment, the chains, and the residual energy of his suppressed summons.
Risha stepped from the shadows, her wings folding elegantly. But this time, there was no teasing tone in her voice. Her crimson eyes glimmered with resolve.
"Rocky," she said, her voice steady, "it's time you had more than advice. It's time I fight alongside you."
Rocky blinked. "What… you mean… you can—?"
Risha nodded. "Yes. My power, my essence… I can become a summon, bound to you, following your commands and resonating with your Summon Boosts. You won't be alone in this dungeon—or in rescuing Sylvia."
Before Rocky could respond, the magical system interface shimmered and updated:
New Summon Available: Risha, Demoness of Shadows
Class: Ally / Summon
Abilities: Shadow Manipulation, Dark Magic Projection, Flight, Combat Expertise
Compatibility: High (Boosts enhance summoning synergy)
A wave of energy pulsed from Risha, washing over Rocky and the chains. For the first time since being captured, he felt power surge through him. Not raw brute force—this was synergy, connection, true bond.
Risha smiled faintly, kneeling slightly. "Chains do not hold you forever, Rocky. But with me at your side, you can start shaping the battlefield… even from here."
Rocky felt his mind race. "So… I can command you… like my other summons?"
"Yes," Risha said. "But remember—our bond is unique. I can act independently if necessary, but I respond to your strategy. Use me wisely."
The chains still restrained his body, but with Risha as a summon, Rocky could now test moves, interact with the dungeon, and even experiment with Summon Boosts indirectly. The system highlighted potential actions:
Use Risha to test chain weakness
Scout dungeon corridors for escape paths
Distract or disable traps magically
Synergize Risha's dark magic with residual summon energy
Rocky's heart pounded. "Sylvia… I'm coming. Nothing—no chains, no dungeon, no Lucifer—can stop me now."
Risha's wings unfurled, casting long shadows along the dungeon walls. "Good. Then let us begin. The time for strategy is over. Now, we act."
The system pulsed, Risha's essence glowing within it, and Rocky felt a surge of confidence unlike anything he had experienced.
For the first time since the throne room, escape—and rescue—felt possible.
The chains still restrained his body, but with Risha as a summon, Rocky could now test moves, interact with the dungeon, and experiment with Summon Boosts indirectly.
Then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the corridor: demon guards, alerted by some disturbance, were approaching.
Rocky tensed. "Risha… it's time."
The crimson-eyed demoness pulsed with dark energy. Wings unfurled, sending shadows spilling across the dungeon walls. Tendrils of darkness shot forward, wrapping around weapons, yanking guards off balance, and smashing them into the stone.
One sweep of her wing sent a shockwave down the hall, staggering the remaining demons. Every strike she made was precise, powerful, and devastating. The guards could barely raise their weapons before Risha had disarmed, incapacitated, or thrown them aside.
The magical system updated automatically:
Risha: Active Combat Mode
Enemies Overpowered: 100%
Summon Boost Efficiency: 70%
Rocky's eyes widened. Even chained, he could feel the dungeon shift in his favor. Risha's power, amplified by his Summon Boosts, was enough to clear the hall and create a path for his escape.
"Good," Risha purred, stepping back slightly, shadows curling around her like protective armor. "This is only the beginning. Use your mind, your boosts, and me. We can move, we can fight, and we can reach Sylvia. But remember—strategy first. Brute force alone will not win this war."
Rocky clenched his fists, feeling hope and determination surge. With Risha at his side, the chains were no longer a prison—they were just the first obstacle.
Sylvia… I'm coming. Nothing—not chains, not demons, not Lucifer himself—will stop me now.