The empire's outskirts stretched before Rocky, smoke from previous battles curling lazily into the afternoon sky. The city was safe for now, but the threat of Happy the Harpy still loomed like a shadow across the land. Rocky had spent days mastering the Summoner's System, connecting with his adaptive aura, and refining his reflexes and summon synergy. Now, he was ready—not just to fight, but to change the balance of power.
High above, Happy circled in wide arcs, feathers glinting in the sun like polished steel. Her cawing echoed across the valley, sharp and mocking. "Ah, the little summoner returns! Did you come to play again, or to die where your city fell?"
Rocky's golden eyes narrowed, aura flaring, afterimages flickering like lightning. "I'm not here to play, Happy. I'm here to end this battle on my terms."
Risha hovered nearby, wings unfurled, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Remember what we practiced. You don't just fight her—you manipulate her, force her to adapt to you. Then, if you time it right…" She smirked. "You tame her."
Sylvia, standing on a rocky outcrop below, sword in hand, nodded. "Be careful. She's still unpredictable. Don't underestimate her."
Rocky clenched his fists, aura spiraling outward, adaptive energy lashing at the surrounding air. He felt the Summoner's System pulse within him, the interface no longer external but fully integrated, guiding his instincts and reactions. He could see Happy's movements before she made them, sense the flow of air around her wings, predict the pattern of her razor feathers.
Then, with a burst of speed that blurred reality itself, he launched forward. Afterimages exploded outward, creating dozens of targets that flitted across the valley below. Happy screeched in delight, claws extended, diving and weaving through the illusory army of Rocky's images.
But this time, Rocky's strategy was different. He wasn't merely dodging and blocking; he was reading her. Each dive, twist, and beat of her wings sent data into his system, and his aura adjusted automatically, adapting in real time. He anticipated the angle of each strike, the trajectory of every feather, the precise moment she would attempt to flank him.
The first clash sent a shockwave across the valley. Rocky's adaptive aura wrapped around her talons, absorbing and redirecting energy, while afterimages closed in to restrict her movement. Happy screeched, feathers slicing through the air, but Rocky was already several steps ahead, moving at impossible speed, shadows lashing out to intercept and neutralize the deadly feathers midair.
Risha's shadows formed protective corridors, ensuring that stray attacks couldn't harm the land below. Sylvia guided fleeing civilians, shouting instructions with remarkable clarity despite the chaos.
For a long moment, the battle became a blur of motion, wings, shadows, and sparks. Every attack from Happy was anticipated and countered by Rocky's adaptive aura. But unlike previous battles, he didn't aim to simply survive. Instead, he channeled his system to dominate the rhythm of combat, subtly guiding her movements, weakening her defenses without breaking her spirit.
Finally, after a spinning dive that had left hundreds of afterimages swirling in the valley, Rocky spoke aloud, voice amplified by his aura. "Happy! You've fought well… but you're stronger than the typical generals because you've been underestimated! You don't have to destroy everything. You could be part of something greater—part of my summons, not my enemy!"
Happy screeched, tilting her head in confusion. "What… what are you saying? A summoner… wants me as a summon?"
"Yes," Rocky said, aura flaring like a living storm. "I've mastered the Summoner's System. I can tame powers far beyond mortal understanding—but only if they're willing. You've fought me, you've tested me… now, fight alongside me. Protect the empire instead of destroying it."
For a heartbeat, silence hung in the air. The wind stilled, and even the distant valley seemed to hold its breath. Happy hovered, wings twitching, eyes narrowing as if analyzing his words, his aura, his intent.
Then, with a flurry of feathers and a sudden dive, she rushed toward Rocky, claws extended. But this time, Rocky's system activated a synergy protocol. Shadows extended from his aura, wrapping around her wings and talons—not to bind her, but to synchronize with her energy, feeding back her speed and strength into his system while calming her aggression.
The effect was immediate. Happy screeched once, then hesitated midair, talons retracting slightly. Rocky's golden eyes met hers, unwavering. "You can trust me. Fight with me, not against me. We'll be unstoppable together."
Risha hovered nearby, wings folding, observing intently. "He's doing it… he's taming her through synchronization. That's a high-level summoner technique—he's using the system to merge her instincts with his commands without breaking her will."
The harpy tilted her head, eyes flashing. Then, almost imperceptibly, she flapped her wings and allowed the synchronization to complete. A radiant shimmer surrounded her feathers as her aura linked with Rocky's adaptive energy.
"Yes… yes!" Rocky's voice rang, his system alerting him: Summon Bound: Happy the Harpy | Level: General | Loyalty: Pending
Happy hovered beside him, wings fully extended, cawing softly—not in attack, but in acknowledgment. "I… understand. I will fight with you. I am yours… Summoner."
Risha clapped her hands, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Finally! He's done it! One of Carbrarra's generals, tamed! This changes everything!"
Sylvia exhaled in relief, lowering her sword. "I… I can't believe it. She's actually… helping us now?"
"Yes," Rocky said, aura pulsing gently as he extended his hand toward the harpy. "And she's only the beginning. The Summoner's System allows me to tame, adapt, and grow stronger. Every battle, every General… they're stepping stones. And together, we'll face Carbrarra, and no one will stand in our way."
Happy cawed again, a softer, almost melodic sound, flapping her massive wings. Rocky felt her energy harmonize with his own, a surge of power unlike anything he had experienced. The system buzzed with new synergy data, updating rapidly: Summon Synergy Bonus: Activated | Adaptive Power Increase: 75% | Combat Efficiency: Maximum
Risha smirked. "Now, that's a battle-winning combination. Imagine what you'll do against the remaining generals with a tamed General at your side."
Rocky nodded, eyes burning with renewed determination. "First Happy, then the others. We'll master them all… and when Carbrarra himself shows his face, we'll be ready."
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the valley, Rocky, Sylvia, Risha, and now Happy the Harpy soared together. The wind carried the promise of power, unity, and inevitable victory.
The empire was safe—for now—but the war was far from over. The Demon Lord Carbrarra had begun his campaign, and Rocky had taken the first, monumental step in turning the tide.
Happy cawed once more, wings slicing through the air. Rocky glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Welcome to the team, Happy. Together… we're unstoppable."