Alex stared at the blood-red demon crouched before him, its gleaming yellow eyes locked onto his. The Fury's predatory aura filled the room, a constant reminder of its lethal capabilities. Known in the Devil May Cry universe for its unparalleled speed and teleportation attacks, the Fury is a formidable adversary .
Despite the system's designation of the Fury as a "Combat Slave," its loyalty rating of 55% indicated a volatile partnership. Alex knew that any misstep could trigger the demon's aggression. He needed to establish dominance and control.
"Stay," Alex commanded, his voice steady.
The Fury's muscles tensed, but it remained in place, a low growl emanating from its throat. It was a start.
Recalling his newly acquired ability, the Time Dilation Sphere, Alex considered its potential against the Fury. The ability to slow time within a 30-meter radius for five seconds could provide a crucial advantage in controlling or combating such a swift opponent.
However, Alex also recognized the need to strengthen his bond with the Fury. Perhaps by engaging in joint battles or completing missions together, he could increase its loyalty and stability. Additionally, exploring the system's options for demon management might offer tools to reinforce their contract.
With a deep breath, Alex prepared to delve deeper into the system's functionalities, determined to master the powers at his disposal and forge a formidable alliance with his new, albeit dangerous, companion.
[ Power of Supreme Demon Lineage activated ]
[ All lower demons now submit to you. ]
[ However, Host, this effect is mostly limited to less intelligent and beastial demons like Fury. ]
"I guess I don't have to do much," Alex muttered, letting out a relieved sigh.
"OPhew, at least this helps..."
A new set of options appeared in front of him.
[ As Host possesses the V template, you can decide to keep Fury's image as it is, or turn it into a Shadow Demon. ]
"Is there any advantage?" Alex asked, and the system responded immediately.
[ Yes. First, it will transform into a Shadow Demon connected to the Host, meaning it becomes an immortal summon. It will be able to morph its body, and even combine with other demons the Host may acquire in the future. ]
"So basically... a highly adaptable, evolving demon?" Alex asked, eyes wide.
[ Correct, Host. ]
"Okay then—edit it into a Shadow Demon and bind it with me," Alex said firmly.
[ Command accepted. ]
As the screen faded, a dark magic seal appeared under the Fury. Its body began to distort and twist, shadows wrapping around it like a cocoon. The crimson fur slowly drained of color, turning charcoal black. The glowing red eyes dimmed, then reignited with a ghostly white hue.
Its new form was sleek, sinister, and oddly regal. A perfect fusion of menace and elegance.
The transformed demon knelt before Alex, its presence no longer savage, but loyal.
"Whoa... this comes with absolute loyalty?" Alex muttered, reaching out. The creature's form felt cool, almost like touching dense mist.
[ Congratulations, Host, on your first Demon Contract. ]
[ Fury's state is now stored in the system. ]
[ Name: Shadow Fury ]
[ Abilities: Dark Claws, Shadow Step (Teleportation), Body Morphing ]
Alex's eyes gleamed as he reviewed the Shadow Fury's abilities.
Dark Claws. Shadow Step. Body Morphing... It was like he'd just unlocked his own personal low boss-level summon.
"Damn," he grinned. "This alone could carry me through half the game."
[ Additional functions unlocked due to Demon Contract Formation: ]
— Demon Storage
— Merge Compatibility Viewer
— Loyalty Growth Tracker
"Oho?" Alex tapped on the Merge Compatibility Viewer, curiosity piqued.
[ Shadow Fury — Merge potential with: null (host don't own any ther demon) ]
"So I can eventually fuse demons together to create custom monsters?" he whispered, almost drooling at the possibilities. "A teleporting lightning panther that shoots lasers... yes please."
He chuckled darkly before switching to the Loyalty Tracker. Shadow Fury's bar was now glowing faintly at 95%, steadily increasing with time.
"Guess binding it boosted things more than expected."
He stood, stretching out his newly healed body.
His fingers clenched and unclenched as he felt real strength return to his limbs. Not enough to fight like Dante yet… but far from the trembling wreck he'd been when he first got here.
"I still need a weapon," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "V used familiars, but I'm not gonna just rely on demons."
"The only problem is I don't have any other weapons aside from the cane," he mumbled, pulling out the Silver Devil Cane from his inventory.
He eyed it critically, turning it in his hand."Hmm… it's just an almost indestructible cane that can form a sword edge when infused with demon energy, huh," Alex nodded. "Not bad, but definitely not enough if things escalate."
He set the cane down beside him and next retrieved the black-bound Devil Book—V's signature item.
The system flickered a brief description across his vision:
[ Devil Book ]
Description:The Devil Book of V. The more one reads it, the faster one recovers Demon Energy.Reading it also passively increases the Devil Trigger gauge.Note: Prolonged reading may also invoke echoes of V's memories, emotions, and fragments of knowledge.
"Useful, especially with how fast I burn energy," Alex muttered. He flipped open a page and was immediately hit by a faint pulse—like whispers brushing his consciousness. Cryptic poetry, verses of blackened fate, and pieces of V's mind spilled out in ink and flame.
The book wasn't just a focus—it was alive in some subtle, eerie way.
"Creepy… but effective," he said as he felt his inner reserves stir. The flow of demonic energy through his veins quickened. Even Shadow Fury glanced back at the book warily, reacting to its strange pull.
"Alright, I've got a solid foundation: Shadow Fury, a decent cane weapon, the Devil Book for regen,"
He stood up, stretching once more.
"But I still need armor. Maybe even a Devil Trigger form eventually."
The thought of evolving into something more—something demonically transcendent—sent a chill of anticipation down his spine.
As if reading his thoughts, the system pinged again:
[ New Function Unlocked: Devil Evolution Tree ]
— Based on Supreme Demon Lineage and V's Template, Host may evolve unique abilities and forms upon meeting certain conditions.
Current Form: Human Base (Corrupted)
Next Unlock: Proto-Demon Form (Requires: 1st major Demon Contract (completed)+ 50% body compatibility)
Progress: 31% ]