The Incubus System Chapter 1102. The High Priestess of The Great Demon Cult I
“Yeah,” I said under my breath, trying not to draw attention. “Long short story, she’s an idol I saved a few months ago. And apparently, now she’s a priestess. Go figure.”
Larry raised an eyebrow, clearly struggling to process that information. “You saved her?”
“Yup,” I said, my tone clipped. “From a rooftop. She was about to jump.”
He blinked, his expression somewhere between impressed and exasperated. “And now she’s leading a cult in your name?”
“Apparently,” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “This is my life now.”
Kevin, meanwhile, was beaming at the podium, clearly thrilled by her presence. “Everyone, please welcome Priestess Lilyanna!” he announced, his enthusiasm reaching a new peak.
“Lilyanna?” Larry repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t that her stage name?”
“Sure is,” I said, my tone dry. “Because why bother with a new identity when you can just add ‘priestess’ to the front of your old one?”
Lilyanna reached the podium and gave a serene smile to the crowd, her voice soft but commanding as she began to speak. “Thank you all for being here today,” she said. “It is an honor to stand before you as a servant of the Great Demon’s teachings.”
I nearly choked on air. ‘Servant of my teachings?’ The absurdity of it all made my head spin. I’d saved her life once. That was it. I hadn’t taught her anything except, maybe, don’t jump off buildings.
Larry leaned over again, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Man, you really left an impression on her.”
“Don’t start,” I muttered, my eyes narrowing at the podium.
Lilyanna continued her speech. I couldn’t help but study her. She looked different now—more composed, more confident.
“…and the Great Demon’s teachings have given me strength,” she said, her voice steady. “They’ve shown me the way forward in a world that often feels overwhelming.”
‘What teachings?!’ I wanted to yell. Instead, I kept my face neutral, though my mind was racing. Did she really believe this? Or was this just a performance? Either way, I needed answers—and fast.
The crowd erupted into applause. Kevin, who was sitting down next to me, turned to us, his grin somehow even wider than before. “Isn’t she amazing?” he gushed. “Her devotion to the Great Demon is unparalleled.”
“Unparalleled,” Larry echoed, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. “Truly inspiring.”
Kevin either didn’t catch the sarcasm or chose to ignore it. “You should meet her,” he said, practically bouncing on his heels. “She’d love to talk to you, Ethan.”
I froze, my stomach sinking. “That’s… not necessary,” I said quickly.
“Oh, but it is!” Kevin insisted. “She’s been dying to meet you. Come on!” I was sure he just made it up. Well, kinda half right though. But the one she wanted to meet was the great demon, not Ethan.
Before I could protest, Larry nudged me with his elbow. “Well,” he said, grinning mischievously, “looks like you’ve got a fan.”
I glared at him, my expression flat. “If I end up in the middle of some weird ritual, I’m blaming you.”
“Relax,” Larry said, waving me off like it was no big deal. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
I shot him a glare so sharp it could cut glass. “Do you really want me to answer that?” I asked through gritted teeth.
Larry smirked, clearly enjoying himself far too much. Meanwhile, Kevin was practically bouncing with excitement, his enthusiasm radiating like a human golden retriever. “Come on, Ethan,” Kevin said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “She’s incredible. You’ll see.”
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. ‘Why am I even here?’ I thought. Larry was supposed to be on my side, yet here he was, practically teaming up with Kevin to drag me into this nonsense.
“Fine,” I muttered finally, throwing my hands up in defeat. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Great!” Kevin said, beaming. “You won’t regret this.”
‘Oh, I’m already regretting it,’ I thought but kept my mouth shut. The truth was, I did need to talk to her. This whole “cult” situation was spiraling out of control, and the last thing I needed was for it to interfere with my battles—or worse, turn these people into outcasts. I didn’t want them getting hurt because of something they didn’t understand. And knowing how governments worked, it was only a matter of time before they labeled this group as dangerous.
We made our way toward the podium, Kevin leading the charge like he was presenting me as some kind of VIP. Larry strolled beside me, looking like he was trying not to laugh at my misery.
“Whose side are you on, anyway?” I muttered under my breath.
Larry grinned, not even trying to hide his amusement. “Yours, obviously. But come on, this is entertaining.”
I glared at him, my patience hanging by a thread. “You’re the worst.”
“And yet, here we are,” he said, patting my shoulder like I was a kid heading off to school.
Once we approached the podium, Lilyanna turned to face us, her serene expression unchanging. Up close, she looked just as poised as before, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—curiosity, maybe? Or recognition? I couldn’t tell.
“Your holiness,” Kevin said, his voice filled with reverence, “this is Ethan. He’s been a new supporter of the Great Demon’s teachings.”
I coughed, nearly choking on my own breath. ‘Supporter?’ I thought, trying not to let my disbelief show on my face. ‘When did I say I support all of this crap?’ I complained internally.
Larry smothered a laugh beside me, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“It’s an honor to meet you,” Lilyanna said, her voice calm and melodic. She offered a small bow, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
“Uh, likewise,” I said awkwardly, giving a slight nod. I could feel Larry’s grin burning into the side of my head. “I’ve heard so much about you,” I continued. “Your dedication to the Great Demon’s path is truly inspiring,” I started to throw some bullshit.