The Incubus System Chapter 1011. You’re The Only Real Threat Here

The Incubus System Chapter 1011. You’re The Only Real Threat Here

Zalira paused for a moment, her eyes boring into mine with a frown etched deeply across her face. “What’s your plan?” she asked, her voice cold and cautious. “What will you do if I refuse? Will you kill me and give the throne to Mia?”

There it was—the question filled with fear and accusation. I could hear the clear disappointment and betrayal in her voice, the pain of a sister who felt cornered, who was now questioning the loyalty of her own blood.

“Sis… I would never do that,” Mia interjected, her voice filled with earnestness, a plea for understanding. “I promised you. I would never take power from you as long as you are alive.”

I glanced at Mia, seeing the sincerity in her eyes and the desperation to make Zalira see the truth. But I couldn’t deny that Zalira’s suspicions were reasonable. If I were in her position, I might have thought the same thing. Her kingdom, her life’s work, was on the line, and now her own sister was bringing a demon into her court, proposing a deal that could upend everything she knew.

Zalira turned to Mia, her expression softening just slightly, though the doubt remained in her eyes. “I know you are loyal, Mia,” she said quietly. “But we have been separated for a few years since you underwent your test for your life as a commoner. You… could have changed.” She paused, her eyes searching Mia’s face, looking for the sister she once knew. “You used to always obey me… Yet… this time you brought this demon to me,” she added, the word “demon” almost spat out with disdain.

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to tread carefully. But I couldn’t let this devolve into mistrust and fear. I needed to show Zalira that this wasn’t a betrayal—it was an opportunity.

“Don’t get me wrong, Zalira,” I said, my voice calm but firm, cutting through the tension. “Mia brought me here because she cares about you, your position, and this kingdom. She sees the challenges you face, the dangers lurking at your doorstep. She understands, perhaps better than anyone, what’s at stake.”

Zalira’s eyes flicked back to mine, suspicion still lingering in her gaze. “And why should I believe that? Why should I trust anything you say?”

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a whisper, letting my breath brush against her ear. “If… you think I did this because I couldn’t release my aunt with my own power… you’re wrong,” I declared, my tone darkening, an evil smirk crossing my lips. “You saw how I fought, didn’t you?” I reminded her, referring to my last battle with Beel, where my power had been on full display.

“With that much power, I could not only destroy the barrier,” I continued, my voice dropping lower, more menacing, “but also the palace itself… along with everyone inside it…”

Zalira’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of fear crossing her face. She knew the truth of my words. She had seen what I was capable of, the sheer destructive force I could unleash if I chose to. But that wasn’t my goal, and I needed her to understand that.

“But Mia… is my reason why I chose this much more peaceful way,” I whispered, my tone softening, almost gentle. “She’s the reason I’m here, offering you this chance. She believes in you, Zalira.”

Zalira’s eyes remained hard, her skepticism undiminished. “Believe me about what?” she demanded. “That I’ll accept your offer that easily? I’m a queen. What makes you think it’ll be that easy?”

I let out a low chuckle, a sound that echoed softly in the room, tinged with amusement. “I know this won’t be easy,” I said, keeping my tone light. “That’s why everything I offer is based on mutual political interests—benefits for both of us.”

Zalira’s gaze didn’t soften, her expression still guarded, her mind clearly working through the possibilities. “You want me to free that angel,” she said, her tone skeptical. “Yet what are you offering me in return? As far as I can see, you’re the only real threat here. The others are just small-time demons. My soldiers can handle them.”

Her words made me laugh, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. It was ironic, almost comical, that despite everything I had done, she still saw me as the villain, the single threat she needed to manage.

My laughter faded into a soft, amused smile. “Oh, Zalira,” I said, shaking my head slightly. “I thought you, of all people, would understand faster, would see the bigger picture. You’re a queen, after all. But I see that I was wrong.”

Her frown deepened, irritation flickering in her eyes. “And what exactly am I missing, Damian?” she asked, her tone clipped.

I leaned forward, my expression growing more serious, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know… we have a problem with the border. The line between this world and mine is fraying, Zalira,” I said, my words measured and deliberate. “The boundary that separates the human realm from the dark dimension is weakening. And you know what that means, don’t you?”

She didn’t respond immediately, her eyes narrowing as she listened, waiting for me to continue.

“And there are two demon lords,” I continued, my tone steady, “who are eyeing this world. They want to make it their base of operations, to expand their influence and control. And they won’t stop until they have it.”

Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing her face. She knew the implications, knew what it meant for her kingdom if those demon lords succeeded. But she remained silent, her gaze never leaving mine.

“One of them is the one I fought in Aeros,” I added, my voice grim. “The one who slipped through my grasp. No one knows where they’ve gone, where they’re hiding. But I’m still looking for them. And trust me, your soldiers won’t stand a chance against them. Not on their own.”