The Incubus System Chapter 1002. Stupid Plot Twist

The Incubus System Chapter 1002. Stupid Plot Twist

“He might be looking for this sword,” Zalira continued, her tone serious, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the implications. “That might be the main reason why demon attacks are happening more often in Aeros.”

I almost had to bite my tongue to keep from facepalming. ‘How could I forget about that!’ I thought, mentally kicking myself. It was such an obvious connection, one that I should have anticipated. Of course, I, the great demon, should be interested in the sword. Yet, it never crossed my mind.

But the reason I hadn’t thought of it before was painfully simple. That great demon, that demon lord she was worried about—was me. And because it was me, I hadn’t considered the threat in the same way Zalira had. To her, this was a very real and external danger, something that could potentially destabilize her kingdom or even the human world. To me, it was just another day in my complicated double life!

My brain felt like it was short-circuiting from this unexpected turn of events. It was as if a stupid plot twist had suddenly appeared, threatening to unravel the big and cunning scenario I had meticulously crafted in my head. The sheer absurdity of it all nearly made me lose my composure and made me cringe.

Then, like a jolt to my senses, an announcement appeared in front of me.

[You are connected with Mia!]

‘Damian, your Ethan’s face is showing!’ Mia’s telepathic warning snapped through my thoughts, sharp and urgent.

‘Oh, sorry,’ I replied hastily, realizing that she wasn’t talking about my physical appearance but my expression—Damian’s mask of calm and collected professionalism that had slipped for just a moment. In my shock, I had let too much of my true emotions surface, and that was dangerous. I had to keep my cover intact, especially now.

I quickly schooled my features, forcing the confusion and frustration back into the depths of my mind. I couldn't afford any slip-ups, not here, not now. Not when Zalira was watching me so intently, searching for any sign of weakness or deception.

Zalira continued, her voice laced with seriousness. “The Demon Lord is a significant threat. If he’s searching for this sword, it’s not just a matter of power—it’s a matter of control. Whoever wields it could potentially challenge him, or worse, draw him directly to us.”

I managed to keep my expression neutral, nodding as if considering her words deeply. “That’s a valid concern, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice calm and measured. “If the Demon Lord is indeed seeking this sword, then it’s crucial to ensure that it remains in the right hands. In the wrong hands, it could spell disaster—not just for your kingdom, but for the entire world.”

Zalira’s gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me. “Exactly. Which is why I want to ensure that the sword and its guardian are both under my protection. We can’t afford to let this power fall into the hands of those who would use it for their own gain—or worse, into the hands of the Demon Lord himself.”

She moved her face closer to mine, her breath warm against my skin. “Do you understand now, Mr. Lucio?” she said, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper. Her proximity, the subtle scent of her perfume, the intensity in her gaze—all combined to create a heady mix that was hard to ignore. I could feel her tail tightening slightly around me, a reminder of the control she still held, both physically and politically.

I kept my composure, meeting her gaze steadily. “The question is, what do you want from me?” I asked, my voice even, though my mind was a whirlwind of calculations and strategies. Zalira was playing a dangerous game, and I needed to navigate it carefully.

Zalira’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “I want your loyalty,” she said simply. “Not just to me, but to this kingdom. You see, power is more than just strength or control—it’s about trust. It’s about knowing who you can rely on when the time comes. And I need to know that I can rely on you, Mr. Lucio.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Loyalty is earned, Your Majesty. What makes you think I would pledge mine to you?” I asked, my voice calm but edged with a challenge. I wasn’t about to let her believe that I could be so easily swayed. I needed to play along—at least for now.

Zalira’s smile deepened. She leaned in even closer, her lips now almost brushing against my ear. I could feel the warmth of her breath. One designed to unnerve and entice me. She knew exactly what she was doing, using every tool at her disposal to draw me in, to test my resolve.

“Because, Mr. Lucio,” she whispered, her voice soft and seductive, “I can offer you something no one else can—power, influence, a place by my side where you can wield that power without fear of retribution. You’ve seen what I can do, the control I have.”

I allowed a small smile to play at the corners of my lips, as if I were holding back a laugh. “Pardon me, Your Majesty,” I said in a polite tone, my voice carrying just a hint of amusement. “Your offer may be interesting to many, but not to me. As I said before, loyalty is earned, not bought. You must give me a reason why I should pledge my loyalty to you.”

Zalira’s eyes narrowed slightly, the faintest trace of irritation flickering across her face. She wasn’t used to being refused, that much was clear. But I wasn’t about to let her believe she could simply offer me power and expect my allegiance in return.

“Your protection is indeed intriguing, and I cannot deny its appeal,” I continued, my tone remaining steady. “But even without it, I can assure you that the great demon you fear—the one searching for the sword—cannot and will never be able to find where I keep it. Believe me, Your Majesty, I can protect myself far more effectively than you might think.”