The Incubus System

The clock showed 03.43 PM when I approached the Lightglen Library counter with a few books in my hand.

"Good afternoon. How can I help you?" said the staff politely. A smile appeared on his friendly face which was already starting to have some wrinkles.

"I want to return these, sir." I put the books on the counter.

Deftly, he picked up the books and scanned the barcode before his hands moved to the keyboard and typed something.

"Your membership card please," he said without taking his eyes off the computer screen on his desk.

I put my card at the counter and waited some more. My eyes swept over the library which looked much emptier than the last time I visited it, indicating how big the last night incident's impact was. It even made the school cut out Celia's prom party from 05.00 PM to 07.00 PM when the original plan was until 09.00 PM. So did Ledred. The government limited the club's activity to 08.00 PM for a week or until further announcements.

The same as two days ago, Celia was preparing herself for the party. And as always, even though she had prepared herself earlier than me, she hadn't finished her makeup yet. While... I had finished taking a bath and chose a tuxedo. I meant the picture since I was going to use my Demon's Clothes.

So, since I still had enough time, I decided to return the books to this library with my portal skill. As for what happened last night, although there was still a bit of awkwardness between me and Celia this morning, it faded by itself as we spent breakfast together. I didn't know what Foxy said to Celia last night, but Celia looked a lot calmer. I should thank Foxy for that.

"Here you go." The staff's voice returned my gaze to him.

I took the card from his hand and put it in my jeans' pocket.

"Thank you," I said with a smile before I turned and walked towards the glass automatic door. But my cellphone's message ringtone stopped me. I took my cellphone from another pocket and checked it. My forehead was furrowed since the message was from Sophia. She was my classmate but I rarely talked to her. The reason why I had her phone number was because we were in the same group chat.

Sophia: Hey, I just want to say you are really cool. I don't know if you are that strong while you are so quiet in the class. Keep fighting, Ethan!

'Huh? What's going on?' I thought in confusion. This morning, I had watched some news about last night's incident but all of them discussed the demon attack, the victims, the damage and how this accident affected Aeros' stock market. Indeed there was a record when Alan approached me. But it only lasted for 1 to 2 seconds since the police blocked the reporters. Moreover, it was from a distance and my face was unclear. I also had checked the Ravenetwork's channel but it reported the same thing.

Feeling strange, I typed my reply.

Me: May I know what's going on?

I just sent the reply but two other messages came. Those were also from my classmates and I also rarely talked to them.

Darren: I'm really surprised you are that brave, Ethan. Don't forget to take care of yourself.

Gil: You are incredible, Ethan. I appreciate your hard work.

This time another one came before I replied to them.

Larry: What's with that cool pose? This isn't fair :'(

'What cool pose?!' I screamed internally as I typed my reply to Larry. But suddenly I got a bunch of announcements from the 'dead' group chat that was suddenly alive again as if a necromancer just revived all the dead in the cemetery.

Gery: Hey, do you guys watch the news? That's Ethan, right?

Zoe: I'm also watching the news and thinking the same thing.

Nina: He indeed looks like Ethan from our class.

Darren: That's Ethan for sure!

Gil: I also think the same.

Sophia: I just sent a message to congratulate him, but he's confused about what's going on.

Alaya: Just a reminder, guys. He must not reveal himself if he works under 'that secret organisation'.

I immediately caught what she meant was the demon hunter association.

Darren: Oh, you are right!

Zoe: Now you mention it. I think the news is bold enough to make him the news highlight.

Gil: It's new and it will bring more views. That means more money for the company. So why not?

'Shit! This must be Ravenetwork!' I quickly put my phone in my pocket and walked out in a hurry to the nearest alley.

After I made sure there was no one around me, I opened my portal.

[Set your destination.]

'My house's living room, Ironshade Town.'

[The destination has been set.]

[The portal has opened! ]

And I entered it.

"Quick, turn on the TV!" I said as I came out of my portal. Even Foxy who was cleaning up the coffee table was startled by it.

"What happened, Master?" she asked in confusion. Her hand grabbed the remote and pressed the power button.

I didn't answer but quickly sat on the sofa. As the TV turned on, the screen showed five people sitting in front of an oval table. Two of them were presenters and the others were the guests. The Ravenetwork News Highlight banner was at the bottom of the screen.

They talked about what happened last night, mostly commenting on what the government and the demon hunter association should do to prevent similar incidents. So the problem was not their conversation, but the screen background behind them. Even though my face was not clear, they zoomed in on my pic when Alan landed on my arm. With Alan's silver feathers and gallant figure, it made me look like a high level mystical familiar tamer. The problem was... People who knew me would have guessed that it was me!

Even though there was no information there and what they were discussing had nothing to do with the pic, people would be thinking I was a high-level demon hunter.

Foxy cringed as soon as she saw it.

"Master... Is that you?" she said as she pointed her index finger to the TV.

While I gritted my teeth in annoyance. I was sure this must be Elenna's doing.

"That fucking reporter..." I hissed in anger.