Demonic Pornstar System novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197: Explanation

"So to answer your question, Julia. The reason I don’t want to rely on my mother all the time doesn’t stem from some masculine insecurity. I know she’s stronger, more influential, more experienced, everything. She’s the full package, so to speak. If depending on Mother meant giving me and my girls a better shot at survival—at gaining immense power and freedom—I’d do it without hesitation."

Julia swallowed, listening with wide eyes.

"But as I explained, this system," Kaiden continued, "was created by the Heavenly Demon. A galactic terrorist who once rebelled against the universe itself. As his potential successor, what do you reckon he’d think if I ran crying to mommy to hide under her skirt every time something went wrong?"

"He would think you’re a failure, unworthy of the heritage," it was Vespera who replied in Julia’s stead. Her eyes gleamed with understanding now.

"Exactly. I’ve got to solve things myself. That’s what I believe. That’s the price of keeping this power. That’s why I only ask for your help when there’s no other way."

A heavy silence followed his words.

Julia gulped again. Hard.

Then nodded slowly. "I... I understand."

Vespera’s gaze had a tranquil sharpness to it as she asked:

"Then tell me, why are you here now?"

Kaiden didn’t hesitate this time around. He materialized the newest screen hovering above his palm.

[New System Quest: Fangirl Bottleneck]

[Quest Objective]: Demonstrate the ability to cultivate deep, lasting admiration from those who are merely intrigued. The Successor must display proficiency in converting fleeting interest into genuine, unwavering devotion.

He let the message linger for a few seconds before dismissing it with a swipe and turning to face his Valkyries.

"I haven’t shown this to any of you yet. It popped up a few hours ago. The bunker we were given by the government is perfect in most ways. Safe. Durable. Secure. The twins are also very capable bodyguards."

"But... There’s zero privacy in those walls. Microphones, cameras, artifacts... We can’t speak freely. That being said, I can navigate that. So can you girls. But when something extra happens—like a new quest—we need to think, talk, and plan together."

His eyes flicked to Vespera. "That’s why we came here. Not for protection. Not for backup. Just to speak in private."

For a few seconds, no one responded.

Then Alice perked up, her eyes lighting. "I could help! If fangirls are what you need, then I think-"

Kaiden silenced her.

"Alice. This isn’t something we will try to solve together. This is not a family homework assignment."

She blinked, brows drawing together in confusion and a heavily brewing taste of utter dislike.

Kaiden ignored the confused girl on his thighs and instead turned his gaze slowly to his Valkyries. "You three are different. The system recognizes you. You’re part of this, tied to me through awakening, combat, resonance, everything. You are my system-recognized partners in crime."

Then he looked at Julia and Alice in turn.

"But my family, or any of yours, isn’t. This system... if I let anyone outside the system influence it too much, the line gets blurry. I might not notice when I start leaning too hard."

He turned toward his mother, posture straightening

"And I know you’ve been protecting me from the shadows all this while."

Vespera didn’t deny it at all. Instead, she just kept observing her son mutely.

"But that also needs to stop," Kaiden said quietly.

"I appreciate it, Mother. I really do. But I can’t become the man I need to be if I always have a shadow of your caliber ready to clean up my messes for me. The Heavenly Demon isn’t looking for a pampered brat. He wants a worthy successor who can inherit his life’s work."

With finality, he concluded:

"This system—this chance I’ve been given—it doesn’t allow me to be carried. It requires that I earn everything."

A silence followed.

No one moved. Not even the shadows.

And then Vespera’s lips curved upwards.

It wasn’t a smile of mockery or amusement.

It was something quieter.

Pride.

Motherly pride for her son, who had grown into such a decisive, clear-eyed young man. A man who stood on the edge of a cosmic storm and chose to walk through it with open eyes and a steady hand.

She rose silently. Her eyes landed on Julia. "Can you stand?"

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