Became a Demon with Pregnancy System-Chapter 134: Giving up

"This is the distribution center," Walter explained, voice hushed as though he feared being overheard.

"The Murphy Family finalizes packaging here. Then the crates of blood agent get transferred to official military trucks for shipping to various fortress outposts."

Lenora studied the building with a critical eye. "These shipments—when did you start handling them?"

Walter fiddled anxiously with his card. "We, uh, took over about a month ago. Signed a contract renewal just earlier tonight. Something about a bigger volume for the next quarter..."

Luke flicked a glance at Lenora, recalling that earlier fiasco at the club. "Volume expansion, and new packaging directives, right? Possibly the sabotage."

Walter nodded miserably. "That’s what we suspect."

They made their way around the side, approaching a large rolling door. A soldier stood guard, rifle slung over his shoulder.

The man’s posture stiffened at the sight of visitors, especially at this late hour. "Halt. This area is restricted," he barked.

Lenora stepped forward, producing a small badge engraved with the swirling insignia of the Judgment Society.

"I’m Lenora Quinn, Vice Chair of the Lingyin Tribunal. I need to inspect the stored blood agents." Her tone was polite but firm.

The soldier’s eyes flicked between her face and the badge. Instead of saluting or stepping aside, he stiffened further. "No. If you want to see the blood agent, you need express authorization from Councilor Laurence Mann."

Lenora’s demeanor soured. "Are you telling me the Judgment Society has no authority here? This is a military-supplied facility—I outrank local politicians on matters of magical oversight."

The soldier remained unmoved. "Orders from up top. We can’t let anyone check the blood agent. Not without clearance from Councilor Mann. If you have an issue, file a complaint in the morning."

Luke snorted. "Councilor Mann is just one member of Arcadia’s Trial Council, not the entire chain of command. You’re subordinate to the military, not him personally."

The guard’s gaze didn’t waver. "Disturb the operation if you want. I’ll arrest you for interfering with a critical resource for the front lines. Now leave." He tapped the side of his rifle for emphasis.

Lenora clenched her fists. Such nerve. She wanted to browbeat him with her authority, but something in his unwavering stance told her it’d be pointless.

This soldier was loyal to Mann, or at least loyal to his direct commanding officer who followed Mann’s instructions.

So it’s come to this...Councilor Mann’s influence runs deep.

"It’s nearly midnight," the guard added, "and this facility is on lockdown. Begone, or I’ll have you detained."

Walter, standing behind them, looked like he might faint. "W-what do we do, Tutor—uh, Luke...?"

Luke exhaled, resisting the urge to forcibly break in. It might be the simplest route, but that would leave them open to legal retaliation if Mann spun the narrative. "There must be another way," he muttered.

Lenora tilted her chin, eyes narrowing. "You want to pick a fight, soldier? Because I can—"

"Senior Sister," Luke interjected quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let’s not start a brawl here. We can try a different angle."

She eyed him in annoyance but allowed him to step forward. "You have an alternative?"

Luke nodded. "Walter, is there another entrance or place we can at least see the shipments? Maybe a side door that only your family uses?"

Walter chewed his lip. "W-well, there’s a separate loading bay for private carriers, but it’s still inside the secure perimeter. We’d have to get past other sentries."

Lenora’s scowl deepened. This is ridiculous. She turned back to the soldier. "I can sense your unwavering loyalty, but this is an official Judgment Council matter.

If the blood agent is compromised, it threatens the entire city’s frontline troops."

The soldier’s expression remained resolute. "Nothing is compromised. Our officer personally certified the batches last week. Please leave, or I’ll call for backup."

Luke stepped back, exasperated. He glanced at Lenora, who radiated fury.

A confrontation here might lead to a messy situation, with no guarantee they’d find the evidence.

"Fighting through them could cost us everything," he murmured, "especially if Mann tries to label us traitors for interfering in a ’vital facility.’"

Lenora looked like she wanted to punch a hole through the steel door. "We’ll regroup then," she forced out, voice taut. "No point handing him an excuse to bury this scandal deeper."

Walter sagged with relief. "So...we’re giving up?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Lenora’s gaze snapped to him. "Giving up? Not a chance. But we can’t strong-arm the entire facility with a single group of four or five.

We’ll gather official warrants from the core of the Judgment Society. See if Mann tries to block it again."

Luke nodded. "Tomorrow, we approach this with more official muscle. If Mann’s controlling this place, we might need to corner him in public." He paused, then added softly, "But let’s do a bit of scouting first."

Lenora blinked. "Scouting?"

Luke arched a brow. "You’re a vice chair. You must have some ephemeral ways to gather info—like a small scrying technique, or a vantage point to see the crates. Or we can talk to staff who are off-duty, not so loyal to Mann. We are the good guys, right?" He tried a disarming grin.

Her lips thinned. "I suppose we can ask around. Some workers might not mind giving info off the record." Flicking her wrist, she pocketed her badge. "All right. Walter, you come with us. Let’s see if any shift workers are leaving who might chat. If we find even a single irregularity, I’ll have enough reason to bring a full retinue of Judgment Mages tomorrow."

Walter bobbed his head. "Yes, Vice Chair."

The soldier scowled, overhearing them. "I said, get out!" he barked. But the trio were already turning away, heading into the gloom of the yard, presumably to find another angle or vantage point.

They circled to the facility’s far side, the night wind carrying the faint tang of chemicals from the warehouse’s ventilation shafts.

The hush of the late hour lent a tense atmosphere, as though countless eyes watched from the darkness.