Became a Demon with Pregnancy System-Chapter 140: Wayne Yates

Wayne’s communicator crackled to life. "Wayne Yates, multiple White Devil Eagles inbound! Sound the alert if you have eyes on them. Also, get inside the fortress—now—we can’t have you in the open."

An older voice barked back through the line. "We know. But this time is different. A monarch-level demon is rumored among them, one that specifically targets fortress tamed birds. Orders are to kill any uncertain beasts, including your eagle, to prevent infiltration or sabotage."

Wayne’s heart iced over. "Ash—kill Ash? No, you can’t!" He pivoted desperately to his beloved companion, which ruffled its feathers in confusion.

"Those are the orders," the voice snapped. "We can’t risk a disguised demon infiltration. Now comply or face charges. Over and out."

Wayne sank to his knees. Fear and fury seized him. Kill Ash? My only loyal friend? He couldn’t let that happen. He’d protect Ash no matter the cost.

As if summoned, a tall, pockmarked beast trainer emerged from a stone stairwell below, brandishing a short staff. "Wayne Yates, stand aside. I’ll put that worthless eagle down before it turns traitor."

"No—!" Wayne stepped between them, arms spread wide. "I won’t let you kill Ash. He’s never harmed anyone!"

The trainer sneered. "I’m not asking your permission, kid. Out of the way." He raised a flame pattern, star-lights swirling around him. Wayne recognized it as Fire mid-level magic. If unleashed, Ash would stand no chance.

Desperate, Wayne tried to shield his eagle. "Ash, run—!" But the bird refused to flee, fiercely protective of Wayne in turn. The trainer’s lips curled into a scornful grin as he readied a blazing orb.

"You’re a fool, Wayne. You want to disobey a direct order?" The trainer flung an arm out, releasing a small fire-strike—Burning Bones—straight for the eagle. The air rippled with heat.

"No—!" Wayne cried, leaping to intercept, arms flung wide. If he had to die, so be it, but he wouldn’t let them kill Ash.

At that exact moment, the flames vanished as if snuffed out by an unseen hand. Confused, Wayne found himself suspended mid-lunge, unscathed.

He blinked, seeing a tall figure behind him: a young man with piercing eyes and a calm, protective aura—Luke.

Luke pinned the pockmarked trainer with a glare. "Enough. If you have a complaint, take it up with me. But you won’t kill an innocent bird on my watch."

The trainer recoiled, shock flaring across his face. "Who the—? Where did you come from?" He sized up Luke’s presence, the faint swirl of dark energy around him. The man realized with creeping dread that he was no match.

Wayne froze, still clutching Ash. He slowly turned to Luke, eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you..." He coughed. "I...I didn’t want them to murder my friend."

Luke nodded, offering a reassuring hand to help Wayne upright. The pockmarked trainer scowled, trying to re-summon star-lights, but found a leaden pressure bearing down on him—Luke’s telekinetic mastery. The man’s arms refused to form the star pattern properly.

"Ugh... You—" the trainer managed to gasp. "This is standard protocol! We can’t let any questionable beasts remain. The fortress is under attack by White Devil Eagles, and a monarch could be among them, controlling tamed birds!"

Luke’s eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Then direct your spells at those actual demon eagles out there." He gave a glance skyward. Indeed, beyond the fortress walls, lines of white shapes soared, shrieking in the night. "Attacking an innocent eagle and its caretaker is a waste of energy. Let them be."

Scowling in defeat, the trainer retreated. He knew he couldn’t cast with that invisible force crippling him. Once he was a safe distance away, Luke slackened his telekinesis, letting the man stumble. "Damn it," the trainer cursed under his breath, slinking off.

Wayne Yates slowly relaxed, leaning into Ash’s comforting presence. "Thank you so much..." he whispered, lifting earnest eyes to Luke. "I’m Wayne Yates, a watchtower guard. You saved our lives."

"Think nothing of it," Luke replied gently. "You risked your own life to protect your companion. That’s admirable." He gave Ash a friendly scratch along the feathers. "See how loyal he is to you. No wonder you wouldn’t leave him behind."

Wayne’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief. "I—I know it’s foolish. I barely have any magic talent. People say I’m a burden, but... I can’t let them kill Ash."

Luke inclined his head. "There’s nothing foolish about defending your friend. But keep your guard up. The fortress is about to face a wave of White Devil Eagles—and rumor says a monarch among them. If you stay out here, you’ll be in danger. At least get behind the fortress walls."

Wayne nodded shakily. "Yes, I heard the alarm. I was about to head in, but then that trainer showed up..." He gazed out across the watchtower ramparts, now bristling with archers and mages. "What about you, sir? Are you from the military?"

Luke shook his head. "No. Just... someone who’s had enough of bullies." He looked up at the sky once more. The demon eagles were drawing nearer, shrieking in hungry unison. "I suspect a major threat is about to appear—maybe more than a single monarch among them."

Wayne bit his lip. "My father and older brother both died to demon invasions. I joined the fortress guard to help protect others. But if I can’t even keep Ash safe, what am I worth as a soldier?" He clenched his fists, frustration plain.

Luke placed a supportive hand on Wayne’s shoulder. "Courage comes from what you fight for. Hang on to that loyalty, Wayne. It’ll take you farther than any arrogant mage."

Just then, a swirling gust battered the top of the watchtower, and a chilling screech resounded overhead. The White Devil Eagles had arrived. At least a dozen soared in the immediate vicinity, their razor talons glinting. Archers below loosed volleys of arrows, and an artillery mage conjured lightning to keep the swarm at bay. Yet the eagles pressed in, shrieking with savage determination.

One eagle peeled off from the flock, beelining for the watchtower. Spying Wayne and Ash, it let out a piercing cry, diving with extended claws.

"Look out!" Wayne cried, hugging Ash. But the demon eagle’s speed was too great—it was seconds from colliding.