Became a Demon with Pregnancy System

"Demons are extremely sensitive to elemental veins like this," he mused.

As the leader of the Demon Wolf Clan, the Skywing Wolf wasn't at the pinnacle of strength. From the perspective of surrounding commander-level demons, Luke was just a minor commander—not deserving of such a valuable vein.

"Demons like the Flame Lion King would covet this," he thought. "The male and female Wolf Kings don't have fire attributes, so they might not be interested. But other commanders with fire attributes could pose a problem."

According to the Skywing Wolf's memories, the strongest Flame Demon Wolf nearby was at the level of a Greater Commander.

"A Greater Commander... I can't match that right now," Luke admitted.

He weighed his options. "Either I absorb these Flame Spirit Seeds and cultivate within the vein to quickly boost my fire attribute to the Greater Commander level, or I continue to spend time with Tanya and Zoe to receive system rewards."

When these two choices presented themselves, Luke already knew his answer.

"Training the hard way?" He chuckled. "Why bother when I have the system? Let the so-called geniuses toil away. I'll take the efficient route."

Feeling satisfied, Luke extended his claws, drawing the other four Flame Spirit Seeds toward the largest one.

"With the nourishment of these four, the Greater Spirit Seed can advance to a Soul Seed even faster," he reasoned.

The Soul Seed was precisely what Luke needed.

Exiting the Flame Vein, Luke flapped his wings, generating powerful gusts that gathered surrounding rocks and debris to partially cover the entrance of the vein, masking its intense aura.

"That should keep it concealed for a while," he thought.

With that task completed, Luke flew back toward his cave, the sun now high in the sky.

"Judging by the time, Tanya and Zoe must be hungry," he considered.

On his way, he hunted two hares, roasting them to perfection with his fire magic. He also gathered some fresh fruits.

"Can't have them starving," he smiled. "Besides, keeping them happy might lead to more rewards."

As he approached the cave, he contemplated his next steps.

"Teacher Tanya, how did you sleep last night?" Luke asked with a grin as he approached Tanya, holding out the food.

"You… you monster!" Tanya shouted, her voice trembling with anger and exhaustion. "How dare you do this to me? I'm a totem guardian! You'll regret this!"

Her eyes were swollen from crying all night, and her usually composed demeanor was shattered. The humiliation she felt was beyond words.

"Teacher Tanya, the situation is what it is. Let's not waste energy. Eat something," Luke said patiently, setting the food beside her.

"I won't eat! I'd rather starve!" Tanya snapped, turning her head away in defiance.

Luke sighed, his patience thinning. "If you die, what will happen to the Totem Serpent you protect?"

Tanya froze, her shock evident. "How… how do you know about the Totem Serpent?"

Luke smiled faintly. "Because I'm a totem, too."

"You lie!" Tanya spat, her voice shaking. "A true totem would never harm humans."

Luke didn't respond immediately. Instead, he left the food beside her and walked away. "Eat or don't eat. It's up to you," he said with a shrug. His patience had limits, and he preferred dealing with Zoe, who was far less stubborn.

As dawn crested over the mountains, a crisp and eerie wind swept through the Demon Wolf Clan's lofty remnant of frustration. Here, at the center of his kingdom, stood Luke in his human form; a faint light reflected on his sharp features. Zigzagging through the rough terrain, his wolves flew obediently at his command.

"Whew!" He breathed heavily and cracked his neck while surveying the surroundings. His sight halted on a single One-Eyed Demon Wolf that was growling and circling as if getting ready to charge.

"Identify yourself, whelp-and do remember this," Lu Chen growled, his tone placid but sharper than even blades, "I am your leader."

A haphazard kick sent that rebellious wolf skidding several meters away. Confused howls followed, the wolves not understanding how to come to terms with their leader's human face.

"Still don't recognize me, huh?" Luke muttered. He unsealed a little of his Skywing Wolf aura, which just suffused the air with oppressive menace. The immediately froze, instincts forcing their heads down.

"Good," Luke said, satisfied. "Now behave." Thus, the wolves retreated into the shadows, leaving Luke to himself.

Holding a roasted rabbit wrapped in lotus leaves and some freshly-picked fruits, Luke went back to Zoe's cave. The pure, crisp morning air engulfed him in the valley's far-off howls of his wolves.

He entered the cave, faintly illuminated, and was pleasantly surprised to see Zoe fast asleep on a stone slab. A thick bank of black waterfall hair surrounded her peacefully sleeping face.

"Zoe," Luke whispered, quieter than ever, "did you sleep well last night?"