Liquidation: From Big Boss to Bloody Demon Sauce Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Grimora

Read chapter 12 of Liquidation: From Big Boss to Bloody Demon Sauce by Magic on NovelPedia.

The harsh glare of the red sky shifted into a deeper shade as I ventured further into the Dark Glade, getting closer to the heart of the demon realm. Whispers of menacing creatures lurking in the shadows and chilling sounds emanating from the labyrinth of trees amplified the eerie atmosphere, but I continued undeterred. Riding on the back of the Bihound, I had time to analyze the environment. The Dark Glade wasn't just visually hostile; it was actively trying to kill me. The air here carried a heavy, toxic Ether that stung against the outer layer of my red-and-white form. Every time my beast took a step, the glowing green soil kicked up a fine mist that burned like acid. Normally, this would be a reason to turn back. But in my previous life, I had made billions by purchasing toxic assets and restructuring them. I didn't know the rules of this world yet, or what kind of energy was flowing through the dirt, but I needed to find out. I stretched a thin portion of my slime body down the Bihound’s leg, letting it just barely scrape against the contaminated soil. Instantly, the toxic Ether flooded into me. It was chaotic, tearing at my cellular structure like tiny needles. I panicked for a second and almost pulled back, but then I focused. I treated my own body like a processing plant. If I could absorb the dust in the castle, I could process this. I isolated the burning sensation, trying to break it down. I pushed my own Ether against it, wrestling with the toxic elements. It was pure trial and error. First, I tried to force it out, but that just spread the burn. Then, I tried to compress it. The moment I squeezed the green energy down into a tight cluster, the burning stopped. The frequency shifted. The chaotic energy suddenly felt heavy, stable, and rigid. It felt like dirt. Like stone. My gelatinous form instantly grew denser, dragging my weight down, making me far more resistant to the biting air. I didn't know how many types of energy existed in this hellscape, but I had just stumbled onto a way to turn a hazardous environment into a free supply chain. My journey led me into an open clearing where I came upon a sight I had yet to experience in this sinister realm. A silhouette of luscious curves and tangled wild hair hovered in the distance, radiating an irresistible allure that could only belong to a succubus. This was not Luriel, but the familiar Ether made it clear that this creature was similar to her, and that alone gave me pause. "So, you are the little snot ball Luriel squirted out?" The short red-haired and bright pink-skinned succubus said as she glided forward, giving me a look of pure disgust. No matter how good she looked, her words made it clear that she was no different than Luriel. Not that I thought she would be different. All powerful and beautiful women are the same and always will be. I had learned my lesson enough times to know that it was always best to hold the upper hand and get what you want. But as I watched her, I noticed something else. Her stance was aggressive, but her eyes constantly darted toward the shadows behind me. Her shoulders carried a tense rigidity. She spoke with confidence, but the underlying frequency of her Ether felt frantic. I had seen that exact demeanor a hundred times in junior executives who worked under tyrannical bosses. Luriel didn't manage her people; she abused them. Grimora wasn't here out of loyalty. She was here out of absolute terror of what Luriel would do to her if she failed. "And who would that make you? One of her servants cast out in the darkness?" I asked, and the smile slipped off her face, replaced with a scowl. "I am Grimora, and more than capable of tearing you to shreds, you pitiful puddle," Grimora snapped back, her dark eyes flaring with rage and indignation. Then she smirked cruelly. Waving her hand, a black mist began to manifest in the air around us. "Since you are a small worthless slime, I will let my demons take care of you!" Grimora laughed and lif