Chapter 378 The cunning demon - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

The Battle of Demon Ridge in the otherworld left rivers of blood in its wake. For humanity, a pall of gloom settled over them. Thanks to Wang Xuan Dao's unconventional methods from Old Tree Town, the humans appeared to achieve unprecedented results. However, the spread of venom caused significant losses among their abilities' users. Adding to their woes, the slain demons couldn't be harvested for materials. The sight of demon bodies strewn all over was heart-wrenching for those reliant on such resources. There was no telling how much venom might linger on those corpses. A single careless touch, and it could all be over. The humans held a meeting—its agenda was straightforward: strengthen defenses and find a way to return to Earth for assistance. Building up defenses wasn't the issue; a new problem had reared its head. Their retreat had been blocked by the demons. This cut off their route back to Earth to call for aid. Furthermore, the demons believed the doorway to Earth was on this very mountain, hence surrounding the humans with impenetrable force—a stance infuriatingly devoid of reason. From a different perspective, the human abilities' users guarding Demon Ridge, regardless of their moral standing, would never reveal the door to Earth to the demons. With Earth already ravaged by apocalypse, its global population dwindled to over two billion, now leaving only slightly more than two hundred million. On Mars, of the over six billion inhabitants, less than twenty million survived, perhaps even fewer. Should these merciless demons invade Earth, humanity would face extermination. Therefore, even in death, they could not disclose anything. Worst-case, Wang Xuan Dao might employ more lethal toxins. Fight to the end! The demon camp wasn't faring well either. Twenty demon generals gathered in their provisional command center, their expressions grim. "Has the venom been analyzed?" "Krist, the royal alchemist charged with analysis, decided to taste the venom—and met his end because of it." "Isn't Krist just a moving corpse? Can a corpse still get poisoned? I recall he often showcased drinking poisons." "He indeed got poisoned. We watched as his zombie flesh rotted away, even his bones turned to liquid." The meeting room's atmosphere grew strangely tense. Yet, the demon generals didn't lament the alchemist's recurrent demise. Instead, they burst into laughter. This incident would make for delightful banter during meals. "Enough with the amusement—where did this venom originate from?" "I know this. It began in the area overseen by the Mad Dwarf—the insects and small creatures he had there perished in droves. It was quite the spectacle." Though her words described despair, the Succubus Leader Beersde twirled flamboyantly, as if relishing the tale. The Mad Dwarf glanced at the Succubus Leader. "Beersde, shut your mouth." She chuckled softly, "Mad Dwarf, don't forget, this mission is part of the Grand Demon King and the demon kings' conquest plans for another world. Yet, we've remained stalled here for nearly half a month—you grasp the consequences, don't you?" The Mad Dwarf's expression shifted immediately. Their battle outcomes represented the demon king's prestige. If their failures tarnished the demon king's reputation, the repercussions were unthinkable. The demon king would not spare them! Faced with the human-deployed venom, the Mad Dwarf was out of options. A renewed attack promised unchanged results. "If you're so capable, go ahead!" Growled the Mad Dwarf in fury. Such conduct might merit disdain, but failure to act could mean death. "So be it, I'll take the lead." The Succubus Leader Beersde remarked defiantly. The demon generals stared in bewilderment. Such audacity from a succubus with peculiar tastes. ? The Mad Dwarf looked puzzled at the Succubus Leader—this ornamental figure accepted the task without hesitation. The venom didn't discriminate against a succubus; it would still kill. Did the succubus have a plan? Moreover, there was something the Mad Dwarf hadn't mentioned. After the battle, he was horrified to find their demon king's blessed artifact had been eroded by the venom. This artifact had withstood engagements with the gods themselves. The terror of such potency was unfathomable. Having mulled it over, the honest Mad Dwarf spoke, "Beersde, I must warn you, the venom humans used even corroded the demon king's invincible battle axe." Hiss! His statement evoked shock among the demon generals. What unprecedented feat had these humans achieved to develop such a merciless venom? The Succubus Leader's confident facade faltered—could she withdraw her previous words? She couldn't utter such doubts; speaking out could see her mating rights revoked. To a succubus, being unable to mate would induce debilitating physical and spiritual agony. Additionally, failure to mate was a source of disgrace among succubi—a torment beyond contemplation. "Rest assured, since I've spoken, there will be a way!" The Succubus Leader Beersde declared with pride, "I want all airborne units at my disposal. We'll launch an aerial assault." An aerial assault? In the cunning demon faction, who couldn't have devised such a plan before? The assembled theorists eyed Beersde skeptically, suspecting she'd idled in the rear lines engaged in some indecent demon affair. The humans maintained their defenses due to a series of dangerous barrier formations. Notwithstanding, since Beersde had claimed as much, they obliged. Despite their dislike for humans, if they failed to conquer them, an enraged demon king would ensure collective punishment. Beersde added, "In addition, I need demons skilled in excavation—bring me as many as possible. I intend to carve through the mountain occupied by humans!" The demon generals were taken aback, their admiration growing for the devious succubus. With their battle tactics settled, the demon generals dispersed for their assignments. Swiveling towards the empty demon king's throne, Beersde draped herself over it. She cooed and fawned over its armrest, seductively appealing, "Most exalted demon king, Beersde shall deliver you the splendor of triumph!" ... After indulging her desires, Beersde returned to the succubus army's domain. Confronting her assistant, she inquired, "Are the preparations complete?" "Yes, Lady Beersde. Everything is set. We've mobilized 3000 elite succubi with extensive battle experience—the humans will undoubtedly falter." Beersde queried, "And the dream demons?"   The assistant responded, "There are 200 dream demons stationed in a nearby camp. They can be perilous, and amassing too many might backfire on us." Beersde nodded in understanding, "I see, and those others?" The assistant's demeanor shifted uneasily. "Not prepared?" "They are... Sen Beersde. You truly intend to use those? They'd contaminate everything, perhaps more dreadfully than the human-deployed venom. Already, already..." Beersde interrupted, "This concerns the demon king's honor!" "Yes, Lady Beersde! We shall execute your command!" Patting her assistant's shoulder, Beersde exited. The assistant watched her alluring figure disappear, multiple eyes opening along his white arms, greedily fixating on her. ... On Earth, within the Mutated Persimmon Tree Magic Barrier. Secretary Tao Yu Jie presented a report from the Twelve Divisions. Lin Jiu Jiu received the report, first confirming its accuracy with Xia Xiao An regarding Tao Yu Jie's psychological state, then promptly conveyed it to Su Miao. "Sister Su Miao, the Twelve Divisions' investigation report has arrived." "Excellent." Su Miao set aside her magical notes, proceeding to review the report. It documented all known doorways to the otherworld on Earth, with some having been verified to lead there. However, those returning through these doors exhibited inexplicable conditions. "Bizarre entities, evil gods, demon kings, and unknown horrors..." Reading the report, Su Miao furrowed her brow slightly. The peril of the otherworld far surpassed her expectations. Notably, the report mentioned the witch Irena. An agent from the Twelve Divisions had narrowly escaped death in the otherworld but fatefully encountered the passing witch Irena, enabling a safe return to Earth. Had Irena truly returned? Eyes blinking in curiosity, Su Miao quickly fished out her phone and launched the Night Snack app. Su Miao was confident that Irena, upon returning, would promptly post her experiences about the otherworld journey on the forum. As Su Miao expected, upon opening the Night Snack app, Irena's post immediately caught her attention. **[A World Full of Dangers: Those Lacking Strength Should Not Enter]** **Poster: Irena** Dear all, as always, here's the conclusion first: The otherworld is extremely perilous. Those lacking sufficient ability should absolutely avoid it; otherwise, you won't even know when you've turned into a monster. To be precise, such entities go beyond what can conventionally be called monsters—they are an incomprehensible grotesque. Here is the detailed information about the otherworld that I've compiled: 1. The otherworld is not a planet. Do not attempt to venture into the starry sky. 2. The otherworld has special warp space nodes that, if accidentally approached, will disintegrate anything into oblivion. Keep in mind that they're invisible and undetectable, so always test the ground ahead with a stone. Note: I've seen Su Miao's post; she entered the Silent World of the Ice Wasteland, which also contains warp space nodes. I'm unsure if there's any connection between the two. 3. An eerie gray mist exists in the otherworld, resembling the one Su Miao mentioned, yet slightly different. 4. There appear to be many cities in the otherworld, but all are in ruin. My instruments confirmed these ruins date back over 100,000 years. 5. The otherworld hosts many dangerous species. Avoid them if encountered. 6. Do not attempt to enter dark areas within the otherworld—unknown horrors lurk within. 7. In the otherworld, humans hold the status of food, in a very literal sense. 8. Be cautious of those around you; they might unknowingly cease to be the humans you once knew. 9. Do not touch incomprehensible objects, as they could render you corrupted into something more terrifying than mutated monsters. 10. The otherworld contains demon kings, evil gods, and ancient gods. Areas where anomalies occur might be their battlegrounds—steer clear. ... 109. There are relics of true gods in the otherworld, possibly containing clues to help humans ascend to godhood. That's all for now. In summary, do not explore the otherworld without adequate strength—it truly is deadly. I dissected a few grotesque entities and discovered they yield unique energy cores, which have practical energy potential. I'll update everyone on their usage once my research is complete. Additionally, there is a theory: the Silent World discovered by Su Miao may someday merge with the otherworld, becoming part of it. This requires further verification. Attached: [Otherworld Map.pg] ... **Post Replies:** 1. [Heart Meow Meow]: Wow, that's incredible, meow~ 2. [Ghostly Path]: Thanks for the intel! Irena truly wants to guide us on how to adventure in the otherworld. 3. [Bronze Winged Bird]: I’m relieved I didn’t follow my friends into the otherworld. 4. [Pioneer1997]: What to do, the eerie gray mist in the otherworld seems even more terrifying. 5. [Peacock’s Gate]: Humans are food in the otherworld? 6. [Kind Witch]: Very useful information, thanks. 7. [Seeker of Trouble]: With so many demon kings and evil gods inside, will they invade Earth? 8. [TomJang]: 666, I found Her Highness Su Miao on the sixth floor! Let’s get a group picture. 9. [Compassion Is A Sickness, It’ll Kill Me]: I wasn’t a believer until I saw the sixth-floor verification. 10. [Diving Sub]: Grotesque beings, unknown horrors... 11. [Seer Ifrio]: Those who ventured into the otherworld haven't returned—could they all be dead? 12. [Origami Umbrella]: If demon kings and evil gods invade Earth, wouldn't it be part of the apocalypse? 13. [Potato1024]: I thought I’d adapted to Earth’s apocalyptic disasters already... 14. [Lava-cooked White Rabbit]: Who knows when the chaos of sun and moon will end. 15. [Shadow Voice]: No need to panic, we're already in the apocalypse; living day-to-day is what counts. 16. [Etretr5yf]: How powerful must one be to safely navigate the otherworld? Did I just see Irena hinting at human ascension to godhood in the otherworld? ... Su Miao bookmarked and liked the post. She then retrieved a printer from her magical space to print three copies of the entire otherworld investigation report, saving them for future use. Worth noting, Irena's detailed map of the otherworld held significant research value. It would be a valuable reference for her future ventures into the otherworld. With Irena's information and the Twelve Divisions' intelligence, the time seemed right to explore the otherworld. **[Should I head to the otherworld now?]** The thought spontaneously surfaced in Su Miao's mind, only to be promptly dismissed. She needed a deeper understanding of the laws and to comprehend her own abilities further before exploring. Moreover, she hadn't adequately prepared Summer Dawn, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Su Luo Li to resist corruption. These considerations required careful resolution. (End of Chapter)