Rise Of The Hoarder

Wow, I’m surprised…” Lara mumbled as she drew closer to me.

My eyes met hers, causing the young woman to halt in her approach. From my gaze, I meant to ask what she found to be so surprising.

“Is that really the Vice Leader of the Camp? You’ve tamed her, uh?”

A broad grin formed on my face the moment she said this. While the process of breaking Tasha’s mind had been fulfilling— especially considering the results, there was a better target I wished to completely conquer in every essence.

A smile formed on my face the moment I saw her. It wouldn’t be long now… I just needed a little more time

Oh! it wasn’t Tasha, by the way. My target was someone who would end up becoming a sweet cornerstone of revenge for me.

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The Camp members were exhausted even though it was still morning._.

I understood, though, considering their last memory was being chased by Demons in the dead of night. Of course, their bodies were sleep-deprived and needed some shuteye. Plus, after the meal, they were more receptive to the slumber that was calling out for them.

“It’s fine. You can all rest. I’ll keep watch.” I told them as they bowed apologetically at me.

The group slept and I kept guard over them. The temptation to summon a group of Hobgoblins to devour the sources of (G) Karma Points gnawed at me, but I controlled those rabid impulses. It would be too inefficient of me to impatiently do such a thing now.

‘They need to Level Up first… and then…’

My face twisted in a dark grin and the only one awake to witness me do so was Lara. I had already taken off my mask and was a good distance from the Gifteds who lay on the grassy plains so they couldn’t see me.

“You must have some twisted plans for them, uh?” Lara muttered to me with a small smile on her face.

Out of everyone I knew, she was the only one who was aware of what kind of person I was. Of course, I didn’t reveal the full scope of my plans to her since she only needed to know so little to fulfill her role. She understood though, so the young psychiatrist didn’t bother crossing the line of her curiosity.

“Meh, I don’t think it’s twisted.”

Truthfully speaking, other than two of the Camp Members in particular, I was thinking of letting the rest off easy.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt.”

Lara sighed silently, but not at too low a volume that my enhanced hearing couldn’t pick up. From the corner of my eye, I saw a deep sense of unease shoe on her face— though subtly.

She tried to hide it, but Lara was plenty afraid of what I might do to her later on. Was she going to join everyone in the fray? Was she special to me? Would she survive?

“You don’t need to be afraid. I have no intentions of killing you.” I once again dissuaded her from judging her fate based on my standards of others.

It was ironic, actually. Paul—my first comrade— didn’t think I would end up betraying his trust. In the end, he suffered for it and most likely encountered death.

As for Lara, she was so convinced that I was going to kill her sooner or later, but I had no intention of doing so. Other than the fact that I considered her Shapeshifting ability to be very useful, she was also a good companion.

Paul was too boorish, and he was such a wuss. His pushover and cowardly personality left a bad taste in my mouth which was why I might have been in too much of a hurry to kill him. With Lara, however, I didn’t need to feel so self-conscious.

More than a ‘tool’ to use, perhaps I desired a spectator to my story, someone who would share my experiences with me. I didn’t want to be lonely.

With [Subspace]’s help, that wasn’t an impossible goal.

‘Paul would most likely disapprove of most of my actions, but Lara knows her place. No, it’s more than that… she also sees nothing wrong with it!’

A perfect partner.

“You should practice on your Skills and combat prowess more. Get some rest after that. Once the Subjugation Squad members of wake up… we’ll be attacking the Hobs!”

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Ana was already prepared to leave the Camp. Her supplies were set and her backpack was full of enough resources to last her less than a day’s journey to the base of the Subjugation Squad.

According to Charles, the Subjugation team already had her team calculated in accordance with the food supplies with them. Everything was set.

“Are you guys ready?” The high-spirited woman spoke and her team roared in response.

Lily, who had been a newbie at Expeditions was now going to join in the Subjugation. Ana would have loved for her to remain, but her Gift was extremely useful. Plus, the young girl didn’t want to let Ana out of her sight.

‘I’ll have her tag along with me. But, I’ll make sure she experiences as little danger as possible!’ She resolutely thought to herself.

Now downstairs, ready to have the gates to the Camp open for them to exit, Ana’s team braced themselves for their long journey.

Charles watched them from the top floor where he stood. His face was devoid of emotion, giving Ana a strange feeling of annoyance.

‘I shouldn’t be thinking about that!’ She corrected herself, waiting for the gates to open.

They never did.

A few seconds passed, yey the gates remained shut. Ana’s group was confused since the two men who had gone to turn the levers of the gates were supposed to have made the iron door rise by now.

“Charles?” Ana raise her voice, wondering if this was another of Charles’ scheming attempts to delay her.

As her head bobbed upward, glaring toward the direction of the Camp Leader’s height, she caught his joint surprise.

“What’s happening?” He whispered.

However, before any of the two respective leaders could make out what was occurring, Lily’s eyes bulged wide open— nearly popping out of their sockets.

“A-Ana, everyone, watch out!!!”