Rise Of The Hoarder

As I mentioned this, the miserable people were nearly in tears, dreading the next thing I would say. Unfortunately, they were unable to speak due to the effect of <Rule> on them.

“And so, there is only one thing that is expected of both sides. Kill or be killed!”

Their eyes bulged and some began shedding tears.

Well, it wasn’t like those would help at this point. With the very Demons they tried avoiding by fleeing the Camp directly before them, it was easy to surmise that most would give in to despair.

However, whether they lived or died in this battle was of no real importance to me. After all, this was merely a means to an end.

‘It’s time to further my research on this matter… be grateful, everyone. Your lives will produce results I can use for the greater good!’

I moved away from the Demons and Gifteds, ensuring I had moved a considerable distance from them. With a single leap, I jumped to the fence and landed safely on its thick surface.

“Now then, without further ado… you may begin! I promise to explain everything completely to those who survive! That sounds fair, no?” I grinned.

With a single thought, I returned my daggers to [Subspace]. This caused the injured Demons to finally move, groaning as they struggled to stand.

‘They’re injured already, so it shouldn’t be a problem for weaklings like these guys…’ I reasoned.

Upon releasing the effect of <Rule> on them, the Gifteds were finally able to move. Many turned to face me, begging for their dear lives. Some decided to run, though there was really nowhere to escape to, except one spot.

“If you want to leave this place, you can go through the gate.” I declared to the frightful people.

That would mean they had to fight the monsters, though. After all, I stationed them to be facing the only entrance and exit viable to the people.

“You crazy bastard! Why are you doing this? What did we ever do to you?!”

“Yeah! You can’t just leave us down here to die!”

Many voices of complaints cried out for salvation, trying to appeal to my humanity. Upon considering their words for a few moments, I finally responded, opening my lips to give them my answer.

“You should really begin your assault. The Demons are getting closer.”

Their eyes bulged, looking at the wounded monsters slowly approaching them. Their faces contorted with disbelief and absolute fear. Well, not all of them.

“Shit! So all I need to do is kill these bastards and I can leave this place?!” Larry yelled, glaring at me.

I shrugged.

“You better keep your promise. Tch, I have to do this…” He mumbled to himself, creating a bow and arrows from his hands.

Seeing Larry’s ability always made me smile. At least someone was willing to fight.

“U-um, Jeremy… It’s a bit dark, so I can’t really see. Would it be alright if you could provide us with lighting?” The sonorous voice of a woman among the people said to me.

I narrowed my gaze and focused my sight on her. It turned out I recognized her, after all!

“You’re… that woman. Lara, right?”

She smiled, nodding at me.

She was the only one who was level-headed among the group of deserters back when I captured them. Somehow, the lady had piqued my interest.

‘Well, if she manages to survive this, I’ll indulge in my curiosity.’

“That’s true. It is late at night, after all.” I smiled.

While the moon provided illumination, it wasn’t enough for a bunch of amateurs to face off against monsters. Sure, the Demons were injured, however, they still posed a threat to inexperienced cowards.

>CLICK<

>CLICK<

>CLICK<

In an instant, I switched on several torches that I brought from [Subspace]. This greatly illuminated the area.

“Thank you, Jeremy.” She said, nodding at me.

Something about this lady was weird. While many would hate me and still be in confusion concerning the situation, she was the opposite

Not only did she address me by name, but she also smiled and acted calmly. Instead of fretting, she thought of the situation and what would help her overcome the disadvantage everyone was in.

‘Interesting… this Lara woman… she’s quite interesting…’ I grinned.

“GARUIIIKKKKK!!!” The Hobgoblins let out a cry of pure hate.

With their focus now on the fresh set of humans, they made for their prey. Due to the injuries they sustained, most of them limped, decreasing their speed drastically.

“I won’t be dying here!” Larry growled, aiming his now at the Demons.

He had already made a great number of arrows from his body and was now aiming one at the closest Hobgoblin from where he stood.

>WHOOOOSHH<

In a direct hit, the arrow landed in the temple of a Hobgoblin Archer, killing it instantly.

‘Oh? Nice!’ I grinned.

Of course, the Archer was already close to death due to blood loss and weakness from poison. I could see its depleted HP from the Status Window.

No Hobgoblin would die in a single hit from even Larry.

“GARUUUUUAAAAAAAKKKKK!!!” The rest roared, now focused on Larry.

“Tch, troublesome!” Larry mumbled, quickly drawing more arrows to launch.

Already analyzing the size of the creature he deemed to be his target, Larry launched three consecutive arrows at the Hobgoblin Tanker.

Unfortunately…

>CLANG<

The arrows created sparks as they landed on the Tanker’s skin before bouncing off. It was a bad match from the start since Larry’s attacks would be ineffective against Tankers in the first place.

If only a Gifted around could help him. They were busy shrinking back, trying to cling to their miserable life.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Larry growled in frustration, shooting more arrows at the beast that was nearly in his location.

The arrows dealt no damage, though. They all bounced off like pebbles on iron, making clanging sounds.

By the time Larry realized it was a futile attempt to try taking down the huge Demon, it was already in front of him. In a panic and still recoiling from his exhausted state, Larry could do nothing but watch the Hobgoblin Tanker raise his hands to squash him.

Death was imminent! Not just for him, but for everyone else present.