Rise Of The Hoarder

After moving for a while, our group was nearly out of the woods. A little more and we were going to reach the flatlands which were a mere representation of the well-established roads of the now-forgotten past.

“Huff… Huff…” Many huffed as they tried pushing their bodies to their limits, knowing fully well that the horde chasing them was relentless in their pursuit.

Their brains were in too much of an overdrive to think rationally.

‘Where are we running to?’

‘If we keep moving, can we outrun the incoming stampede?’

‘Even if we manage to outrun them, we’re heading in the direction of the Camp! Isn’t that what we were trying to avoid in the first place?!’

Thoughts like these never crossed anyone’s minds since their intelligence had been considerably drained and adrenaline had taken over. Being the only one who could think rationally, I enjoyed the sight of watching them run off, like cattle escaping an overwhelming predator.

We finally got out of the woods in one piece, feeling several trees crumble and crash behind us as we ran. The Demons were closer than anyone had expected.

“Hurry! Everyone, hurry!” Daniel shouted.

‘To where, though? Pfft!’

As soon as everyone finally got out of the woods, they were greeted with despondency. Across the vast road that the desperate members thought they could escape to, they found a wave of Hobgoblins, numbering about a hundred.

“N-no… no way…!”

The wave consisted of a lot of Hobgoblin Brawlers, a few Archers, and a single Tanker. They were a small squad, but to the Subjugation Team members, they were the very definition of despair.

Already exhausted beyond belief due to running for so long, and now seeing such a horrid sight… it was enough to drive many mad!

However, the despair was just beginning!

“G-guys…?!” I stuttered, calling the attention of everyone to me.

Like creaking metal, they turned their heads and looked behind, their eyes widening in shock as they saw another sickening sight.

Seeming to appear out of nowhere, another group of about a hundred Hobgoblins appeared as well, all grinning with bloodlust.

“G-guys… I-I…” I stuttered.

Why? Since I was the one at the farthest in the rear, the newly appeared wave was directly behind me.

In essence, I was going to be the first to die!

*********************************

Before anyone could say anything, the Hobgoblins descended upon Jeremy, tearing what appeared to be his flesh apart. Blood spurted and screams filled the air as the Hobgoblins’ prey was killed in the cruelest way possible.

The other Gifteds watched in horror, frozen in their positions as the gory sight unfolded. A wave of Hobgoblins advanced from their front, another wave from behind them, and the Stampede was nearly upon them.

All hope appeared to be lost. Now in the dark, all about to die at the hands of the very Demons they hoped to achieve victory against, the Gifteds experienced the tallest height of despair imaginable.

“We’re… going to die here?!”

“No, please… I-I don’t want to die!”

“Please save us, Daniel!”

“Someone, save us!”

“Please! Please save us!”

Unfortunately, their pleas fell on deaf ears since they were the only humans around. The Hobs that would soon kill them served as their audience, grinning from ear to ear, pleased by the desperate cries of fear that came out of the mouths of everyone.

“Guruikkkkk! Kekekeke!”

>WHOOOSH<

Arrows flew from the Hobgoblin Archers, killing a few of the Gifteds, easily over a dozen, in one fell swoop.

The arrows pierced their temple, as was the specialty of the Hobgoblin Archers who were already reloading their bows for the next round.

Blood spurted out of the Gifteds, causing their bodies to fall lifelessly to the ground as their bodies became drenched in blood.

“E-eeeekkk!!!” The survivors made scared shrieks.

Now drawing together and forming a cluster, the Gifteds began struggling to get into the center of their circle to preserve their lives. Fear and panic spread and despair reigned supreme.

The earth rumbled, bodies trembled, Demons advanced, tears fell, blood flowed, cries went into the air.

However, amid the darkness and despairing circumstance… a miracle occurred.

Shining crimson in the dark night, a bright flash of light lit everywhere up.

>BOOOOMMMM!!!<

This loud noise once again drew the attention of all the players on the same field. Standing to the far right of the Gifteds and adjacent to both waves of demons… was the source of the bright crimson light.

The Gifteds squinted their eyes at the sight, all expressing shock at the presence of a new presence that seemed to overwhelm everyone in the area.

“T-that is-?!” They cried.

Standing in what appeared to be a surge of energy was the figure of a person. No, it most certainly was a human. He was clad in a red flame-like aura and appeared to be nearing the conflicting parties.

“Huu…” The man covered in energy heaved.

The sound of his breath was evident across the flatlands, sending shivers down the spine of everyone present.

The Demons were now less concerned about the frightened group of Gifteds and focused on the presence of the stranger.

“Do you… want me to help you?” The man finally spoke.

His voice was deep and powerful, yet noble and gentle. Everyone felt their emotions being stirred as he spoke. The blood-like color of the energy that covered him began to seem warner and more appealing.

Everyone forgot their fear and genuinely spoke in awe and respect for this man.

“P-please… s-save us…”

The man drew closer upon hearing their words. While his face was not visible thanks to the mask he wore, somehow everyone could sense that he had wholeheartedly accepted their request.

“Fine…” The masked stranger mumbled.

>FWIIISHHH<

Instantly, two daggers appeared in his hands, and sparks of energy raged from him. The aura enveloping his body burned brighter as he took his stance.

All eyes were on this man, both of Demons and humans. The Hobgoblins prepared for battle upon sensing the level of danger emanating from their potential foe.

Now staring murderously at the Hobs, the masked savior spoke.

“… I’ll kill them all!”