Rise Of The Hoarder

For a moment, silence prevailed.

Only the exchange between Charles’ eyes and mine occupied the expanse of the office we both sat in. It seemed like the man wanted to say something, but he stopped himself from doing so.

During situations like this, it was best for the one with the higher power to speak first. And so, realizing his intentions, I complied and broke the silence.

“How have you been, Charles? You’re awfully quiet… and even nervous. Are you not feeling well?” I asked with a smile.

Though the words uttered showed concern, the tone by which I said them clearly told the one who heard them the opposite of care—just as I intended.

“What do you want, Jeremy?” The Camp Leader said, furrowing his brows as he still tried to cling on to whatever was left of his confidence.

“Me? Where else do I belong? I thought you already agreed to make me a member of the family. Don’t tell me you’re talking that back now…”

Charles fell silent.

“I saw quite a bit on my way here… it seems you guys have been improving at a rapid rate. The Camp isn’t doing too badly.” I added, looking at him and intensifying my gaze.

“Y-yeah, and it’s all thanks to you. Of course, I—”

“You’re doing it wrong.” I sharply interrupted the man.

For a moment, Charles looked dumbfounded, stunned by how I cut him off. So, I decided to educate him a little.

“It appears you need a reminder on how to thank someone…”

“W-what are you—?” Charles still wallowed in confusion.

I couldn’t tell if he was intentionally being a fool, or he was naturally dense when it came to matters like this.

“… Kneel!”

As soon as my command was sent, the Camp leader left his seat and immediately crumbled to the ground. The sharp motion of his body must have sent a tingling sensation coursing through him, causing him to wince a little.

“You don’t seem to understand that you owe me everything so far. The fact that your Camp is in one piece—the scavengers are gone, the Demon Horde has been resolved, your members are stronger—everything is as a result of my actions. Yet, you simply think you can thank me by just using words alone?”

Charles was an egomaniac, but even he needed to have enough sense to completely offer gratitude to someone who saved everything and everyone he had.

“Y-yeah, you’re right. Thank you so much Jeremy. I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate you better just now!”

His tone sounded desperate, and it was so obvious he was forcing his apology and gratitude. After taking note of my Level, that was if he could, he must have realized that I was not to be messed with… even more than in the past.

“Not only did I keep my promise to you, but I also made sure to clean up your messes and gave you stronger people… all for what? You couldn’t even protect Ana and her team. Only Lily is left, but she’s so miserable that it’s even worse than dying. What exactly have you done for me?” My tone of annoyance caused Charles to tremble.

I didn’t even need to use any Skill to demand his absolute fear.

“I-I’m sorry. There was nothing I could do to save Anabelle. You have to understand…”

Slowly, the vestiges of his ego and pride crumbled. The man began to break.

“You should have died, then. Charles, I can’t believe you had the gall to be alive after allowing Ana to die. Did you really think I would let that go?”

No matter how terrible the situation was, I had no choice but to blame his incompetence.

“W-what do you intend on doing? Kill me? Y-you can’t do—”

>FWOOOOSHHH<

A blade instantly flew from [Subspace] and severed one of Charles’ limbs in a flash.

Blood burst out, spurting out of the bloodied hand, much to the Camp Leader’s shock and bemusement.

“Guarghhhhhh!!!” He screamed.

>CREAK<

The door opened and Tasha entered the room in an instant.

Both Charles and I turned our heads in her direction, watching as she quickly took a battle stance and charged at me—not even waiting for any explanation from her husband.

The fact that Charles was keeling in his own pool of blood, looking helpless, must have triggered the woman’s deep love for her lover.

‘She probably heard his scream from wherever she was and came rushing in…’ My lips curled up in a smile as I watched her rush at me, ready to pounce.

I had no interest in trading blows with the woman—I learned my lesson the last time we fought.

>FWOOOOSHHH!<

Instantly, two blades appeared from [Subspace] and did the needful.

>SQUISH!<

Both of Tasha’s hands were loped off instantly, same as her legs!

Blood burst out of the four openings, leaking out the red liquid that meant life to those who had it.

“Arghhhh!!!” She joined her husband in his screams as both of them lost vital parts of their bodies within a minute.

“That’s what you get for trying to defy me. You thought I couldn’t do anything, just because I don’t want to kill you? How laughable…” I mused.

Tears of pain and fear came out of both Tasha and Charles as they powerlessly watched me stand above them.

“T-Tasha!” Charles managed to let out, seeing his wife bleed on all four areas of her body.

He must have feared that she would bleed out thanks to her injuries, but I had no fear that she would die.

‘The Vitality she has won’t allow her to give up the ghost so easily, but still…’

I had no need for her, anyway, so the sooner I got rid of the woman, the better.

“<Summon>”

Instantly, one Hobgoblin Champion appeared in the room, causing both Tasha and Charles to look upon the strange new apparition in horror.

The Demon slumped, yet its head was practically grazing the roof of Charles’ office.

“Kill the woman,” I commanded the Demon, placing it under the influence of my <Inducement> Skill.

The disgustingly green monster’s eyes instantly trailed to the helpless and limbless woman on the ground, growling as it made a twisted face.

‘This should break him even more!’