Rise Of The Hoarder

“N-no, Jeremy. We couldn’t possibly do that to you. After all…” Ana mumbled, trying to explain how they’d decided to leave me behind.r

‘Oh no, you don’t!’r

“Please just take them. At least, as thanks for taking me with you. After all, I don’t want to be just dead weight and a liability to you guys. I’m sure these will help you quite a bit. Plus, there’s more stuff in the other rooms.” I smiled brightly.r

The overwhelming pressure of my benevolence and innocence crushed the souls of the people who were in my presence. I laughed internally as I saw the uncomfortable faces of the expedition team. r

Their eyes lit with opportunity, ready to bite at my deal. Well, except for the obviously stupid one.r

“Jeremy. I’m sorry… I tried convincing them, but the team decided to-” Ana blurted out.r

‘Ah, what an idiot!’ I groaned internally.r

Here I was, being kind enough to give these guys a chance to correct their earlier judgment. By granting them these supplies, they would solve the problem of having nothing to show for their expedition. Also, not only would they escape the Camp penalties, but they would most likely be promoted for their good deeds.r

Even if they took me in, the Camp would consider my contribution and ensure that I be treated nicely for a while… especially if my connection with the mysterious masked man was emphasized.r

Yet, this woman can’t even catch the hint.r

“-Ah, what Ana means to say is that this is definitely a lot, and we’ll be happy to have them with us. After all, many people in the Camp are in dire need of these supplies.” Peter quickly cut in, stepping forward and raising his voice to overshadow Ana’s.r

‘Perfect! Now, this is what I’m talking about. I knew I could count on you, Four-eyes.’ I beamed.r

Unlike the naïve leader, who was blinded by her righteous mindset, I prefer someone like him who is able to see the bigger picture.r

” B-but, Peter, didn’t we-?”r

‘Oh, will you shut up, bitch!’ Was what I wanted to say, but I controlled myself. r

From Peter’s expression, I could also tell that he was thinking the same thing.r

“Oh? Is it too small? I’m sorry about that. But, this is all I have… you know?” I finally spoke, my voice breaking in the middle.r

At this point, the remaining group members were won over. Larry greedily eyed the supplies packed in boxes, the equipment I had around, and even the doors leading to the other room, wondering just how much stuff I had in stock.r

‘Typical for a greedy pig… Lol’ r

I wasn’t going to be letting go of my treasures for free though. Besides, most of the things in the Base were not really relevant to me. Compared to the profit I was going to obtain, I could live with parting away with a few things.r

“-So, Jeremy. You want to donate all these things to the Camp, so everyone can be happy when you come with us, right?” Peter asked me.r

Quickly, I nodded vehemently, plastering an excited smile on my face.r

He smiled softly and approached me calmly, bending to his knees and drawing closer to my face. He used his hands to slightly tap my shoulders and gave me a proud look.r

“Thank you. Truly… Unlike we adults, you’re a good kid.” Peter whispered.r

His words went through to my insides, and I felt a surge of emotion well up within me. From the look on his face, he was being sincere. He most likely felt terrible for suggesting that the group leave me behind, though his actions were justified. r

However, since things turned out this way, he could only fault himself for almost leaving me behind.r

‘This guy… Peter, you… You fool! Why are you kneeling and patting me while also calling me a kid?! I’m a teenager! Damnit!!!’ I screamed internally.r

Was I ever going to get used to this indignity? Sigh…r

Still, I’m glad that things turned out this way. The rest of the team members also swarmed around me and gave me words of praise.r

“Ana was really worried about us, and we would have gotten into trouble without these supplies. But, you saved all of us.” Lily grinned warmly at me, drawing closer. r

I looked at her innocent beauty, feigning surprise by her words. She used her little hands to grab mine, clasping them in hers while giving me the most adorable look I had seen so far.r

“Thank you, Jeremy.”r

My heart nearly burst out from my chest, and I could barely contain the flush of amusement welling up within me.r

‘No, hold it in. Hold it in… these dumbasses were way too easy!’ I stifled my roars of laughter.r

At this point, it appeared that Ana had finally caught on to the new decision made by everyone, and gave a smile, nodding at me when our eyes met.r

“Thank you, Jeremy… and welcome to your new family,” Ana said, and I returned her gesture with a smile of my own.r

I had to say, this felt good. Surrounded by a new group of people that showed me love and respect, even though they would have ditched me a second ago. My new family…r

‘Ahh, it’s nice to be a part of you guys. Please take very good care of me. I’ll make sure to have lots of wonderful times with you, during the time we’ll be spending together.’ I mused.r

It took quite a bit of effort and humiliation, but things were finally going my way. Everything was going according to plan, and ultimately the path I had started would lead to my victory.r

And these tools will be useful in achieving that.r

[EXACTLY TWO WEEKS FROM NOW]r

“Huff… Huff…” I made heavy breaths, looking at the figure that floated in the sky while glaring at me.r

Multiple bodies of the dead littered the ground, leaving only me standing. Many of my blades were already broken, rendered useless in the face of the overwhelming force I faced.r

Shining brightly, the white shadow nearly dimmed my eyes, and if not for my resistance I would have been blinded by it.r

“It’s useless… I can’t… I can’t win!”r