Rise Of The Hoarder

"Urgh! I still can't get used to this…" A girl said.r

She appeared to be in her early twenties, wearing a tight outfit that was coupled with several survival equipment.r

Alongside her were four other individuals. Three more boys and a girl. They had different attires, but their pieces of equipment were similar to the lady's, who appeared to be the leader.r

"It can't be helped, also keep your voice down!" One of her members cautioned loudly, looking around him nervously.r

Instantly, she shot him a dirty look, and he fell silent instead.r

"You're the one making noise, stupid. Take your own advice…" She stated, her voice trailing as she looked around her in observation.r

Nothing appeared out of the ordinary that is, if one could classify the sight before her as normal.r

Several buildings had collapsed, and flames burned on several others. The air had a choked up feeling to it, but everyone was used to it. The scorching heat of the sun, coupled with the harsh winds that blew occasionally made the group slightly tired after journeying for some time.r

"Oi, Ana… are you sure we'll find anything, at this rate?" The younger girl asked, also appearing nervous.r

The leader, whose name was called looked behind her in reassurance.r

"Don't worry, Lily, there has to be something we can find…" Ana smiled.r

Even though she wasn't so certain of their success, Ana had to have faith and encourage every member of her squad.r

There was no choice in the matter. Whether they liked it or not, they had to gain something from their expedition. If they didn't…r

"The camp is running out of supplies, you know… that's why they've also enlisted you, Lily. This is your first expedition, so I can see why you're nervous." Ana mumbled, still moving forward, taking cover among the rubble as they advanced to their destination.r

"But, there's really nothing to be frightened about. As long as we take caution, we won't have to face the Demons. And even if we do… we can always use our Gifts and teamwork to fight!" Ana smiled.r

Every member of her team nodded in response, and even Lily who was still nervous nodded.r

She had faith in Ana, who was like a big sister to her. Ana always catered for her in the camp, and even when they decided to assign her to an expedition team, Ana ensured she was placed in her group.r

"All we need is more supplies. Better yet, if we find a residence still standing, or a store that hasn't been pillaged yet." Ana mumbled.r

Since this was near a red zone, she doubted many people would dare venture so far. This made it the perfect place to search for untapped resources.r

"L-leader… there!" Lily said, her eyes shining brightly.r

Ana followed the finger of the young girl, looking in the direction of where she had pointed to.r

Her face beamed instantly as she saw a vending machine erected a couple of meters from them. She didn't know the contents due to its distance, but from the design, it had to have been a snacks station.r

"Finally!"r

Since their journey which they had began hours ago, they had not encountered a single trace of supplies that could be useful in any way. Frankly, Ana knew her group was close to giving up.r

"We can't just go back… not without something with us!" She had thought in panic.r

That would mean they wasted the supplies of the camp without yielding the right results. The punishment that came with that was something she didn't want for herself or her team.r

However, finally, it happened! They saw a miracle!r

"Members, assemble! Be careful while approaching. Target is in sight!" She said.r

The group nodded affirmatively.r

Instantly, they picked up their pace and approached the vending machine. Excited smiles formed on their faces as they saw the contraption standing among destroyed properties and rotting furniture.r

>BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM<r

A large explosion suddenly erupted a couple of distances behind them.r

"W-wha-?!" Ana let out in shock, confused by the random explosion.r

Before she could answer the question in her head, the danger that everyone had feared and avoided for so long emerged.r

"ROAARRRRRRRRR!!!" A large creature appeared, letting out a frightening bellow.r

The sound reverberated in the ears of the group, sending vibrations coursing through their bodies.r

"Ahhh! Shit, no way! How did that-?!"r

As Ana saw the beast standing, some distance away from them, the monster's eyes went towards the group, sighting them instantly.r

"D-demon!!!" Lily yelled in horror, letting her fright take over her.r

"Grarrrrrr!!!" The monster growled, beginning its mad rush for the humans who stood stunned by its presence.r

Even though the Vending machine was closer to them, judging by the monster's speed Ana knew they couldn't get to the contraption in time. Even if they managed to escape, it would mean abandoning the food source that they had sought for so long and returning to the camp with no results.r

"No! We need it… we need that machine!" Ana stated, clenching her fist.r

The group members looked at their leader in disbelief, expecting her to have made an order to retreat.r

"Ana, are you crazy?!"r

"L-lets run!"r

"We can find another one!"r

"D-demon…"r

As their scared voices echoed in her head, she had a decision to make; Listen to her team and abandon the mission, or stand their ground and risk their lives to win.r

However, even if they chose the former, there was a slim chance of escape. No matter how she looked at it, there was no way they could avoid a fight.r

"We stay… and fight!" She ordered, her eyes glowing yellow to activate her Gift.r

Before she was done, the system warning appeared on her face, indicating the close proximity of the Demon.r

[System Alert]r

<Danger>r

-tName: Hell Ogrer

-tLevel: 39r

-tRace: Demon (Lesser) - Grade: 1r

-tAge: 25 Daysr

[Stats]r

-tHP: 3000/3,000r

-tMP: 400r

-tStrenght: 2,000r

-tAgility: 600r

-tVitality: 3,000r

-tIntelligence: 20r

[End Of Information]r

"N-no way… this is… this Demon is…" Ana's eyes bulged in shock.r

Her body began to tremble in fright, but desperation could not allow her to back down at this point.r

Besides, the moment it got so close to them, every chance of escape had vanished.r

"Everyone… on my mark, we ATTACK!" Ana yelled.r

[Meanwhile]r

"Interesting…"r

As I sat atop one of the barely standing buildings, a safe distance from the fight, I used my binoculars to watch what was going on beneath me.r

It was quite a fascinating sight, my first time watching Gifteds battle Demons since I returned from the Sacred Hall.r

A wide grin formed on my face as I laid belly flat on the ground in anticipation of the clash.r

"It was worth it setting all this up. Now then… show me what you've got!"r