Rise Of The Hoarder

I was able to see Paul's summarized Status and he was also able to see mine, due to one major factor… Level difference.r

It is trite, that no one who is 50 Levels lower than you can see your Status Information.r

Even though Paul was a Level 1, I was only in Level 16 at that time, making it possible for him to still see my Status Information.r

'But, I've grown much more since then, and I doubt many people will currently be able to see my current Status Information since I'm now in Level 102.'r

When I first found out about the existence of seeing the Status Information of another, after my first meeting with Paul, I thought it was bothersome that another person would be privy to my Level. I quickly dismissed the thought however, when I realized that my Level was going to be average when I stepped out of my apartment, and I would be able to somehow make do.r

But…r

With the new realization of the current state of the world thrust in my face, I came to see that I was extraordinarily strong compared to others, and my Status Information wouldn't be accessible to just anyone.r

A tricky situation indeed… but not entirely impossible.r

"W-well. You see…" I slowly muttered.r

"My savior… he told me something about that. He once gave me something to swallow, and said I would be protected from any other Gifted if they tried to learn anything about me without my consent."r

After saying this, I observed Ana's expression. It was possible she had a lie detection skill, and that would be really bad for me. r

Fortunately, it didn't appear that she possessed anything of the sort since her face clearly told me she bought into my lie.r

'Jeremy, you idiot. If she could detect lies, wouldn't your story have been flagged?' I reminded myself.r

Welp, that was true.r

"I see. He must have been trying to protect you… and also his identity. Since you were together for a long time, you must have seen his face. He probably didn't want anyone finding out through an intrusive or spying skill by gaining access to your mind, which is why he gave you that item. It must have affected your Status Information too…" r

I smiled nervously and nodded to what she said, happy that she jumped to conclusions on her own.r

'Whew! That was close!'r

"U-um, Miss Ana… I know this is being bothersome, but… Please take me with you!" I finally blurted out, shutting my eyes tight while trembling as I bowed my head in pleading.r

Her face expressed a form of shock by my abrupt behavior, but it was all within expectation.r

Anabelle would keep asking me questions to satiate her curiosity. In order to ensure I didn't make another slip, I had to take the initiative here.r

With the stories I've told her, and all the planning I've put into this. There's only one answer I'm expecting from her. And that is…r

"Jeremy, I'm sorry… but, I'm afraid it's not that simple."r

'E-ehhh?!'r

What the hell was this bitch saying? r

"Of course, I would like you to come with me. But it's not my call to make. You see, I have a team, and as a leader, I need them all to agree with my decisions before doing something rather drastic." She explained.r

'Bullshit! I didn't go through all this effort for you to tell me that!'r

I knew Ana was a democratic leader who sought the understanding of her allies, but this was just ridiculous. r

'Does that mean I'll have to convince every one of them? What the fvck?!' I grumbled internally.r

Of course, I masked my emotions by giving her a devastated, scared look. I had to keep playing the part to increase my chances of being accepted.r

"I promise to do my very best in convincing them. You're just a kid living out here. Even though you said this area has ceased to become a Red Zone, I still don't feel comfortable with only you living out here on your own!" Ana spoke with resolve.r

"Plus, that masked man saved our lives. He left you behind because he trusted us enough to take good care of you. Jeremy, trust me. I'll do the best that I can!"r

A warm smile radiated around her face while giving me her kind, pure look.r

'Disgusting!' I nearly cringed.r

'I don't want you to just do your best, you ungrateful bitch! I want certainty! Tch.'r

However, there was no use dragging out the matter and being needlessly stubborn. The current situation was something I had to leave in Ana's hands.r

In the situation whereby her teammates were uncompliant, I had other methods. Besides, even if they were to return to their Camp, there's no way Ana wouldn't tell the people there about my existence.r

'They may initially be hesitant to risk a journey for one kid, but after she explains the masked man story to them, as well as this base filled with resources, I'm sure they'll bite.'r

Even then, the Camp's management could harbor malicious intent against me, especially in the matter of resources. It would be more efficient to kill me and claim my resources for themselves.r

'I know Ana won't allow that though, but… there are ways to cover up incidents like this. They could just lie that a Demon did me in or something. Even if she tries to forcefully join any rescue squad dispatched, if the Camp wants me dead, they'll find other means.' I reasoned.r

Of course, they wouldn't stand a chance, but I wasn't interested in having to dispose of many humans.r

Which was why the best option was for Ana's team to take me with them. I had to ensure that succeeded, no matter what!r

"I should get going now, my teammates will be worried." Ana's voice suddenly cut into my thoughts.r

I raised my head and looked at her. She gave me a reassuring smile, as though telling me to put her trust in her. That she would definitely be back.r

"Y-yeah. I-I understand…" I mumbled.r