Rise Of The Hoarder

I did mention that our destination was a Camp, right?r

However, when considering such a place, one would think of bonfires in the outdoors, or a highly fortified fortress in military terms.r

But, a Camp in the Apocalypse slightly differs from the usual logic.r

It was simply a tall building, which had been retrofitted to resemble a fortress. Though since this was the earlier stages of the Apocalypse, what I was looking at was merely a poor imitation. r

'It gets better, I suppose.'r

The tall building stood alone, amongst several other decimated properties. I assumed those were to provide cover in case of a monster assault, which wasn't going to happen… at least not anytime soon.r

It was a green zone, after all.r

There was a makeshift gate, made with very hard materials and painted with black tar in order to prevent rust and prolong the durability of whatever metal they used in making it.r

Ropes were attached to it, and levers were also put in place, to allow only those they deemed allies to enter the camp.r

Other extensions could be seen, like a lookout spot in the penthouse, where one would be able to spot a monster from afar off. r

There was also a watch-out balcony, where two guards were placed to welcome the expedition team who approached and to notify the people within.r

"Welcome back." One of the sentries placed on the balcony of the building said, looking down as he watched the group approach.r

He had a set of binoculars hung around his neck, as well as a shady attire, most likely not to attract attention.r

I assumed his Gift had something to do with stealth since I couldn't fully sense him until we reached the entrance.r

He looked at me in a confused way, though he tried hiding it. r

'He must be bothered about my presence… as expected.' I smiled within.r

He didn't say anything to the expedition team though. Since they were higher than him in rank and relevance, it wasn't in his place to question their decision in bringing in a stray.r

That would be handled by the higher-ups.r

The second guy merely ignored me and appeared to be lazily daydreaming. r

'I suppose people who slack off in their jobs exist no matter where you go…' I smiled.r

"Yeah. Thanks, Theo. Think you can open the gates?" Ana smiled, coming to the front of the group and taking charge, just like a leader should.r

"Aye aye!" He smiled, though his eyes kept moving in my direction.r

Turning away from his position, he appeared to be whispering some words into a device he had in his hand.r

"Is that…?" I mumbled.r

"That's right. It's a walkie-talkie. We're fortunate to have found something like that." Peter said to me.r

While it was still weird that such an uptight man also seemed concerned for my wellbeing, I didn't mind so much since he was being useful.r

After Theodore finished using his device, he nodded at our group and made his way toward the lever placed before him.r

His partner, the lazy snub also finally stood up from where he sat and went to his own lever. They both pulled, turning the contraption with all their strength. I could hear them groan from my distance.r

'A bunch of Level One noobs!' I scoffed, wondering why such a mob would dare look down on me.r

As they pulled the lever, the metal gates began to lift, showing the insides of the Camp.r

I focused on the two, viewing their Status Summary.r

[SYSTEM INFORMATION]r

Name: Theodorer

Race: Humanr

Sex: Maler

Level: 1r

Alignment: Lawful Neutralr

[End Of Information]r

[SYSTEM INFORMATION]r

Name: Johnr

Race: Humanr

Sex: Maler

Level: 1r

Alignment: Neutralr

[End Of Information]r

'As expected… they're weak!'r

The gate finally lifted wholly, and the two guards panted slightly, holding onto the lever as they rested on it and awaited our entry.r

"Let's go." Ana smiled, walking into the den of humans.r

We all followed obediently, and I made sure to stick beside our dear leader, as well as Peter. Being sandwiched between the two strongest of our expedition team, most likely one of the most powerful in the whole camp, was going to be helpful when venturing into the unknown.r

Both of them were happy enough to have me by their side, so I suppose it was a win-win situation.r

I noticed Lily pouting a little by the side, but I ignored her childish tantrum. She was already known to be associated with these big shots, now it was my turn.r

'First impressions matter, after all!' r

We passed what appeared to be a dark hallway, though I could see a faint glow of light at the end of the metaphorical tunnel.r

Of course, I could see beyond that. I knew what was waiting at the end of the hallway, which made me draw closer to my insurance policies. The two idiots thought I was scared of the strange terrain, with Ana patting my head affectionately, and Peter reassuring me warmly.r

While their behavior toward me was a little upsetting, since I could kill them both in the blink of an eye, I appreciated their thoughtfulness. After all, this only made it clear that they had my back.r

Finally, we reached the end of the hallway, meeting a light that made us wince a little.r

"WELCOME BACK!!!" r

A deafening roar greeted us, making me express a face of shock and surprise.r

It was stunning, enough to paralyze me and send tears into my eyes. I stood, trembling, sniffing as I saw so many people.r

Their faces were lit with hope, and they all happily welcomed their helpers, who went through hell to ensure they all had more time to survive.r

"J-Jeremy, are you okay?" Daniel whispered in my ears, appearing concerned.r

"No… he's most likely not. His whole family, everyone he knew was killed by the Demons… seeing so many people here, it must be bringing back memories." Peter whispered to Daniel.r

Larry was busy basking in the cheers of everyone to notice the emotions I was expressing, and Lily could only look at me with a sense of pity and encouragement.r

Ana, noticing my hiccups and sobs, stretched her hands toward me, grabbed me, and pulled me to herself.r

Hugging me with one hand, and waving the other to everyone else who cheered for us, she looked me in the eye and smiled.r

"Welcome, Jeremy… welcome to your new home."r