Rise Of The Hoarder

"U-Uh… I…" The boy stuttered, still putting his head downward.r

'That voice! I've definitely heard it before. This guy… could he be…?!' Melissa's thoughts rang.r

Quickening her pace, she walked closer to him, while at the same time, the boy raised his head.r

"I… I'm new here, and-" r

The stranger's voice was cut short as soon as he raised his head and stared at the girl. It was the same for Melissa. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw his face. It was definitely one that she remembered.r

"So it's you…" She clenched her teeth and tightened her fist.r

Who would have thought they would have such a reunion? Suddenly, the thoughts of Anabelle and her Ogre's skill moved from the forefront of Melissa's mind. That would have to come later.r

At this moment, something else surfaced, an itchy feeling she had been getting ever since the world turned upside down… the need to unwind.r

A sadistic grin formed on Melissa's face, and the happy sensation she used to feel slowly returned. It had been a while since she had gotten an opportunity to release the frustration she was feeling. The swirling negative emotions in her had even intensified when she was told that she would have to ask Anabelle for permission to get a skill.r

"Oi, if it isn't the loser, Jeremy. It looks like you didn't die, after all!"

*********************************

Now isn't this quite the dilemma? I'm currently facing someone I recognize quite well…r

Yes, there's no doubt about it. The ache that I'm currently feeling in my heart as I stare at her face tells it all.r

This girl is Melissa, a bully from when I was in high school, one whom a month ago, was among the many who lorded over me. I used to be at her mercy.r

To think I would get to meet her here, at such a time. What a conundrum. Because… my urges are sizzling… I want it so badly.r

Revenge!r

[A Few Moments Earlier]r

'Ah, I wonder when they'll be back.' I mumbled to myself.r

Ana and her group had left the room some moments ago. While Ana seemed to have gotten her rest in another room, everyone else took a brief nap in the regular one which I occupied.r

They only rested for a few hours, an impressive feat considering we had a pretty hectic journey.r

"Jeremy, you should still get some more rest," Ana said to me in a worried tone once she found out I was also awake.r

'You all need more rest than I do, though' I mused.r

"It's fine. I don't feel sleepy…" I smiled at her.r

Apparently, she had a weakness for smiles, or maybe she was too tired to argue, since she backed off.r

The rest of the group members knew what was up since Ana came into the room. They all stood, ready for what they would be undertaking.r

"We're going to secure some dinner. You just wait here, Jeremy." Ana smiled, taking everyone else with her.r

I understood perfectly since I was new to the system. It would be best for them to handle such matters, at least for the first few days I would be staying in the Camp. Plus, I had to meet their leader before everything was set in stone.r

'I just have to wait for them, uh?'r

Since there were no prying eyes, I decided to while away time by bringing out a book from [Subspace]. It was one of my Light Novel series that I hadn't quite finished. r

I didn't have the time to bother about these things at the apartment since I was more concerned with survival. However, if I am to be taking things a little easy here, I had to while away time in some way.r

Plus, the series was quite interesting.r

As I delved into my world of fantasy, I began to enjoy myself and smile in nostalgia. The progression of the story, avid details, and cruelty of the main character all blended to give the novel perfect harmony.r

It made me remember many series I had read in the past. A small grin formed on my face as a thought appeared in my head.r

'I wonder if those authors are still alive now…'r

Many novels took fantasy as their genre, introducing monsters such as Orcs and Goblins. Though the general assumption was that such beings never existed and were merely fictional.r

However… now that everything has become like this, it would be quite amusing to get the opinions of those fantasy creators.r

It made me curious at the same time though… what the true identity of these Demons were, and why they were invading Earth.r

'What lies beyond the gates they come out from? What's the point of this Apocalypse? Will it end?' r

Many questions formed in my head, distracting me from the novel I was reading. I didn't know the answer to these thoughts, however, one thing was for sure… I was going to live long enough to find out!r

Suddenly, my ears picked up hastened footsteps approaching me. Initially, they made me flustered since I thought the group was returning.r

'I have to hide the novel, or they'll ask me bothersome questions!' My head rang.r

However, as I paid closer attention to the sound, I discovered it was only one person that was approaching. r

Perhaps it was due to my high intelligence, but I was able to distinguish certain traits of people quite well. The approaching person's movements didn't resemble any of Ana's team members.r

'Who…? The person is clearly coming to this room though.'r

I decided to concentrate on my hearing, picking up sounds behind the room clearer. That was when I heard her whisper.r

"I just have to play nice for a little while. Once I get that skill, I'll show everyone who's boss!" r

My eyes bulged instantly as I recognized the voice. Pictures upon pictures, lots of memories from the past, flashed through my mind.r

'There's no way I'm mistaking that overbearing sound… right?!'r

My body suddenly quivered and my heart was pounding unbelievably fast. I couldn't control my emotions.r

'Is this fear?' I asked myself.r

After living in her terror for so long, the mere thought of facing that girl again was driving me into a state of panic. Me? How strange!r

'No, this can't be fear. It shouldn't be…' r

I clenched my fist, slightly crumpling the book I was reading.r

'I've faced countless Demons, I'm stronger than I was before. I shouldn't be scared of Melissa anymore. I've changed!'r