Rise Of The Hoarder

"Now, let's move to the second issue at hand… our current project!"r

At this point, the executives within the Camp were more concerned. Since they were the ones in charge of the internal activities, it was their forte.r

"From the reports I've gotten, in addition to my calculations, all preparations will be made in two weeks. The bore-hole project, soil gathering, manure processing, and the planting activities should all be made by then." Charles continued.r

Once the borehole has been dug, the first couple of gallons of water were going to be dirty and unpurified. These would be taken, stored, and used for watering the grounds frequently.r

While expecting harvest, with the speed-up effect of their key Gifted, the produce will only be ready after a week.r

"We're going with corn first since it takes only a few months to grow in normal conditions. With our Gifted's help, it will be the fastest to grow among others." Charles added.r

With her [Farming] Gift, even the temperature, climate, and other factors will all be regulated and compensated for In order to ensure the growth of whatever crop is planted.r

"The only problem is getting enough resources to last during that period." r

This grim fact was evident to all of them. They didn't have enough to last, and even if they were to go on more powerful expeditions, it wasn't guaranteed that they would find any food.r

Even if they did, they would either have expired or been destroyed beyond consumption by the Demons. Charles had yet to mention this to everyone, but the horde fast approaching them was also a problem. Except for the retrieval of already guaranteed supplies being kept in Jeremy's base, the Camp would have to cease any other way expedition activities in order to face whatever was coming.r

While it wasn't confirmed yet, Charles had terrible vibes about the possible existence of even more monsters lurking around.r

'I have to prepare for the worst…' His thoughts trailed.r

"In any case, we need to plan towards that. Any suggestions?" r

Charles asked for the opinion of everyone present in the room. They looked at each other with conflicted gazes, not knowing what to say. He was usually the one who called the shots and did the thinking.r

If Charles couldn't think of a solution, how could they do?r

"Maybe we can reduce the rations of everyone to conserve food?" A simple-minded fellow said among everyone present.r

In an instant, everyone's eyes darted to the naïve voice that spoke out. It was none other than Lily, a member of Ana's team. She was the youngest in the room, and her childish voice gave her away.r

"That won't be possible. We've already reduced consumption to the lowest possible rate. If it goes down any further, there'll be complaints and an outbreak of dissatisfaction." Klara, one of the executives within the Camp, and who is in charge of food management stated.r

"A-ah, I see… my bad…" Lily mumbled, feeling extremely nervous since the hostile gazes of many were on her.r

"She merely spoke out of goodwill and concern for the Camp. There's no need to attack her passively." Ana voiced out in dissatisfaction, looking at everyone who gave Lily intimidating glares.r

Respecting Ana's position, they backed off, giving Lily room to breathe.r

"T-thank you, Ana." She whispered, staring gratefully at her savior.r

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. You shouldn't say any more in these meetings though. Okay?" r

Ana's response to Lily was made in a protective tone, meant to caution the young girl due to her inexperience. However, Lily ended up feeling bad as a result.r

'It seems… I only cause trouble for Ana…' Her thoughts trailed sadly.r

Charles sighed, realizing that he needed to explain the situation a little more to the Expedition team, to clarify certain misconceptions.r

"The Expedition team receives special treatment, so you aren't fully aware of how much we've limited the resources given to the regulars. It's barely holding on as it is, so we can't possibly bring it lower. I hope this explains some things."r

There was now silence in the office, chasing away the unrest and air of discord that had pervaded everywhere.r

"Moving on, any other suggestions?" Charles asked.r

No one dared to speak, with the fear of being shot down at the back of their minds, this was to be expected.r

Charles sighed at the sight. He was disgusted by their brainlessness and uselessness in these pressing circumstances.r

"Never mind then. We still have some time before that, so I'm sure a solution would have come up before then." He said, dismissing the question.r

Everyone looked relieved. They didn't appreciate having that kind of pressure on them.r

"Finally, the third issue…" r

Charles' face appeared darker than usual, and he tightened his interlocked fingers while conveying his message to his audience.r

After speaking to Daniel's team at their briefing, he had also visited Dave and his surviving group members after their condition had been stabilized, speaking to them regarding the incident.r

It truly was absurd. Yet, he was about to inform everyone of the preposterously dangerous news.r

To keep things short, Charles didn't call upon Daniel for his testimony, nor did he go too deep into details. He simply stated the facts.r

"Two of our expedition team's encountered a horde of Hobgoblins in an Orange Zone. About thirty of them."r

As the bombshell landed, everyone looked shocked by the news. Even Ana's team was shocked beyond words.r

"T-thirty Hobs…?!" She mumbled.r

Their team usually used their formation to take care of a single one in order to have a safe subjugation. To have thirty of them pop up at once… it was absurd!r

"That is what led to the near extermination of Dave's expedition group. Fortunately, Daniel's party intervened, or we'd be telling a different story by now…" Charles added.r

By adding a little more details to it, he filled everyone in on the current situation.r

"S-so you're saying… there could be more Hobgoblins lurking around… a-and they could be in even larger groups?" Ana stuttered, asking Charles.r

The Camp Leader nodded.r

What she was hearing also made Ana remember that her group had encountered way too many Hobgoblins on their way back to the Camp. Usually, they wouldn't see so many, but due to the fact that they appeared one at a time, Ana didn't think it was important or significant enough to mention.r

However, Charles' statement changed everything.r

"So, what do we do…?" She asked, clenching her fist.r

Charles sighed, looking at everyone.r

"What other choice do we have?" r

Rising from where he sat, the grim-faced leader stared resolutely at the expectant faces of his subordinates.r

"… We fight!"r