Rise Of The Hoarder

I went to the spot where I had set up a few torches and switched them on, dimly illuminating the room.

Ana's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. The area was neat and compact, rid of any unnecessary things that would make it too jampacked.

"W-whoah… It's just like the Camp…" I heard her mutter.

I instantly understood why she would think that way. Not only had I set up many blankets around me for warmth, since there was no electricity, I also had a few foodstuffs packed in a corner, a few home appliances that had been dismantled and could serve as makeshift weapons, rechargeable battery lamps hanging around, only one of which was switched on due to conservation of energy.

"A-Amazing! This is amazing…"

Her constant praise made me wonder whether I overdid it. If she was so impressed by this, it meant that I was painting myself to be more of a survivalist than I had planned.

I had to somehow get rid of that notion!

"T-thank you… I don't deserve the thanks for this, though…"

Before Ana could ask what I meant by that, I ventured further inside, inviting her as well.

"You can take off your soggy clothes and use some in the other room… I-if you like…" My voice trailed in hesitation, and I looked at her as though I truly cared about her comfort.

A guilty expression took over her face as she quickly tried to refuse my kindness.

"N-no, you don't have to go so far for me… I'm good!"

'Ah, why do you have to make things more difficult than they should be?'

All she had to do was accept, yet her roundabout manner of approach made me resort to a more convincing method in order to make her accept.

"Well, they are female clothes… and I don't think I would have use of them. Plus… well, your clothes are somehow staining the floor." I mumbled, staring at the dripping goo that was on the ground due to her soggy attire.

"A-ah!" She yelped, realizing the truth in my words.

I only responded with a smile, not saying anything else.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-" The flustered lady hurriedly apologized.

"There's no need for that. After all, it was my slime that I dropped that accidentally spilled on you…" I mentioned, giving her a guilty look.

Her eyes widened in realization.

"A-ah, there's no need to feel bad. After all, I would have severely injured you, if not killed you, had that accident not occurred. Truly, I'm sorry for almost-" She made to apologize again.

It really amazed me how a woman who appeared to be over 5 years older than me could freely accept her wrongs in front of a kid. If only I'd had one of such in my life before the world became shit.

Instead, I drew the short end of the stick and only knew sickos and jerks all my life.

"It's alright. But please… use the spare clothes!" I smiled warmly.

Giving up on her modesty, Ana finally accepted and went to the room I pointed to, which was at the far end of the parlor, to change into a more decent outfit.

She carefully moved there, ensuring she made as little impact to the ground as possible to avoid much of the slimy goo staining the floor.

'Such attempts at futility… It's not like I'll be staying here for long!' I mused, watching her open the door to the dark room.

"Here!" I yelled, throwing a torch at her to aid in navigating the place and selecting an appropriate dress for herself.

"Thanks!" She smiled.

Nodding positively, I watched her shut the door to the room, and as she did so… a wide grin formed on my face.

'So far… so good!'

A few moments had passed since we had both settled into the house. Ana now sat opposite me, wearing a more comfortable attire. The nice, long sweater, and tight jeans she had on accentuated the decent figure she had.

We had just concluded having our meal, which I convinced her was more important than any other thing since she needed the energy.

Well, our diet consisted of mostly junk food and soda.

'Since they're rich in energy, easy to eat, and don't spoil easily, junk foods are the ultimate forms of diet in this new world!' I gave in to my biased thoughts.

After concluding her meal, if one could call it that, Ana fidgeted on her seat a little She appeared slightly uncomfortable, especially in her lower region, and I knew why.

'She's most likely feeling that way because she's wearing another person's attire… even down to her underwear!'

A naughty grin formed on my face, but I quickly masked it before the poor lady noticed. It wasn't like I sneaked behind the door and watched her change.

"S-so… Erm, thanks for all this…" She finally broke the awkward silence between us, looking for ways to express her profound gratitude.

"It's Jeremy. Jeremy Lewis." I smiled warmly at her.

My reaction made her return the expression, looking at my small face and stature which made me take on the appearance of a kid.

"I'm Anabelle, but you can call me Ana!" She gave out her name too.

'Well, I knew that already…'

Ana's face displayed gratitude and warmth toward me, something I barely had much experience of… but I didn't let that distract me from my goal.

It was only natural that she would react that way. After all, not only did I give her a safe place for shelter, I also shared my resources, such as clothes, and food with her, a total stranger.

Even then, I acted nicely and seemed easygoing. There was no way Ana wouldn't feel moved.

'Since it has reached this stage. It's time for the final phase…'

"Jeremy. I was wondering… what are you doing out here, alone? Are there others like you?" Anabelle suddenly blurted out.

Her earnest eyes showed compassion and curiosity. It was unbelievable that someone like me would be able to survive on my own and gather so many resources. Yet, that was exactly what she saw.

The natural approach would be to assume there were others around, but so far there were no signs of humans around, but me.

A dark expression came over my face, and my body trembled slightly. It had been a while, so I wasn't sure how I would fare, but since the situation demanded for it, I was determined to give it my all!

"Hicc… hicc…" I began by sobbing.

Ana's eyes widened at the sight as she saw the kind boy suddenly break down in tears. An expression of guilt and surprise filled her face as she made to apologize and console me once again, but I quickly took the initiative.

"Miss Ana… w-will you listen to… my story…?" My trembling voice finally let out, staring at her with watery eyes of sadness and pain.

This was merely a ruse, of course. Deep within myself, I was trembling for another reason entirely.

Amusement!

'Psych! I've got you in my net now!'