Rise Of The Hoarder

My vision was somewhat blurry, but I made out the expression she gave me. Her warm, large hands held unto me tightly, and I could feel the warmth of her grasp. The firm, encouraging voice she had, embraced me and I couldn't help but tremble due to the emotion I was feeling.r

I was trying my best to hold it in, before my shaking would give me away… oh, the pure amusement I was having!r

'Psych! This was just too hilarious!' r

They had all made entirely wrong assumptions by giving me their pity and attention, just like I wanted.r

Not only that, but the almighty Ana, pulled me to her side and openly declared my acceptance into the new family, with a multitude of witnesses present to boot!r

It was a great feeling, being able to manipulate such simple-minded people into acting how I wished.r

Looking at them now, waving at the people who welcomed them, and smiling genuinely and happily… I already knew before, but this just emphasized it more.r

'They're idiots!'r

I wonder how they would have reacted if they had brought nothing back. Would they have been able to fully enjoy the welcoming cheer of the weak dogs who were only looking for how to survive?r

Even though they were cheering now, if these pathetic people had been told that the expedition was a bust, they would not have thought twice before returning to wherever they had come from and instead conserved their energy.r

'Sycophants, all of them!' I thought in disgust, watching the mob open their repulsive mouths and sing praises to the heroes.r

The idea of being used by weak and selfish bastards like them simply made me infuriated, but I calmed myself quickly.r

'It's not my problem…'r

Even if some of my resources will be used to feed these useless lumps of meat, I will make sure to receive every single drop back, with returns.r

"Thank you for welcoming us, everyone. The mission was a success!" Ana declared.r

This caused even greater outcry and cheers from the masses.r

"Now then, if you'll excuse us. We have to go give our reports." r

As soon as she said this, the group divided themselves into two, parting at the center. This paved a path for Ana, and the rest of us to pass.r

As we did so, they clapped for us, watching our triumphant entry. However, as they did so, I began noticing strange gazes on me, hearing them whisper amongst themselves.r

"… Who's that last one with them though?"r

"Was he always a member of the squad?"r

"I don't recognize him, though…"r

"Who the hell is he?"r

"Miss. Ana seems to be close to him, so it's best not to cause any trouble."r

"Tch, hope it isn't another mouth to feed…"r

Of course, they said it under their breath, but my heightened senses picked up their words easily. Just as I thought, humans will never be able to change their true nature.r

I felt nothing while hearing their comments, they were inconsequential. Most of these people would be dead before long anyway.r

We passed through the parted sea of people and climbed the stairs. Reaching the second floor, we walked through the hallway, allowing me to see various rooms.r

Ana suddenly paused, turning back to face the rest of us.r

"Peter, take Jeremy to where he'll be staying for now. Our spot." Ana ordered.r

Larry was somehow flustered by this for some reason. He didn't want to seem antagonistic, so he tried playing his usual neutral card.r

"S-shouldn't we at least show him to the leader first?"r

The remaining members looked at each other hesitantly, seeing the sense in Larry's words. It was understandable that they would report everything that had happened, including their encounter with me, to the higher-ups. However, I didn't need to be present for the extremely long report that would occur.r

For some reason, Larry wanted me to follow them to the Camp leader's office. There was no way was I letting the bastard get what he wants.r

"A-ah… is it far? Will it take very long? I'm feeling… a little… tired…" I huffed.r

While we had been walking, I intentionally displayed signs of exhaustion. Ana noticed this and suggested that Peter lead me to a place of rest.r

Such a considerate lady would never allow me to go through another strenuous exercise after putting me through so much.r

"Jeremy is exhausted. He has been through quite a great deal, and I'm certain he has never had to journey so far. He needs rest." Ana stated.r

The group seemed more inclined to Ana's idea. Not only did they owe me, but we had also bonded during our breaks. I made sure of that!r

"B-but…" Larry tried protesting.r

"The Leader will understand."r

Ana's adamant stance, as well as the support of everyone else, forced Larry to back down. If he had pushed any harder, suspicion would have be placed on him.r

"I-in that case, I volunteer to take him there. You and Peter are our core members, plus the leader would prefer it if someone like me were to be missing from reports, rather than Peter." Larry quickly added.r

It was true that Peter was more valuable and relevant than Larry. Other than Lily, he was the one with the least level. Still, I didn't trust him enough to accept that.r

"I-If I may ask for a favour, could Lily take me instead? I feel I would be more comfortable that way…" I suggested, sounding hesitant in my request.r

Larry's jaw slightly dropped when he heard me, and the group considered my words carefully. If they were to judge the group members based on the ones who could be excluded from the reports, Lily was the perfect choice.r

She was the newest member, had a low level, and wasn't experienced enough to handle meetings like that. Meanwhile, for me, she would also be the best to take me to my new home.r

"Fine, let's go with that. Lily, take Jeremy to our spot. The rest of you, let's go!" Ana spoke sternly.r

Peter, Daniel, and Lily all nodded, while Larry clicked his tongue silently. r

'Pfft, looks like I'm one step ahead. Idiot.'r