Rise Of The Hoarder

"Where have you been all this while, you creep?" r

Melissa kept looking at me condescendingly. I placed my book by the side, and while it pained me to do so, I withheld my desire to kill her.r

HOWEVER, I absolutely refused to act inferior to the bitch.r

"This is quite the surprise… Melissa, it's a shocker to meet you here." I smiled.r

My response fazed her a little. Clearly, she wasn't expecting such a smooth response. While it was possible for me to act the way she remembered me, I had no intention to stoop so low.r

Why?r

Because there was no merit in doing so!r

Unlike in the case of Ana and her group, Melissa proved to be of no worth to me, at least at the moment. My innocent, kind, act had earned me the trust of my current supporters. They thought of me as harmless, and so didn't give in to suspicion or burrow deeply into my words.r

As a result, my position among them was cemented. But, with this brat, there was no benefit whatsoever. Not only was she weak, but her attitude would make it difficult to try any nice play.r

For her to have barged into this room, it must mean she was also in a reputable position in the Camp. However, Melissa was too weak, plus, I know her. She most likely secured the position by leeching off someone else.r

'If that's the case, then it's preferable to find the direct source, instead of trying to curry her favor.'r

Finally, there was no way I would act subservient to Melissa because… I absolutely hate her!r

"I see you've gotten bolder since we last met. I don't remember you ever talking back to me." Melissa smiled, drawing closer to me in a threatening manner.r

I humored her and stayed still. Partially because I was curious about how far she would go.r

"You should realize that the world is a lot different from how it was back then. Everything has changed, so it only makes sense that the people would too. Still, it's a surprise… to think that you're still the same as before " I smiled defiantly.r

Her eyes bulged at what appeared to be an insult to her, though I was only speaking the truth.r

"This little bastard! You dare-"r

Melissa flung her hand to slap me, apparently putting all her strength into it since she was annoyed.r

'I wonder who she's trying to hit with that slow-ass hand.' I mused.r

Well, she must have thought I would be weak since my appearance didn't give away my strength. Still, to think she hadn't learnt anything from my words just now… how pitiful.r

'She should have this one…'r

>SMACK<r

Her palm was planted in my face, sending an echo across the room. I was the victim of her assault, yet the hit didn't even tingle.r

'As I thought… it doesn't even hurt. Instead…' I grinned internally.r

"Ahhhh!!!" Melissa yelled, retracting her hand as she viewed it in pain.r

It must have felt like the sensation of a person hitting hard concrete with their full power. The recoil and sting they would feel would be considerable. Well, in this situation I was the concrete.r

"You little… what did you do? You used your Gift didn't you?" Melissa gritted her teeth as she glared at me, rubbing her palm in pain.r

'Pfft. I just stood still, retard. Aren't you being shameless right now?'r

Her eyes were narrowed, focusing on me. It meant she was going to look at my Status Introduction. However, there was no point in doing that. After all… I was more powerful!."r

"W-why… why can't I see his?" She mumbled to herself in confusion.r

Seeing her so flustered and in such a pathetic state nearly made me snicker in laughter. However, this wasn't nearly entertaining enough. Once the time came, I would make sure to revel in her despair. r

"Are we done here?" I asked, giving her a cold gaze that was synonymous to 'Get out of my sight!'r

Melissa instantly became flushed with embarrassment and raised her hand instinctively, attempting to hit me again.r

I instantly raised one eyebrow, daring her to try it if she was sure.r

She must have remembered the pain she had just felt since she slowly dropped her hand after a second of deliberation.r

'At least you have a modicum of common sense… good girl.' r

I could guess what was going on in her mind at the moment. With her deep glare and clenched fists, coupled with her gritting teeth, she was trying to measure my current state.r

'Is he stronger than me?'r

'Why is he in Ana's room… does he have some kind of connection to her?'r

'What can I do to make him regret doing this to me?'r

'How can I make him submit?!'r

Thoughts like that.r

Suddenly, I saw a smile form on her face. No, it wasn't the kind smile I was already used to getting from my dependable 'big sis', Ana, or my cute potential 'loli babe', Lily. This was a wicked grin, full of malevolence and evil intentions.r

'So, she's finally hatched a plan. Let's hear it!' I mused.r

"Interesting, Jeremy. To think you've changed so much. I think Daniel should hear about this. I'm sure he'll be pleased to meet you after so long… don't you think?"r

Her words sent a jolting sensation throughout my body. The moment I heard that name, I felt a little nauseous but quickly recovered. It must have been muscle memory from my past experiences since that name was not acquainted with anything good in my life.r

Other than my father… there was none I hated or feared as much as Daniel.r

"Huu, so he's here too. That's interesting…" I replied, returning her evil smile with one of mine.r

Her expression depicted even more shock than before, seeing as I was able to keep my composure and even show her an excited grin. I could sense her twitch in slight annoyance and great fear.r

"… That's perfect! I also want to see him. There's so much we need to catch up on, don't you think?"r