Rise Of The Hoarder

There wasn't much time. In a few seconds, Ana would see the carnage, and my whole plan was going to be plunged into ruin.r

I couldn't have that!r

Entering into a state of excitement, my body went into overdrive. Everything around me slowed down and I used this window to rush toward where Tasha's body was, tapping her instantly.r

She was marked and immediately taken into [Subspace].r

I also did the same with her blood, transporting all traces of carnage into my convenient storage dimension.r

The door creaked open, and Ana was already close to barging into the office.r

Using the rest of the time at my disposal, I raced back to where I sat, slightly altering the position to the front of Charles' desk, and took a submissive position.r

>Bam!< The door was flung wide open and Ana entered.r

'Haaa… Haaa… I barely made it!'r

"Charles, we need to have words!" Ana loudly declared as she entered the office.r

Charles looked in her direction after I gave him a threatening glare to act natural. I also turned to give her a surprised look.r

"A-Ana? What's wrong?"r

Upon looking at how stunned I was at her entry, and how everything in the office appeared normal, the woman began to look doubtful herself.r

"Jeremy, are you okay? I heard he sent someone to come get you so early in the morning while I wasn't around!" She said with concern.r

'Tch.' I clicked my tongue silently.r

As much as I appreciated the thought, this woman had nearly ruined everything. r

"A-ah, I'm fine. N-nothing bad happened… we have just been talking normally before you came in…" r

My face turned to Charles and I gave him a threatening look. It would look bad if I was the only one talking.r

He got the hint instantly, and the scared man geared back to life, rising to the occasion.r

"Yeah. That's right, Ana. I don't think I appreciate barging into my office like this." Charles said, glaring at her.r

Ana appeared stunned for a moment. She must have been so sure that I needed her, and that Charles, being who he was, would be bullying me.r

"W-well, I-" She stuttered, losing any reason to protest.r

"Ana, I'm fine… really. Mr. Charles is just explaining things to me. I think I'm going to be very happy here." r

My bright, innocent smile, seemed to do the trick. Ana's unsure expression brightened up as I gave her my best look. She then eased up and nodded, understanding the situation perfectly.r

"I-I see…" She mumbled.r

"Do you have anything to say to me?" Charles asked her, giving a serious glare.r

'He's doing his best to act natural, good boy!'r

Ana sighed and apologized to him, bowing her head slightly. No matter her intentions, Charles was still her superior, both in age and hierarchy. He deserved respect. Well, at least to someone with a 'Lawful Good' Alignment like Ana.r

"Please take care of Jeremy," Ana added, before making for the door.r

As soon as she neared it, she suddenly stopped and looked back.r

'What does this bitch want again?!' My head pounded.r

"Oh, Charles… where's Tasha? I didn't see her when I entered. Isn't she always here with you?" r

My eyes darted to Charles instantly, sending his body into shock. He had better handle this situation smartly, or else-r

"I had her run an errand for me. It's something I can't reveal to you, for now." He quickly replied, not wanting to face the consequences.r

"Oh? That's a surprise. She always stays by your side… and what's with this secret errand thing? You're keeping things again, Charles?" r

Ana's eyes narrowed as she fixated a stare on Charles. Was she suspicious about his statement, or just plain annoyed?r

"You'll be briefed later on, during our strategic meeting to be held soon," Charles stated.r

Ana sighed. She appeared like she wanted to say something, but quickly decided against it.r

"Fine. Whatever…" r

Realizing I needed to bring her stay here to a close, I took action.r

"I'll see you later, Ana!" I beamed, waving at her excitedly.r

'Now scram!'r

Ana nodded, giving me her signature 'big-sis' reassuring smile.r

"I'll see you later too, Jeremy!"r

She finally exited the office, causing me to ease up, same with Charles. I could tell that the tension he was feeling had to be high. If he had messed up, I would have killed Ana, his wife, and ultimately him.r

Of course, there was the option of revealing who I truly was to Ana in hopes that Ana would stop me for the sake of the Camp. That wouldn't have worked, though.r

Ana trusted me, so she would definitely hesitate if she was told such an absurd thing. My reaction time would be faster than hers, and I would instantly kill her before she could even think of me as a threat.r

Also, I was sure Charles became aware of this fact after seeing me easily handle his wife, as well as seeing my Level.r

'In this camp, I am invincible!'r

"You made a smart choice." I smiled at Charles, who nodded nervously.r

"Could you let my wife go now?" He asked.r

'Pfft, this guy. Has he always been so soft?'r

"I think I'll hold onto her for a while. She's much safer within my [Subspace] anyway." I responded with a sly grin.r

Noticing my refusal of his request, Charles nearly flared up. He banged his hands on the desk, rising in a fit while glaring at me.r

"This wasn't the deal! I already told you I would cooperate!" r

His loud voice echoed throughout his office, but I doubted much of it leaked outside. I remained silent, giving him a cold gaze while he seethed.r

His body trembled, realizing how imposing he had just sounded, but he couldn't hold back his emotions.r

"Damnit…" He whispered under his breath.r

Watching a grown man feel so powerless in front of me had its charms, but I wasn't particularly in the mood to enjoy the situation.r

'As long as I hold this woman as a bargaining chip, Charles will remain my pawn… that's good to know.'r