Rise Of The Hoarder

‘WHAT?!’

Paul’s eyes bulged wide open. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

The Masked Man–Jeremy Lewis–had already surmised his identity, even though he wasn’t counting on that!

‘How did he find out? Does that mean he also–!!!’

“You seem surprised. Don’t be.” The man before him smiled with amusement written on his face.

There was a twinkle in his eyes that rang of danger, but his expression was mostly casual.

‘I can’t lose grip yet! No now, after so long!’

Things weren’t moving how he wanted, but Paul knew he had the upper hand.

As long as he enacted his plan, everything would end up well.

“Whether you know of my identity or not doesn’t matter–at least not at this point…” Paul replied in a cool manner.

He had regained his composure, and now his smile curled up calmly.

“The fact that you survived is a mystery to me. But, I suppose, that means you had what it takes to survive. Looks like I made the right call to toughen you up.”

“You… Do you even have any remorse for what you did?”

Jeremy Lewis shrugged. He couldn’t be concerned any less.

“No.”

“I see. In the end, I was right. You’ve not changed at all, Jeremy Lewis!”

“Hey, I’ve actually changed a bit… and so have you! What’s with that white hair and new handsome features?”

The Paul he used to know was not as attractive as the one confronting him.

His red eyes were different–hair color, skin tone, body build, voice, and even his aura–so even by normal observation, it would be impossible to conclude that the man before Jeremy was Paul.

“What happened to you?”

This time, it was Paul who shrugged. It was as if he said “None of your business!”

“Oh? Interesting…” Jeremy rubbed his chin as he spoke.

“In essence, this is the end. Not only have I cornered all the hostages you intend to use for your means, but I also have the means to destroy all the summons you gave to them. In essence–“

“What are you talking about?”

The look on Jeremy’s face was of slight confusion. Paul didn’t know whether he was happy or slightly disappointed to see that he had been worried for nothing.

Jeremy wasn’t as bright as he thought.

“It’s over now.”

“Oh? So you think you can beat me?” The previously masked fellow smiled.

With a broad smile and a prepared stance, the white-haired man gazed sharply at his opponent.

“Oh? Then let us–“

Before Jeremy could complete his words, Paul was right in front of him, bringing a gloved fist close to his face.

>BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!<

The heavy noise showed that it came in contact with something.

A bright pink barrier shone, protecting Jeremy from the adverse effects of Paul’s earlier punch.

“A shield won’t help you!”

Instantly, Paul brought out two items from his Inventory.

They had the shapes of distinct guns, and their design could make anyone who saw them think of any Mecha or Sci-Fi weapon.

Having these two handguns in both hands, he aimed at Jeremy with pinpoint accuracy.

“How will those even–“

Before the target could complete his words, the trigger was pulled.

>KIRIKIKIKIKIKIAKAKAKAKAA!!!<

Several bullets were launched from both his hands.

The barrier that was supposed to deflect attacks suddenly became powerless in the presence of the bullets that passed through it.

Jeremy, upon realizing this, knew he had to instantly flee from the immediate vicinity.

However, before he could go very far, several drones surrounded him.

“Tch!”

They prepared their blasters–which were sure to also have the same bypass effect as Paul’s guns.

“Nice try!”

Suddenly, the Golem Jeremy possessed–Goliath–sprang out of nowhere and began offering a counterattack to Paul’s flurry of opposition.

By devastating the drones while Jeremy dodged the bullets, it would take a few moments for all of them to be silenced.

“Tch, you’re annoying!” Paul clicked his tongue.

Once again, he brought out something else from his Inventory.

This time, it was an orb. The little sphere warbled within Paul’s clutches, ready to serve its purpose.

‘It’s strong–but I can take it. But, wasting time here instead of going to a higher floor would be a waste. Tch!’

He threw the bomb in his hand, targeting none other than the massive construct that was wreaking havoc around.

>BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

Once the orb hit the enemy, it instantly froze–not making a single movement after.

“What did you do?” Jeremy asked.

But before his question landed, Paul had already brought another gun–a bigger one–and pointed it in Jeremy’s direction.

Multiple drones also surrounded the previously masked enemy. They numbered at least thirty, and all their artilleries could bypass the shield.

“You’re surrounded and outclassed.” Paul smiled at Jeremy.

Of course, the white-haired man was making a bluff, and he knew that.

‘Jeremy is stronger, but…’

Power wasn’t everything in this world.

For Paul, he balanced the concept of power and intelligence. That was true ability.

“Hoh? So this is your plan? I have to say, I was expecting something better. It’s been a reunion after a while, after all…”

Paul felt very annoyed by the mere sound of Jeremy’s voice.

He felt like tearing him from limb to limb–like charging at him and engaging in savage combat like a primal beast.

If Paul had things his way, he would settle for his ultimate revenge, right there and then! However…

‘Now is not the time…’

These things were better off not rushed.

The Hallmark of his strategy needed to be accomplished, and being rash would only injure his interests

“I don’t have the time to play with you any longer.”

Paul had to become stronger–and fast! Maybe he could win against Jeremy if he went all out and unleashed the items and resources in his arsenal, but that would be too inefficient.

After storing them for so long, why would he want to use them on Jeremy?

As much as revenge was his goal…. he chose the path of pragmatism even more.

‘Jeremy isn’t the true threat–the Demons are!’

Once Paul realized this, he knew that all he needed to do was to take the Hoarder off the list of participants… so that Armageddon would run smoothly once more.

As long as the Demons were vanquished, then humanity would win.

However, could such a thing be possible with someone as evil as Jeremy around?

‘Time to wrap things up! Jeremy Lewis… this is the end!’