Rise Of The Hoarder

This was tricky.r

Whoever this Pariah truly was, I didn’t expect someone of his caliber to exist.r

I thought he was the only exception, but after trying the same thing with Lilith, it was the same thing that happened.r

‘I can’t access anything… why?’r

According to my Hoarder Skill, I had access to everyone’s Inventory. Why were these guys an exception?r

Are their Levels higher than mine? No, that’s impossible… right?r

The fact they could solo the Tower Of War meant they were very strong—far more powerful than the other chumps around, but… how powerful were they?r

‘Shit… I don’t have enough information…’r

Perhaps I was overreacting, but this wasn’t normal. I had gotten very comfortable with my new abilities that it bothered me so much now that they weren’t working on my targets.r

No item I knew of could block by Hoarder abilities. Was it an exclusive stuff they got from the Tower Of War?r

‘Damnit… why can’t I—’r

“Is something the matter?” Pariah interrupted my thoughts with his calm voice. r

He was so cordial and gentlemanly that it was downright suspicious. Of course, I couldn’t fault someone for being nice. Still…r

“N—no, it’s nothing…” I replied, grateful that my mask blocked any expression I made.r

I still had to give him my answer, though.r

It was certain he had a motive for approaching me, but what could it be? The fact that he offered to use his drones also made it clear that he wanted to keep an eye on me.r

Of course, if I refused that would probably be the end of it, but… did I really want to do that?r

‘It’s risky, but…’r

“Fine. Thanks for volunteering. Now that our formation is complete, there’ll be no excess gates to cover. Plus your automatons will provide extra security, like you said.”r

Pariah smiled, and when Lilith looked at his face, she smiled too. Something about her reminded me of a child, but I ignored it.r

“That’s perfect, then. When do you want to start?”r

“How about… now?”r

With that said, I summoned several elites of mine using my Spirit Ring.r

I brought out twelve in total—ensuring two would accompany each participant.r

“I suppose it’s my turn now…”r

A ring from Pariah’s ring shone brightly, and a few structures began appearing. r

They had silver-like bodies and resembled the drones I was familiar with. The seven drones hovered around him—as big as a person’s head—and he smiled.r

“They may be small, but I can guarantee their efficiency.”r

I nodded.r

We were a total of seven, but he didn’t need a drone, did he? Why did he summon seven? I had a fair idear

‘He will keep an eye out for the Demons accompanying him by letting his drone hover behind them. Smart.’r

The only thing I was curious about was whether that single drone was stronger than my Enslaved Minions.r

I used the weakest of my elites—A Mummy Couple, from the Tower Of Lack—to follow him.r

While they weren’t up to par with the more powerful ones, the husband and wife were Grade 4 Demons. Would a single drone be enough to keep them at bay?r

‘I guess I’ll find out…’r

“I have to say, Hoarder, this army of yours is impressive. You must have obtained them after you cleared the Tower Of Death… or was it Lack?”r

‘Nice try.’ I smiled.r

“Your drones don’t seem like they come from the Tower Of War. Did you make them yourself?”r

“A—ah, of course, not. I made them.”r

‘Bingo!’r

I got my first clue.r

‘This guy has a crafting Skill…’r

It was either that, or he had a Gift more attuned to that. It sort of reminded me of a particular someone who died by my hands. r

‘Did this guy nab Paul’s Skill from SHOP before I had the chance to?’r

That made sense, considering he also managed to clear the Tower Of War. r

Also, the fact that my Hoarder ability didn’t work on them made it even more suspicious. After accumulating the limited information so far, I arrived at a theory…r

‘They must have received some help from god too!’r

If that was the case, then everything made sense. No, it made more sense this way. It wasn’t like I was a special protagonist in a or anime with a cheat-like ability.r

If there were others like me, then it was more realistic. So… why…?!r

Why was I feeling so bad about it?r

Had I been so used to feeling special that I was threatened by the appearance of others like me? r

‘Calm yourself, Jeremy…’r

One thing mattered above all else—clearing this Tower and getting to the Hidden Floor.r

“Let us begin, then…”r

With this, everyone nodded and parted ways.r

I caught Tia stealing multiple glances in my direction, but I completely ignored her. A few others around were also astonished by the Enslaved Souls I summoned—how they walked behind every member of the alliance.r

I sighed and moved in the direction of my specified door.r

I took the one to the far left, while Pariah chose the one to the far right. The Lilith girl chose the one closest to his, while the rest also went their way.r

Now before my door, I stared at the drone hovering behind me, and then returned my gaze to my front.r

‘Whatever… let’s get this over with…’r

************r

The Tower Of Conquerors lived up to its name and infamy.r

It was a place that boasted a higher rate of difficulty compared to the others I experienced.r

From the first Floor, I was assailed by a single Golem—which was Grade 2!r

It was very weak by my standard, but… compared to everyone else, this was a strong obstacle.r

Many weaklings would be forced to surrender based on the difficulty of this monster alone, while others would give up when they considered how powerful the opponents on higher Floors would be.r

I understood their logic, but that didn’t mean I had to empathize with it.r

‘Since the drone is watching, I better limit my abilities…’r

Because of that, I brought out a blade from my [Subspace] and drew it in the direction of the Golem.r

“I guess I’ll use this today, since that guy reminded me of someone I used to know… the one who made the original version.” I grinned.r

Gripping my katana well, I launched myself in the direction of the construct.r