Rise Of The Hoarder

“W-wha-?!” Words came out of the man’s mouth as he looked to see what had landed on him.

It was a massive boulder— most likely from the debris that had scattered about the area. Massive and strong, it would have been enough to kill a normal person. However, as a Level 37, he was not going down so easily.

Before he could recover from the assault, though, another boulder hit him, then another, and even more. Large chunks of rocks fell throughout his body, stopping him from achieving his goal which was capturing Lily.

“Gahhh!”

He took a few steps back, wondering where the rocks were coming from— that spelled the end for him.

>CRIIIAAAKKK<

The tattooed man felt his joints stiffen as a cold aura began covering his body. Looking down, a glacier of ice had covered the ground and was already coiling around him. Within what would be a few moments, the ice had enveloped him entirely.

“A-argh…?!”_.

The man stood, frozen for a few moments… but not forever! The ice that shrouded him began to crack, unable to be stopped. Peter attempted to patch the fissures that were forming, but the damage was too extensive. The ice was breaking apart faster than it could be fixed.

“You… Idiooootssss!!!”

Giving out a deafening roar, the man shattered the ice. Particles flew around, though none were able to harm anyone. The lanky invader’s body emitted smoke, evidence of the cold chill that remained on his body.

“Huu…”

His body felt sluggish from the ice, and his head still ached from the several large rocks that had fallen on him… as a result, the man wasn’t able to sense what was approaching him with full force— until it was too late!

>WHAAAMMMM!!!<

Ana’s fist was driven directly into the opponent’s face, crushing his facial muscles, node, several teeth… so much more. His body flailed for a few moments before being sent flying backward.

>BOOOOOMMMM!!!<

In a flash, the man’s body was sent back to the rest of the invaders, landing among the debris with a loud noise. The power in the enraged woman’s blow contained a great deal of her emotion— there was no way he would be able to keep fighting after receiving such a hit.

“U-urghh…” The man made a groaning sound, seated among piles of devastated rocks as he passed out.

Ana’s face was still thick in a frown but she turned to see her team members for a moment and gave a small smile. Despite the suddenness of the situation and the opponent’s tricks, they were all able to act accordingly and perform their roles well.

From the start, everyone knew his target would be Lily— the latter included.

Daniel used his shrinking Gift to create miniature versions of boulders and throw them above the enemy who didn’t suspect a thing. Though the rocks made no lasting damage, they were good enough to serve as distractions for a short while.

Peter used this chance to send ice to the target acter confirming he was now physically tangible. Since Peter’s Level was low, his Gift’s effect was too weak to completely immobilize the enemy, they didn’t count on it as their decisive card. The best he could manage was five seconds due to the Level difference.

Five seconds were more than enough time, though. Ana was able to cross the distance and even charge up her blow to completely knock him out.

“Huuu… good job, everyone!” Ana smiled as her gaze returned to the remaining enemies.

Now, all that was left were the small fries. The whole team was happy about this development, the opponents had the opposite expression on their faces.

However, of the people on Ana’s side, one felt awful as a result of the just-concluded formation.

‘I was… useless again…’ Lily’s thoughts trailed.

She was only able to contribute to the plan as bait, and even then… the whole reason they had to resort to such a quick strategy was her vulnerability.

Once again, it appeared she was only causing trouble for her big sis and benefactor.

“They are roughly seven left… Peter and Daniel, can I count on you to handle the ones to the right and left?” Ana’s voice interrupted Lily’s thoughts.

Daniel and Peter responded positively, but that only caused Lily to be more engrossed in her negative thoughts. Ana didn’t even need her help, yet she was always needing Ana’s help.

It felt unfair, yet… there was nothing the little girl could do.

“Hehehehehe…” A sudden voice caused everyone to freeze up and look straight ahead.

Lily no longer had the luxury to engage in any useless thoughts and Ana was completely on guard. Everyone’s eyes were locked on the new player that showed himself.

He was tall, huge, bare-chested… dark-skinned. This man walked with authority as he transversed the debris and stood among the other seven invaders.

The invaders bowed their heads slightly in his presence. While their eyes were still on Ana and her team, they were still showing reverence to the new player.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to win, Terry. You tried your best, though.” The man smirked, looking at the unconscious tattooed man known as Terry.

He had appealed to this man, Boss of the invaders, that he wanted to have a chance to battle the famed Anabelle himself. The lanky man presumed he was already stronger than her since his Level had increased drastically since the last time he witnessed her in action.

Unfortunately, even with that… he lost.

“Now, then… I should take it from here.”

Walking forward, ahead of the other men who didn’t dare to take a single step from their location, the man gave a huff and smoke emanated from his mouth.

The cigar which he held very casually in his hand dangled with every step he took and he didn’t seem the least bit concerned.

“You… are…?” Ana had never seen this person before, so she was utterly confused by his presence.

‘Could he be the true leader of these guys?!’ Ana thought to herself.

That had to be the case… it was the only explanation! After all, the man before them… was very strong!