Rise Of The Hoarder

It’s been six days since I returned to this world… and 36 days since this madness began.r

My body still trembles at the thought of leaving this haven I made for myself, but I refuse to allow the fear within to shake my resolve.r

“Urgh… I stink…” I gagged, after taking a whiff of my odor.r

Being so preoccupied with learning as much as I could, I spent time doing nothing else. Other than eating and sleeping, everything else went to learning the System and formulating strategies while preparing for the inevitable time I would leave.r

After six days of such an unhygienic lifestyle, I needed an intense bath.r

I brushed my teeth as hard as I could, making sure I got everything right since I would not be doing anything like it in a while.r

Also, using the water that was left in my bath, after putting enough in my [Subspace] I had a thorough shower.r

Now feeling refreshed and full of vigor, I picked the cloth I had decided to wear, after saving the others for later.r

My black hoodie, coupled with faded blue jeans and black sneakers.r

“It’s best not to stand out… I don’t need any attention drawn to myself” I reasoned.r_.

After gearing myself up for my expedition to the outside world, I smiled nervously, looking at my door with dread.r

“I wonder how much has changed” I muttered.r

Opening the door slowly, the creaking sounds it made caused my heartbeat to rise. Excitement and fear mixed within me as I leaped out of the room and for the first time in seemingly forever, I arrived at my parlor.r

“Classic”r

Bottles of beer littered the sitting room, and dirty laundry covered the chairs and floor, making the entire room stink.rn/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The damp atmosphere caused the air around to be still, thereby making it stuffy. I began to feel hot and uncomfortable, struggling to breathe due to the stale air and terrible smell I had just inhaled. r

“Good to see it’s just as I left it”r

My father wasn’t home during Christmas. But the night before, he had made sure to cause a mess in the house after giving me my fair share of spankings and punishment. I suppose one could say I received my Christmas present early.r

I carefully navigated my way through the room, making sure I didn’t trip on any of the bottles around or touch my father’s smelly wear.r

It was a difficult task, but I managed to complete it.r

The door leading outside my home seemed ominous as I looked at it.r

>Beep< >Beep< >Beep<r

I unlocked the door and proceeded to open it, finally leaving my nest of safety.r

My hands trembled as I slowly raised it in the direction of the doorknob.r

“Get a grip, Jeremy!” I grunted.r

Despite how it appeared, I had no choice but to leave this place. My supply of food and other necessary resources was limited. Even if I decided to continue staying here, they would eventually run out. Should that happen, I’d be too desperate to find another source, and that would only lead to recklessness… In a world like this, that could cost me my life!r

Besides, there’s no guarantee for my safety here anyway. I could be preyed upon at any moment and this building may very well collapse at any time. There are too many dangers associated with being stagnant. I have to take risks if I want to survive in this world.r

I tightly gripped the doorknob and opened up my path of exit.r

I live in an apartment, so leaving my home didn’t mean that I have gotten to the outside world just yet. I still have to pass through several stairs to get to the final exit. I live on the third floor, after all.r

“Second Floor. First Floor… Ground Floor… I have to pass through these to get out of here?” I reasoned.r

Walking slowly, I tiptoed through the hallway, heading for the stairs. Since I wasn’t sure whether there were monsters in the building or not, I had to play it safe.r

After walking for some time, I neared the stairs and gave a relieved smile.r

“Ah, Thank God!” I muttered in gratituder

I didn’t encounter a single monster on my way to the stairs. Perhaps I was too worried-r

“Skriiiiiikkk!” A strange sound suddenly emanated from the end of the stairs.r

My eyes bulged as I heard this.r

“Skriiik Skariiik!” It continued.r

“This sound… It’s –”r

Oh no… I celebrated too soon!r

There was only one thing that could make such a sound… It was a Demon!r

I was just a short distance from the stairs, so I quickly rested my back against the wall and crouched.r

“Skrrrriiiiikaaa” The sound drew nearerr

“Shit! It sensed me!” I thought to myself.r

Demons have an insane level of perception. I thought I was well prepared and adequately cautious, but I was wrong.r

“There’s no avoiding it now!” I muttered, preparing to fight it out.r

I really wanted to avoid any direct confrontation this early, but I’m left with no option now. I’ve been spotted.r

“[Subspace]” I whispered.r

My blue window appeared in front of me, displaying its contents to me.r

I smiled as I saw the one I wanted, proceeding to tap on it hurriedly.r

<Sharpened Metal Rod x5>r

Since I tapped it only once, only one of the 5 pieces came out. The metal rod appeared out of the panel before me, and I trapped it swiftly, drawing it close to my chest.r

“Close” I muttered in a shaky tone.r

The Subspace Window vanished instantly.r

“Skoriiiik!” The sound, only a short distance from me came again.r

A bead of sweat dripped from my forehead and I braced myself.r

“I can do this…”r