‘What are my true intentions for her, uh?’To be honest, I wasn’t even sure myself. I really did not need a sidekick or partner in my journey. There was the option of using her as a ‘Meat Shield’ in the case of danger, but I cared too much for her to consider doing that… at least not at first glance.Besides, my attachment to this woman kept growing day by day.With Annette death, my need for the emotional intimacy she readily supplied me with began increasing. Perhaps I hoped to replace Anne with Lara?No, that wasn’t possible. Lara could never be as pure as Anne. Still, I liked both of them in different ways. Anne’s naivety and kindness, Lara’s compatibility with me and her company.I was a bit conflicted now…“You’re overthinking things, Lara. I just enjoy your company. As for the Camp, I have plans for it, but it’s not time yet.” My lips moved to answer her query, choosing to respond in the most non-implicating way I could.“I see…” She mumbled.“Yeah. Besides, we still have time.
‘Well, this isn’t the first time you’ve done it, Damian…’ I calmed myself and looked beyond the horizon.I could somewhat see the Camp, though it was not very clear—even with my heightened vision.It seems so small, so irrelevant, almost like a speck of dust. The moment my thoughts went along this line, I found the courage to do what needed to be done.For the past week, I had been preparing my heart for this, taking care of the surrounding Camps in the process. So far, there would be no witnesses or survivors to tattle on my actions. Having taken care of all loose ends, I was much more confident concerning the endgame of my plans.Taking well-paced steps, I began my approach to the Camp, an air of gloom radiating around me. The time of harvest was nigh.-------------------------------------------------------A week had passed since he last saw the kid, yet Damian hadn’t shown up since then. This was a great cause for celebration and relief for Charles. He heaved a sigh of relief as
It didn’t take very long for me to locate them, given the advantage I had in sensory perception.Deciding to take care of the most troublesome first of all, I made my way to the second floor where I tracked my target’s presence and passed through her door.In an instant, I was greeted with the floral scent of the room. For someone like me who had heightened senses, it took a while for me to acclimate to the oddly sweet aroma that hung in the air.I shook off the feeling and set my eyes on the owner of the room—Chloe!She slept on her bed, humming in her usually charming voice. If I hadn’t known about her rotten personality, I would have taken her for the average teenage girl.Drawing nearer to her, I felt no hesitation or much emotion, simply anticipation for what was to come. Reaching her bedside in a flash, I reached out and tapped her, causing the girl to vanish into my [Subspace].‘I could easily just use to take her back, but this is much more fun… plus, I’m not in a rush.’The
For a moment, silence prevailed.Only the exchange between Charles’ eyes and mine occupied the expanse of the office we both sat in. It seemed like the man wanted to say something, but he stopped himself from doing so.During situations like this, it was best for the one with the higher power to speak first. And so, realizing his intentions, I complied and broke the silence.“How have you been, Charles? You’re awfully quiet… and even nervous. Are you not feeling well?” I asked with a smile.Though the words uttered showed concern, the tone by which I said them clearly told the one who heard them the opposite of care—just as I intended.“What do you want, Damian?” The Camp Leader said, furrowing his brows as he still tried to cling on to whatever was left of his confidence.“Me? Where else do I belong? I thought you already agreed to make me a member of the family. Don’t tell me you’re talking that back now…”Charles fell silent.“I saw quite a bit on my way here… it seems you guys hav
“N-no… please. Oh, God! Please!” Charles begged as he saw the monster draw nearer to his wife.Despite his feeble and powerless attempts to try stopping the monster that incessantly approached her, he couldn’t move a muscle. The control I had over him would not allow Charles to leave his kneeling posture.“Damian! You bastard! Why are you doing this?!” He growled, showing hate in his eyes as hot tears streamed down his cheeks.Tasha, the poor man’s lover, couldn’t say much in her stunned state.I could hear her struggling voice attempting to whisper something to him, but his enraged screams doused the woman’s words.“Why, eh…? I paused and placed my fingers on my chin, as though contemplating the matter.At this point, the Hobgoblin Champion grabbed Tasha’s body, easily lifting her up since she offered no resistance whatsoever.Blood dripped from her body and Charles’ eyes lit up further in rage and pain.“… Well, there’s no particular reason… I mean, you wouldn’t get it anyway.” I co
Charles must have thought I would find value in his daughter if I realized she had a very useful Gift that I could exploit.It was a very smart move to make, but his reasoning was flawed.Why would I choose to bring extra baggage with me just for her Gift, especially when I was responsible for the death of both her parents and even everyone she had come to know and love?There was also one last thing Charles was unaware of… something no one currently knew. Since I had a bit of time left, I could simply tell him as a parting gift—for old times’ sake.“In the future, there’ll be something known as the ‘System Shop’, where Gifted exchange Karma Points for nearly everything. When that time comes, Karma Points will determine nearly everything about a Gifted.” I spoke, moving closer to the man.“You can obtain food, clothing, supplies, even Skills… if you have enough Karma Points…” My voice trailed.However, here was the crux of the matter—the reason I even brought up this concept in the fi
“M-monster… you… you… should rot in hell…” Charles cried in anguish.I shrugged off his insults. People like him never understood things from my perspective. I had no idea why I decided to do such a pointless thing like telling him so much about my philosophy. “Welp, you have your opinion, and I have mine…” I whispered, touching him by the neck.The man trembled as soon as our skins touched.‘I could easily kill you right now, but…’“Y-you think you can get away with this? No matter how strong you are, you can’t—”“Can’t what? Handle all the Gifted you have under your command? I’m sure you’re pretty confident in their abilities seeing as they’ve all grown considerably.” I nearly laughed in amusement.Charles was most likely hoping that the Camp members heard his cries and came to rescue him. Even if they failed to save their leader, they could at least gang up on me in their numbers. But, was he stupid enough to think that a bunch of Gifted like them could stop me? Had he forgotten
Finally… It was finally time!I had been waiting for this, and now that the Final Act had come upon us, there was no better chance to enact my long-awaited vengeance.“”Instantly, the two objects of my revenge appeared right in front of me as the cool wind blew upon all of us who stood atop the penthouse.They were both lying on the ground. One instantly sprang up in confusion while the other was still fast asleep.“W-what is…?!”“U… uuuuu…”A smile formed on my face as I made proper use of the window of confusion and vulnerability. It was time to use [Command] and [Inducement].“Wake up!” Instantly, the one who had been fast asleep jumped, as if a jolt of electricity had spurred him to life.“Stand.”Both of the Gifted before me rose to their feet in response to my orders. They displayed shock, surprise, and overwhelming confusion. From their faces, I could guess what was going on in their mind.‘What the hell is going on?’ Something like that.‘I suppose it’s time for the plot twi