Rise Of The Hoarder
Chapter 358 Hidden Secrets [Pt 1]

"T-The Sacred Hall?!"

"That's right. We are currently in the Sacred Hall..."

To say1 I was confused would be an understatement.

Sa11riel's world confounded me beyond words. In the first place, it didn't make sense.

"How can that be? The Sacred Hall...?" I looked around me.

How could a mere Gift be the entirety of 'God's' realm? It just... didn't add up.

"That's because the Gift you call [Subspace] isn't a Gift at all. It's not registered in the Central Celestial Records."

"What?!"

I always knew [Subspace] was a cheat-like ability, but what Sariel was saying basically implied that it wasn't even supposed to exist.

"B-but, why...? That guy definitely called it one... the last Gift. I missed my chance to obtain a Gift because I overslept, and—"

"How stupid can you be?" A sharp response emanated from her lips, piercing through my heart in an instant.

'Ouch...'

"Every single human is registered in the records as a potential Gifted. Even those in comatose states, or those who have terminal illnesses—even unborn children—are given Gifts. Did you really think your lack of consciousness during that period would have warranted your lack of a Gift?"

'A-ah... when she puts it that way...'

"I don't know why 'He' decided to do this. That is what I intend to replace out."

Sariel's gaze sharpened, even more, transforming into a slight glare. Her expression seemed scary as she stared at me fixedly.

"Why do you have access to the Sacred Hall? Why were you given access to (G) Essence? Why did 'He' choose you? I don't understand any of it."

I finally realized that I wasn't the only one who was confused about what was going on. This Angel also had a lot of things on her mind.

"If you answer this one question... then I'll let you out." My lips parted and I spoke, staring at my former adversary with summoned courage.

"What is it, Jeremy?"

"Why... did you try to kill me back then? How am I so certain you won't do the same thing again?"

"Those are two questions, though."

"A-ah! Whatever, just answer!"

For a moment, there was an uncomfortable silence, and the Angel seemed to be in mild thought. Her expression was deadpan, but that only made her appear cuter.

"It was an order from the other Supreme Beings. Besides, I wasn't 'trying' to kill you. If I was, you would have died long before you realized it."

Despite how much her words hurt, I couldn't deny any of it. I always felt Sariel was going easy on me back then.

To think I was right, though...

"I am the strongest Archangel. Surely, you don't think a mere human could last a second in a battle with me." Her gaze upon me was as though she was staring at filth.

Surprisingly, it didn't feel too unpleasant.

"As for why I went easy on you. It's because I was curious. A Singularity like you occurring is something that shouldn't be. Certainly, 'He' must have known about it. That was what I thought, so I observed you. That Special Ability of yours... what you call [Subspace]... it intrigued me. To think it ended up facilitating my defeat, though..."

Perhaps it was just me, but wasn't Sariel getting more talkative by the minute?

Sure, it seemed like she was nonchalant about everything—and her stoic expression have an air of disinterest—but it seemed like she was also enjoying our conversation.

'Can I use this... maybe?'

"The only reason I have even the slightest bit of interest is because of 'His' interest in you..." Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized me even further.

I felt like a lump of meat in her presence.

"... That's all there is to it."

"A-ah, I see..."

To be on the safe side, it was best not to make any active moves. I was powerless anyway.

'Let's just go with the flow.'

"Do not worry. I won't kill you—at least, not until we meet in a lower realm. Depending on the answers I receive here, I'll take my next action with that in mind."

I didn't know whether to feel happy or worried about her response.

Still, it did seem like she could be trusted—at least at the moment. Since I had run out of options, it was best to simply rely on her aid.

"How will we be getting the answers?"

"I answered your questions. Release me."

"Just this last o—"

"Release me."

"B-but—"

"Release me."

Watching her silvery eyes, I couldn't argue with her. Her stubborn expression told me that arguing was pointless.

"Fine..." With dropped shoulders, I murmured, stretching my hand at the cube while saying the magic words.

"Shazam!"

... Silence...

No reaction whatsoever occurred.

"What are you doing?" Sariel's words rang in my ears, and the condescending gaze she gave made me realize how stupid I looked.

"U-uh, how do I release you again?"

The Angel sighed, causing me to laugh awkwardly.

My current position was ironic, considering how much power I wielded before. Among humans, I could be considered an existence akin to a god.

But... when Angels like Sariel got involved, why did I become nothing more than melting butter.

"Are you stupid?" Her question sent another arrow darting my way.

"Ngh!" I clutched my chest, feeling burned.

"How do you retrieve items from your [Subspace]?"

"A-ah... Okay..."

I looked at Sariel and desired that she appeared out of the cube.

Instantly, the box around her popped—like a balloon—and she was successfully freed from her confines.

"Haaa..." The Angel gave a deep exhalation, flexing her wings as she stretched.

Once again, I felt overwhelmed by her presence.

Not only was she too pretty, but her power was otherworldly as well.

I felt like crumbling in her presence, but my pride wouldn't let me.

'Can I return her to a cube? I probably could...' As I thought of this while staring at her, she gave me a sharp glare.

The expression on her face told me one simple thing.

"Don't even think about it."

I gulped and nodded, leaving everything up to the Angel.

'Let's just play the part of the fool... for now, at least.'

Sariel began walking toward me, having a light smile on her face. She seemed pleased with me, causing my heart to race as she approached.

Her warm hands touched my shoulder, causing a sharp jolt to course through my body.

Even though she was much taller than me, and her Majesty was nearly overwhelming, the feeling she gave off as our eyes were locked and she was so close made me feel elated beyond words.

'I think...'

"You have done well, Jeremy. Now, then, let us get the answers we crave."

'... I think... I'm in love.'

*******************************

[A/N]

We've come to an important juncture in this story.

We're about to learn the real truth behind what the heck has been going on in this story, and also some questions you all might be having.

Now, I want to ask you all... do you want a Jeremy and Sariel ship?

That's the direction this book is going to, and I'd really like your comments early on about what you all think.

[Don't mind Jeremy's idiotic behavior, okay? It doesn't last.]