Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

After the establishment of the class system was completed, Justin prepared to return to the territory. He first needed to bring Zachary and Nathan's family. In the meantime, Justin decided to temporarily entrust the position of lord to Rachel.

"Take care of things for a while."

"Is it really necessary for me to take over? You'll be back soon anyway."

"You never know. If an unexpected situation arises, you need the authority to mediate."

The inability for others to defy them and the possibility of internal conflicts were entirely different issues. If there was no authority to mediate in case something happened, a small disturbance could escalate into a major issue. It was better to leave after giving the necessary authority in advance. Rachel was familiar with the territory, and there was no fear of betrayal from her.

"Then I'll be off."

"Take care of yourself. Though, I doubt there's anything around here you need to be careful of now."

"You know me well."

There were no longer any monsters that posed a threat to them, so the journey would be safe. If there were any problems, it would be after Aaron gained power. That man might not let them leave so easily after gaining strength. However, Justin was confident in subduing whatever Aaron tried, so it didn't matter at all.

After finishing his preparations to leave, Justin stepped outside, causing the citizens to flinch. Then, they bowed deeply before him and shouted.

"Oh, hello, my lord!"

"Hello, my lord!"

Some were fearful, while others bowed as low as they could. The reactions were varied, but the deep bow was the same for everyone. It was a greeting filled with fear and respect, evident at a glance. The realization that the true class system society had begun was palpable.

"And in this class society, I'm at the top," Justin thought with satisfaction.

Looking back, his companions seemed pleased as well. Derek was flexing his shoulders as if they were about to burst, and Ethan was trying hard to suppress a smile. Even Nathan, who looked the most uncomfortable, didn't seem to dislike it entirely.

With that, they received the treatment of the first nobles as they left the village.

Since they already knew the route, arriving at their destination was quick. After dealing with the group of gnolls and hobgoblins in their way, they stepped onto the entrance, where a noisy argument could be heard from inside.

"What do you think you're doing now? Why are you interfering with our hunt?"

"Interfering? You guys were the ones interfering. You've been following our hunting grounds constantly."

"We were ahead, so how were we following you!?"

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"That's a lie. You weren't even out hunting in the first place."

Hearing the shouting between Zachary and Aaron, Justin frowned. Had a conflict erupted in just one day of their absence?

The citizens were gathered around, watching the scene, but flinched upon seeing Justin and his group. It seemed they had assumed he was dead since he hadn't returned for a day.

Justin approached one of them and asked, "What happened while we were gone?"

The man frowned and replied, "Why don't you find out for yourself, you bastard?"

"What?"

"After you imposed that damn class system, do you think you have the right to ask anything? You arrogant bastard!"

The man spat on the ground and raised his chin defiantly, as if daring Justin to do something. The other citizens also glared at him with disdain.

So, to the citizens, Justin was the bastard who dared to impose a class system. Justin chuckled at the gazes directed his way from all around.

"Did you hate the class system that much? Congratulations. Now you're going to experience something worse."

"...What nonsense are you spouting?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

With that, Justin pushed his way through the crowd and moved forward. In front of the plaza, Zachary and Aaron were still arguing heatedly. More precisely, Zachary was angrily shouting while Aaron was smirking and brushing it off.

"Stop it already! Why are you interfering with a fellow pioneer's hunt!?"

"As I said earlier, you were the one interfering. Are you deaf?"

"You bastard!"

"Whoa, calm down. What if we start a rebellion because of this?"

At Aaron's mocking words, Zachary gritted his teeth. With the atmosphere seemingly ready to explode, Justin stepped forward.

"What's going on here?"

"…!"

"…!"

Both men quickly turned their heads at the sound of Justin's voice. Seeing Justin and his companions alive and well, both sides seemed taken aback.

"Mr. Min !? Weren't you dead!?" ( Author Note : I hope you didn't forget that the main character's name is Justin MIN)

"Why would I be dead? We just stayed outside for a day."

"Nathan!"

At that moment, Nathan's family rushed over, relieved to see him safe. The sounds of scolding and Nathan's apologies echoed noisily.

Now that Justin thought about it, he had forgotten to consider how worried the families must have been. However, since they had to keep things secret for security reasons, even if they had known, it couldn't have been helped.

"As you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Anyway, what's the reason for all this commotion?"

"...There was a bit of a problem."

Zachary explained, glaring at Aaron. His group had gone out hunting, but Aaron's group had followed them and interfered. After returning, Zachary confronted Aaron about it, only for Aaron to deny it and accuse them of lying. He even mocked Zachary, saying he hadn't been there to witness anything firsthand.

Justin snorted and spoke to Aaron in an informal tone.

"What are you, a kindergartener? Breaking a bottle right in front of someone and then saying, 'I didn't do it'?"

"What? Are you talking to me?"

Aaron glared at Justin, but Justin simply clicked his tongue and ignored him. Honestly, he didn't even feel it was worth responding to such childish antics.

Just before Aaron, whose face was now bright red, could say something, Justin spoke first.

"I've taken over the neighboring territory."

"…!?"

Everyone stared blankly at Justin at this sudden bombshell. They didn't even know there was a neighboring territory, and now he was saying he'd taken it over?

Only Zachary, who had been informed beforehand, understood the context and was shocked.

"Already!? Didn't you say there'd be a war first?"

"Things worked out well."

To be precise, the hostage situation played out perfectly, allowing them to resolve it in one move. There was no need to explain the details right now.

"I've temporarily left a trustworthy friend in charge, but I'll be taking over again when we go back. Are you coming with me?"

"…What are the citizens like over there?"

Zachary hesitated, but still asked in front of the gathered citizens. It was clear his heart had already left.

With the citizens watching, Justin responded with a smirk.

"All the citizens speak respectfully to the pioneers."

"Let's leave right now. Actually, I'll explain to my companions first."

"Take your time. It's already ours, so it's not going anywhere."

Despite Justin's words, Zachary quickly went to explain the situation to his companions. While whispering filled the air, Aaron scowled.

"You took over a neighboring territory? What the hell does that mean?"

"What do you think it means? It means you're going to be the leader now."

"Are you joking with me right now!?"

"I'm serious. Can't believe it even when I tell you."

Because of the earlier argument, both Justin and Aaron had dropped the formalities. Since Justin was about to leave anyway, and they didn't like each other to begin with, there was no need for pleasantries.

As the tension continued to rise, Zachary returned.

"I've explained everything. Everyone wants to come along."

"Everyone?"

"Yes. None of them have families living here, and they've already lost any attachment they once had."

"That's great. Then let's pack up and leave."

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