Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

"Ding! The leader must be at least level 5."

"Wait a minute! Does that mean only a pioneer can be the leader?"

"That's correct.""How is that fair? This is unfair!"

"We were never interested in fairness from the start."

Despite their protests, all they got in return was a snort from Nox. Realizing that protests wouldn't work, the civilians immediately convened a meeting.

The best option was for one of the civilians to level up, even now. However, this wasn't a feasible plan.

"You're going hunting? Outside the safe zone?"

"Who? Come on out! We'll help you!"

The pioneers, who had endured so much from the civilians, waited with gritted teeth for someone to step forward. Of course, no civilian was unaware that the moment they stepped outside, they would be killed.

The second option was to refuse to elect a leader. However, if the safe zone disappeared, they would be powerless.

With no other choice, the civilians opted for the third option.

"Give it to the one who looks the easiest to manipulate!"

A pioneer who was above level 5 but still held a notably low status. Someone who belonged to a faction somewhat distant from the other pioneers. Lastly, someone who was timid and seemed unlikely to commit murder.

That person was Rodri.

"Wait, are you saying that guy is still your leader?" Justin asked.

"No, he's not. He was elected, but he quickly handed it over to someone else," Rachel explained.

The civilians' expectations were partially correct. Though Rodri was elected as the leader, he didn't even dare to wield his power. Instead, he feared that any decision he made would earn him the resentment of the other pioneers.

As a result, Rodri made a simple and irresponsible choice.

"C-Can I transfer the leadership to someone else?""You may do so at any time if you wish.""Then I'll transfer it right now! That person will be the new leader!"

The person he appointed was the leader of the largest faction of pioneers. Unfortunately for the civilians, that faction was the one that held the most animosity toward them.

The civilians froze, and the new leader immediately disabled the violence prevention function.

In the safe zone, where violence was now possible, the new leader shouted.

"Crush them all."

And hell broke loose.

Their long conversation finally ended.

Despite now knowing the circumstances of both sides, Justin and Rachel remained silent for a while. They both had the same reason for being so open about their internal issues: they wanted to leave the possibility open to switch to the other's territory if necessary. Both had their own discontent about where they lived.

'But it seems impossible now,' Justin thought.

It wasn't just him. Rachel also saw issues with Justin's territory. While the civilians there hadn't yet crossed the line as they had in her own territory, there was still the potential for it to happen at any time. The civilians had yet to experience the full wrath of the pioneers, and thus had little fear. To Rachel, who had seen firsthand how far things could go, it was an uncomfortable situation.

'And the same goes for me. My territory isn't perfect, but theirs is a complete mess.'

On the other hand, in Rachel's territory, the pioneers were completely suppressing the civilians. The power structure itself wasn't the problem; it was that the pioneers had gone far beyond what was acceptable. Many pioneers themselves were disgusted by how some of their peers treated the civilians.

But at this point, even suggesting they ease off a bit after having had their revenge was difficult. Anyone who did that would likely be labeled a public enemy among the pioneers. Because of this, there had recently been a subtle tension even among the pioneers themselves.

'One side has civilians stepping all over the pioneers, while the other is a tense powder keg. It's really hard to choose between them.'

This required careful consideration. Moving from a place without a blanket to one without a pillow was hardly a solution. Rachel seemed to share the same thought, as she wore a bitter smile.

"Anyway, thank you so much for today," Rachel said. "If you hadn't helped us, we'd all be dead."

"In this harsh world, we have to help each other. Especially when we don't know many people."

Despite exchanging polite pleasantries, Justin's mind was racing. It would be a waste to part ways just like this. It wasn't often that he got to connect with another territory and other pioneers.

Justin decided to take a shot.

"How about we help you out with some hunting? I'm getting tired of dealing with gnolls all the time anyway."

"...!"

Rachel's eyes widened for a moment, but she quickly nodded, smiling brightly.

"Really? We'd be incredibly grateful if you did!"

"Then come to this spot by noon tomorrow. Actually, it might be safer if I come to you instead, considering the gnolls."

"There's a path leading to our safe zone's forest entrance near here. I'll show you."

On the surface, it appeared to be an amicable conversation. But the underlying message was clear: let's meet again, take our time, and properly make a plan. Rachel seemed to understand Justin's intention, acting as if she were simply overjoyed.

To anyone watching, it would have seemed like pure goodwill being exchanged.

The two of them parted with smiles. But the moment Justin turned his back, the smile faded from his face.

'I'll need to reassess the atmosphere back in the territory.'

A new variable and a new option had emerged in a stagnant situation. Which direction would be the best for him and his companions? Before making a decision, Justin needed to be sure of the situation on his side.

It was not long after he had returned to the safe zone that he was approached.

"...Justin, are you interested in the leader position?" Zachary asked, his face weary.

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