Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

As soon as the system message ended, the eyes of the pioneers trembled violently.

The recent message had essentially proven Justin's words.

Justin looked around as if nothing had happened.

Jealousy and envy were felt from all sides, but at the same time, there was another emotion visible in the corners of their eyes.

Fear.

The pioneers were clearly afraid of him. Even Aaron and Zachary, the leaders of the factions, were no exception.

In fact, they seemed more tense, likely due to their greater familiarity with the system.

Ultimately, what was needed to hunt monsters was pure strength.

The fact that Justin had killed a boss-level monster meant that he possessed such power.

"Yes, they should fear me. They need to be so scared that they wouldn't dare to mess with me."

A satisfied smile formed on Justin's lips.

If there was only jealousy without fear, interference was inevitable.

The fact that someone else was ahead of them meant that, someday, they would rise above and look down on them.

If left alone without interference, it would be confirmed that they would remain below.

Anyone with ambition would naturally try to pull others down, regardless of personal grudges.

But if there is fear of the opponent, the story changes.

Attempting interference was only an option when both parties were capable of a fair fight.

The attempt could only be made if the opponent being interfered with had to avoid a direct confrontation.

But once they realized that the opponent was holding a knife while they themselves were unarmed...

From that point onward, they couldn't even think about interfering.

The potential retaliation was far greater than the benefits gained from interference.

"Of course, people don't always act rationally."

Justin glanced at Aaron. Amidst the clear fear, there was an even more insidious emotion.

Although it wasn't something that particularly concerned Justin, he thought it might be wise to be prepared.

Just as he was about to check the newly obtained reward, a sudden voice echoed throughout the village.

"Thank you all for your hard work up to this point, pioneers."

"...!?"

A voice, old and unfamiliar, resonated across the area.

As everyone turned their eyes, they saw an elderly man dressed like an old bureaucrat bowing his head.

"Sudden collapse of civilization, unfamiliar killings, settlement in strange environments, conflicts with neighbors. I pay my respects to all of you who have endured all this and reached this point."

"Wh-who are you?"

"An NPC?"

The muttering of people in confusion made the elderly man smile warmly.

"That's correct. Some may prefer a grander title, but you all are more familiar with the term NPC."

Unlike the merchant Algirim, the old man did not deny being called an NPC.

He seemed to accept it as if it were completely natural.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Nox. I am the NPC here to advise on the selection of a leader and the management of the territory."

"...."

"...."

Even after Nox's introduction ended, no one spoke.

The pioneers and settlers alike reacted the same way.

The difference lay in the emotions within their eyes.

The pioneers' eyes were filled with ambition, while the settlers' eyes held fear.

And for a good reason—Nox's words carried tremendous implications.

Leader.

The literal meaning was someone who teaches and leads others.

However, at this moment, no one thought of a leader in that way.

It was merely a word to cover up the true meaning of ruler.

And considering the system of World Rebuild, the latter interpretation was likely closer to the truth.

"A leader? Suddenly, a leader is supposed to appear?"

The voice that barely managed to speak trembled anxiously.

It was one of the settlers who spoke, not a pioneer.

"Isn't that something we should decide on our own? Why is it being imposed on us...!"

"Do you intend to decide it, then?"

Nox's voice turned cold.

His demeanor changed entirely from when he greeted the pioneers.

Although it wasn't as extreme as Algirim, the underlying attitude was the same—

He clearly distinguished between pioneers and settlers.

"I ask again. If given time, will you really choose a leader?"

"I said we'd decide it ourselves! If we don't choose, then we don't choose!"

"It would be best to elect one."

When the middle-aged man shouted in anger, Nox gave a cold smile.

"If there is no leader, the safe zone will be deactivated."

"W-what?"

"I said the safe zone will be deactivated. Meaning that monsters will be able to enter this place."

"...!?"

"If you're curious about what this means, check your quest first. I'll explain afterward."

In response to Nox's bombshell statement, people hurriedly opened their status windows.

Justin, too, opened his status window to verify, and he saw the new quest that had appeared.

〈Leader Selection〉

Category: Main Quest

Details: The development of civilization has always been achieved through blood and sweat. Most people, however, pursue their own comfort, which ultimately leads to stagnation. Thus, the existence of a leader is essential for progress. To rebuild civilization, elect a leader who will guide you.

Rewards: Daily labor quests unlocked, estate development options added to the shop, ability to collect taxes, declaration of war and warfare functions enabled

Miscellaneous: If the leader's position remains vacant for a week, the safe zone will be deactivated

The rewards were the most plentiful of any quest received thus far.

However, many of them seemed questionable as true "rewards."

"This is ridiculous!"

"How is this even a reward?!"

Some settlers shouted, apparently sharing the same thoughts as Justin.

Nox tilted his head at their reaction.

"Do you have any complaints about the reward?"

"Complaints? None of this is a reward! What's with labor, and war, and taxes as penalties?!"

"And estate development? That has nothing to do with us! We can barely afford our own meals, what good is land to us?!"

"Not electing a leader means we'll become monster food? Are you messing with us?!"

"Haha, my goodness."

In response to the people's intense reactions, Nox let out a dry laugh.

His demeanor appeared troubled, but his eyes were filled with clear contempt.

"Everyone, these are indeed rewards. You simply have yet to recognize their value."

"Then, where exactly is the reward?"

"If you truly don't understand, I will explain it to you."

Nox raised a finger, as if instructing a child.

"First, regarding the labor quest—there is no combat involved, and simply performing basic labor will earn you mana stones as a reward. In short, it's a way to earn money."

"...!"

The eyes of some people changed at his words.

They were in a situation where, outside of combat, they had nothing else to do.

The non-pioneers had been spending their time in fear, doing nothing of value.

And now, they could earn mana stones without fighting?

Although there was a labor requirement, it was still an appealing offer.

"Of course, it will be a smaller amount compared to combat, but considering the safety of the work, it's not a bad option."

"We still have to do a quest, don't we?"

"Were you expecting to earn mana stones without doing anything?"

"...."

The middle-aged man who had been trying to complain again closed his mouth at Nox's words.

It seemed he was more conscious of the pioneers' gazes than being moved by conscience.

"Next, regarding estate development—this isn't just about land. Of course, expanding or enriching land is an option, but the primary purpose is adding facilities."

"Adding facilities?"

"Yes. It ranges from something simple like road maintenance to building a swimming pool or establishing a hospital for treatment."

"...!"

"Ah, of course, there will be associated costs. Even if unlocked, there might be little you can do immediately."

Moreover, only the leader could access the estate development options.

Even the pioneers couldn't access it without a leader.

In other words, without a leader, estate development was entirely impossible.

"So if you want new facilities, elect a leader. No leader means no changes to the estate."

"Fine, let's assume that's acceptable."

This time, Zachary spoke up.

Zachary, a pioneer, stepped forward as if representing all the settlers.

"I think we can already guess what tax collection entails. The leader determines the rate, and that portion is automatically paid, which the leader then reinvests into the estate, correct?"

"Precisely. You are indeed a pioneer who does not fear danger."

Nox smiled far more kindly than when responding to the settlers.

However, Zachary's expression remained stern even in front of that smile.

"Then what about war and declaration of war? What do they mean, and why are they considered rewards?"

Nox blinked blankly, as if he didn't understand the question.

"What do you mean? Winning a war grants numerous spoils, making it a reward, of course."

"Spoils?"

"Yes, spoils of war. Not just enemy equipment and mana stones, but also homes, built facilities, and safe territory—all will belong to the victor. And that's not all."

Nox gave the warmest smile he had shown so far.

"You can also gain a multitude of slaves all at once."