Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Ethan approached Justin with a startled expression and asked again.

Justin shrugged lightly and said, "Even if the system doesn't officially allow it, there's always a way to manipulate it. After all, the leader can decide whether to make the enemy settlers slaves or accept them as new settlers."

If they could make that decision about settlers, there was no way they wouldn't have a choice over the pioneers. Pioneers were far more valuable human resources compared to settlers, so recruiting them, if possible, was beneficial.

"Of course, there's always the risk that the enemy might break their promise, and even if they accept you, you might just be treated as an outsider. But if surrendering seems like the better option after considering all that, then it's a different story."

In the worst case, the one acting like a king could be torn apart alone, while the rest would be peacefully absorbed.

Unless the leader was incredibly foolish, that wouldn't happen, but still.

"If the leader tries to hold us back after becoming one, who in their right mind would do that? We're the strongest here."

"Th-that's really how it works?" Ethan asked.

"Yes, that's exactly how it works. So there's no need to worry."

"But it doesn't mean it's good for someone else to become the leader, right?"

When Derek fell silent, Nathan spoke up this time. He seemed particularly anxious, likely because his family was among the settlers.

"Even if it's possible, someone might do something reckless if greed takes over. It would be better if you became the leader, Justin."

"Of course."

Justin clarified his point—it wasn't that he didn't want to be the leader, but that he didn't see it as a problem if someone else became one. If possible, becoming the leader himself would be ideal.

"What should we do then? Should we appeal to the people now?" Nathan asked.

"Appeal? Like an election campaign?" Justin replied, smirking.

"Well, we have to do something. The first leader is going to be chosen by a vote, after all," Nathan insisted.

"Forget it. It's too late for that." Justin chuckled and shook his head.

They had already seen what people thought; a day or two of campaigning wouldn't change anything. It would be fortunate if they didn't earn even more scornful looks.

"Besides, I don't plan to become the leader just yet."

"Huh?" Nathan responded, surprised.

"If I'm going to become the leader, I need to at least change my mindset first."

If Justin became the leader now, at best, he'd be called a dictator, and at worst, a tyrant. The concepts of human rights and welfare from the old Earth were still ingrained in people's minds. He would have to be overly generous just to be considered an average leader.

A pushover controlled by settlers or a villain forcibly revealing reality—there's no need for me to be either.

All that trouble could be left for others to handle. Justin would simply take the rewards once everything was settled.

Suppressing a smile, Justin looked at his companions.

"I already have a plan in mind."

"A plan?" Derek asked.

"Yes. Here's what we'll do..."

The time given to elect the leader was one week.

However, no one seemed interested in waiting that long.

The three factions—Aaron's, Zachary's, and Justin's—had already assessed each other's tendencies.

"If we're going to do this, let's do it early!"

"Yes, let's do it right now!"

Even the settlers, who were initially confused, leaned towards voting quickly. It wasn't because they were eager to choose someone to govern them, but rather out of fear that the pioneers would fight over the leadership position or reach some kind of agreement beforehand, thus removing any choice they might have.

They just want to make a decision while they still have some power through voting.

If the pioneers ended up fighting, the number of candidates would decrease. If they made deals, the vote would become meaningless.

In either case, the settlers would have no real influence.

So choosing the leader early was the settlers' last chance to have even a slight say.

Even Aaron, who differentiated between pioneers and settlers, sided with the settlers on this issue.

"Since it's about choosing who will rule over you, we should respect your will. Though changing the leader afterward is another matter."

People frowned at Aaron's ominous remark.

Before the voting began, the leading candidates stepped forward to present their visions as leaders.

Zachary was the first to speak.

"There's nothing much to say. All I want is for everyone to become pioneers. There will be no oppression, no taxes, and we will maintain the current environment. Just put in the effort."

In short, he was promising to maintain the status quo. Other than free labor, it was the best plan he could propose at the moment. People nodded silently, knowing Zachary's usual behavior.

Next was Aaron. He spoke with a firm expression, seemingly aware of his disadvantage.

"We are the majority. Just remember that. Whether we protect you or not depends on who the leader is."

It was more of a threat than a campaign speech. People frowned at his threat, but Aaron had no other option. Having intimidated the settlers so much, any promise of kindness from him would sound ridiculous.

However, the response was colder than he had expected, and the threat didn't seem to work.

Finally, it was Justin's turn. All eyes focused on him, and Justin chuckled at the strange desire in their gaze.

They want me to be on their side.

Zachary had ideals but lacked the power to realize them. Aaron only had ambition—to dominate settlers and rise above them.

The only one here who could build an ideal and had the strength to achieve it was Justin.

Unfortunately, Justin's ideals were far from what they expected.

"Forget fancy words and polite talk; let me be clear."

People gasped at his tone, as if telling them to eat dirt. But Justin didn't care and shouted,

"I will become the king who rules over you all!"