Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

A heavy silence fell over the entire village.

The faces of the people, which had been full of expectation just moments before, now looked blank.

There was one emotion shared by everyone in their eyes.

'Madman.'

Justin almost burst into laughter.

Of course, they would think that.

A monarchy, to people who had lived through the 21st century?

It was absurd.

But how long would that sentiment last?

Justin continued speaking, unperturbed by their stares.

"Some of you might still doubt my intentions, so let me make it perfectly clear. What I want is the restoration of the monarchy. No, considering how small the land is right now, perhaps it would be more accurate to say I want to establish a feudal state."

"...."

"The pioneers will become knights and officials, and the settlers will become laborers and farmers. And, naturally, at the very top, there will be me—the ruler."

"Madman."

Someone finally spoke their thoughts out loud.

When all eyes focused on him, the man realized his mistake.

He hastily covered his mouth, but it was already too late.

However, Justin merely smiled at him.

"Yes, I must seem like a madman. A feudal system in the 21st century—it's ridiculous. But do you know something?"

Justin looked around at the crowd and shouted,

"Who in their right mind would protect others for nothing in return? Is this the US military? Do you still think this is a world where you obey without question?"

There was no one to give orders, nor anyone who would obediently follow them.

Even the faction leaders were merely representatives, not absolute authorities.

In some sense, it was a world where everyone was equal—both in a good and bad way.

"If there's no one to command, then there needs to be personal motivation. But no matter how much I think about it, there's no motivation! What reason do I have to risk my life to protect you?"

"...!"

"Even when we help, you make no effort! You don't do anything for us in return! And when you do speak to us, all we hear are complaints! Frankly, whatever affection we had for you is just about gone!"

Some of the pioneers almost clapped at Justin's outburst, and a few even let out a sigh of relief.

It seemed like he was saying the words they had wanted to say all along but couldn't.

In contrast, the settlers stared at Justin with distorted expressions.

If he wasn't the strongest pioneer, curses would have come from all directions.

Unfortunately for them, Justin's speech wasn't over yet.

"However, I don't think the current situation is good either. We need to cooperate with each other, but if conflicts keep growing like this, we'll collapse from within. So, I've come up with a drastic solution."

"...."

"A solution that will make the pioneers want to protect the settlers voluntarily—a solution involving ranks and the respect that comes with them!"

With a posture reminiscent of a dictator, Justin clenched his fist.

He poured his genuine conviction into his words, as if this was the only answer.

"Look up to us, who fight for our lives! Kneel and bow to show your respect! Pay taxes to fill the pioneers' bellies and be grateful that you don't have to fight!"

"This crazy bastard!"

"Are you joking!?"

"Shut up with this nonsense!"

Those who had reached the limit of their patience began to shout insults.

Judging by their expressions, they were ready to rush at him if given the slightest chance.

If it weren't for the safe zone's protection, or for Justin's power, they probably would have.

Justin listened to the insults without reacting, then opened his mouth.

"So what do you suggest, then? For us to treat you equally, protect you, and even take insults from you—all for nothing?"

He turned his gaze to the pioneers.

"Does anyone here want to do that?"

"...."

"...."

None of the pioneers spoke up, not even Zachary, who seemed to have lost his words this time.

Seeing no objection, the settlers seemed bewildered.

"I'm not saying this without thought. We will receive respect and, in return, we will protect you thoroughly. We won't use violence recklessly, nor will we oppress you. What I propose is a noble system—a strict feudal order based on noblesse oblige."

"Bullshit! You're just dressing up the idea of creating a class system!"

"Then do you have another solution?"

Justin looked at the settler who still had some fight left in him.

The settler flinched under Justin's gaze but gritted his teeth, refusing to back down.

"A solution? Of course, there is! If you all just don't try to rule over us in the first place, and everyone does what they can..."

"Why shouldn't we rule?"

"W-what?"

"If there's an opportunity to rule, why shouldn't we take it? If you had the chance to become the boss, would you refuse and remain just an employee?"

The idea that attempting to rule over others was inherently evil was utter nonsense.

No one would refuse power if they could have it.

Even those who gained power with little effort did not feel guilty about it.

So why would someone exposed to greater danger refuse power?

"No one is going to refuse the position of ruler. But what do you think will happen if that ruler has nothing but resentment towards the settlers? If it becomes legal for pioneers to beat, enslave, or even kill settlers?"

"...!"

"What I'm saying is, we should split things up before it comes to that. Do you think I'm proposing a class system for no reason? I'm asking you to boost the pioneers' sense of pride and give them some pocket money in exchange for prohibiting them from treating you poorly by law."

If the collective dissatisfaction of the pioneers exploded, not even the leader could stop it.

No matter how powerful the leader's authority was, without comrades to help fend off an invasion, they would be defenseless.

To maintain their position, the leader would have to side with the pioneers.

And the greater the pioneers' dissatisfaction, the more drastic the changes would be.

"I'll say it again. I'm going to implement a class system. Who you vote for is up to you, but no matter who becomes the leader, you should treat the pioneers with respect."

If you don't want to see those with wild eyes storming into your homes, wielding knives someday.

Not a single settler responded to Justin's words.

And in the end, the resentment in their eyes did not disappear.

As soon as the speeches ended, Nox began preparing for the vote.

He said they could postpone it if they wished, but no one wanted that.

It took less than ten minutes for the vote to be conducted and counted through the system.

The result was as expected.

"Pioneer Zachary has been elected as the first leader."

Aaron ground his teeth, while Justin simply shrugged it off.

If a few words were enough to change their minds, it would have changed long ago.

The speech he just gave was nothing more than a warning in advance.

If they chose not to change despite the warning, then it was entirely their responsibility.

Zachary, now the leader, stepped forward and spoke.

"As I said before, nothing will change. Everything will remain as it was. There will be no taxes, and I will not use this authority to oppress anyone. However!"

"...?"

"As you have seen, the system, and the NPCs, discriminate between pioneers and settlers. And this discrimination will continue in the future."