Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 128 A new Main Quest

With that, the group quickly settled on their approach. Personal expenses would continue to be covered by their own hunting income, but salaries for employees and other necessary supplies would come from the sale of the elemental stones.

However, the one strict rule they agreed on was to never use the elemental stones for territorial development.

"Developing the territory is a bottomless pit," Ethan remarked. "If we start using the stones for that, we'll end up mining them all before we finish."

Justin couldn't argue with that logic.

With the territory having grown from a village to a city, even the smallest development now required tens of thousands of mana stones. Full-scale development had crossed the 100,000 mark, eventually reaching a staggering 250,000 mana stones. While the benefits were undeniable, the costs were overwhelming.

"Alright, we'll cover salaries and administrative costs with the elemental stones. No objections?"

"None at all."

And with that, the meeting came to an end. If they considered the remaining tasks, the meeting could have easily lasted all day. But everyone was still getting used to the new territory, so Justin decided they could afford to savor their victory for another two days.

However, after two days, Zachary approached Justin with another issue.

"The population is too small," Zachary reported.

"Hmm." Justin scratched his cheek, knowing there wasn't an easy solution to this.

Even though Zachary was aware of the challenge, he continued to report dutifully. "Our previous village had less than 300 people and was at full capacity, but now this city is too vast."

"The territory expanded during the development, so it's even larger now," Justin noted.

"Yes, which is great for the future, but with all these empty houses..."

The city was divided into three main sections. First was the castle where Justin lived, the grand centerpiece with the banquet hall, council room, and the underground mine. Surrounding the castle were luxurious estates, too large for any commoner to manage, and reserved for pioneers and future arrivals. Lastly, there were the commoner homes, which, while labeled as "ordinary," were far superior to the houses they had in the village, complete with four rooms, spacious living areas, and magical appliances.

The main issue was that the city, vast as it was, was nearly empty in all regions.

"The area around the castle feels like a ghost town. Even with the pioneers and their families, the numbers are too small. The commoner district is better, but..."

In reality, the quest itself was a boon for any leader. More people meant more taxes, after all. The system clearly wanted to benefit the citizens, not the leaders, with this quest.

"Lord Justin."

"Not yet." Justin stopped Zachary from rushing out.

"We don't know what's been happening on Earth."

"Is that important?"

"Of course. Depending on what the migrants have been through, they might be easy to guide or could become hostile."

"But if the other leaders get to them first—"

"That's exactly why we wait. The leaders around us lost the battle for the city. To them, we're the ones sitting pretty in the best city. If we encounter them now, it'll lead to trouble."

While Justin was confident they could win any fight, he didn't want unnecessary casualties from desperate, vengeful attacks.

"Let's wait just two more days. By then, each leader will have had time to secure at least one group from the safe zones. Once they're settled, we can move in and guide our own group."

Zachary, convinced by Justin's reasoning, left to inform the other pioneers. But the next day, something unexpected happened.

"Wait, the migrants from Earth have arrived at the city gates?"

"Yes, there are about 50 of them."

Justin raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Are these people not afraid of monsters? They left the safe zones without any protection. Even five monsters would wipe them out."

"What are they saying at the gates?"

Zachary's face was a mix of disbelief and frustration. "They're demanding we give up the city. They say it belongs to them now."

"...."