Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 78 The Unexpected Cooperation

Surprisingly, the interrogation was easier than expected, thanks to the prisoner's voluntary and enthusiastic cooperation. The female Mage, who introduced herself as Nina, didn't seem to harbor any grudge over the deaths of her comrades.

When Justin pointed out how strange that was, she simply shrugged and explained.

"I wasn't really part of that group. I transferred recently. I'd barely gotten to know them, so I didn't have any attachment."

"A transfer?"

"Yes. There was another territory on the other side. From what you said earlier, it sounds like your territory is structured similarly."

"Yeah, I guess so."

As Justin suspected, their territories were indeed facing each other. It seemed the recent dungeon exploration quest had finally opened up interaction between multiple territories. Though he hadn't confirmed it yet, Justin assumed the situation was likely similar for pioneers from other territories as well.

'Is this another safety measure by the system?'

If many territories had been allowed to interact all at once, various problems would have arisen. Territories could have merged, and some would have been swallowed up before they had a chance to develop. The system likely imposed restrictions to prevent such a situation from occurring.

After all, victories and defeats determined by external factors rather than one's own abilities would be less than ideal.

'Now that everyone's adapted, they must've lifted the restrictions.'

It was indeed perfect timing. The leaders were beginning to grasp the need for power, taxes, and labor. By now, none of them would want to hand over their leadership positions or join another pioneer's ranks.

If the system was designed to encourage competition, it was brilliantly constructed.

"And honestly, I regret transferring. The number of guys constantly hitting on me was unbearable."

"...Did one of those guys happen to be a warrior with a sword and shield?"

"That one was the worst. How did you know?"

Of course, Justin knew—he'd seen the guy lose his mind and charge at him the moment Nina fell. It seemed the poor guy had genuine feelings, while she had been entirely annoyed by the attention.

"Never mind that. Why did you transfer in the first place?"

"I hated my previous leader and the citizens. The citizens were constantly demanding things, and the leader would bend over backward to meet their demands. It was infuriating."

"I'm level 16. A Mage."

"Not bad. How about transferring to our territory?"

"Really!?" Nina's eyes widened in surprise. In her current situation, being offered a place to stay rather than being executed was beyond her expectations.

"Of course, you'll have to find someone to accompany you on hunts yourself. I'm not going to assign you to any specific team."

"Yes! Don't worry about that!"

"And remember, our territory has a hierarchy. Don't use violence against the citizens, especially those who are treated as nobles. If there's a problem, bring it to me."

"A hierarchy? Nobles?"

Nina tilted her head in confusion, but as Justin explained, her face lit up with understanding. She seemed to like the idea of a structured society rather than one where violence ruled unchecked.

After explaining things to Zachary, Justin had a house purchased for Nina and gave her a quick send-off.

"Now, just follow the rules and do your job when I give orders."

"Thank you! I'll do my best!"

Grinning ear to ear, Nina followed Zachary out. She seemed sharp enough to adapt quickly and grow well in this new environment.

With the matter of the prisoner settled, Justin called his comrades together. Before exploring the dungeon, they had one more task to complete.

"We're heading to Aaron's territory."

It was time to absorb the territory that had lost its master.

Aaron's territory was the place Justin's group had once called home. For everyone except Rachel, who was visiting for the first time, it was like returning to an old residence.

But the mood among the group was far from cheerful.

"Honestly, I still feel uneasy," Ethan finally said, having worn a concerned expression all this time.

"Aaron was a bastard, but I wonder if the citizens there have learned their lesson. What if they freak out when they hear about a hierarchical society?"

"I agree," Nathan chimed in, supporting Ethan's point.