Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 72 The Snake's End

"How... how did you know...?" Aaron asked in a trembling voice.

He genuinely seemed not to understand how he had been caught. Justin smirked as he responded to Aaron's question.

"Your excuse was just too pathetic, that's how."

"What?"

"You said they spared you because there was no one to manage the territory? Does that even make sense? Once they know the location, it's as good as theirs."

The commoners couldn't leave the territory. If they tried to go outside, they'd be killed by monsters. In other words, as long as they didn't plan to leave it unattended for long, just knowing the location was enough. They could come back anytime when they were free and take over the territory.

In that process, Aaron and his group, the original owners, were unnecessary.

"And honestly, do you even manage the territory? All you do is tyranny. You're ridiculous."

"But... but the trap! They needed commoners for the trap, that's why...!" Aaron protested.

"That doesn't make sense either. Why would they leave that kind of job to you? They'd leave it to someone they trust."

Aaron shouted in frustration, but Justin casually tapped Aaron's head with his staff, as if scolding a child caught in a lie.

"Let's say, for the sake of argument, that everything you said is true. Then why are all of you still alive? If they had any sense, they would've left one or two alive and killed the rest to make sure you couldn't do anything stupid."

"...!"

Aaron's face turned deathly pale. This time, even he had no response. It made no sense that they would leave all of his group alive out of sheer arrogance.

"Doesn't it seem strange to you? They had no reason to spare you. The only possible reason you're still alive is that you offered them something."

It must have been something they couldn't refuse, something only Aaron and his group could do for them—something so tempting that they decided not to kill them. Most likely, Aaron had promised to lure Justin and his group to their deaths and help them take over the territory easily.

There was nothing else valuable enough to make them spare such a dangerous element.

"Well, it was all just a guess. So I decided to test you, and oh my, how surprising! You gave me the answer right away! I was shocked!" Justin said with a mocking laugh.

"...!"

"Now, if you have anything to say, say it, you rat."

"You son of a...!"

The leader of the opposing pioneers ground his teeth, glaring at Aaron. Given Justin's group's level, they were facing heavy losses regardless of the outcome, but Aaron had made it seem like an easy win.

Abandoned by both sides, Aaron was left stammering, shaking his head frantically. It seemed he had realized that death was his only option now.

"Why, why!?" Aaron shouted, looking at Justin.

It was a short outburst, but Justin understood the meaning behind it. Aaron was asking why he hadn't revealed his suspicions earlier so that he could side with Justin. Why wait until now?

Justin leaned in and whispered in Aaron's ear.

"Why? Because I have no intention of keeping a snake like you around."

"...!"

"I had to kill you, but if I killed you without solid proof, the others would've been shaken. I brought you here to create the perfect reason before killing you."

"Ugh, ugh, ugh!"

Before Aaron could say anything more, tears and snot streaming down his face, Justin placed a finger on his forehead and murmured softly.

"Black Missile."

Thud.

With the sound of flesh being pierced, a hole appeared in Aaron's head. His body slowly slumped to the ground, falling with a dull thud. The pioneers flinched at the sight. Justin's companions, already enraged by what they had heard, followed his lead, swinging their weapons.

"No, no!"

"Please, spare me!"

Splat, crack, thud.

The pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears. Having already experienced battle against other humans, and knowing these were the ones who intended to kill them, there was no reason to hesitate.

Soon, five bodies lay sprawled on the ground. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire

After finishing everything, Justin looked at the leader of the opposing pioneers.

"So, what do you plan to do now?"