Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 47: The Leader's Struggles

As the heavy topic everyone had been avoiding was finally brought up, the expressions of the people grew somber.

Zachary, noticing the mood, spoke again with determination.

"The only way to eliminate this fundamental discrimination is for everyone to work toward becoming pioneers. I'm sure many of you have realized a lot today. If you wish to level up, come to me. I'll help you as much as I can."

His confident voice made it clear that he believed the situation had reached a critical point, especially after Justin's speech and Aaron's behavior.

He intended to abandon his previous lukewarm approach and take a more active stance.

"...."

"...."

But the response from the people was still lukewarm.

Far from agreeing, they deliberately looked away, avoiding his gaze.

The awkward silence that followed left Zachary and his faction of pioneers visibly perplexed.

"You... You must still be in shock. Take a good rest today, and come to me starting tomorrow."

He tried to add to his words, clearly not expecting such a reaction, but it seemed unlikely that much would change by tomorrow.

Aaron turned sharply on his heel and left with his faction.

Justin, seeing no reason to stay any longer, also decided to head home with his companions.

With the departure of Justin and Aaron serving as a catalyst, the rest of the people gradually began to disperse as well.

It was Nox who approached the dejected-looking Zachary.

"Congratulations on being elected as the leader. If you have any questions about governing the estate, feel free to ask me anytime."

"...I understand."

Hearing the reluctant voice behind him, Justin smirked.

Zachary must have been baffled by how things were unfolding differently from what he had imagined.

But in Justin's view, this was just the beginning.

He wondered how long Zachary could hold out.

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"Take this!"

Thud!

"Oof!"

With Derek's shout, his mace struck the gnoll's chest, shattering it.

The gnoll fell backward, convulsed a few times, and then went limp.

Justin clapped his hands as he saw the caved-in chest of the gnoll.

"Not bad. At first, you couldn't take them down unless you aimed for the head."

"Oh, come on. That was so long ago. I should be able to do this much by now."

Swish! Thunk!

If that resentment were suppressed and then erupted in the worst situation, it would be uncontrollable.

"Of course, there's also the method of suppressing everyone like a tyrant and pushing through with his plans, but it doesn't seem like Zachary has the personality for that."

If he could have done that, he wouldn't have spoken of such idealistic plans in the first place.

Regardless, this was not a situation Zachary could solve on his own.

Whether he had the authority of a leader or not, he needed the settlers' active cooperation to improve the situation.

And unfortunately for Zachary, the settlers hadn't changed either.

"Is there still no one willing to become a pioneer?" Justin asked.

"There were one or two, but their families talked them out of it," Derek replied.

"Other than that, nothing. They just take the mana stones we give them," Ethan added.

"They don't even bother with the new labor quests, so that says it all."

Justin had expected this.

It seemed that even within Zachary's faction, there was growing skepticism.

They thought it would be better to use the mana stones themselves rather than waste them like this.

Even Aaron's faction had begun mocking Zachary lately, so that said enough.

"Well, at least it's fortunate that the pioneers haven't started fighting amongst themselves after the leader was chosen. That's Zachary's only achievement."

"Why? Because of the future war?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah. With an unknown enemy out there, they have no choice but to unite."

"About that, are we really sure there's another safe zone nearby? No matter how much we look around, we can't find anything," Nathan continued.

"There is. I'm sure of it."

World Breaker was ultimately a game aimed at creating a nation.

It wouldn't allow them to continue living as small communities forever.

Whether by mutual agreement or forced merger, they'd be made to expand.

"Once you all reach level 20, I was planning to look around. While searching for new hunting grounds for level 20s, we might also find another safe zone..."

-"Damn it! What the hell is this!?"

-"Die already, you bastards!"

Hearing the distant shouts and curses, they all froze.

The sound was coming from the exact opposite direction of their safe zone.

If it were another faction from the safe zone, they wouldn't have missed encountering Justin's group.

If the screams were coming from beyond their position, there was only one answer:

It meant someone had come to the gnoll territory from a safe zone located on the opposite side.

Justin stood up abruptly and said,

"Everyone, grab your weapons. We're going right now."