10688-chapter-45

Chapter 45

As soon as the system message ended, the pioneers’ expressions wavered violently.

There was no longer any doubt—Justin had been telling the truth.

Feigning indifference, he let his gaze sweep across the gathered crowd. The emotions swirling in their eyes were all too familiar—envy, resentment… and fear.

The fear was unmistakable.

Even the faction leaders, Nox and Zachary, weren’t exceptions. If anything, they seemed even more tense than the others. Unlike the clueless, they understood exactly what this revelation meant.

Strength was the one true currency in this world.

And Justin had just proven his dominance by taking down a field boss—a feat no one else had even attempted.

A faint smile played on his lips.
Yes, they should be afraid. They should fear me so much that they wouldn’t dare get in my way.

People only resorted to sabotage when they still believed they had a chance to surpass their rivals. If envy was the only emotion driving them, they would inevitably try to pull him down, to cripple his progress before he rose too high.

No one wanted to be left behind in a world where strength dictated survival.

But fear was different.

People hesitated when faced with an opponent beyond their reach. When the gap was too vast—when the difference in power was undeniable—they wouldn’t risk provoking someone who could destroy them with ease.

It was human nature to attack an equal.
It was also human nature to submit to a superior force.

Still, Justin wasn’t naive enough to think fear alone would keep everyone in line. Some people, blinded by their own ambitions, would inevitably attempt something reckless.

His gaze shifted toward Nox.

Among the many eyes filled with fear, his held something more—a darker, festering emotion.

Spite.

It wasn’t a cause for concern, not yet. But it was worth keeping an eye on.

Just as he was about to check his newly acquired rewards, an unfamiliar voice echoed through the settlement.

“You have all worked tirelessly, pioneers.”

A hush fell over the gathering.

The voice was aged, yet carried a steady authority. Everyone instinctively turned toward its source.

An old man, dressed in what resembled the formal attire of a bureaucrat from a bygone era, stood at the center of the square. He gave a slow, respectful bow.

“You have endured much. The collapse of civilization, the struggle for survival, the burden of unfamiliar lands, and the conflicts among yourselves. You have faced all of these hardships and persevered. For that, I commend you.”

A murmur spread through the crowd.

“Who is that?”
“An NPC?”

The old man smiled gently, as if their whispers were amusing.

“Correct. While some prefer grander titles, I believe the term ‘NPC’ is what you are most accustomed to.”

Unlike Algrim, who seemed irritated by the label, this old man embraced it without hesitation—as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” He placed a hand on his chest. “My name is Aaron. I am the one responsible for overseeing the selection of your leader and providing counsel regarding the governance of your territory.”

Silence.

Not a single person spoke.

Both pioneers and commoners—or Young man, as the system referred to them—stood frozen.

Yet, there was a stark difference in the emotions reflected in their gazes.

The pioneers looked at Aaron with a mixture of ambition and expectation.

The youngman looked at him with fear.

Because the meaning behind his words was far too clear.

Leader.

A word that, in its simplest form, meant someone who guides and governs others.

But no one here believed it carried such a benign meaning.

No, it was nothing more than a polite euphemism for ‘ruler’—a thinly veiled term for domination.

And considering how World Breaker functioned, the truth was likely closer to the latter.

A trembling voice finally broke the silence.

“A… a leader? Why would we need one?”

It came from one of the young man, his tone unsteady.

“Shouldn’t that be something we decide for ourselves? Why is this being forced upon us—”

“Would you have decided, then?”

Aaron’s voice was cold, sharp—a complete contrast to the warmth he had displayed earlier when speaking to the pioneers.

The shift in his tone made it painfully clear: he, too, saw a distinction between pioneers and commoners.

Not as extreme as Algrim, perhaps, but the divide was undeniable.

“Let me ask you again. If given time, would you have actually chosen a leader on your own?”

“We should be the ones to decide that! If we don’t want to elect a leader, we won’t!”

A middle-aged man erupted, voice shaking with barely contained anger.

Aaron’s response was cold, his lips curling into a faint, almost pitying smile.
“It would be wise to elect one.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because without a leader, the safety zone will be deactivated.”

A stunned silence followed.

“W-what?”

“I said the safety zone will be removed. Monsters will be able to enter this settlement.”

“…!?”

The weight of his words hit the crowd like a hammer. Panic spread in their eyes.

“If you’re confused, I suggest you check your system interface. The explanation will become clear afterward.”

The bombshell dropped by Aaron sent people scrambling to open their menus.

Justin did the same, pulling up the quest list to see what had changed.

〈Leader Election〉

Type: Main Quest
Description: Civilization has always been built on blood, sweat, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Yet, most seek only comfort, stagnating advancement in the process. A leader is essential for rebuilding what was lost. Elect someone who will guide your people forward.
Rewards: