Chapter 59

The man who approached them was identical to Aaron from their own territory, down to his clothing and expression.

“Yes, it is I. I exist everywhere, yet I am the same everywhere.”

The explanation was as eerie as it was convenient. Apparently, the Aaron from both villages shared the same consciousness across different bodies.

“So, what happens now?” Justin asked. “With Lucas dead, does this land automatically transfer to us?”

“If you wish, yes.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You can appoint a new leader or become the leader yourself. But be aware—residents’ opinions carry no weight in the system’s eyes.”

So it was a matter of power, not consensus.

“If you choose to lead directly, your current territory will be considered abandoned, regardless of how much you’ve invested.”

“Can I delay the decision?”

“For a week. After that, the system will revoke your authority, and the village will revert to a leaderless state.”

Justin nodded. That was more than enough time to plan.

Turning to the terrified villagers, who watched him like cornered prey, he raised his voice.

“Lucas is dead!”

The crowd froze.

“We killed him—and every last one of his loyal dogs too! They’re gone!”

The silence was suffocating.

Then came the first tears, followed by cautious embraces among the villagers.

But no one cheered. They had been silent for too long, beaten down for too long.

And just as they were about to let relief wash over them—

“That means you’re mine now.”

Justin’s cold voice cut through the fragile hope like a blade.

Their new master had arrived.

At the sound of Justin’s declaration, the entire village froze.

Eyes that had been full of joy only moments earlier now brimmed with fear once again. He let the silence stretch, watching as that fear swelled.

‘I get that they’ve suffered, but if they start seeing me as some kind of savior, that’ll be a problem.’

These villagers had learned to fear pioneers deeply. But that fear was a product of Lucas’s cruelty, not of him or his team. If they began thinking he was somehow different—better—that fear would fade, and so would their respect.

And soon enough, they’d start testing boundaries.

‘No way am I going to let them think I’m soft.’

Fear, tempered by respect, was the foundation of the society he intended to build. Not blind terror like Lucas had fostered—just enough fear to ensure loyalty and discipline.

“I heard from Rachel what you did to her.”

The silence was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“You’re not just garbage. You’re worse than that—utterly useless trash.”

“…!”

“Demanding pioneers risk their lives hunting for gems while you laze around in safety? Threatening them when they didn’t hand it over? Pathetic.”

A man in the crowd tried to speak up, his voice shaky.

“N-no, that’s not—”

“Shut up.”

His voice cut through the air like a blade. The man’s mouth snapped shut, eyes wide with fear.

“I didn’t ask for excuses. Speak again, and I’ll kill you.”

“No, please—!”

“Black Missile..”

BOOM.

A section of a nearby building exploded into debris as the spell blasted into its wall. Stones scattered like shrapnel, sending villagers stumbling back in terror.

Even Justin hadn’t expected the structure to collapse so easily.

‘Guess buildings inside safe zones aren’t as indestructible as I thought.’

“W-what…?”

The man who had spoken fell to his knees, staring pale-faced at the shattered remains of the wall. He seemed to realize, a heartbeat too late, that if that spell had been aimed at him, he’d be dead.

“You couldn’t even lift your head in front of Lucas. But now that he’s dead, suddenly you’ve found your courage? Do I look like a joke to you?”

“S-sorry! I’m sorry!”

“Get out of my sight. One more word, and next time I won’t miss.”

The man scrambled away, disappearing into the crowd.

The village was silent again.

“Let me make one thing clear: I’m not your savior. I’m not your hero.” His voice was low, cold. “I’m your new ruler.”

The silence deepened.

“Did you think your suffering deserved compensation? You want me to fix your houses? Buy you better food? Protect you while you laze around?”

He stomped his foot against the ground, his voice rising into a snarl.

“Dream on! I’m not a police officer. I’m not your caretaker. I’m not here to help you—I’m here to rule you!”

His gaze swept over the crowd like a blade. The villagers immediately lowered their heads, unable to meet his eyes.

“Nothing’s going to change for you. Don’t expect favors, and don’t hope for mercy. I’ll collect taxes again once I formally take control, so start preparing now—or don’t. I don’t care.”

A muffled sob escaped from somewhere in the crowd. But the woman who dared to cry was quickly silenced by those around her, terrified of drawing his attention.

“I’ve said all I need to say. Now get lost—go home, and keep your mouths shut.”

He turned on his heel and walked away, the sound of villagers scattering behind him like a dying wind.

‘Good. That should keep them in line for now.’

He allowed himself a satisfied smile.

Gathered around the table were Justin’s closest allies and Rachel. They’d chosen Lucas’s old house for a reason—to make it clear that power had shifted, and that the village was under new management.

Technically, he hadn’t yet taken the formal position of leader. But appearances mattered, and this was a message no one would miss.

“Wasn’t that a little harsh?” Nathan asked hesitantly.

“I get that you’re trying to suppress any resistance, but those people looked completely hopeless.”

“Good,” Justin replied flatly. “Hopelessness stops them from having stupid ideas.”

“But they’ve already been through hell. Don’t you think they deserve a little sympathy?”

“No,” he said coldly. “The worst thing I could give them is hope.”

Nathan blinked, confused. “Why?”

“Because hope breeds expectation.”

He leaned forward, his voice low and steady.

“You know what happens when someone’s family is murdered right in front of them, and the police arrive too late?”

“Uh… they thank the police for coming? Or maybe they just break down crying?”