Chapter 63

At this stage, his authority was only effective because there were no alternatives. However, it wouldn’t be long before news of other villages and their locations spread. Misusing his power prematurely could lead to mass defections.

“Better to leave things be until we establish a solid foundation. Once people can’t easily leave, that’s when real authority begins.”

He skimmed through the list of his newfound privileges before shifting his focus to the domain development options. There were indeed new buildings he could construct, but they were of little use for now.

“Too expensive. I won’t be able to afford anything for a while.”

After confirming the details, Justin closed the status window and turned toward the pioneers who had been waiting patiently for his instructions.

“Everyone, you’ve done well. I know it’s been tough, so take two full days to rest! We’ll discuss the details after that.”

“Yes, sir!”

A chorus of voices responded in unison, and the crowd quickly dispersed.

The first task upon arriving in a new village was obvious—choosing a place to live. Fortunately, thanks to Lucas’ group being completely wiped out, there were plenty of vacant houses. Nathan and his family took this opportunity to move into a much better home.

“Can we really live here now?” Nathan’s mother asked hesitantly.

“I told you it’s fine. Stop worrying and go inside,” Justin reassured her with a faint chuckle as Nathan gently ushered his bewildered family into their new home.

Then, a sudden thought struck him, and he turned toward Rachel.

“What about your friends? Are they alright?”

“My teammates? What about them?”

“They used to live here too. If there are better houses available, wouldn’t they want to move in?”

At his question, Rachel offered a bitter smile.

“They’re not stupid. Their levels are low, and they were taken hostage—what right would they have to claim better homes? Just surviving this ordeal is enough for them.”

A quick glance at her group confirmed her words; they nodded without hesitation. It wasn’t just about reading the room—they genuinely seemed content.

“That’s good to hear. You should go get some rest too. You’ve had a rough couple of days.”

“I was planning on it anyway. Ugh, maybe it’s the lightning strike, but my shoulders won’t stop aching.”

Her playful complaint made Justin stifle a laugh. For someone who seemed so reserved, she had her moments of unexpected charm.

Two days later…

“Is this heaven?”

Zachary approached Justin with a blank, almost awestruck expression.

“What’s with that sudden question?”

“I just can’t believe it,” Zachary replied, still dazed. “The people here are polite, they speak with respect, and everyone’s diligently working through their quests without slacking off!”

…The guy’s been through hell, hasn’t he?

Justin couldn’t help but wonder just how terrible the previous pioneers had been for such basic decency to be so shocking.

“I’m surprised you’re not more focused on things like the hierarchy system or being called ‘lord.’ Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Why would it? As long as society functions properly, the system doesn’t matter. An ideal system is worthless if no one cooperates.”

That’s quite a shift for someone who used to overflow with faith in humanity.

At least he wasn’t complaining about the hierarchy, which was a relief.

“So, what brings you here? You didn’t just come to praise the village, did you?”

“I have a few proposals.”

“Proposals?”

“Yes.”

Straightening his posture, Zachary’s face grew serious.

“I think it’s time to establish a proper power structure within the domain.”

“A power structure?”

“This place already has too many pioneers. Their levels vary drastically, too. In a situation like this, you can’t treat everyone equally.”

In other words, he was suggesting formalizing distinctions between core members and ordinary pioneers. A necessary step, especially if more pioneers continued arriving.

“You don’t think there’ll be any complaints?”

“Right now is the perfect time—your group holds the highest levels and the greatest achievements. If you wait too long, people might start complaining later.”

Justin nodded thoughtfully. The best time to handle unpleasant matters was when authority was at its peak.

“The same goes for when new pioneers arrive. If a system already exists, they won’t have much room to complain.”

“That makes sense. I’ll set up the structure soon. Anything else?”

“There is one more thing.”

“What is it?”

“Stop speaking to people so politely. You should start using informal speech.”

The unexpected suggestion made Justin blink in surprise. But Zachary remained calm and serious.

“If we’re going to solidify this hierarchy, your authority needs to be clear. If you keep speaking as if everyone’s equal, someone ignorant might try to challenge you.”

“You think my respectful tone makes me seem too approachable?”

“Exactly. We understand that it’s your way of showing consideration, but newcomers won’t know that. They’ll mistake it for weakness.”

Somewhere along the way, Zachary had stopped calling him by name and switched to ‘lord.’ He was already acknowledging Justin’s higher status.

“Change your tone before that happens. Establish your dominance clearly, so no one even thinks of challenging your authority.”

There was a burning determination in Zachary’s eyes—a desire to protect this hard-won sanctuary at any cost.

“Wouldn’t the pioneers think I’m aiming for dictatorship?”

“That won’t happen. In a world this unstable, no one will oppose a strong leader securing a foundation for everyone’s survival. I guarantee it.”

Watching him speak with unwavering conviction, Justin considered his options carefully. He had thought about this before but had planned to solidify his authority after proving himself further.

But now, with the suggestion coming from someone else… Perhaps it was time.

“Alright, let’s do it.”

Decision made, he lifted his head with newfound resolve.

If something had to be done, it was best to do it early to avoid unnecessary complications later. Given that Zachary had spent two days observing the atmosphere in the domain, his advice was likely sound.

“From now on, I’ll drop the formalities. That’s alright with you?”

“Of course, my lord,” Zachary replied with a confident smile, as if finding the shift refreshing.

“We’ll also need to inform the others about the new power structure. I’ll gather the pioneers right away.”

“Do it.”

As Zachary briskly left to summon the others, Justin couldn’t help but chuckle. The feeling of truly becoming a medieval lord was sinking in, and it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation.

Just as Zachary had predicted, there was no backlash from the shift in tone. Not from Rachel, not from the pioneers, and not even from Zachary’s companions.

The most surprising reaction came from Ethan, who had previously received formal respect from Justin.