Chapter 47

Even among his closest allies, the mood was grim.

Ethan broke the heavy silence first.
“A leader… I always assumed that position would eventually be necessary, considering how World Breaker was structured. But I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

Derek slammed his fist into his palm, frustration evident on his face.
“The timing isn’t the problem—it’s those absurd powers! Whoever becomes the leader will have control over everything. If we offend the wrong person, we’re finished!”

Justin leaned back, his expression calm and unreadable.
“Is that really something to worry about?”

“Of course it is! What if some idiot becomes the leader and screws us over? We’d be completely at their mercy!”

Justin scoffed, brushing the thought aside.
“Didn’t you hear what was said earlier? Other settlements might try to invade us.”

Derek blinked, confused.
“What’s that got to do with electing a leader?”

“Think about it. If someone becomes a leader, they’ll defend this place with everything they have—it’s their territory, after all. But what about the other pioneers?”

The room fell silent. The implications were sinking in.

Justin continued, voice steady as ever.
“If a leader abuses their power, why would anyone risk their lives to defend them? The other pioneers might surrender willingly to the invaders rather than fight for someone they despise.”

The logic was cold, brutal—and completely true.

Derek swallowed hard.
“So… if someone tries to oppress us as a leader, they’re basically digging their own grave.”

Justin nodded slowly, his eyes sharp with calculation.
“Exactly. The system rewards power, but even power comes with consequences.”

“…!”

Ethan’s face went pale as he quickly approached.
“Is that even possible? Without the leader’s consent?”

I shrugged casually.
“Even if the system doesn’t officially allow it, there are always ways to work around the rules. If the leader can decide whether to turn civilians into slaves or integrate them as citizens, why wouldn’t they have a say over pioneers?”

Civilians were a lesser resource; pioneers, on the other hand, were too valuable an asset to waste. Enemies would gladly absorb skilled pioneers if it meant strengthening their own forces.

“Of course, there’s always the risk of betrayal, or being treated like an outsider even if accepted. But if surrendering means survival and integration, then for some, it’s the smarter choice.”

In the worst-case scenario, the self-proclaimed ‘king’ would be torn apart while the rest of the group would be absorbed peacefully. As long as they weren’t complete idiots, they’d avoid letting it get that far.

“But what kind of lunatic would try to hold us back after becoming leader? We’re the strongest group here.”

“Y-You think it’s really that simple?” Derek asked, his voice uncertain.

“Of course, it is. There’s no reason to waste energy worrying about it.”

“Still, isn’t it better if someone from our group becomes the leader?”

This time, it was Nathan who spoke up, visibly more anxious than the others—understandably so, given that his family was still among the civilians.

“There’s always the chance some power-hungry fool will lose control. Wouldn’t it be best if you became the leader?”

“Naturally.” I nodded, a cold smile playing on my lips.
It wasn’t that I was indifferent to becoming the leader; I simply didn’t want to force the process. It was better to seize power when the timing was right.

“Then shouldn’t we start campaigning now?” Ethan suggested cautiously.
“Campaigning? Like it’s an election?”

“It technically is. The first leader will be chosen through a vote, remember?”

“Forget it. It’s already too late for that.” I shook my head dismissively.
I’d already seen how the other factions operated—there was no point in rushing around, trying to win votes now. At best, we’d be ignored; at worst, we’d look desperate.

“Besides, I have no intention of becoming the leader immediately.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because before taking that position, the mindset of this whole group needs to change.”

If I became the leader right now, at best, I’d be labeled a dictator—and at worst, a tyrant.
They were still clinging to outdated ideas of human rights and morality from Earth. To be seen as anything but oppressive, I’d have to cater to those fragile sensibilities.

‘Let the others bear the burden of hardship. They can struggle with being the villain. I’ll take what’s left after the dust settles.’

I suppressed the grin tugging at my lips and looked at my companions.
“Don’t worry—I already have a plan.”

“A plan?” Nathan asked.

“Yeah. Here’s what we’re going to do…”

The system had granted one week to elect a leader, but no one seemed willing to wait that long.
By now, the three main factions—Nox’s, Zachary’s, and ours—had made their intentions clear.

“Let’s just get this over with!”
“Yeah, vote now! Why wait?”

The civilians, previously confused and hesitant, had become eager to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Not out of faith in their would-be leaders, but out of fear of losing their influence entirely.

‘Makes sense—they want to vote while their voice still matters.’

If the pioneers settled things through backroom deals or internal conflict first, civilians wouldn’t have any say at all. Early voting was their last chance to have some influence on the outcome.

Even Aaron—who had shown nothing but disdain for the civilians—agreed with the decision.
“Choosing your ruler yourself? A commendable effort. Though… whether that leader remains in power is another matter entirely.”

That ominous comment did little to calm the growing tension.

Before the voting began, the three main candidates made their final pitches.

Zachary stepped forward first, his voice calm and steady.
“There’s little more to say. My only wish is for everyone here to become a pioneer. I’ll impose no taxes, no restrictions, and I’ll maintain our current environment as it is. All I ask is that you continue to try your best.”

A promise of stability—nothing more, nothing less. It was the safest option, and the civilians, who had watched Zachary act with integrity so far, nodded in approval.

Next was Nox. His face was grim, as if already sensing his disadvantage.
“We are the majority. Remember that. Depending on who becomes the leader, we may protect you… or we may not.”

It wasn’t even an attempt at a speech—it was a thinly veiled threat.
Unsurprisingly, the response was cold. His past behavior toward the civilians left no room for trust or forgiveness.

And then, finally, I stepped forward.

All eyes fell on me, shimmering with a strange, desperate hope. They expected me to be their savior. The one with the power and the will to lead them to something better.

I let them hold onto that hope for a moment before crushing it.

“Let’s drop the empty promises and false civility.”

The sudden harshness of my words drew gasps from the crowd. But I didn’t stop there.

“I’m not here to help you, and I’m not here to serve you. I don’t care about fairness or kindness.”

Their stunned expressions filled me with dark amusement.

“I will become your king. And you will follow me, whether you like it or not.”