Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

The problem was, that person only lashed out at the good-natured officers who took it all without complaint. Whenever a genuinely corrupt officer glared at them and growled, they fell silent.

And in Justin's experience, that was how most people behaved.

"These people have suffered at the hands of pioneers. So now, when the oppressive pioneers are gone, and kinder ones have taken over? At first, they'll be happy. But it won't last. The memories of being oppressed by pioneers will resurface."

"But they've experienced firsthand how powerful pioneers are," Nathan argued.

"What's important isn't power—it's personality. It's the expectation of whether or not someone will kill them. If they become convinced we won't kill them, someone will eventually speak out, even if they know they might get hit for it."

From their perspective, it would be their way of finally speaking out against the oppressive pioneers. But to the pioneer being targeted, it would feel like they were being cursed at for no reason.

Would a pioneer who was suddenly insulted and treated like a villain just let it slide?

"Maybe the first time, they'll brush it off. But the civilians will keep pushing boundaries—figuring out how much disrespect they can get away with, how much they can demand, how much they can complain. To them, it's just testing limits, but they don't realize that their actions get on people's nerves."

If they kept pushing, eventually, a pioneer would snap. The result would be a bloodbath, like what happened during the last leader's election.

"Sure, they'd be obedient to us afterward. But what good would that do? It'd be after a massacre. Do you want to regret not making an example of a few of them at the start, after dozens have already died?" Justin asked.

"Do you really think it could come to that...?" Nathan seemed uneasy.

"I'd handle it that way," Derek spoke up, crossing his arms.

Nathan looked at Derek, startled by his bluntness.

Derek continued, unfazed. "I've got the power, and there are no laws. Why shouldn't I do it? If a civilian acts like a jerk to me, I'll smash their skull in—whether they're a father, a beloved child, whatever. If they cross me, they die."

"...!"

Nathan lowered his head, seemingly understanding something from Derek's words. Rachel sighed, nodding in agreement but clearly troubled by the situation.

"But we can't keep things like this forever. If people think there's no hope at all, some of them will definitely resort to suicide, and that'll just worsen the atmosphere," Rachel said.

"I know. That's why we need to establish the hierarchy quickly. If we do it now, there won't be much resistance," Justin responded.

Right now, pioneers had the power to act worse than any noble. If they established the hierarchy and introduced duties, limitations, and laws, not only would there be no resistance—they might even be welcomed.

"The reason the civilians keep crossing boundaries is that there are no clear lines. Once we draw those lines, there won't be any reason for conflict."

If someone still tried to cross those lines, there would be no issue with simply getting rid of them. In a situation where boundaries were clearly drawn, any defiance would be seen as an individual's transgression, not an uprising of all civilians.

"So, let's establish some basic laws quickly. We've been through enough extremes—don't you want to live in a village with a pleasant atmosphere, where we're properly treated?" Justin's words made his companions' eyes sparkle with anticipation, and he, too, couldn't hide his smile.

To create laws, to establish a hierarchy, and to rule above it—that very act stirred something within them.

"Gather around! There's an important announcement!"

The next morning, Justin called the people to the center of the village. Though they had the lifeless look of those who had lost hope, they gathered as instructed. Some women trembled like aspen leaves, likely recalling their dirty and cruel former leader.

Once everyone was gathered, Justin unfolded the paper in his hand.

"Can't believe it took a whole day just to come up with this."

The paper contained the basic laws they had spent an entire day drafting. It wasn't much, but it had been a considerable struggle to create. None of them had any real legal knowledge, and they had been all too good at thinking of ways to exploit each rule. In the end, they had made and discarded countless drafts until only these few provisions remained.

Justin looked around at the crowd and raised his voice.

"Listen up! Today, I'm announcing the laws that will govern this territory!"

"Laws...?"

"These apply not only to civilians but also to pioneers! Pay attention so you don't break them and end up punished!"

The civilians looked confused, as if wondering what laws meant in a place where pioneers were already the law. Justin ignored their reactions and began reading out the provisions.

"First, this territory is hierarchical, and only nobles have the right to participate in government. First, the title of the ruler of the territory is 'Lord.'"

The early provisions dealt with the establishment of a hierarchy. In summary, the main points were:

A hierarchical system would be implemented, and people would have distinct ranks.Civilians would be commoners, pioneers would be nobles, and a slave rank would be established as a precaution.The title of the leader would be "Lord," and they must be addressed as "Lordship."All other nobles were to be addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am."Civilians were required to bow deeply in greeting when they saw a noble.Commoners who acted rudely towards a noble could be reported to the Lord for punishment.Both civilians and pioneers were required to pay 10% of their total earnings as tax.

These were laws that would likely cause an uproar if announced in Zachary's territory. But the civilians here remained indifferent even as they heard the provisions. They seemed to think that nothing mattered anymore now that it was all over.

With a faint smile, Justin began reading the latter part of the laws.

"First, all civilians are the Lord's property, and anyone who harms them without reason will be charged with property damage."

"...?"

The civilians blinked, lifting their heads. It was as if they were asking if they had heard correctly.

"First, killing a civilian without cause will be treated as treason against the Lord. First, any extortion will be punished by a fine of three times the amount taken, payable to the Lord. First, any surplus earnings after taxes will be considered personal property."

"...!"

Hope began to appear in the eyes of the people who had been in despair. They focused intently on Justin's words, wondering if they had heard right.

These were all laws protecting the rights of civilians. The civilians, who had been convinced they'd live like slaves, now shed tears of hope.

"...Lastly, the Lord stands above the law, and the law can be changed at any time according to the Lord's will. That's all!"

Justin folded the paper and looked around at the civilians. There was a silence so deep you could hear a pin drop. Then someone mumbled.

"L-Long live the Lord."

It was a weak mumble, but it seemed to wake everyone up, and they began to shout.

"Long live the Lord! Long live the Lord!"

"Long live the Lord! Long live the Lord!"

Cheers of "long live" poured out from all around. Justin knew why—they wanted to make a good impression since he stood above the law and could change it at will. Even so, the cheers felt quite satisfying.

"Well then, that's the foundation laid."

No longer a society ruled by brute force but a structured hierarchical state—Justin had just taken the first step.

A noble upper class had been established, and titles like "Lord" and "Sir" had been introduced. Commoners were now required to bow when they encountered nobles. Though infrastructure was still lacking, that could gradually be built with tax revenue.

The pioneers might be unhappy with paying taxes, but could they really leave the territory and part ways with him after becoming nobles?

After experiencing the privilege of ruling as the "upper class" in a stable society rather than one governed by violence and chaos?

With a faint smile, Justin looked in the direction of the neighboring territory where he used to stay.