Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 189 In the world of the novel

In the world of the novel, bedding from Earth is incredibly expensive. In a regular estate, just buying a few pieces would be enough to empty the warehouse. However, that only applies to lands where leadership hasn't changed and hasn't undergone integration. In a place where the number of pioneers and civilians has significantly increased through integration, there's little that can't be obtained. Especially when it's a large community formed by the integration of more than ten territories.

While it would put a lot of financial pressure on the community, preparing bedding for everyone should still be possible—assuming taxes are collected properly. So, while others might be surprised by their wealth, it shouldn't be shocking to the point of disbelief.

Yet, when Damian and his group saw the bedding, they were utterly dumbfounded, as if their basic understanding of reality had been shattered. Two possibilities came to Justin's mind from their reaction: "Either their funds are incredibly tight, or they assumed everyone else was in the same situation."

Justin suppressed a smirk. Although they were allies for now, in the end, they would be rivals for land and civilians. It wouldn't hurt to note their weaknesses. "I'll have to ask Grayson about this later," he thought. Fortunately, Grayson, who knew their situation, was already leaning towards their side. There was no need to rush; he could get more detailed information when the time was right.

"You should start preparing your camp too, right? I'm sure you don't plan on sleeping under the night dew?" Justin remarked.

"...Of course. Everyone, let's set up the tents," Damian ordered his group.

Even after hearing Damian's command, his subordinates hesitated for quite some time. It took several reminders before they finally opened their inventories. As they began pulling out items, Justin's subordinates whispered among themselves.

"What is that?" "Nonwoven fabric? Poles?"

Unlike Justin's group, who were pulling out proper bedding, Damian's group had nonwoven fabric and poles. When they fixed the poles and began draping the fabric over them, the murmurs grew louder.

"Are they really making a roof out of that fabric?" "Looks like it. Probably to keep off the night dew." "But what about the ground?" "Oh, look. They're pulling out straw mats. And blankets too."

The mats weren't modern ones but the kind you'd see in historical dramas—made from straw. The blankets, though actual cotton quilts, were too small. Unless the person was unusually short, there was no way it would cover their entire body. Even if they tried to wrap up, their feet would definitely stick out.

"...Pfft."

A faint snicker echoed throughout the campsite. Instantly, the pioneers from Damian's group, who were busy setting up their makeshift shelters, froze. The mocking tone was obvious, even to the dullest person.

"That won't do," Justin thought as he clapped his hands loudly.

"Hey, stop gawking at other people and hurry up with our tents! How long are you planning to drag this out?"

"Yes, sir!"

At Justin's scolding, his pioneers hurriedly resumed setting up their tents. When Justin glanced towards Damian's group, he noticed their faces had darkened even more.

"Good. This is exactly the right balance," Justin thought. He wanted to show a clear difference in their conditions, but not push it to the point of a complete breakdown. While it was good for Damian's group to feel frustrated with their current situation, it would be problematic if their alliance broke down entirely. It was a time to find the right balance between pushing and pulling.

Justin figured that as long as he stayed passive, things would naturally play out in his favor. People always compared themselves to others. He just needed to stand by and be ready to step in if things got too dangerous.

"Now that the sleeping arrangements are made, how about we have dinner?" Damian suggested as he approached Justin after finishing the camp setup.

Though Damian wore a forced smile, his expression was full of determination, as if he were planning to prove something this time.

"Come to think of it, food is supposed to be cheap in the Halfling city," Justin mused. "I can see where this is going."

Suppressing a chuckle, Justin nodded.

"Sure, I was just starting to get hungry."@@@@

"Great minds think alike. Let's each send a few people to keep watch while we eat..."

"No need. We've got that covered," Justin interrupted.

"Pardon?"

"You heard me. Nathan!"

"I'm on it!"

"Ah, not again!"

The screeching sound was grating, and Justin's pioneers grimaced. The rock golems moved slowly but had extremely high defense due to their stone bodies. It took forever to bring them down, even when everyone attacked at once. Not to mention, their stone bodies made their attacks incredibly dangerous, so it wasn't as simple as just hitting them repeatedly. The only way to defeat them was to exploit their slow movements, striking and retreating in a drawn-out battle. They were the kind of monsters that drove people mad.

"At least they give a lot of experience points," Justin thought, sighing internally.

"Stop complaining and start spreading out! Rachel and I will handle the two on the right. You guys take care of the two on the left!" Justin ordered.

"Can't you handle them all this time, my lord?"

"You idiots, don't you want to level up? Don't you plan on advancing to your second class? Stop talking nonsense and get into position!"

"Ugh..."

Despite their groans, Justin's pioneers quickly divided the golems among themselves. In truth, the only problem was the time and energy it took to fight them; there was no real danger. Even if something went wrong during the battle, Justin could easily step in and finish it off, just like now.

"Black Missile, Black Missile, Black Missile!"

Boom!

In quick succession, three black missiles shot from Justin's hands, hitting the rock golem dead center. The golem shattered into pieces after being struck by just those three missiles. Unless it was a mid-boss-level stone giant, there was no need for Justin, who had reached level 39, to use any enhanced skills on these regular mobs.

"Hyaah!"

Crack!

The second golem fell apart under Rachel's counterattack, a skill that was the alpha and omega of her advanced Einherjar class. The Counter Attack skill was a natural enemy to slow-moving, high-attack rock monsters. Despite their impressive defense, the rock golem couldn't withstand two hits from her counters and crumbled to the ground.

"It's over!" Rachel called out.

"Well done. Let's leave the rest to the others. And Zachary, stop holding back and attack more aggressively! You need to gain as much experience as possible!" Justin called out.

"It's... not as easy... as it sounds!" Zachary replied, panting as he struggled with one of the two golems. It was clear that he wasn't used to fighting monsters of the same level for such an extended time.

"Tch, it's going to take a while to turn him into a proper fighter," Justin muttered, shaking his head as he looked back.

Damian and his pioneers were standing a few steps back, watching the battle unfold. After a moment, Damian murmured, his face blank with astonishment.

"You're amazing."

"You've seen us fight several times already. What's there to be surprised about?" Justin responded casually.

"Even so, it's still impressive. How on earth did you train such an elite group..." Damian trailed off, stopping himself before he said too much. Referring to Justin's pioneers as "elite" was as good as admitting that his own subordinates weren't, after all.

Before Damian could stew in that thought any longer, a Hobgoblin shouted again.

"Rocks! More rocks coming this way!"

"Tch."

Unlike Justin, who clicked his tongue in mild irritation, Damian's eyes widened in alarm. As expected, two more rock golems were lumbering towards them from the other side. Before Damian could say anything, Justin lightly tapped his shoulder and spoke.

"We're short on hands. Could you take care of those two? It's just two, you can handle it, right?"

"...Of course we can!" Damian replied through gritted teeth, nodding stiffly.

It was clear from his expression that he didn't think it was fine at all.