Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 112 The trial

They continued exploring the city afterward. The city was so vast that there wasn't enough time to see everything within the limited time they had. Especially the castle, which was so far away that they had to exclude it from their exploration.

'The castle is the part I'm most curious about,' Justin thought. Though he was disappointed, he pushed the thought aside for now.

The castle was not only the lord's residence but also the place with the most secrets. Given enough time, the pioneers could have explored every corner of its interior. But considering that those who failed the trials would become their enemies, revealing too much to the winner would be a disastrous mistake. The current level of openness, just enough for the guests to grasp, was the perfect amount.

'More importantly, if the castle had been fully revealed, we would have constantly run into our competitors,' Justin thought.

As the Dark Elf had mentioned at the beginning, they weren't the only ones exploring the city. Along the way, they had encountered other pioneers two or three times.

"Who are they?!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Damn it! Get your weapons ready!"

Each time, the pioneers were startled, preparing for battle. But the Dark Elf appeared and shouted at both sides.

"No personal fights within the city! Both sides, stand down!"

Additionally, there was a rule that if anyone initiated a fight, the side that attacked first would be disqualified. Upon hearing this, the would-be attackers quickly stowed their weapons, looking shaken. Some of them glared at Justin's group in silent hostility, while others sighed in relief and headed off in different directions.

Among the people they encountered was someone they had crossed paths with recently.

"Wait, you... why are you here?" a familiar voice called out.

"Who are you again?" Justin asked, pretending not to remember.

"It's Emily! You saw me just a few hours ago!"

"I'm joking. Relax," Justin replied, making Emily's brow twitch with annoyance.

Emily was the leader of a group that had tried to corner Grayson and force him into elimination. When things had gotten bloody, she had backed off, but who would've thought they'd run into her here?

"What a coincidence, huh? Even though this is a Dark Elves' city, it's not the only one out there," Justin remarked casually.

"That's what I was going to say! Out of all the cities, why did it have to be this one?!" Emily fumed.

It was likely because they were both from the same cultural background—Korean. The system probably grouped them together to compete. Though Justin had no intention of explaining that to her.

"Well, it's fate, I guess. Good luck with the trial," Justin said with a smirk.

"...!?"

The unexpected nature of the test left everyone wide-eyed and speechless.

As silence dragged on, the Dark Elf spoke again.

"What's the problem? I said as long as everyone but the sacrifice agrees, it's fine."

Despite her clarification, no leader stepped forward to name a sacrifice. Of course, they wouldn't. After all, the only ones present were pioneers. Maybe if they had civilians in their group, they'd consider it, but sacrificing such valuable members was out of the question.

Moreover, the other pioneers were watching.

'Anyone who sacrifices one of their own would instantly create the fear that the same could happen to them,' Justin thought. Even if they chose a pioneer who wasn't well-liked, the act of offering up one of their own would leave a lasting impression. No reasonable leader, no matter how greedy, would volunteer for this trial.

"No one? Then I suppose the first trial will—"

"No, I have someone."

Before the Dark Elf could finish her sentence, Justin stepped forward. The other pioneers were shocked, but no one was more surprised than his own team.

"Justin!?"

"Sir!"

"W-What are you doing, my lord!?"

Ignoring the panicked cries of his companions, Justin approached the Dark Elf. Though she tried to maintain her composure, she seemed genuinely surprised by his actions.

"One thing I need to confirm. Can the sacrifice be anyone, as long as they are in my group?"

"...Yes. As long as everyone but the sacrifice agrees."

"So it really can be anyone? As long as they're under my command?"

"That's right. Why do you keep asking?" The Dark Elf's gaze was filled with suspicion as she watched Justin's persistent questions.

Grinning, Justin raised his voice.

"Summon Imp!"