Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

"Once fear sets in, it's over," Justin concluded. "Even if they had the skill, they wouldn't be able to use it. But Derek is different."

"Because he knows he's stronger?" Rachel asked.

"Exactly."

"There's that, but there's also the fact that it's a one-on-one fight," Justin continued thoughtfully. "Up until now, we've never faced an enemy with superior numbers."

His group had always relied on a small but elite force. Justin's overwhelming firepower had been enough to handle most situations. They had never relied on sheer numbers to win—something rare for most pioneers, who often sacrificed experience points for the safety of larger groups.

"For most of these guys, this is probably their first time fighting alone. They're used to fighting as a group, but for Derek, this is perfect. He doesn't have to worry about anyone else—he can focus on just one opponent."

Rachel's eyes lit up in realization. "Ah, I see!"

With physical superiority and a calm mind, Derek had no reason to lose. Especially when his opponent was already at a disadvantage both mentally and physically.

As their conversation wrapped up, Derek approached, a casual shrug of his shoulders. "Another forfeit."

"How many now?" Justin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Twenty-five," Derek replied with a grin.

Justin looked around at the other pioneers. Derek had amassed the highest number of victories, and his lead was now too large to overturn. Justin's gaze settled on the Dark Elf, who stood watching with a faint smile on her lips.

"There's no point in continuing these duels," the Dark Elf said, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Do you all agree?"

The silence from the other leaders was answer enough.

"I'll take that as a yes. The winner of the second trial has been decided. The duels are over—you may all step back," the Dark Elf announced.

As the declaration of Derek's victory echoed through the arena, the other leaders clenched their fists, their frustration palpable.

After the announcement of the winner, the leaders glared at the Dark Elf, their eyes demanding the details of the next trial. Justin could sense their impatience.

'Of course they're anxious. I've won the first two trials.'

They were clearly eager to win the next one, hoping to close the gap and prevent Justin's team from pulling too far ahead. There were still more trials left, so there was always a chance for them to catch up—or so they thought.

But Justin noticed something strange in the Dark Elf's demeanor. She didn't seem interested in continuing for much longer.

"The next trial will be the last," the Dark Elf announced.

"What!? Only three trials?!"

Shocked protests erupted from all sides. Three trials were far fewer than anyone had expected. The leaders' disbelief and anger were plain on their faces, but the Dark Elf simply scoffed at their outrage.

"In my original plan, there were going to be several more trials."

"Then why stop now?!"

"But as I watched this competition unfold, I realized something. How seriously do you all plan to take these trials? Or would you prefer to set up your own little rules and games to save your lives?"

"...!"

In other words, she was telling them that their tricks and cowardice had ruined the competition. Since they weren't playing by the rules she had intended, she had decided to end it with a grand finale.

"Of course, there will still be a chance for an upset. The final trial will allow you to earn a large number of points."

Excited murmurs spread through the crowd as the Dark Elf's words sank in.

Justin's eyes narrowed as he observed the reactions. So, they were still hoping to turn the tables in the last trial.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Dark Elf smiled, seeming to enjoy the renewed hope of the leaders, before adding, "And don't worry, the winner of the previous trials will receive extra points."

"How many points are we talking about?" Justin asked, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of authority.

"Enough that it will be almost impossible to overturn," she said with a sly smile.

With a snap of her fingers, a holographic map appeared before the pioneers, showing the terrain surrounding the castle. Justin and the others studied the image closely. The map depicted an area about 3 kilometers around the castle.

"As you can see, this is the area surrounding the castle. I've hidden markers throughout this territory," the Dark Elf explained.

Suddenly, glowing yellow dots began to appear on the map—thirteen in total, scattered across various locations.

"Do you see those lights? Those are the markers I've hidden. The goal is simple: collect as many markers as you can. The one who gathers the most markers will be the final victor."

The leaders' faces brightened. A scavenger hunt for the final trial didn't sound as bloody or brutal as the earlier duels. But their optimism was short-lived.

The Dark Elf's smile widened as she added, "The markers will be automatically bound to the leader of the group that finds them. Once it's in your inventory, it can't be removed or dropped. If you want to steal someone else's marker, you'll have to kill them."

"...!"

"And there's more. You can't hide once you've collected a marker. The location of anyone holding a marker will be visible to everyone else."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the arena shifted. Justin could feel the tension rising as the reality of the situation sank in. The moment anyone collected a marker, they would become prey.

As the panic began to spread, the Dark Elf's gaze settled on Justin and his group.

"And as for you—you who passed both trials—you'll be considered to have already collected six markers. Of course, this is only a consideration, so your position won't be revealed. The moment you collect your first marker, your total will become seven."

"Damn it!"

Several pioneers cursed aloud. If no single faction managed to gather at least half of the remaining markers, Justin and his team would win without having to do anything.

Justin smiled, pleased with the bonus points he'd earned. "Sounds good. I have no complaints."

"Excellent. Then let the final trial begin."

With a final snap of her fingers, the Dark Elf signaled the start of the trial. Just as the light enveloped them, one of the leaders shouted in desperation.

"Kill him first!"

"...!"

Even as their bodies were engulfed in light, Justin could feel the murderous stares from every direction. It seemed that, just like in the earlier duels, the other pioneers had silently agreed to target his team first.

Before Justin could respond, the white light swallowed the entire group.

"That bastard."

Justin stood on a hillside, narrowing his eyes as he looked up at the sky. The entire situation had escalated quickly. That leader's shout had thrown fuel on the fire.

But the fool had made one crucial mistake.

'Kill me first? How laughable.'

Did they really think Justin would play the role of prey?

No, now that they had declared their intentions, the tables would have to turn. He'd make sure of it.

"Lord Justin! What about the shout from before...?" Zachary asked, his face pale with concern.

Before Zachary could finish, Justin's cold voice cut through the air.

"From now on."

"Yes, my lord?" Zachary asked, blinking in confusion.

"Search the area. Forget the markers. Find the other pioneers first," Justin ordered, his gaze hard and unyielding as he scanned the horizon.

"Why should we ignore the markers...?"

"Why?" Justin's eyes gleamed with deadly intent as he looked over the ridge. "Because we're going to wipe them all out."