Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 53: Unspoken Tensions

The two civilians seemed to have lost their sanity from excessive fear. Just as the pioneer grinned coldly and reached to grab the woman's hair—

"That's enough," Rachel intervened, unable to watch any longer.

"Who the hell... Oh, it's you?" The pioneer turned back, annoyed, but his expression softened when he saw Rachel.

However, Rachel's stern expression did not change.

"What is it this time? Did they insult you or something?"

"No, but they didn't meet their mana stone quota today. They were two stones short!"

"...Just for that?" Rachel asked.

"Just for that. Why?" The pioneer raised his chin, acting as if it was nothing.

Before Rachel could say anything in response to his attitude, the woman grabbed her leg, pleading desperately.

"Miss, please save us! Please save my husband!"

The woman looked at Rachel as if she were a savior in the middle of hell.

"He didn't do it on purpose, miss! Please, please talk to him! Please, miss!"

Miss.

Normally, it was a term used to address a young woman, but here, the nuance was different. It was the kind of honorific used by someone of low status addressing someone noble. There was no mistaking the tone of submission embedded in her voice.

When Rachel looked down at the woman, she felt a bitter taste in her mouth.

"...!"

"...!"

Their eyes widened.

Just as Rachel remembered the woman, the woman also recognized Rachel. She was one of the people who had blocked Rachel and her companions when they tried to use the shop before. Back then, they hadn't even understood the concept of levels and had demanded the same amount of mana stones as the other pioneers.

"Not enough mana stones because of low level? That's obviously a lie! They're just stashing them away to use for themselves!"

That single comment had caused everyone to rise like a swarm of bees and vilify Rachel.

The sympathy Rachel had been feeling quickly vanished at the vivid memory.

As Rachel's expression changed, the woman began trembling, desperately clasping her hands together.

"M-Miss, I was wrong. I mean, back then...!"

"Get lost," Rachel said, pushing away the woman's hands before turning her back.

She had no intention of interfering any further.

A few moments later, screams came from behind.

"You think you can ignore me? If you're gonna beg, beg me, not her!"

"P-Please forgive us...!"

"Forget it. Let's say your husband dies today."

"No! Nooo! Aaaah!"

Thud!

Rachel paused for a moment at the sound behind her. But it was only a moment. She let out a small sigh and continued walking.

How did things end up like this?

After sending her exhausted companions back, Rachel headed somewhere alone. Fortunately, the person she was looking for was staying quietly at home.

"What is it? Rachel? What's gotten into you?" A rough-looking man came out, scratching his head.

It was Chad, a pioneer and the current leader of the village.

Rachel started to speak but frowned when she heard a woman's sobbing from inside. She had a good idea of what had happened.

Chad, however, looked brazenly unfazed.

"You usually don't even want to see my face. What's up?" Chad asked.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important. Something happened, so I came."

"What is it?" he asked.

"I met an acquaintance from another safe zone."

Chad's expression immediately changed. The laid-back look disappeared, replaced by sharp eyes, like those of a predator.

"Explain in detail."

"It happened while we were hunting today..." Rachel began explaining.

How they had almost died after being sent to the gnoll territory because of their idiotic former leader. How they were saved by someone she knew from the previous world. And how that person had offered to help them level up.

After hearing the entire story, Chad let out a skeptical laugh.

"Level 20? Does that make sense? Is it a lie?"

"He's not the type to lie. Besides, his stats were that strong."

"How strong are we talking?" Chad asked.

"One Magic Missile blew away half a gnoll's head."

"...!"

Chadn's expression turned serious. If that was true, they had no chance against him. To think that someone so powerful was nearby—had they met as enemies, it would have been terrifying.

After pondering for a moment, Chad eyed Rachel suspiciously.

"But why are you telling me this? Were we ever that close?"

"Close? Not even remotely. I'm just telling you so you won't misunderstand if we cross paths. I heard you're planning to move your hunting grounds to the gnoll habitat soon?"

"Yeah, that was the plan. I was thinking of going tomorrow."

"If you see us while hunting, don't interrogate us or start a fight. He's genuinely helping us out of goodwill."

"Hmm."

Chad nodded. In short, she didn't want to be suspected of collaborating. Fair enough. Besides, it wasn't a bad thing for Rachel to grow stronger. They weren't on good personal terms, but they were still fellow pioneers.

However, there was one thing that concerned him.

"Just to be sure, you're not thinking of moving over to his side, right?" Chad asked.

"Of course not. If anything, it seemed like he wanted to come over here," Rachel replied.

"What? Really? Why?"

"Though it's not as bad as our territory used to be, the civilians on his side are still pretty messed up."

That one sentence made everything clear to Chad. It made sense that he would want to leave if the weaklings were acting up like that. If their side got stronger, and there was even a possibility of a strong pioneer joining them...

A faint smile formed on Chad's lips.

"In that case, we understand. We understand perfectly. I've always thought your level was low compared to your skills, so take this chance to level up quickly."

"I plan to. Don't forget to let everyone else know. I don't want any fights breaking out if we run into each other."

"Of course. I'll let everyone know today, so don't worry."

Rachel felt a sense of relief at Chad's positive response. Now, if they happened to run into each other, it wouldn't be suspicious. They had a few days to have a relaxed conversation.

After their conversation ended, Rachel left with a light step. The smile on Chad's face quickly faded, replaced by a cold expression.

"But still, just in case, I should have a backup plan," Chad muttered.

He knew Rachel had been discontented with the current situation. The only reason she had kept her mouth shut and stayed until now was simple: she had no other choice. But now a new option had appeared before her. The mere possibility of a choice was the problem, even before considering the chance of her actually switching sides.

Scratching his backside, Chad mumbled to himself.

"I should talk to Rodri. Where does that idiot live again...?"