Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

They all fell silent at the voice calling from behind. It wasn't just a random shout. The voice was clearly aimed at them, specifically asking for help. After a brief pause, they exchanged glances.

"Let's just go. No need to get involved in something troublesome," one of them said.

"I was thinking the same," another agreed.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

– "No! No! Please, don't leave! Help me! Please, save me! Gah, ugh!"

As they turned their backs and started to leave, the owner of the voice seemed to have a fit. Though they tried to ignore it, the sound of desperate coughing made one of them glance back.

When they looked, a man was tumbling down the hill. Blood trailed behind him, marking a straight line every time his body hit the ground.

"Help me! Ugh, gah!" The man, despite his severe fall, managed to stand and run toward them. His entire body was covered in blood from numerous wounds.

For someone who had lost that much blood, shouldn't he have already collapsed from blood loss?

– "Where is that bastard!?"

– "There! Catch him!"

It was right as the man reached their proximity that several shadows appeared atop the hill where he had fallen. Judging by their equipment, they seemed to be pioneers just like them.

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The pursuers, out of breath, approached to capture the man, but when they noticed the group standing nearby, they hesitated for a moment.

– "Who the hell are they?"

Odd, that was exactly what they had been thinking about the newcomers. While the distant voices continued, the man finally collapsed at their feet.

"Please, save me! I beg you... Ah!" The pale-faced man crawled toward them, clinging to their legs, even as blood pooled beneath him. It was clear that he couldn't hold on any longer, as he passed out right after pleading for his life.

Justin sighed, glancing at Ethan.

"Treat him."

"Are you sure? They might turn hostile," Ethan responded cautiously.

"They've already seen us. If we leave him to die, it won't just end with 'Goodbye, have a nice day,'" Justin replied.

If they hadn't encountered the group at all, it would have been a different matter, but now that they had crossed paths, it was only a matter of time before they got dragged into a conflict. At this point, having another source of information could be useful. If the pursuers behaved politely, they might hand the man over, but if not, he could serve another purpose.

As Ethan moved forward and used his healing skills, the pursuers began to approach.

"What the hell are you guys doing?" One of the five, a bald man, marched toward them, clearly irritated by their sudden appearance.

Judging by the way they looked, it seemed that their presence had thrown the pursuers off-guard.

"Are you acquainted with this guy? Did you come here to help him?" the bald man asked.

"No. We just saw him for the first time today," Justin replied calmly.

"What? Then why are you getting involved?"

"We're not. He came to us."

The bald man sneered at their explanation, the coincidence not sitting well with him. His expression soon hardened, and he glared at them.

"Then leave the bastard and get lost. Stop meddling in someone else's business."

One of the group let out a dry laugh. "Ha."

"You think this is funny? You're making a joke out of this situation? You—"

"Your tone has been a bit short from earlier, hasn't it?" Justin responded coldly.

The moment he spoke, the rest of the group drew their weapons without hesitation. Hammers, shields, bows, and swords were raised in an instant.

The bald man faltered, stepping back at the sight of their menacing stance.

"W-what's this? You want to fight?" he stammered.

"You think we can't? If you don't want to die, speak properly," the leader warned.

"Damn it!"

Sching! The bald man unsheathed his sword in anger.

With the fight looking like it would be five versus five, it seemed like a fair match. As the group prepared to strike back, one of them noticed the weapon in the bald man's hand.

"A... dungeon reward?"

"Finally figured it out?" The bald man waved the sword proudly in the air.

Its black hilt, the intricate designs on its scabbard, and the silver blade that gleamed sharply—it was different from the regular shop-bought swords they had seen.

"You must've thought we were evenly matched in numbers, but we're a dungeon-clear party. We're on a different level from you. Now that you know, maybe—"

The bald man's words trailed off as his eyes scanned the group's gear one by one: the Devourer's Staff, the Thunder Hammer, the Shield of Exorcism. His expression shifted, as if realizing he had misjudged them.

One of them waved his staff, saying, "We've got some, too."

"..."

"Perfect timing, actually. Let's see whose dungeon rewards are better. Winner takes everything, including all your lives. What do you say?"

As if responding to his challenge, the sound of a whistle echoed, and a Pegasus appeared. Nathan, mounted on the Pegasus, rose into the air, aiming his bow at the group of pursuers.

The faces of the other pioneers lost their color as they finally understood the situation they were in.

"Hah." The only one who still smiled was the bald man.

He lowered his sword and looked directly at Justin .

"Let's talk this out, shall we, sir?"

"...."

"So, you attacked their domain and won, and this guy was running for his life?" Justin asked.

"Yes, sir!" the group of surrendered pioneers responded energetically, kneeling with their weapons discarded.

"And you were separated from your main force to deal with the remnants?"

"That's right!" they replied in unison.

Justin looked at the unconscious man in disbelief.

"Well, he's lucky. He managed to make it this far without running into any monsters."

"That's what I was saying. If he'd just died earlier, none of this would've happened in the first place—"

"I didn't ask for your opinion. Keep your mouth shut."

"Apologies!" The bald man quickly bowed his head and prostrated himself again.

Since surrendering after seeing the dungeon equipment, they had been nothing but obedient. After all, the bald man had experienced firsthand how powerful dungeon rewards were. He had likely gauged their strength, knowing they had cleared two dungeons.

It was a wise decision on his part.

"I think I've heard everything I need."

"So... can we leave now?" the bald man asked cautiously, glancing at the unconscious man on the ground.

"Yeah, you can go."

He breathed a sigh of relief but couldn't resist asking, "What do you plan to do with him?"

"We're taking him with us."

"Excuse me? What use is he to you?"

The bald man's voice was urgent, clearly expecting that they would kill the man.