Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Chapter 28: Turning Point

"Errand boy?" Justin and Cooper exchanged glances, tilting their heads in confusion.

A sudden request for an errand boy? But as they listened to the explanation, it made sense.

"So... you're saying you'll handle all the menial tasks and errands in exchange for help leveling up?" Cooper asked.

"Yes. Would that be okay?" The student looked at them with a face full of anxiety.

Justin exchanged a look with Cooper, pretending to think about it.

"This is quite lucky."

"Absolutely."

At another time, they might have rejected such a request outright, thinking it would be a burden. But now was different. There was a role they desperately needed to fill.

"They urgently needed someone to collect the mana stones."

No matter how they put it, collecting mana stones was just grunt work. Who would enjoy cutting open monster corpses and rummaging through their hearts? It was a role that any team member would avoid. Moreover, if every member had to collect mana stones separately, it would reduce efficiency.

But here was someone who could take over the entire collection process. And since the student was in a desperate situation, they couldn't even complain.

"Ahem! Alright, I understand your request," Justin said, pretending to be calm as he cleared his throat.

Before accepting him into the team, it was best to conduct a simple interview.

"But why do you suddenly want to level up? You didn't seem to care much until now."

"Actually, I wanted to level up from the beginning, but my parents stopped me," the student explained.

"Ah, I see."

If that was the case, there wasn't much he could do. If he had rushed out, his parents would have chased after him in a panic. He would've ended up dragged back before he even tried anything—especially since he wasn't an adult yet, but a minor.

Seeing Justin's empathetic expression, the student sighed.

'Ideally, someone whose abilities are focused on vanguard work, someone we can push hard, and someone I wouldn't feel guilty about if they got hurt... Is there anyone like that?'

Justin couldn't help but chuckle at his own thoughts. Where would he find someone meeting all those perfect conditions? He had been getting lucky so far, maybe too lucky.

Just as he was reproaching himself, there was a loud cough nearby.

"Ahem! Ahem!"

Someone was approaching, coughing conspicuously. It was impossible not to notice. Justin looked up and saw a familiar face.

"Hey, do you need a warrior...?" stammered Derek, the tattooed man.

Justin blinked at Derek's hesitant words.

"Well, well, looks like we found one."

"W-what?" Derek stuttered in confusion as Justin ignored him, sizing him up. His stats were only suited for the vanguard, and Justin wouldn't feel any guilt pushing him hard. He was exactly the person they needed.

Justin smiled as he looked at Derek. "We just so happen to need a warrior."

"Oh, really? That's great! I also happen to need a team," Derek said, forgetting the past as he spoke eagerly. His tone was casual, assuming that they were the ones in need.

"Hey, let's forget the past and work well together. I admit I made a mistake back then, but..." Derek began.

"Respect," Justin cut in.

"Huh? What did you say?" Derek asked, confused.

"I said, use respectful language, idiot. Do you think we're friends? Should I cast a spell on your head the moment we step out of the safe zone?" Justin threatened.

Derek froze mid-sentence. Justin offered him an alternative.

"Listen, pig. I have a suggestion for you. Either take the role of meat shield in our team, or run into me outside someday and die. Your choice."

"..." Derek broke into a cold sweat at Justin's generous offer.