"So, you are the runt running this settlement? I heard you were knocked out cold after the last task. How can you expect our lives to be placed in the hands of this weakling?"

Rin had no response to those accusations. But it was not because the accuser was right.

But compared to the mountain of muscle in front of him, anyone would look like a weakling. It was the kind of results one expected to see in games when all they had maxed out were their physical stats.

Rin did not give a reply but Collin decided he could not stay quiet. He decided to defend Rin on behalf of the settlement.

"Sir, being a leader needs more than physical strength. However, we will not tolerate this behavior much longer if you continue behaving like this. This is your last warning."

Collin stood firmly in front of Rin and his eyes flashed in warning. Even Rin knew this was not the time to push Collin.

But the brute did not have any survival instincts. Not only did he ignore Collin’s warning, he even shoved past him to get to Rin.

"Hey kid, what do you say? Should we compete for the leadership of this settlement? It can be you against me. What do you say?"

The brute asked Rin but his attitude did not sit well with Rin.

Rin was not one to advocate for violence, but there were times when violence was necessary. And this was such a situation.

[٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و]

[Go for it, Rookie. Show the brute who’s the boss here. You are a representative of the system, so perform well]

[Since you lack physical strength, make sure you make up for it with your weapons. The system has been a gracious senior and stored them in your inventory]

Rin grabbed the knife and slashed across the brute’s arm before he could touch Rin. The brute flinched and pulled back while grinning.

"That’s the spirit. So, I can take this as you agreeing to fight me? Then, let’s show our best here and-"

The huge man collapsed within seconds. The additional effect of his enhanced weapon had worked even better against humans than he anticipated.

’Perhaps it was a good thing I did not end up experimenting with it against other humans. This weapon could be fatal if used improperly.’

[Rookie, any weapon can be fatal.]

Rin observed his weapon and everyone else stared at Rin. Rather, they observed the unconscious brute lying beside him.

"Collin, can you have this body cleaned up?? If anyone else has the same question and wants to challenge me, submit your challenge formally. I will send someone to face you if I am busy. If no one else has a question, then I would like to head back now."

Rin went back to his office and left Collin to handle the aftermath. He did not realize until later what rumors started spreading afterward and how it changed his reputation.

’Is it only me...or are people keeping more distance from me compared to usual?’

The answer to that question came from Teressa. She grabbed her tray and immediately walked straight toward him.

"Master, I heard some rumors about your new...preferences. I am sorry that I thought of you as a normal person until now."

’Tereasa, why are you being so vague? Can’t you be a little clearer? Actually, the better question is - how did this rumor even start?’

Nobody answered him and Rin was not sure he wanted one either. So it was best if he changed the subject.

"Ah, where are Albus and Shelly? I assume Reina and Amelia are in the medical wing. What about everyone else?"

"Ah...that...Let’s say that Albus and Shelly are busy handling something. And Reina and Amelia are busy dealing with the aftermath. Not that it’s anything for you to worry about, master."

[That’s right, Rookie. Now that you have completed task 4, you should sit back and relax. Who knows when the higher ups would give you another mission, so you need to be in perfect shape to receive it.]

That quickly wiped the calm from Rin’s mind.

He did not expect the system to reply back to him anytime soon, but the system responded almost immediately.

[Rookie, you know how I told you to rest? Sorry, but plans have changed. Task 5 will begin now.]

__________

"So, how was the experiment? I heard you got kicked out before you could get any results."

"Tsk, why are you hitting me in my sore spot? What about Senior Karina? Did she hear about it? Did she see my project as well? Ugh, I might as well die if she knows about my failures"

"Don’t worry. Senior is too busy with her ’darling’ to pay us much attention. I doubt she would suddenly decide to come down to have a look...what’s with that face? Are you disappointed? Didn’t you say you would die if senior saw your failure?"

"That was...just a figure of speech. Ugh, why are you being so annoying? You’re forcing my hand but to prove myself."

"Nina, what are you thinking? I know you want Senior Katrina to recognize your efforts, but going too far would only cause trouble."

"You don’t have to worry about it. I know very well that there are boundaries I should not cross. That’s why I won’t participate in this experiment myself yet. Instead, my kids can play. Now let’s see what I can do."

[New information has been updated. A change in destiny has been notified.]

[An unscheduled uprising is taking place. Reconnecting with the main source: will take time]

[Special resistance options will be prepared. Access will be denied to team-member Nina]

[Special Punishment will be issued based on the severity of actions taken. Scanning issue...found charge as: Guilty]

[Punishment: Former team-member Nina will have to participate as the next calamity. To regain human-status, reclaim the core of the previous calamity and offer it as a substitute.]

[Time limit: task 5]

"Senior Nina, it was nice knowing you. But I am afraid this is goodbye. I hope you never make it back alive, because even if you do, the only thing waiting for you is a life of painful experiments."

"Wait, you’re seriously leaving me behind? Hey-"

[Task 5 will begin now. Please brace yourself.]