The Snake's End

"How… how did you know…?" Aaron asked in a trembling voice.

He genuinely seemed not to understand how he had been caught. Justin smirked as he responded to Aaron's question.

"Your excuse was just too pathetic, that's how."

"What?"

"You said they spared you because there was no one to manage the territory? Does that even make sense? Once they know the location, it's as good as theirs."

The commoners couldn't leave the territory. If they tried to go outside, they'd be killed by monsters. In other words, as long as they didn't plan to leave it unattended for long, just knowing the location was enough. They could come back anytime when they were free and take over the territory.

In that process, Aaron and his group, the original owners, were unnecessary.

"And honestly, do you even manage the territory? All you do is tyranny. You're ridiculous."

"But… but the trap! They needed commoners for the trap, that's why…!" Aaron protested.