291 Picking Up the Package, The Bad Karma of A Certain Girl (1/2)
Day 44 – 6:55 AM – Mount Malabito, General Nakar, Quezon
At the sky above the foot of the mountain northeast of the Mountain Base, a dragon flew with several people on its back. Of course, it was Chaflar who was serving as Mark's transport. With the dragon around, it became easier for Mark to traverse the distance that should have taken longer and harder.
Since the base was at the slightly flatter area southeast part of Mount Malabito, it would normally take several hours just to hike down the mountain towards Agos River and go up the mountain range on the other side to reach Marikina-Infanta Highway. From the highway, walking towards the new location of the Military Settlement would take several more hours. Not to mention the dangers that they would encounter on foot.
Mark had already brought back the motorcycles he hid after eliminating the outlaws but he had yet to find a place to park the vehicles near the road. Right now, their priority was developing the base and structures all the way outside would have to wait for a while.
On Chaflar's back, everyone sat neatly. A comfortable saddle had already been made on the dragon's back which enabled five adults to ride. Chaflar's back was quite wider than the area of its shoulders. Due to that, the saddle was positioned in one, one, two and one seating order. Not to mention that the saddle was connected to a carrier under Chaflar that could hold quite an amount of baggage.
The first seat was occupied by Mark and Miracle sat in front on him. Karlene occupied the second seat while Edzel was on the right seat behind Karlene. The two remaining seats were occupied by the bags Mark brought that should not be put under Chaflar for many reasons. Of course, Amihan was on Mark's shoulder as she controlled used her powers to remove the air resistance as Chaflar flew as fast as possible.
The morning air above the mountains was colder than the city, Karlene and Edzel still shivered even though they were already wearing jackets. Even though Amihan warded the air resistance and they could not feel any wind blowing hard, the temperature was still there.
”Don't you three feel cold at all?”
Karlene could not help but complain as she saw how Mark, Miracle and Amihan seemed to be unaffected by the cold temperature.
In response to Karlene's question, Mark opened one of the canisters beside his backpack and let Crimson out. He then handed the [Blood Child] to Karlene.
”Hold him tight and don't let him fall.”
Karlene was confused as to why Mark gave Crimson to her but when she held the [Blood Child].
”He's warm…”
She could not help but rub Crimson on her face.
Mark could feel that Crimson was troubled about this but the poor [Blood Child] could only endure. On the other hand, Mark was quite pleased with how Edzel was behaving. Edzel knew that he was still not worthy of the same treatment as Karlene had and was enduring the cold without saying anything. It made Mark want to see how long he could endure.
***
Back in the base, Edzel saw how different the people lived. They were wearing good clothes, they were well fed and everyone did not emanate the same atmosphere most people in the East Port Settlement had. The people in the base could even smile and the slaves that had already given up on living were starting to see a better future.
Seeing those things, he could not help but think.
”What if I and Pearl lived here in the first place? She wouldn't have left me then.”
He could only shake his head when that thought came and the words he heard in his ears before resurfaced.
That event was not anyone's fault but his. It was because of his weakness.
During his stay in the base, Mark left Edzel in the care of Huey and the others. He saw the abilities of the first group in Mark's base firsthand. Eagerness, that was what he felt as he watched them.
There were also times when Jollene would bring him to train and spar. Of course, he was pitifully trashed although he was physically stronger than her.
Yesterday, Hallie noticed his eyes as he watched another of Jollene's and Alana's spars. She gave him a few words.
”Jollene isn't that great before. She's even the weakest among us.”
She said which surprised him.
When he asked how she became strong, Hallie answered.
”She accepted being Mark's slave along with Huey. Along with her natural ability, she became strong with Mark's training.” Hallie then looked at him. ”You and Jollene had the same eyes before you know that? The same thirst to become strong. Mark brought you here so as long as you follow him, you'll be strong in the future.”
After saying that, Hallie left and wanted to join the spar of Jollene and Alana. However, the two refused adamantly.
It was because Hallie was already a Mutator and a rather powerful one. They said that it was because of Mark that she became one. He could not help but anticipate the future, but now, he just have to show that he was worthy of it.
***
Day 44 – 7:24 AM – Barangay Banugao, Infanta, Quezon
It did not take long and they arrived at the new settlement. They saw evolved birds along the way but they all avoided Chaflar and some even fled in fear. It made their travel even easier this time. As long as they did not encounter any infected capable of flight like giant flies or mosquitos, they should be fine.
Seeing the familiar dragon, the people of the new settlement did not create any fuss anymore. They had seen Chaflar several times this past days as Mark travelled several times for different purposes. Still, many people gathered to at least catch a glimpse of the legendary dragon that now existed before their eyes. Mark found it rather annoying though.
As he landed, General Faustino and Major Bautista were already there waiting for them. After all, this meeting was already scheduled before and was of great importance. They needed Mark to bring several things to Bay City for both development and research. Another thing was they also needed Mark to bring back a few things from Bay City, especially some of the fruits of the research there.
Normally, they could just transmit the things through radio by using encrypted messages but with the members of international organization lurking around, they could not do that anymore. Actually, the [Berserk Liquid] that the Death Valley Settlement was not only their research but they were also trying to recreate the [Regeneration Medicine] but just failed since Port of Real Settlement did not transmit any of their findings on the radio yet.
”It's good that you guys are here. I don't need to go anywhere else like your office or something.”
Mark said as he approached General Faustino.
”You don't really have anything else to do here, right? It will be better if we don't take too much of your time.”
The general replied with a smile as he personally handed three metal cases to Mark.