410 The Arrival at New Infanta Settlement, The Start of Edzels Quest to Find Answers (1/2)

Day 70 - 7:42 PM - New Infanta Settlement, Barangay Banugao, Infanta, Quezon

New Infanta Settlement, it was the settlement built from everyone's sweat and effort.

After the disaster of the rampaging storm and flood thirty days ago, the two different settlements in Quezon merged into one and built this safe haven together. Thus, unlike in Bay City Settlement, where the survivors mostly relied on the Military, the people here valued this place highly. The Military was not the sole protector of this place. Everyone was.

The early days were tough. The infected in nearby areas and mutated animals from across the river would attack almost every day. Everyone capable of fighting had to be ready to be called to fight at any time.

It was very fortunate for them that the animals tamed by the young miss of Salvador Family were always out to warn them of any approaching danger.

By everyone's efforts, proper walls were built around the settlement. Compared to the walls of Bay City Settlement, the walls here looked shabby.

Nevertheless, the military made sure that these walls were tall and strong enough to fend from usual dangers. Of course, they were still putting efforts to improve these walls, but since they were still gathering enough materials, they were taking it at one step at a time.

This night, however, the soldiers were up and were preparing. As there was no alarm for an emergency, the people of the settlement were confused.

Asking around, they learned that it was not a preparation for battle but to prepare for the arrival of some people.

This made the people surprised. As this place here was scoured already by most scavenging groups, they all knew that there were no other settlements nearby. Furthermore, since the military was informed about the arrival, it was very likely that the people arriving belonged to the military. Or in the least, had some relations to them.

It meant that these people actually came from far away and managed to traverse the Mutagen infected world and reach this place. That was a piece of pretty amazing news for them.

Thus, aside from the military, many people gathered for the anticipated arrival of the guests.

Past eight in the evening, the convoy finally arrived.

The bystanders were alarmed by the monster running along with the convoy. However, seeing that the soldiers were not making a move, it was very likely that the monster was not a threat. Some of them could not help but remember the Dragon incident that happened before. There were also the animals of the Salvador family.

Animals and monsters like this could possibly be tamed with the right methods. That was what they were thinking.

The gates opened soon letting the convoy enter.

Seeing some of the vehicles with strange appearances, both the people and the soldiers were surprised. It made them feel like that some groups with advance technology arrived.

The convoy was led by some military vehicles to the military compound on the western side of the settlement.

***

Mark and his group watched the scene inside the settlement as the vehicles drove through the street.

Unlike the last time, he came here, there was a lot of improvement. The farmlands were now filled with newly grown crops, there were walls around, and the devastating atmosphere the people had was gone.

It seemed that by participating in the rebuilding of the settlement from scratch, the people started to accept the current situation of the world.

Upon arriving at the military compound, the officials of the military were already waiting. Led by General Faustino, they welcomed the members of the convoy.

Mark being the commander of the convoy accepted the welcome.

\”It's good to see you again.\”

General Faustino said as he stretched his right hand towards Mark for a handshake.

Mark who still hated to do handshakes resigned to it and accepted the greeting.

\”I'm given a mission, so here I am.\”

Mark replied with a shrug. If there was no need to bring Chervil and his family here along with the soldiers and their families, Mark and his group would have gone straight to the base in the mountains.

Major Bautista, Karlene's father was also here and happily welcomed the return of his daughter. Of course, as she would still leave to join Mark's group, he was cherishing his time with his daughter.

First Lieutenant Baller and the soldiers that participated in the mission were commended by the officials too. What made every soldier here happy the most was the fact that not a single soldier was lost in this mission. It was almost like a miracle as every corner in this world now could cause death at any possible time.

\”Karlene!\”

Two voices hurriedly called out to Karlene. The two were no other than Joash and Tyson.

Joash tried to embrace Karlene. Of course, like a cat with its tail stepped on, she dodged and hid while clinging behind Mark who was nearby. This made Mark rather annoyed.

\”Your father is there, why are you hiding behind me?\”

\”Sorry, I just did it by reflex.\”

Karlene looked like a kid that did a bad thing. She really hid behind Mark without thinking. She slowly turned at Mei who was beside Mark and sighed in relief that she did not look angry as she clung behind Mark.

Joash could only step in front of Mark with an admonishing look.

\”So, it's really true, huh.\”

Joash said as his eyes landed at Mei.

Since Joash stood in front of them, Mei who was not really paying attention saw him.

\”Cousin?\”

She spoke in a confused tone while she pulled on Mark's sleeve.

It was a rather stale reunion for two relatives. Although they knew each other, they were really not close.

Joash did not mind it. He knew about the circumstances Mei had before because of her family. Seeing here being too attached to Mark and looking better than before, he had no complaints about Mei. Of course, Karlene was another thing.

\”Did you also took Karlene as your woman?\”

Joash frankly asked Mark with an annoyed look.

\”What are you talking about?\” Mark replied and turned his eyes towards Karlene. \”Can you let go already? You're giving others a wrong idea.\”

Karlene retreated slowly before running off to her father.

\”There's the answer you want.\”

Mark said to Joash who was now scratching his head.

\”I know, I've been rude, but you don't have to be that harsh on Karlene.\”

Joash already understood that Mark had no interest in Karlene. Of course, he felt a bit troubled seeing the person he liked being reprimanded that way. It was also partly his fault so he became rather guilty.