636 Loyal Arrogance, The Commotion at the Pier (1/2)

The pier was brimming with people. There were the ones that were waiting for the return of the boat. There were the soldiers. And some other people were also present just because the General and his entourage were here.

Having the settlement leader show himself in public was more or less like seeing a popular actor or actress in these times. This case even more in larger settlements like Bay City and this place. It was due to the fact that both the two locations were facing more dangers. There was almost no time for the leaders to show their faces in public while planning countermeasures they needed to implement while facing those dangers.

It was, specifically, the case here in Catanduanes Military Settlement. The island was large. Most places inhabited by people were built by the coast. It left the central areas of the island, the mountains, and forests, mostly untouched. Although it was where the island inhabitants rely on their needs like wild fruits, vegetables, and firewood. There was still a large number of animals and insects living there.

Now, those animals and insects posed a lot of danger to humans after they evolved. Not to mention that the island was surrounded by ocean waters, where evolved fishes might come ashore at any given time.

And there was also the rebels on the northern side of the island.

The only thing that made this place a little better was that the island was free of the infected. Well, at least, as far as they knew.

Now, the general and his entourage were actually here at the pier. Of course, some people would not pass the opportunity to see them.

Unexpectedly, as some arrogant shouting was heard, not only those that came to see the general but also those with other purposes had their attention locked on the drama.

Mei's appearance was already gathering attention, and now, Mark was too. In the worst way, though.

”Who is that guy Sir Andrew is yelling at?”

Someone in the gallery asked the person beside him.

”Don't, but the situation won't be good for him. Sir Andrew is an arrogant one, especially since he is a Mutator. The only good thing about him is he's loyal to the General.” The person replied. ”Too loyal, in fact.”

That was right. This guy called Andrew was too loyal to the General. He might be an arrogant one but the thing that would drive him angry the most was when the General was being disrespected.

As he received such unnecessary attention, Mark's mood soured. He might not have cared if it was not for this because he was sure that General Faustino stated their relation to the military. However, this guy just had to do it here.

That was why before General Padilla could even make his subordinate shut up, Mark already took a step forward.

The man called Andrew was taken aback by the sudden bombardment of questions from Mark. But even so, he thought that he was in the right here. Although he faltered a bit, he still answered arrogantly.

”Because it's us, the military, who hired you! You're just a courier! You should show respect to your superiors!”

That was what this Andrew thought. After all, it was already the norm for workers to show respect to their bosses. It was due to the fact that a single disrespect could lead the person to be fired from his job.

Mark, however, did not show a respectful attitude.

”You must have been paid to bring this package, right? For someone receiving payment, you show that kind of attitude?”

Andrew added.

”So, you are saying that someone receiving something from the military should kneel down and show respect, am I right? After all, we are just leeching off supplies from you guys while all of you did the hard work.”

Mark said with a smirk and with his eyes with a hidden red glow.

General Padilla did not see the glow in Mark's eyes, but he realized what Mark was trying to do. He attempted to stop Andrew...

Unfortunately, he was too late.

”That's right!”

Andrew replied. His voice and attitude were devoid of hesitation.

But then, he snapped out as he covered his mouth. He realized what he just said.

”What did I just...”

Andrew turned around. The glares of everyone in the gallery towards him were colder than winter.

It was already late. All Andrew could do was turn back to Mark and lash out.

”You f*cker! You did this on purpose!”

”I didn't. You did.” Mark shrugged. ”While I did receive some payment to deliver that package, I was by request. My group is not hired by anyone. General Faustino specifically requested for us to bring this package because I have some business to do here.”

Mark then stepped forward even more, almost invading the guy's private space.

”In the first place, I'm not a dog of the military. I'm not a subordinate of any of you. My group don't even live inside a settlement you guys manage. We don't leach anything from the military. What made you think that I should be bowing down in front of you people?”

”Y-you bastard!”

Andrew raised his hand about to punch Mark.

”Andrew, stop it!”

General Padilla shouted, making Andrew freeze.

”Tch.”

Mark clicked his tongue. He was waiting for his guy to attack first. Since the General finally decided to intervene, there was no way for that to happen anymore. He turned around, joining Mei and the others. Of course, not without a word of warning.

”General, we'll just roam around. Just find us if you want to receive the package already. Don't prepare accommodation for us. This dog might bark at us again if you did. Also, leash that dog. A car might hit in the middle of the road. It will be a pity if one of your loyal dogs suddenly died.”

”You bastard! Who are you calling a dog!”

Andrew roared and tried to charge at Mark, but he was restrained by the other soldiers.

”Bring him away.”

The General ordered his men to take Andrew away. He could not help but rub his temples.