Chapter 648 - Battle at Two Fronts, The Catanduanes Settlement in Dire State (2/2)
The west side of the settlement was quite forested. It disabled the soldiers on the walls to kill at very long distances. It was not like the soldiers did not make efforts to clear this area of trees. However, they focused more on the east and north side of the settlement, where the attacks of the rebels would come from.
Fortunately, the Mutators and Evolvers did their best to hold the line below the walls. A few casualties happened because of carelessness but they were holding fine overall.
Within the shadows, a few people were also moving. Body after body, the infected died just because of a few powerful people. Unfortunately, no one could see their endeavors.
Unfortunately, the efforts of these people in the shadows were also far from enough. A few Mutators could not possibly deal with thousands of infected easily.
***
At the sky, Berrak stared below with remorse. He asked Mark for permission to help. However, although he was not denied to do so, he was told to wait.
Wait, for what? For many people to die because of him? Berrak might be abrasive, but he was not a cold-hearted person. Thinking that many people would die because he wanted to fulfill his promise made his stomach churn.
Berrak was a person who valued life, no matter what form. It was something from the teachings of his master, a requirement to be a successful Summoner. Valuing the life of his summons was one his training paid attention to. It was why despite his current state, his life being held by Mark, what made him even sadder was the sacrifice of his three summons this afternoon.
Nevertheless, the lives of people, himself included, were the most important.
From time to time, Berrak would turn to Mark. The latter was now sitting with this eyes closed. It had been like this for a few minutes already.
***
Another minute passed, the battle below was intensifying.
It became more and more worrying for the soldiers as the battle started to chip away their ammunition reserves heavily. To conserve bullets and explosives, some soldiers started to fight the infected in melee. Of course, it was not a good thing as they were more exposed to danger.
At this point, however, Mark opened his eyes.
”Found it.” He murmured as he turned to Berrak. ”Let everyone off the thunderbird first. You can start helping after that. Focus on the [Armor Types] if you can. It is those that are hindering the soldiers the most.”
Hearing those words made Berrak eager. He immediately made the Thunderbird land not far from the northern side of the settlement.
After they landed, without further ado, Berrak rode on the Thunderbird's back and flew off to battle.
”That guy is really good-hearted, isn't he?”
Pefile said, staring at the visage of the leaving Berrak.
”That's right. Or else, even with his powers, I rather not ”invite” him to join our camp.”
Mark replied, emphasizing the word ”invite” in a strange way.
”Nee, uncle. What about us?”
Emika tugged on Mark's clothes and asked.
”I will go with Mei'er. We will be dealing with that sneaky [Leader Type] at the port.” Mark replied. ”Then, you all go to the northwest forest.”
”The northwest?” Emika tilted her head. ”But that's far from the battle?”
”No, a battle will happen there soon, enough.”
Mark shook his head.
”The rebels, isn't it Boss?”
Pearl asked.
”That's right. The rebels might take advantage of this. You all will hinder them. Emika and Pefile are the best for this job since it's a forested area there. Pearl, you will detect the incoming rebels while the others deal with things while hiding. Understand it?”
Mark said, patting the heads of his two younger daughters.
”Yes.” ”Un!”
Abbygale and Miracle replied with smiles. Mark then turned to the eldest daughter.
”Iola, I leave their protection to you.”
”Please, don't worry.”
Iola replied with resolute eyes.
”Boss, what about me?”
Edzel asked.
”Go with Pefile and learn his methods. It will be of use to you in the future.”
That made Edzel confused. Nevertheless, he would follow. That command made Pefile a bit perplexed, though. He could only stare at Mark with askance. Mark did not plan to answer his eyes, though, and urged everyone to move.
In any case, Mark called Crimson, Amihan, and Chalfar to support the group.
”By the way, one last thing,” Mark said before everyone departed.
”Try not to kill any humans for now.”
”Why?”
Pefile asked.
”I just had a hunch. If you can, capture them. If not, just make them retreat.”
Everyone was confused but decided to follow his words.
And there, the group separated into two different directions with different goals.
***
At the port area, everyone was shocked as the loud caw of a gigantic bird was heard. Because the sky was dark, no one was able to see it. It was until the bird showed itself, clad with lightning.
The people thought that it was another threat and started to panic. After all, it came from an entirely different direction from the infected.
It was until, like a judgment from God, a flash of lightning befell unto the infected.