Chapter 655 - As the Night Deepened, The Dispute Among the Rebel Leaders (1/2)

Day 147 - 10:21 PM - San Pedro Poblacion, Municipality of Viga, Catanduanes

A middle-sized settlement surrounded by farm fields, that was the Town of San Pedro. Back then, it was a location centered on agriculture and a place where the Municipal Hall of Viga, Catanduanes, was located.

It was located in the middle of the flatlands and was a central location between three more towns. And to say, it was a place filled with potential to be dug up.

Now, however, this place was a location that most unaffiliated people would not dare go to.

Unaffiliated to who?

Of course, the aggressive faction of the Rebels.

Being in the middle of the flat farming fields served as an advantage for the rebels. It was a strategic place that was hard to infiltrate without getting spotted.

As such, the aggressive faction took the opportunity to secure this place, turning it into their own fortress.

And to say, the aggressive faction did not dilly dally on developing this area. From walls to new buildings and training facilities, this place was packed. Although its development was slower due to lack of heavy equipment, it was not lagging behind. It might even have the most changes compared to the Codon after the outbreak started.

Unfortunately, unlike the Catanduanes Settlement that was built by combined efforts, this one was by sheer forced labor.

Almost all the previous residents of San Pedro, no, it could be even the majority of Viga, had fallen into the hands of the rebels.

Capable men were trained and drafted to the ranks of the rebels, while women and children were put to other necessary things like agriculture and crafts. As for the rest, they were the ones that were made to build the current state of the town.

But of course, not everyone would dare try to join their ranks voluntarily. Thus, those people had some of their family members held by the rebels for assurance, especially for the most capable people.

For the majority, though, they had no choice but to obey. It was not like the survivors could go somewhere else. In this place, only the fortress the rebels own was the safest place. Leaving and venturing to the mountains was suicide. It was the same for living outside.

The only good thing, however, the rebels had some line drawn that they were not crossing.

The NPA wanted a change of governance. They were not bandits. As such, they had their own laws to be obeyed. As such, no women were forced to give their bodies to the rebels. Nevertheless, it was another thing if the women decided to sell themselves for extra food and supplies.

Of course, there were some bandit minded people among the rebels. However, those that broke the laws were subjected to inhumane punishment.

Once, there was a member that molested a child. And then, ended up killing the poor girl in the process. Unfortunately for the guy, he was caught while trying to dispose of the body.

The perpetrator was then hanged n.a.k.e.d in the central plaza to be an example for everyone. His confessed deed was posted on a sigh with a small rack containing a stingray tail. Anyone was free to pick up that stingray tail to whip the criminal.

And, of course, the criminal died in that event.

That was why no one would dare break the laws at present.

Why was that? Well, it was because the leader of the aggressive faction was also a woman. That was why.

But of course, being a woman, she did not hold the authority over the whole faction.

And that was why, even though the leader seemed to be a decent person herself, a suicide attack was conducted.

The culprit for that was no other than the in-charge of their military forces. He was called Lorenzo Esperanza, going by the alias Renz.

Renz heard about what was happening a the settlement and sent some strike forces over. In fact, he had been waiting for this chance for a long time. He already deployed his army in advance and could be moved at a moment's notice.

That was why the soldiers of the rebels arrived too early during the attack at the Catanduanes Settlement. If they had to deploy their forces from the base, it might take a half-day to traverse the road, after all.

And now, Renz was spending time with his women, waiting for the good news to arrive.

While the giggles and m.o.a.ns of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e could be heard from his quarters, the messenger finally arrived.

”Sir! A message from the field had arrived.”

The messenger knocked on the door, reporting at the same time.

”Come in.”

Renz's voice was heard.

The messenger came in, only to see that Renz was still in the middle of playing with two women, unashamed that one of his men could see them.

Fortunately, it seemed that the messenger was already used to this scene and could keep his composure. He could only sigh inside as he stared at the middle-aged man playing with two decades younger girls.

”How is it? Did those the government settlement fall already?”

Renz asked, confident at the fall of the settlement. He already heard that the situation was not good at the infected's side. The soldiers of the government were having a hard time defending their walls and port. If their plan to attack succeeded, the government settlement would be destroyed. Even if it did not fall, it would be severely damaged.

Their plan was to send an assault party to ambush the walls. Of course, it was a suicide since it was only a small number of people. But that was the point. When the soldiers thought they won after killing the assault party, the actual ambush would finally start. It would send the government forces in disarray, without a doubt.

”S-Sir Renz...” The messenger stuttered as his attention was now back to the report. ”The attack had not begun...”

”What?!” Renz stopped humping in utter surprise. ”What time is it already?! Why haven't they started?!”

”W-wait, Sir!” The messenger hurriedly said. ”They already sent the assault party. B-but...”

”BUT WHAT?!”

Renz roared.

”The assault party strangely vanished after entering the forest near the government settlement.”

The messenger explained.

Renz could not help but frown. He turned to the two girls lying on his bed.

”You two, get out.”

Without saying anything, the two girls grabbed their scattered clothes and scurried out of the room, n.a.k.e.d.

Renz donned his clothes, and it seemed that he was going to take things seriously now.

”We are going to the comms center. Tell me what happened along the way.”