Chapter 769: Bad Luck and Good Luck, General Faustinos Story of Survival (1/2)

Day  162 - 11:01 AM - New Infanta Settlement, Infanta, Province of Quezon

Major Bautista was extremely worried about the reaction of the soldiers. Thus, following the direction given by 1st Lieutenant Baller, they went straight to the current military encampment at the south of the settlement.

”I don't think that it's the worst situation yet.” Mark suddenly spoke as he walked side by side with the Major. ”If it is Jones that is standing as a proxy, it means he's still receiving orders from General Faustino. I don't think that the crocodiles will allow a mercenary to replace the General it isn't.”

With a sigh, Major Bautista nodded. Although Mark did not seem to be trying to console him, he was stating facts.

If General Faustino certainly was in an unrecoverable state, those crocodiles would be racing on which puppet would take the reigns of the military.

With those thoughts in mind, the group continued walking. Karlene was staying quiet this time and was not pulling any childish antics. In the least, she could read the mood of her father. On the side, Karla was curiously looking around the surroundings while holding onto Mark's hand. Chaflar followed behind the group like an obedient dog. Lastly, Spera, who was still on Chaflar's back, watching the surroundings meticulously.

By the time they arrived near the clusters of tents, soldiers were already waiting for the group. In the lead was Jones Galley, who was now standing as the General's proxy.

It was not surprising since Chaflar could be seen in the sky as he landed no matter where a person was in the settlement.

If Chaflar appeared, Mark and his group should be there. And if they were safe, then it was also likely for the people that left with Mark the last time he came here.

Seeing Major Bautista walking beside Mark, the expression of relief floated in the faces of the soldiers. It was undeniable that among the high-ranking officers of the military in this settlement, Major Bautista was the most popular. He was a good-natured soldier and a responsible superior. Not to mention that his daughter was an actress back before the apocalypse began. This fact added to his popularity even from the refugees that knew about it.

Even Jones had an amicable relationship with the Major as he welcomed the latter with a brotherly hug.

”Good to see you back, Alfonso.”

Jones said as he tapped the Major's back.

”I can't say that I'm not happy too, but...”

Major Bautista reluctantly replied as he glanced in the destroyed surroundings of the settlement. After all, who would feel happy that everything was going fine when he left but was now destroyed with he returned.

”I can't say I don't understand you. The whole settlement got toppled to the ground. Many died and got injured. But hey, look at the bright side. We are still alive.”

Jones replied as he let go of the Major.

A positive outlook. That was what anyone needed the most in these dark times. It was not wrong to wallow in sadness and mourn the dead. But a positive outlook was what was required to continue moving forwards.

”Good to see you too.”

Jones extended his hand towards Mark while also nodding to Karlene.

With a sigh, Mark returned the gesture. He did not say anything, though, and had a grumpy look.

Thinking that Mark was displeased about something, Major Bautista pushed the topic.

”What about the General?”

Major Bautista asked.

At that question, Jones shrugged. He also did not mind Mark's attitude. It was the same every time.

”Follow me.”

The mercenary said.

They entered the settlement, or what remained of it.

Before the catastrophe, the military compound was situated in the elementary school northwest of the settlement. It was to ensure that they could respond to dangers that would come from the direction of the mountains in General Nakar.

Now, the military encampment was built in the southernmost area of the settlement. With the Agos River widened and deepened, the dangers from that direction lessened considerably.

On the other hand, the dangers from the south grew.

There was no only the infected. It was likely that the soldiers also encountered the [Mechids], as the settlement was in a flat land area. And considering how the soldiers behaved as they fought the mechanical shark in the river, they did not only fight the [Mechids] once or twice.

While walking, Karlene caught up to Mark and walked beside him.

”What's wrong?”

She asked.

Of course, Karlene would ask. Since they arrived, Mark was oozing with a ”don't talk to me” aura. His mood was still fine a few minutes ago. Even Karla was confused as she was staring at Mark, forgetting her curiosity about the surroundings.

”Just don't mind me.”

Mark let out another sigh.

Karlene became even more confused. Mark seemed to be feeling heavy for some reason.

And, of course, it was not surprising that Mark's mood would become foul and heavy.

It was because the entire settlement was oozing with negative emotions. This was the worst place for a [Empath] to be going into. The negative energies that Mark was absorbing were too heavy that his trait as a [Mutator], erasing his emotions, was lagging behind.

This atmosphere was not unexpected to a whole place devastated by a disaster. Even if many died, there were still a few thousand people living. The collective negative emotions they all had were too much for Mark to handle immediately. Furthermore, the negative emotions were continuously generated as long as the people felt remorse for their loss.

The feeling was sickening.

Mark's state made Karlene and even Spera worry. They had no idea what was going on, after all.

Soon, they arrived at the largest tent in the military encampment. It was not the largest because it was the General's quarters. It was because the tent was the infirmary.

Many injured soldiers lay on makeshift beds. There were even those that lacked beds. They could only lay down on sheets of wood and flattened cardboard boxes.

The group entered, and Jones led them to the innermost area of the tent.

There, General Faustino laid on the bed. Since a group of people entered at the same time, the General noticed them immediately. The relief on his old face was clear as he saw Major Bautista and his daughter both safe and sound.