Apocalypse King System -
Chapter 211 211: Ma Quan
Meanwhile, inside the base, Ma Quan was discussing matters with several subordinates over a map. A soldier hurriedly entered, "Captain, Zhang Jianxiong and that Wu Junwen are causing trouble again..."
"What? Do they really think I wouldn't dare to kill?" Ma Quan's eyebrows raised, and he slammed the table fiercely.
"Let's go, take me to see what those two are up to, see what tricks they are playing this time," Ma Quan told his soldier.
The group followed the soldier's footsteps and arrived at an underground arena in a residential area.
"Everyone, my brothers, I, Old Wu, used to be a soldier too, and I consider myself as having brotherhood with you all. I dare to say, Captain Ma says he wants to attack the North City's grain depot to alleviate the food shortage in the base. But think about it, from here to the depot, it's a full ten kilometers, not to mention the countless zombies waiting..."
"Even if we miraculously make it to the depot and succeed, how are we going to transport the food back? This kind of action is too dangerous. Do you brothers want to risk your lives to get food, while the others in the base just sit around waiting for us to distribute food to them? Are you willing to do that?"
From a distance, Ma Quan could hear Wu Junwen's familiar yet irritating voice, inciting his soldiers and some police officers.
"Wu Junwen, what are you doing? Get down here!" Ma Quan stepped forward, shouted loudly, startling Wu Junwen, who was standing on a platform.
"Haha, turns out Captain Ma is here, perfect timing. Let me tell everyone, why are we risking so much to attack that grain depot?" Wu Junwen chuckled and jumped down from the platform.
Ma Quan looked at Wu Junwen with disgust. This guy was rumored to be a real estate tycoon before the apocalypse, worth over ten billion, self-made man who spoke whatever suited the situation. He excelled at manipulating people's emotions.
Ma Quan disliked Wu Junwen because not only did this guy meddle in his actual actions, but he also rallied a group of others in the base against him, competing for power and influence, making Ma Quan's every move difficult.
Even though Ma Quan controlled the majority of the military force in the base, an entire battalion of soldiers, a combat unit of 500 men, during the establishment of the base, there were others who contributed, with figures like Wu Junwen and Zhang Jianxiong being prominent.
Speaking of Zhang Jianxiong, this man was no simple character. He used to be the underworld boss in the northern suburbs of Shanghai. He had been in and out of prison several times, a burly and rough figure. Still, he was extremely skilled at playing both sides, with nearly a hundred gangsters under his command. Together with Wu Junwen, they joined forces to compete with Ma Quan for control within the base.
"Get lost, do I need to explain myself to you?" Ma Quan looked at Wu Junwen with complete disgust, not bothering to hide his revulsion. His straightforward military background made him intolerant of Wu Junwen's cunning ways.
"Haha... Hahaha, since Captain Ma doesn't want to explain, I guess I'll have to talk to your soldiers!" Wu Junwen laughed dryly and addressed the hundreds of soldiers below.
Ma Quan's expression changed. He could ignore Wu Junwen, but the soldiers below were his comrades, fellow warriors who had fought alongside him. Many of them bore various injuries from previous battles against zombies. Some soldiers had been scratched or bitten by zombies, and to prevent infection, they had chosen to amputate entire limbs.
"I know this mission is very dangerous, but we have no choice. The supplies in the base are running out, and people are starving to death every day. Can you bear to watch this happen?" Ma Quan sighed, reluctant to take such a huge risk unless absolutely necessary. "If you're willing to trust me, I, Ma Quan, will lead from the front in this battle and ensure victory."
However, after Ma Quan's words, a wave of murmurs emerged from below. It was evident that his words did not satisfy everyone.
Feeling somewhat helpless, Ma Quan understood that these people were just a small force evacuated from the Magic Capital Military Region. They were scattered from the main force and were forced to stay here, facing various complex issues in the base every day. Considering their limited manpower, what he had achieved so far was commendable.
Ma Quan cast a resentful glance at Wu Junwen and Zhang Jianxiong. If it weren't for these two dragging them down, he might have already planned the attack on the grain depot in the northern city zone long ago. How could it be that the plan was only being set now?
"If everything goes as planned, the operational plan will be announced tomorrow morning. You can all disperse now," Ma Quan said. Hearing this, the soldiers dispersed in small groups.
Ma Quan frowned as he watched the scene. The population in the base was not small, but a significant portion of his soldiers was used to maintain the base's operation and conduct daily searches for supplies. Only a small number could be spared for combat.
"Captain, those two bastards are obviously up to no good. They're constantly inciting others in the base, trying to seize power. This time, they even want you to abandon the plan to attack the grain depot. Why don't we just arrest them to prevent further trouble?" After Wu Junwen and his companion left, Ma Quan's security guard expressed discontent.
"Sergeant, those two useless guys do nothing in the base, just lazy around and contribute nothing. What's the point of keeping them?" Several soldiers nearby couldn't help but discuss.
"Sigh, I know it all too well. It's just that the base is already unstable. If I lay hands on them now, it might cause chaos in the base. We can't take such a risk," Ma Quan shook his head.
The soldiers exchanged glances and didn't dare to persuade further. In troubled times, strict measures were needed. Keeping Wu Junwen and Zhang Jianxiong around as dead weight would only slow down the development of the entire base.
Ma Quan was well aware that Wu Junwen and his companion wanted to contest control over the base, aiming to dominate the entire gathering place. However, he was cautious because both of them had a considerable number of followers, and dealing with them might trigger chaos in the base. On the other hand, Ma Quan believed that as long as he firmly held the military power, he could ensure absolute control over the base.
To guarantee the smooth implementation of tomorrow's plan to attack the grain depot, Ma Quan had to make some concessions. He chose not to take action against Wu Junwen and Zhang Jianxiong, as his temperament would not allow these two hindrances to escape punishment during a critical moment.
"Alright, go summon the other platoon leaders. Let's discuss tomorrow's plan to attack the grain depot. We must ensure everything goes smoothly," Ma Quan instructed his soldiers.
On the other side, Wu Junwen and Zhang Jianxiong were discussing something in an underground chamber.
"I have to say, you must be aware of it. The expression on that guy Ma's face today probably means he's itching to execute you," Zhang Jianxiong smirked at Wu Junwen.
"Humph... You think I can't see it? If I'm not mistaken, after the successful attack on the grain depot, the food crisis in the base will be immediately resolved. That guy Ma probably wants to deal with the two of us," Wu Junwen sneered, turning the tables on Zhang Jianxiong.
Zhang Jianxiong's face changed. He wasn't a fool; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to manipulate situations to his advantage until now. The reason Ma Quan hadn't taken action against them was to avoid causing chaos in the base. Once the crisis with the food depot was resolved, they would become the biggest threat.
"What do you suggest we do then? We can't just sit around and wait to be slaughtered. If you were in my shoes, you wouldn't want to play the role of an ordinary survivor either!" Zhang Jianxiong stared at Wu Junwen with a fierce expression.
Wu Junwen fell silent for a moment. "In this post-apocalyptic world, it's dangerous. There's a chance we might die, whether it's you or me. So why can't it be Mr. Ma?"
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