Treck was actually being over-sensitive, of course. The Alterrans were pretty respectful as long as he wasn't being an arse—which he was, by the way— but even then, they were quite civil.
For an analogy, they were more like secretaries who were tasked to hide the boss from an annoying customer. Distracting, but still respectful.
However, Trek only saw offense. Being played around by people much weaker than he was naturally triggered the arrogant man.
Treck looked at Gochi with greed, already seeing the money. This guy would sell for hundreds of gold in cities!
This… thing… though was now walking with pride, smiling, and it irked him to no end.
Trek followed him to a street with less activity, wanting to make him suffer.
While he could not attack him directly, it didn't stop him from intimidating the thing.
Anyway, even if he did do anything physical, these weaklings wouldn't dare go against them—the superior Village of Guia!
"HEY YOU!" he yelled, walking over with an arrogant smile. "What's a wild animal doing roaming around a clean place?"
Gochi paused and looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. However, he couldn't find the words to respond and Treck continued with his 'teasing'.
"Amazing how a slave like you can hold his head up," he said with a hostile laugh. "Is it thick skin no, er, thick fur?"
"Have you forgotten how you should act?" he asked. "Was this how you were raised? Shame!"
He was only using his words for now, but his tone reeked of malice—aiming to hurt.
Gochi froze in place, ears ringing. His body reacted on its own and shook in fear. This tone was something he commonly heard from Hoskle villagers and their guests.
It was usually followed by some rocks thrown or some kicks sent and— because they were slaves—they couldn't do anything about it but take everything on without a sound.
This was, of course, unless their attackers asked them to make sounds for their hearing pleasure.
This was because, while there was little hunger in this place, the sufferings and uncertainties were endless.
Having something strong like half-orcs under their feet made them feel in control of their lives again.
Treck rudely pointed at his chest, smugly poking at it. "Don't think for a moment that your life here will remain the same."
While Gochi was frozen and Treck barraged him with words, what came after were little voices, aiming to protect.
The kids came faster than the nearby adults—who lagged because they had to plan before lunging forward.
After all, although the prison would take anyone who aimed to hurt even if they hadn't caused damaged yet, they could still be dragged around and taken hostage—provided that the perpetrator was not planning on hurting the hostage yet.
It wasn't that Althea and Mathilda didn't think about implementing rules related to this, but it seemed that the rules were anchored in damage and its direct potential to do so, which was a loophole that couldn't be filled yet because there were too many implications.
For instance, if the rule against this was established, then it'd be troublesome to use rickshaws or even bicycles with passenger side cars. They also feared bringing people in case of emergencies would also be prohibited.
Anyway, all these thoughts didn't matter to the kids who bravely went forward while the adults were just about to move.
"Leave him alone!" Mimi yelled, and the others backed her up with admirable bravery. They were having their lunch break at this time, and this area was the nearest eatery outside of the school (cafeteria was scheduled to open in another week).
They had just finished eating and were taking a shortcut to school when they saw Gochi, immediately running to him (cuz he was one of their favorite big guys).
But they realized he was with another person who wasn't his partner and they were very angry when an ugly ass started to bully him.
The kids immediately jumped to his defense and this made Treck both annoyed and mocking.
"Heh… protected by little kids?" He spat, "Shame."
Fiona was especially mad. "Who are you!? Ugly! Leave Gochi alone!"
At this point even the adults around were cackling, though they were close enough to defend the kids if they had to.
Trek had to be attacked by a barrage of verbal insults, each one making him more and more livid. "YOU!"
Treck's eyes turned red. How dare these brats—mostly girls, even—insult him!!
His hands extended to grab the little brat by the neck when strong arms kept him in place. He raised his eyes to meet the inhuman orbs of gold and green.
"Alterra… is not a place for you to do whatever you want," he said, slowly tightening his grip. "The life I live… it is up to me to protect it."
Treck's eyes twitched when he realized he couldn't pull his arm back anymore!
It was only now that Treck realized that he was surrounded by the locals. He frowned and tutted, forcefully taking his hand with all his strength—only for Gochi to let go, causing him to fall down.
He gritted his teeth, feeling the mocking and laughing faces of those weaklings. However, he still had the rationality not to attack at this time, and he simply stood up and went away.
However, he was seething for every step he took, and he specifically wanted to go back and explode whenever he heard insults targeted at his back.
"Sorry Gochi you had to hear that from an ugly turd."
"We'll defend you well next time!"
"His breath is so smelly. I should've shut him up even if he didn't say anything—"
And it just got worse and they didn't bother to lower their voices.
"DAMNIT!" Treck cursed, using all his willpower not to explode, dragging his feet so he could get as far away from them as possible!
They will pay for this!!