"Yes. You can try going to the blacksmith and asking him. They might be able to solve your problem," Mitsuko answered.
Gideon stared deeply at Mitsuko. He had asked the woman many questions because she was far more informative than the wolf elder.
She also didn't ask for much after seeing the team's capabilities—unlike the wolfkin race.
Mitsuko smiled. She pulled a wooden chair and sat down on it, still inside Lena's room. The healer who came with her had finished checking on Lena's condition and left since there was nothing else he needed to do.
She began explaining many things about blacksmiths and magic. Gideon listened while sitting, and so did Lena.
The information Mitsuko provided was all new to them. On Earth, blacksmiths were almost nonexistent since everything had become industrialized.
"All the weapons we have were made by the blacksmiths in Mischo City. We ordered them through the human village and paid a sum of money. The humans were honest and willing to work with us," Mitsuko said.
"But you might want to go to Mischo City yourselves to confirm it. It's much better to see what the blacksmiths are capable of firsthand."
"What's the connection between blacksmiths and magic? Do they use magic to make weapons?" Lena asked.
"Certain weapons, yes. But most regular weapons are made by hand."
"What kind of magic weapons?" Gideon asked.
"All sorts. Magic swords, magic bows, even explosive bombs."
"Explosive bombs?"
Gideon nodded. If what Mitsuko said was true, then the blacksmiths here were skilled enough to mix explosive materials. There was a chance they used gunpowder in their bombs.
That's the key material for a bullet—without an explosive powder that creates high-pressure gas, a projectile can't be fired. The idea opened up new thoughts in Gideon's mind.
'To ignite the gunpowder inside a bullet's casing, there needs to be a primer. Do they know about that?'Gideon wondered.
"Do you have one of those explosive bombs?" he asked.
Mitsuko shook her head. She explained that a single explosive bomb was very expensive due to how limited gunpowder was in the market. She couldn't show him one because she didn't have any.
Gideon fell silent. He didn't blame Mitsuko, but it was unfortunate—he needed solid proof about how the bomb was triggered.
If they made those bombs with the same kind of primer used in standard bullets, then the chances of replicating bullets here would be much higher.
"How much does one explosive bomb usually cost?" Lena asked.
"About one to two gold coins."
"We're broke," Lena joked.
Gideon smiled. Money? He could deal with that later. For now, he had to focus on finding someone who could help him overcome their ammo shortage.
There would be plenty of work here that could earn them money—especially with their military skills. Maybe becoming mercenaries would be the most practical solution for Gideon's team to get paid.
"What's wrong? Are you short on money?" Mitsuko asked.
Lena hated to admit it, but Mitsuko was right. Gideon's team had no money—and what little they had was a gift from Mitsuko. It wasn't nearly enough to match the price of a single bomb.
Mitsuko started thinking hard again, trying to come up with a job that suited them.
They had military training, strength, and impressive intelligence. There were many people who would need a team like Gideon's.
"Hmm… how about selling potions?"
"Potions? Like medicine?" Lena asked. Mitsuko cleared her throat.
"Yes. I heard Wiver Village is having trouble getting potions for their people. With your knowledge of herbal ingredients, you could sell potions to them."
"Since they need it badly, they might be willing to pay a high price," Mitsuko added.
"What's happening to them?"
"High fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, pale tongue."
"They call it the Red Rash Fever."
Lena stayed silent. Based on the symptoms Mitsuko described, she still couldn't confirm what disease it was. But Lena could analyze several illnesses caused by bacteria or viruses.
That's because fever is an early symptom that signals inflammation in the body. Inflammation can come from many causes, but the most common is bacteria.
It didn't surprise Lena—especially since hygiene wasn't widely practiced in remote villages. She took a mental note from her case study of the human village last night.
"Well?" Gideon asked.
"I can't say for sure yet. But I can mix an anti-inflammatory potion to reduce the fever and speed up the healing of the inflammation," Lena said.
"What about you? Got any ideas?" Lena asked.
"I was thinking about becoming a mercenary."
"But that would mean killing innocent people."
"Not completely innocent. Usually, they target people with influence and such. We can screen the missions," Gideon replied.
"What about becoming adventurers?" Mitsuko cut in.
"Adventurers?"
"Yes, doing missions assigned by the guild. If you complete them, you get paid," Mitsuko explained.
Gideon cleared his throat. There were a lot of things he and his team could do based on their skills.
But for now, he was glad to get information about blacksmiths that could help them craft more ammunition.
"I'll think about it later."
He stood up, turned to the side, and held Lena's hand. Only a few patients remained in the Kitsune village, which meant Operation Black Crown was about to begin.
With that, they could wipe out Moko's camp and start spreading rumors about the strength of Gideon's team. The more people knew, the better their chances of gaining trust and job offers.
"You rest. I'll come back later."
"Sure thing, Captain."
***
Three days later.
Wolfkin Village.
Lena and Lyra had returned from their mission at the Kitsune Village. All the patients had recovered and gone home, the medical tents were taken down, and the team said their goodbyes. Mitsuko thanked them and promised to help if they ever needed it.
Luke finished counting the inventory and handed the report to Gideon. He took the report and reviewed it carefully.
They had a total of 90 mags—or about 2,700 rounds of 5.56mm, 22 mags or about 374 rounds of 9mm, and 12 mags or around 118 rounds of .338 Norma Magnum. There were also 29 frag grenades, and around 45 smoke and flash grenades combined.
That was a huge amount for a team of only four people. The loadout was actually prepared for a twelve-person team.
That meant each person only carried 8 mags of 5.56mm, 3 mags of 9mm, 2 frag grenades, and one each for smoke and flash grenades.
That was the standard rule for a military operation.
That night, the whole team gathered at their home, dressed in full tactical military uniforms with carrier vests and belt holsters.
Each of them held their M4A1 rifles, equipped with red dot scopes and other attachments.
The carrier vests held seven spare 5.56mm mags—three in the front kangaroo pouch and four on the flanks. The belt holsters carried two spare mags on the right hip.
Everything was ready, including their helmets and night vision scopes. Lyra stood next to Gideon, ready to explain the plan in detail.
"Falcon One is the Captain and I. We'll be on the hill and carry out the execution!" Lyra said firmly, pointing at the hill near the Moko camp.
"Falcon Two is Luke and Lena. Infiltration and exfiltration. Make sure the evac route is secure," Lyra explained.
She continued breaking down each team's task. Gideon would focus on eliminating the enemy commander, while Luke would handle the distraction point after the execution. Falcon Two would face resistance, but Luke had a way to handle it.
"Plant C4 in the trees. Bring them down and block the path. Timer 90 sec."
"Got it."
"Falcon One will descend from the hill through the river gorge. We'll regroup in one hour."
"Understood," Lena and Luke replied. Gideon nodded.
"Launch the drone and start recon."
"Understood, Captain!" said Lyra.
"Mount your scopes and activate night vision!"
"Operation Black Crown begins!"