Getting an answer from Gideon was enough to put Siver's mind at ease, even though he didn't know whether Gideon could actually help his race or not.
Still, if they truly managed to solve the problem, there was no doubt that Siver and the Lamia race would agree to the proposal of uniting the mythological races.
There was nothing more to discuss. Siver said his goodbyes to Gideon, Mitsuko, and Bian.
He made it clear that the Lamia could settle temporarily in the wolf village if they wished. However, the relationship between the two races wasn't exactly friendly, but it wasn't hostile either.
The Lamia chose to return to their swamp village and wait for Gideon and his team there.
"I told you, it's not easy to convince all of them," said Mitsuko.
Gideon gave a faint smile and nodded.
"You're right. They have different principles when it comes to humans."
"Especially the Mountain Lion race," Gideon added.
Bian chuckled softly. This was the first time he had seen Gideon looking so sour and confused. Still, he reassured Gideon that the plan to unite the mythological races would succeed.
Even so, Bian knew that uniting the mythological races would take a long and complicated process. But that was still far better than forcing them to join through threats and intimidation.
"So, what are you planning to do now?" Bian asked.
Gideon fell silent. His original plan had been to go to Mischo City to see the situation there. But today's meeting of the seven mythological races had delayed his plans for a bit.
He could handle everything by delegating tasks. Gideon had already prepared another plan to deal with the current situation. He would discuss his new plan with his team while listening to their opinions.
"I'll talk about the results of this meeting with Luke and the others. In two or three days, they'll take action."
"Alright. If you need help getting there, the forest wolf race can assist," Bian offered.
"Don't forget the Kitsune race. We can also help take care of the villagers with herbal medicine and our magic," Mitsuko added, folding her arms.
Gideon nodded. These were his trusted non-human friends, at least for now. Hearing them offer help as leaders of their races made him feel relieved and grateful.
"Thanks, my friends. Sorry to trouble you."
After parting ways with them, Gideon headed north, leaving the forest wolf village. Two men from the forest wolf race walked with him to make sure he was safe, even though they knew Gideon was stronger than both of them combined.
As they traveled along the dirt road through the forest, Gideon kept thinking about the Lamia village's problem.
'The river's polluted and it reeks… what could be causing it?'
"Gideon?" Lena called from the village gate, standing with Lyra and Luke.
Gideon turned and smiled. Lena waved at him. Since they were already close to the village, Gideon told the two wolf men they could head back. They didn't need to escort him any further.
They nodded and said goodbye before leaving Nemora village.
When Gideon reached the village gate, Lena asked him the obvious question.
"How did the meeting go?" she asked curiously.
"We should talk about it in the inn room."
Lena glanced briefly at Lyra and Luke, who both nodded in understanding.
They probably thought that the results of the seven mythological races' meeting involved important, confidential, and possibly dangerous information if overheard. Gideon was just being cautious.
He and his team entered the inn, went up to the second floor, and into his room. Luke closed the curtains, Lyra locked the door. Everything was secure.
"I met with the leaders of the seven mythological races… and their response was… bad."
"Bad? How bad?" Luke asked.
"Two races hate me, two races support me, and the other three are still undecided."
"Hmm… that's unexpected," Lena replied.
"Which races showed up?"
Gideon began recounting all the details of his experience at the meeting. He also told them about the races that had come to the wolf village.
Many of them were surprised to see Gideon, and also about how close the wolf race and the Kitsune were with him.
His story ended with the case of the Lamia race and their polluted swamp river. Luke narrowed his eyes, Lyra rubbed her chin, and Lena put her hands on her hips.
"Hmm… there are many possible causes for river pollution. On Earth, it's usually just two things: trash or factory waste," Luke explained.
"But there's no factory here. And if there is trash, it would be organic waste," Lyra replied.
"Besides, fungus and moss wouldn't pollute a river," Lena added.
"They said the source of the pollution is the ancient ruins. We have to investigate there," Gideon said.
"Put your work here on hold. Luke, Lyra, head to the wolf village and tell Bian I sent you to the Lamia village. Just do an initial observation for now," Gideon instructed.
"Take water samples. Identify any symptoms the Lamia villagers have. Pay attention to the vegetation around the river."
"Understood, Captain," Luke and Lyra replied, standing straight and saluting.
"Lena and I will go to Mischo City to observe the city and find a blacksmith who can help us," Gideon added.
"And what about the village's defense?" Luke asked.
"Let Commander Norton's elite troops handle it."
Lena nodded, and so did Luke and the others. Gideon told Luke and Lyra to take M4A1 rifles just in case they encountered enemies during their observation.
It was different for Gideon and Lena—they only carried SIG M17 pistols for self-defense. Carrying M4A1s would make them too suspicious.
"You might also want to change your clothes, Captain," Luke suggested.
"Clothes?" Gideon glanced down at the tactical shirt he was wearing. Lena was wearing the same.
"The Moko forces know our uniform pattern. Changing clothes will hide your identity."
"I have no idea where to get clothes. There's no clothing store here," Gideon replied.
"Relax. I've made a new friend here."
***
The next day.
Luke and Lyra carried out their orders. Luke handed over perimeter line duties to the village youths, while Lyra delayed her sanitation problem investigation.
Gideon had visited Commander Norton's elite troops' camp. Norton welcomed him, and they shared a drink. Gideon explained his plan, and Norton happily agreed to help.
The result? Three hundred elite soldiers arrived in the village, guarding it without intimidating the townsfolk.
Norton and Gideon would be away in the city for some time, so the troops set up camp around Nemora village.
Thanks to the clothes borrowed from Luke's new friend, Gideon was now disguised in brown slacks and a plain black shirt. Lena did the same—Silva lent her a simple dress.
Even though their outfits were different, they still carried their SIG M17 pistols concealed in their clothes—easy to access.
"Take care of yourselves," Gideon told Luke and Lyra.
"Of course. We'll be back safely."
After saying goodbye, they headed south toward the wolf village to begin their journey to the Lamia village. Gideon and Lena remained in the village, preparing to leave for Mischo City.
Norton stepped out of his tent dressed in a majestic red noble outfit, looking more like a dignified politician than a fierce commander.
"So, are you ready to go?" Norton asked.
"Who are you?" Gideon joked.
"Haha, I'm Norton Ashfield. Head of the Ashfield noble family," Norton replied.
"Nobleman, huh?" Gideon remarked.
"Mischo City isn't a big city. Don't expect to find too much there."
"I understand."
A soldier came, leading two horses for Gideon and Lena. Gideon was surprised, though not entirely, since he'd ridden a horse a few times before. But Lena…
"Wait! Can we take a carriage instead? I can't ride a horse," Lena admitted.
"Really? Alright then."
Another soldier brought over a carriage. One soldier took the role of coachman, while Norton, Gideon, and Lena sat in the back.
Once everything was ready, the carriage moved at a steady pace along the forest dirt road toward the north—toward Mischo City.