Chapter 1624: Trying Something New Investigating sounded simple when they first agreed on it, but the moment the three of them actually began, they realised they had no idea how to start, at least, not in a way that wouldn’t immediately get them caught. Gary and Lupus especially looked like two children pretending to be sneaky while clearly being anything but. Kai, on the other hand, moved differently. He wandered in certain directions on purpose, drifting casually into conversations, integrating himself into the Red Wing Werewolves’ daily routines. Kai blended into crowds the way shadows blended into the evening, so naturally it didn’t draw attention. Seeing this, Gary and Lupus exchanged awkward glances before deciding to mimic Kai’s method. If Kai was right, and he usually was, then the best way to gather information about a pack was to become part of it. Learn their routines. Their habits. Their conversations. Their worries. Their joys. Everything. There were two primary areas where the Red Wing Werewolves lived. The first was where the families stayed. Rows of small houses lined narrow streets near the main curved building. Those with wives and children were moved into these homes so they could have more space, more privacy, and a stable environment. It was a mixture of Werewolves, those who fought, those who ran shops, those who repaired weapons, and those who supported the pack in other ways. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚 The second area was for everyone else. A section of the curved building had been constructed like a massive inn, floors stacked on top of each other with rooms that stretched along long corridors. Gary compared it in his head to a modern apartment complex, though more old-fashioned, of course. The spaces were surprisingly roomy, closer to a hotel room than an apartment. Communal eating areas connected the halls, while each room offered enough privacy for any single Werewolf to sleep comfortably. It was, in many ways, far better than sleeping outside in Steve’s camp. Yet Gary couldn’t help remembering the charm of those wooden and stone houses they had once carved out for themselves. That place, chaotic as it was, still felt like home. Still felt like them. But this place… this wasn’t bad either. And Gary mentioned that repeatedly. Mostly because he kept reminding the other two that he’d been to prison before, something he would bring up whenever one of them complained about anything in the Red Wing living quarters. “At least this isn’t a cell,” he would say, every single time. It was his favourite comparison. A couple of days passed like this, blending in, talking without making it look like they were interrogating anyone, observing quiet details. Eventually, they met up one morning in the courtyard for their daily briefing, a habit they had formed. Kai groaned loudly the moment they sat down. “Those beds are as hard as a rock,” he complained. “I know they’re meant to be good for your back, but mine is already destroyed. This is just doing more damage.” Gary puffed out his chest proudly. “You think that’s hard? Try sleeping on the floor with no support at all. When I was in, ” “I know, Gary… please,” Kai said, placing a hand on Gary’s shoulder. Lupus mirrored the gesture on the other side. “We’ve both heard enough,” Lupus added dryly. Gary’s face flushed red, realising they weren’t amused. “So… what do we do today then?” he said quickly, trying to move past the embarrassment. “We’ve talked to a few of them, but there’s no sign of anything. I thought we might discover something with Jack’s family since Steve mentioned that… but we saw his wife and kids come out just fine for dinner last night.” “Well, we didn’t see them,” Kai corrected, raising a finger. “We heard from others that they came out for dinner. And besides… we don’t even know what Jack’s family looks like.” “Right,” Gary said. “But what reason would the others have to lie? Either way, we need to find something today. Or at least gather enough information before we meet up with Galdark.” They all agreed on that much. As they walked across the courtyard, they ended up heading toward the large forge on instinct. The heat hit them before they even stepped inside, thick waves of warmth rolling over their faces, carrying with it the heavy scent of metal and crystal dust. The sound of clanging metal echoed loudly, rhythmic and powerful. Inside, several Werewolves were bent over their workstations. Many had fully transformed their bodies, thick fur covering their arms while they hammered molten metal. Others melted beast crystals into glowing pools, shaping them into weapon components. Sparks flew, bouncing across the stone floors like fireflies. “We came here before,” Gary said, eyes widening again. “But seeing this again… it’s pretty amazing, right? I can’t believe this is where equipment is made. It’s a shame, though, that we can’t head right into the centre.” “Right,” Kai said. “That was the area Steve talked about in his story. If they went through the centre wall of fire, the best equipment was inside. I have to admit… It would be nice to take some back with us if we needed it.” Lupus nodded silently. The sight of so many talented Werewolves forging armour stirred something in him, pride, admiration, and maybe a hint of envy. Just then, one of the older Werewolves paused mid-swing. He wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. Black fur covered most of his body, but the hair near the back of his head had started to grey. His eyes narrowed as he studied the trio. “Oh? You three are the new guys, right?” he said, stepping closer. His voice carried a rough yet welcoming tone. “Well then, why don’t you have a go at forging?” ***** For updates on MWS and future works, follow me on my social media below. Instagram: jksmanga P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga When news drops about My Vampire System, My Werewolf System, or any other series, you’ll hear it there first. Feel free to reach out, if I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.