Chapter 38: Preparation

Joga was willing to give Dorian a chance because he wanted to learn more about a potential future enemy, namely the Mori family. In this world, there are no impenetrable walls. No matter how clean and efficient Joga was in South SD, there would always be traces left behind.

Of course, it was best if they found nothing on him, but that didn't prevent Joga from wanting to learn more about the Mori family and the Sea Hunting Dogs mercenary group. However, that would have to wait until after the situation was resolved and if Dorian survived.

From Dorian's remarks, it was clear that he harbored a deep dislike for the Mori family. Joga thought that if Dorian survived, it might be useful to keep him around. Even if Dorian was just an elite or provided some information, it would be beneficial.

After Mr. Huang and his team left, Joga nodded to Kaman. The three of them drove west for about 8 kilometers and then walked about 2 kilometers on foot to a nearly abandoned small village.

The village was inhabited by some Bedouin elders, but there were no women or men in sight. The elders' expressions seemed numb, as if they had long ceased to feel the hardships imposed on them. They performed their monotonous daily routines until they could no longer get up, as if that were their fate.

This was the place where Mr. Huang had arranged the hostage exchange with Jindewike. By the time Joga arrived, Mr. Huang and his team had already reached the village and were standing in the village center, guarding the trucks and waiting.

Joga carried two guns: an HK416 and an SVD. As they approached the village, Ness, with her keen sniper instincts, quickly identified a high ground that would serve well as a sniper position.

On the wind-blocking sand dune at the side of the desert village, Joga set up several MON-50 directional mines. These were more accurately described as bombs rather than mines, as directional mines have a specific kill zone. Most come with stands for installation; once set up, they are simply placed on a flat surface and adjusted to face the enemy.

After placing 8 directional mines and installing the remote detonators, Joga carefully numbered each remote and handed them to his favorite, Kaman. This way, they could control the mines and, if necessary, detonate them to buy time for their retreat.

Although the mines might not be needed, Joga, adhering to the principle of better safe than sorry, made thorough preparations since these items cost him nothing.

Joga found a suitable spot on the semi-circular wind-blocking dune based on his shooting habits. He spread a blanket on the ground, built a makeshift gun rest from sand and rocks, and lay down to observe the village with binoculars.

The location was 750 meters from the exchange point, within the effective range of Joga's SVD. Ness's TAC-50, an anti-material sniper rifle with an impressive effective range of 2000 meters, was even more capable. On highland terrain, its effectiveness increased, with the ability to kill targets without armor within 3000 meters. The world record for the longest confirmed kill was 3400 meters, which Joga found hard to imagine; it seemed more about luck than skill.

Female snipers using anti-material rifles were rare, and Joga had some doubts about Ness's choice of weapon due to its weight and limited magazine capacity of five rounds. The bolt-action mechanism improved accuracy but reduced firing speed.

However, when Joga saw Ness skillfully installing the detachable recoil stock, measuring the wind speed with an anemometer, and cross-referencing with her homemade ballistic table while adjusting the 25x scope, he started to believe in Ness's professionalism. At least, she was very familiar with the TAC-50.

As Ness completed her setup and lay down to wait, Joga was surprised to find a small pit had been dug out beneath her feet. She used it to brace against the powerful recoil, ensuring her body could quickly return to position after each shot for a follow-up.

These were personal shooting techniques that could only be honed through real combat. Without practical experience, one might never learn or need them.

Joga, being a quick learner, tried to mimic the technique but found it unnecessary. The recoil of the SVD wasn't strong enough to push him backward. He preferred a comfortable and stable stance with one leg extended and the other slightly bent.

Though he didn't learn much, Joga was now certain that Ness was an excellent shooter with her own unique shooting style.

Just as Joga was about to discuss shooting ranges with Ness, Kaman, who had been monitoring the northern road, suddenly said, "They're coming!"

Hearing Kaman's call, Joga turned his binoculars toward the north and saw a convoy kicking up a trail of dust as it approached the village rapidly. The desert dust made visibility difficult, but Joga could make out four vehicles: two armed pickups leading the way, followed by two military trucks. He couldn't see the people inside the vehicles.

Joga said through the binoculars, "Stay hidden and wait. Do not fire unless I instruct you to."

Kaman, with his AK-74, was about as effective at 700 meters as a fire stick. Lying on the ground, he asked, "Boss, do you really not need me to get closer?"

Kaman made a pinching gesture and said, "The best attack effect is achieved this way. If your first strike fails, I can hold them off for a few minutes."

Joga firmly shook his head. "We only have three people. Don't take risks. Whether we can take down Jindewike is less important. If possible, focus on protecting the hostages and then on neutralizing them. We can deal with the rest when they return to their base and put on a big show."