We arrived quite late at our actual destination. It was already getting dark and the soldiers were clearly tired. Still, they dutifully erected the tents and placed torches around the camp. It was an interesting location. We were right next to the road, inside the forest. A circular area had been cleared out. A perfect spot for travellers to make camp and big enough for our group. It was likely by design. The only problem was our distance to the trees. Our closest tents were about 20 metres from them. It could allow an enemy to sneak up on us. Then again, our job was to ensure there were no enemies in the area.
Our camp was about 10 minutes from the location where the students would make camp. Normally we would stay a bit farther away but this year was different. The increased danger changed things.
While the soldiers erected the camp Sarah called the leaders to a meeting.
"So, we made it to our destination. Now our real mission begins. We need to secure the area for the students. Considering our reduced numbers and the increased threat I made some changes to our plan. Helena, can you command Koyuki's undead?" Sarah asked.
"Um, if Koyuki tells them to follow me, yes." She replied.
"Hatsumi can lead a squad as well, right?" Sarah asked.
"Yes." I confirmed.
"Good. Helena and Koyuki will do most of the work. We will deploy Hatsumi as well if needed. Melvin, Karl, you will protect the camp. I will make sure that Koyuki and Helena don't miss anything." Sarah said.
"What? They should protect the camp and give us the undead." Karl complained.
Sarah looked annoyed. "I am in charge here, Lieutenant. They are much more familiar with the capabilities of those undead. Also, they are here to gain experience. Having them sit in camp would not be very helpful."
"Ma'am, do you think those two can cover the whole area?" Melvin asked.
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"With that many undead? Yes. They don't have to be as careful as a normal squad. We will help them with the scouts to find monsters, then send in the zombies. Koyuki, Helena, you won't have any night watch while we are here. But I expect you to get up early. You will have two very busy days until the students arrive. Once they are here we will form undead patrols around their hunting grounds." Sarah explained.
The meeting concluded quickly. Everyone was looking forward to a meal and their bed. I pitied the night watch.
"Commanding a bunch of undead, I am excited!" Helena said. "Your horde is finally growing."
"But we are squad commanders already." I pointed out.
"Eh, temporarily. But I always knew you would raise an army one day. Now I can command a part of it. Hehehehe." She laughed.
"Well, it's not really an army yet…" I pointed out.
"Yet. It will keep growing!" She replied with a smile.
"So you like me for my undead?" I teased.
Helena nodded. "And your fluffy tail. Don't forget the fluffy tail." She grabbed my tail and started petting it.
I drew her into a hug and we started kissing. Then I blushed realising that we were in the middle of the camp. It was somewhat unprofessional.
While we had our meeting Hatsumi was preparing dinner. She boiled some potatoes and made a salad. Then served it with grilled sausages. I felt spoiled. After the meal we went to bed.
The next day we rose early, as ordered. Helena got half of the undead goblins, Yoru and Frank. I had the other half of the goblins, Hatsumi and Nyx. Chariot, the ibex and the skeletons stayed behind. Hatsumi brought her own undead. One day we would have to name the former necromancer.
Of course, our squads were with us as well.
"Morning." I greeted my soldiers. "We have a map from Captain Sarah. Today we will patrol the first area and clear out any strong monsters. Helena's squad will secure the students' campsite while we handle the hunting grounds. The other squads will guard the camp, except for their scouts. They are looking for anything dangerous and will drive them towards us. Brie, Jeff, I need you to scout ahead. We will try to avoid any weak monsters and leave them for the students. Everyone else, stick close to me. The undead will spread out around us. They should either scare off any weak monsters or work as bait. Any questions?"
"What sort of gear shall we bring?" Finn asked.
"We might encounter plant monsters, like vampiric nightshades. You will need something to hack at the roots or vines in that case. An arming sword is fine but it would not hurt to bring an axe. Spears and shields will work against most monsters. Ultimately, we want the undead to do the fighting. Just watch out for anything ignoring them and coming straight at us. Some monsters only attack the living." I warned them.
"Yes ma'am." He replied. "Mac, bring the big axe. Spear and shields for everyone else."
I nodded approvingly. Then I remembered something. "Oh, bring lunch. We won't return until the evening."
While my soldiers fetched their gear I made sure I had everything myself. Hatsumi had prepared sandwiches for me. I had a full canteen of water and I could conjure more if needed. I wore a chain shirt and had my arming sword at my belt. I was ready.
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