In the evening I talked to Helena. "How was your squad? I am not sure my first impression went that well…" I said.

"Huh? What happened?" She asked.

"So, I had them spar with my undead. They lost. Then Nyx sort of humiliated them further…" I admitted.

"Well, they are regular soldiers. They are not meant to defeat an undead horde that is larger than them. Or fight a magical monster without support." Helena replied.

"I suppose. Was I wrong to have them spar? I kind of wanted to see what they could do and show them what my minions can do…" I said.

Helena patted me on the head. "It's fine. Showing them their limits might be good. And you can't give reasonable commands without knowing their capabilities. They are mostly there to protect you and let your undead work."

"How was your squad?" I asked.

"Well, I am officially artillery. I showed them that I am not helpless in close quarters but mostly I will engage at long range first and support them in melee if necessary. I can hinder enemies by freezing them, or creating an ice surface. I have also been working on a weak shield that I can use on more people. Essentially I go offensive at first and they stop what survives with my support." Helena explained.

"I have no idea how to incorporate normal soldiers into my undead. It's easier with Skadi. My undead can support her by protecting her back and flanks. Or simply distracting enemies. But normal soldiers? I don't think they are effective enough to use them as the centre. At least not when I have more undead than soldiers." I admitted.

Helena shrugged. "I think the soldiers are just here to protect you. They might get bored but just keep them around you and let your undead do the work. Or ask Gronir."

"That is a great idea!" I said.

She smirked. "Of course, it's from me."

The next day I met Gronir in his office.

"Koyuki, what can I do for you?" He asked.

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"Sir, I have been given command of a squad of soldiers for the field trip but I have no idea how to make the best use of them." I replied.

Gronir stroked his beard. "I can see the problem. You are rather powerful, a squad of soldiers does not contribute much in a straight fight. But the true weakness of a necromancer is assassination. Or surprise attacks from monsters. The soldiers have some experience and are additional eyes and ears to spot a trap."

Then he paused and pondered something. After a while he said: "I will say this much, this is a command exercise. Not just a combat exercise. Think about that."

I nodded and left. Then I pondered what he had said. Command was bigger than fighting. I guess it was also about organisation. How I would handle hunting the monsters. How I would handle supplies, maybe? Commanding humans came with a lot more responsibility than commanding undead.

I spent the remaining week training and organising my supplies. This time I made sure to bring better food than crackers. I had some vegetables, sausage and cheese that would not go bad. I also had some premium flavour packets for soups and stews.

On the evening before we left we had a meeting with Captain Sarah and the other squad leaders. We were even invited to the local garrison for it! I felt out of place among the actual officers but at least Helena was with me.

"Evening everyone, let me start with introductions." Sarah said as the meeting began. "I am Captain Sarah and in charge of this operation. Lieutenant Melvin leads the first squad, he is also my second in command." She pointed at a blond man with a scar on his chin. "Then we have Lieutenant Karl." He looked rather young and had a round face. His black hair was perfectly cut and something just screamed noble when you looked at him.

Meanwhile Sarah continued: "The last two are students. Helena and Koyuki. Both are senior mages."

Melvin looked slightly impressed, Karl not so much.

"Ma'am, is this really a place for students?" Karl asked.

"Not my decision but don't worry, I know them and they are good." She replied. "Now for the actual topic. We have five squads in total and ten additional guards for the camp. Our job is simple, kill anything too dangerous for first years. But monsters are not the only concern. There is a chance of outside interference. We have lost too many soldiers when hunting for nightshades, the Brotherhood might be involved."

Karl eyed me when Sarah mentioned them. She noticed it and shook her head. "Koyuki is not one of them. She is trustworthy. Her undead will be rather useful if the Brotherhood actually shows up."

"Ma'am, why are we only five squads if we expect the Brotherhood? Why send students?" Melvin asked.

"Because officially there is no increased danger and we should only encounter monsters. And I don't believe that shit for a second." Sarah stated. "But we have our orders and we are going to follow them."

The briefing covered a few more logistical aspects, then we were dismissed. As I turned to leave Sarah stopped me. "Koyuki, Helena, stay a moment."

"Ma'am?" I asked.

"Congratulations you two! You became senior mages after one year!" She said with a smile.

"Thanks!" Helena replied with a grin.

"Thank you." I said, feeling proud.

"So, you have new tier three Koyuki?" She asked.

I nodded. "I have Hatsumi, a vampire and Helena will bring Yoru, a cat."

"Good. Make sure you girls watch your backs. The decision to give you a squad came from the academy, but our group is a bit small for the area we are supposed to cover. That was a military decision and I don't trust it. I am also not sure I trust the reports about the safety concerning this part of the Korrah Forest. Be prepared and never hesitate to call for help when needed. Our journey itself should be uneventful but keep your eyes open. I will see you girls tomorrow."

We saluted and left.

"We are so getting ambushed." Helena said.

I sighed. She was probably right. But I did wonder if we were being used as bait.

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