Chapter 68 - Headache

"Sir, how will things proceed in this mission?" Zaos asked.

"All the details will be handled by you and your instructor," Ruvyn said. "Elius said that he wants to be responsible for all the missions related to your tasks… that is quite weird given how much he hates to leave the base."

Zaos sighed when he heard that… Why does his luck have to be so bad? Regardless, that was something beyond his control, so he could only accept it, endure, and move on. Still, that doesn't mean he couldn't do certain things to facilitate his job.

"So, does that mean that I can make my squad carry some extra weapons just in case?" Zaos asked.

"You are free to do so, if you think that is necessary," Ruvyn replied. "Elius will stop you from doing anything that he deems unnecessary, but aside from that, you will have free reins."

"I see, can I make my squad bring some bows and arrows with us?" Zaos asked.

"Oh? Well, you can… but do you or any of them know how to use a bow?" Ruvyn asked, slightly surprised.

"I can use it, even though I am not that skilled," Zaos replied. "Also, such a weapon will make us look more reliable, but I am also planning to train with everyone. Don't worry, sir. I will make sure to divide my squad in three parts and make them protect the village during the day and at night, while some of us will be resting and others will be on guard duty, I will make sure to train those who are free."

"I see… you can do that, you have my permission," Ruvyn said.

While there wasn't much a newbie could do with a bow, Zaos knew that the basics were important and could only be developed by constant practice. Ruvyn noticed that Zaos considered several aspects. Not only was the mission important, but training his squad was also on the same level. After all, they will work together for three years, and the more they train, the easier their next missions will become.

After leaving the commander's office, Zaos began to read the document about the details of the mission. As expected, they are to leave the first light of the next day. Considering that they won't have the chance to prepare things tomorrow, Zaos and his squadmates need to organize themselves that same day. While some guards were always keeping an eye on the armory, it was unlikely that recruits could use the place whenever they wanted. Fortunately, Zaos met his squad mates in the refectory and told them about their mission. Naturally, some of them frowned since they barely knew how to wield a sword properly, and now, they had to guard a village for six days when they had no real battle experience. They showed a look of even more surprise when Zaos mentioned the bows.

"I asked the commander for permission to use the bows, and I also told him about my idea of dividing ourselves in three groups, he didn't oppose either of them," Zaos said. 

"So, we can train while we work. I believe that our job will become much easier in the future if we were to become decent archers. That is my idea anyway, if you are against it, you should raise your hand."

"Can't we train like usual in our free time?"

"Yes, we can, but a few extra days of training with a sword won't make us much better than we are," Zaos replied. "Besides, we will look more imposing if we have bows with us. The commander said that the chances of us facing problems guarding a small village is close to none, but I think that we should cover our bases just in case. Besides, during such an important job, it wouldn't be easy to tire ourselves out. Without stamina, if something happens, we will be utterly hopeless to do anything."

In the end, the other kids noticed that Zaos was just careful. After all, they knew that it wasn't normal for a new squad to be sent to guard a village, even if it is small.

Zaos squad accompanied him to the armory, and then they selected some bows and quivers filled with arrows to use. As expected, there wasn't much different from them since they had been mass-produced; still, they certainly would come in handy… If the necessity arises.

"Tomorrow we will need to wake up before sunrise, so we shouldn't work too hard tonight," Zaos said. "That being said, I believe that you guys should practice a little bit how to properly use a bow."

Arrows were unnecessary for that kind of training. Still, since they would only walk for a few hours once they leave the base, it wouldn't be a problem if the members of Zaos's squad train their arms and back to pull the string of a bow. The bows were also bigger if compared to the old one Zaos trained with, so he will have to get used to them as well.

"Hopefully, I will manage to gather some herbs and sell them in the village," Zaos said and then massaged his eyebrows. "... still, the role of being a squad leader is a pain in the ass. I have to consider too many things while the squad members are free of all of my worries."

Zaos couldn't help but wonder if the things he was learning right now would actually be useful someday. While he was obtaining the respect of some kids little by little, it will be much harder to obtain the trust of armies when he takes his father's seat. Since he had little to no charisma, Zaos couldn't help but worry.

In any case, before worrying about such a future, Zaos had to worry about the present. Hopefully, things will become naturally easy since, most likely, his squad was just taking the place of another team that was doing a difficult job. Still, if that weren't to happen, Zaos will be forced to train hard.