"Stoke the fire! Rafe, ignite those torches I procured and arrange them around. Let no shadow linger within twenty meters of our encampment!"

"Airen, drive a stake into the earth and secure the horses, but keep them nearer to the tent."

"The placement of the palisade is awry. Position it ten meters from the tent, leaving the four corners open, no need for complete enclosure."

"The more jagged branches, the better. Reserve the remnants for stacking beside the tent; we shan't burn them!"

"We shall fortify solely the front and rear of the low wall. There's no need for extensive digging; assist in gathering wood and erecting the horse enclosure."

...

After nearly two hours of diligent effort, Avi finally orchestrated the assembly of a rudimentary camp.

Two tents fashioned from hides, large and small, stood at the center. Torches were interspersed between them, surrounded by a makeshift horse enclosure and low barricades. This encampment was specifically devised to withstand assaults from beastmen and wild creatures. Should they be beset, the spearmen could strike from behind cover.

"If only we possessed ranged weaponry." Surveying the encampment before him, Avi couldn't help but reminisce about the provincial army encampments he had encountered on the road, complete with their intricate fortifications and disciplined troop formations, a sight that stirred longing within him.

Alas, their impoverished state prevented them from affording crossbowmen - be it the cost of projectiles or the upkeep of bows, crossbows, and firearms, it was an expense they couldn't bear.

The Imperial swordsmen and long spear infantry, meant to be clad in plate armor, now wore naught but leather and cloth, offering scant protection. They remained far from their desired state of readiness.

"When will fortune favor us?" Avi pondered gloomily. "Your Excellency." Having secured the horse stake, Airen approached Avi. "I propose we dig some pits."

"An admirable suggestion, but time eludes us." Avi glanced skyward, noting the moon's ascent. "After a day of battle, rest is imperative."

"But—" Airen faltered.

"What troubles you?"

"It's plausible that we face not only beastmen but also wild creatures. Should a swift-moving herd assail us, our defenses would prove inadequate."

In response to Airen's concerns, a passage materialized before Avi: 'Beastmen often consort with wild creatures. Alongside beastmen roam Chaos Warhounds and Razorbeast herds, and when their numbers swell, Harpies may join their ranks.'

Even a novice knowledge skill could impart the wisdom of a seasoned officer to Avi, a testament to its potency.

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"I am aware of this... Yet I fear depleted morale and insufficient rest would render us vulnerable in battle. Against a sizable herd, we'd be hard-pressed to hold our ground."

Initially intent on veering from their course and exiting the Black Forest, they soon realized its vastness and perils.

A detour would consume precious time, and Avi's supplies afforded only a three-day surplus. A slight deviation would condemn the entire party to starvation within the forest's depths.

"Your Excellency, allow me to make a proposition." Airen interjected. "Tonight, entrust me with sole responsibility for the night watch."

"Are you certain? Should—"

"I beseech your trust, Your Excellency."

Gazing into Airen's resolute eyes, Avi found himself swayed by his unwavering determination.

"Very well. I have faith in your capabilities."

Indeed, Airen's Charisma of 23 stemmed not solely from his appearance but from his demeanor and inner strength. Avi's decision to entrust the group's survival to him was a testament to this quality.

As the night advanced amidst the symphony of snores, the merchants and Manide, their captives, huddled in the small tent. They trembled in the nocturnal breeze, their thoughts shunning any notions of escape.

"Remaining captives here, the prospect of escaping into the vast, looming darkness of the Black Forest presents the path of least resistance to survival.

The mercenaries endured a full day of battle, with nearly half sustaining injuries, albeit mostly minor. Yet, even such superficial wounds were sufficient to drain their vigor.

Injuries often induce lethargy, and now the mercenaries slumbered deeply, heedless of the encroaching peril.

Airen sat by the campfire, lost in contemplation. He battled against drowsiness while reflecting on recent words and deeds.

All was silent until a dry twig snapped underfoot, shattering the tranquility—

"Enemies—!"

Airen sprang into action, hastening to the tent where Avi and the others rested. He roused Rafe first, then Avi.

"Enemy attack, a herd!"

Airen's words snapped them awake, prompting Avi to order Rafe to rouse the entire team, while he himself seized his sword and charged out.

Their decision to sleep fully armed proved providential, a choice that ultimately saved their lives.

Emerging from the tent, the mercenaries were met with a staggering sight.

Blood-red eyes, numbering in the hundreds, glared from the darkness at their flickering campfire. The stench of beasts assailed their nostrils, and the gnashing of teeth in the shadows sent shivers down their spines.

The herd growled menacingly, instilling fear in its adversaries. Their deep, primal voices reverberated through the night, laden with hostility and disdain for humanity.

Yet, the herd hesitated to strike, whether awaiting reinforcements or anticipating the enemy's collapse remained unknown.

"By Sigmar, this is unlike anything I've witnessed before," Rafe exclaimed. "Boss, reckon we could fetch a fortune for their hides?"

"..." Avi's brow furrowed, too consumed by thoughts to entertain Rafe's jests. His mind raced, exploring avenues to break free from this impasse.

Their skirmish with bandits had yielded valuable experience, with both companions and himself poised for advancement. However, against such overwhelming odds, the prospect of empowering just three seemed futile.

"Rafe, lead a contingent to the front! Arm yourselves with sharpened branches as spears. Skill matters not; aim for those fiery eyes! Airen, secure the flanks with your comrades and gather more makeshift weapons if needed."

Within the tent, the terrified merchants whimpered and prayed, exacerbating their plight.

"These cowards only compound our woes!" Avi glanced at the morale indicator, confirming their spirits had plummeted, labeled 'low morale' by the system.

"B-boss..." Manide emerged tentatively, clutching an iron sword, his hands trembling.

Avi regarded him in silence.

"I-I wish to assist," Manide stuttered. "For if we fall, we all... perish."

"Airen, I entrust him to you."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

After fortifying their defenses, Avi settled by the campfire, urgently accessing the system's main panel.

"In this world's parlance, 'Sigmar protect,' grant me the means to overcome this crisis!"

Avi murmured softly, his gaze scanning the text before settling on several advanced skills...