The forest... looked like a forest. While some have said that old forests had a vibe about them, I could never tell. It was just wood, leafs, and animals.

  "Ok, we split here. We will regroup in a few hours, then if all goes well, we will regroup. Keep a distance of at least 150 meters, no more then a kilometer. That's all. Remember, don't die." Leria said with a chuckle, then led her group off.

  Cherkok went soon after, and we were left alone. "Final checks!" Called Sargent Carrio. The guards began checking their gear, while only a few students did the same. Eh, it would be an educational experience.

  I checked my weapons. My guns were loaded, rifle over back, pistol opposite hip to sword, dagger at my back, yep. All good.

  A minute later, we were ready. "Group up! We go now. Guards to the fore, students the rear." I called, and we began our walk.

  The guards fanned out, with the ranged troops at the rear. The kids from school, those that had melee weapons, were tasked with guarding the mages and archers.

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  The walk was quiet, relaxing even. The first enemy we spotted was a wolf, and it fled at the first sign of us.

  Our group was large enough that most things ran from us the second they saw us. That changed when a pack of wolves charged from our flank.

  The students panicked and fired, the melee combatants hesitating. Carrio barked orders to the guards, and they repositioned. I drew my pistol and sighted.

  While the mages and archers missed in their panic, I lined up a shot and pulled the trigger. With a crack, the ball was ejected from the gun, striking a wold in the chest.

  I calmly reloaded as the ranged troops got their shit together and began aiming. The guards braced, shields locked together. By the time the wolves slammed into the guards, they were cut down by 3/4ths, and the rest of the students stopped panicking and went to assist with the guards.

  The battle ended quickly after that, with all the wolves dead, and minor bruising. Carrio called to reform, and we walked onwards.

  Every so often, I unslung my rifle to shoot at the odd giant spider or wold. But it wasn't too bad.

  It had been hours from the start when Carrio called for a halt. "Can you smell that?" He called.

  I couldn't, but I looked around. Nothing seemed off, no animals or anything. But, the others began sniffing, and most agreed.

  "Smells like smoke... let's head back, double time it." He called.

  We Began jogging, the forest dead silent. This... was not good at all.