After he entered the shadows, the Night Demon dashed off in a random direction. The speed at which they moved astounded Ojero, who could see the land above them.
The world above them looks different than the earth Ojero knew. It was covered in far more plant life than what would be possible.
Trees grew everywhere, with giant flowers blooming off of them. Vines snaked around everything, making the place feel like a jungle.
Creatures were seen too, but they were all like the tree-beast: Made of wood, earth, and plants.
Large four-legged monsters made entirely out of leaves would run around the forest, both looking and acting like wolves from Ojero's world.
'What kind of place is this?'
"The Domain of Wood, master. This planet belongs to the Domain of Nature."
Ojero was taken aback at hearing a reply, and had forgotten the Night Demon could hear his thoughts.
'Why didn't you respond to me earlier?'
"Some things are better left unanswered, master. My commentary would take away from the emotions that memory would give you."
Ojero was annoyed by this answer. It felt like the Night Demon was manipulating him.
Sensing his discomfort, the Night Demon left his mind. Ojero could feel himself being pulled back to the school.
"When you are ready, master, we may continue. However I believe it is time for your next class, leadership and strategy."
Although Ojero was distraught at the Night Demons' power over his mind, especially the ability to throw him into memories, he decided to postpone the issue until after classes were done.
"Do not worry, master. I am only allowed to effect your mind with permission"
'When did I give you permission the first time?'
"When you asked me to explain, master. I interpreted it as to explain to the best of my ability, therefore gaining permission."
Ojero was exhausted just dealing with the Night Demon this much, and they were going to be stuck together for life?
'May the gods take this curse away from me...'
As he mumbled his dissatisfaction about the Night Demon, he arrived at the strategy classroom. Inside was a massive circular table that had a hole in the center. All around it were dozens of seats.
On the walls were various writings from ancient commanders and leaders, each detailing the tactics and strategy they used during their life.
Ojero was the last to arrive to the class, everyone else had already taken a seat. Ojero took the closest seat, noting there was no other open seat.
Now the entire table was filled, but the teacher was nowhere to be seen. Ojero's eyes snapped open wide when he saw this as he jumped back out of his seat, his fists already raised as he scanned his surroundings.
The other students who saw this wondered what was this idiot doing?
"I see that at least one of you had Professor Tukin this year. Although I pity his students, his effective use of surprise tactics is something I respect."
This was said by a tall middle aged man with black hair and serious brown eyes. In his hand was a book, and he wore a very formal officer uniform.
"You may now sit, young Guestino."
Ojero was momentarily shocked by the man's sudden appearance, but noting all the stares he moved to retake his seat.
The man looked around at the faces of every student at the table. Once he finished, he set the book down on the table. He gave the closest student a very intimidating look, as if trying to threaten him with his eyes to not touch the book.
He then walked back to the center of the circle, and addressed the class.
"Greetings, children. I am Professor Giles, former leader of His Majesty's Royal Guards. I recently retired, and was offered this job, and saw no reason to deny the request of the headmaster."
"I will be teaching you all I know about both strategy and leadership. I do not repeat myself, therefore if you do not pay attention you will learn nothing."
"In this room I have noted a few of you who can attain great things as a leader, but no matter the potential everyone who follows my lessons will graduate with knowledge equal to that of a general."
He then waved his hand in the air, and a giant map appeared in the center of the circle. No matter where someone sat, it always appeared to be facing them.
(Map)
"This is a map of the continent. As you can see, our Kingdom is not the largest nor the strongest power on the continent. However, we have the second highest number of historical generals out of every nation shown."
"Riote has fought many wars throughout our past, and even today we have skirmishes with the Knights of Avar down at the border."
"Many fear the Knights, claiming that their strength could defeat our own. I, however, disagree. Our Kingdom has many strong mages and tacticians prepared to do anything needed to protect our land."
"Even the Everentile Empire has noted our strength, which has shocked many due to the recent Everence Wars that occurred between our two great nations."
"Those of you here who are not willing to learn how to be a true leader, not willing to sacrifice your time and focus for your future, may leave now. I will not take away credits nor fail a single one of you."
"You will pass this class with mediocre scores, and move on. You may do so now."
No one moved for a moment as they thought over the offer, and eventually someone stood up. They simply walked out of the classroom, just like that.
Everyone watched the professor's reaction, and saw that there was not a single change in his expression. After this, a few more got up and left.
Still seeing nothing change, even more left. Not all of them left because they weren't interested, they simply thought a mediocre grade was better than they could ever gain naturally.
Ojero, however, was disgusted at them.
'These are the so-called future of our nation? The ones who are called the "Heroes of Riote" for coming to this academy? Pathetic. These people make me sick.'
"I agree, master. However, the weak willed shall only die. They are no longer worthy of your attention."
Agreeing with his familiar, he nodded his head and turned back to the professor.
He saw there were now about fourteen seats empty. Each one represented a failure in Ojero's mind.
"Good, the weak have left. Now it shall just be us."
The professor went back to the table where he put his book, nodding at the student who was near it, showing how he noticed he stayed even with his threat.
"Now, let us begin. After these four years are over, each of you will have the knowledge to make a mark on history."
***
Book of the Known Undead
Chapter 5: Zombie Decoy
Zombie decoys are an uncommon version of the normal zombie. They look very similar to their undead brethren, however they possess a strange ability: They can make enemies angrier at itself, luring them to attack the decoys position rather than someone of importance. Undead officers are usually given a few of these in case the line folds, helping to prolong their existence.
Decoys do not take much energy to maintain, however they can take a while to summon due to being used by many lords in the domains.
Element: Undead (Necromancy), Emotion Control
Class: Decoy