Three days later, Emil was able to recruit the required manpower. The newly recruited men for the Wehrmacht were separated into the previous categories of fusilier, submachine gunner, panzerjager and sanitaters. 10 sanitaters were selected based on their knowledge of medicinal herbs and first-aid. They sent off to Eugen to train. Erika didn't require them to have healing magic. All they needed to do was to provide some medical help before sending them back to Eugen. The other soldiers were all divided equally among the others to be trained. Since the first few months of training were just regular training for everyone, the new recruits were left to the previously trained soldiers, who were now given the ranks of officers and NCOs. The craftsmen were also handed over to the older group to be trained on how to make the weapons.
However one thing that didn't go according to Erika's plan was the the MG 42. The thing that gave her the problem was the belt-feeding mechanism. She didn't know how to make the belt move forward taking the bullets into the chamber from the belt on its own. Both Heinke and Erika had to think of many ways to fix the problem. Erika couldn't think of anything. Finally Heinke came up with an idea of attaching two latch with the bolt to pull the bullets from a special disposable belt with leather attaching system for the latch to hold on. With this a machine-gun was in Erika's hands. She wanted three machine-guns per kompanie. So she left it with Heinke. Since he was the senior most craftsman, he was exempted from training the others. He would only help them when they would face any trouble. Erika meanwhile moved on to the artillery. 80mm mortars for now. The mortar was made without any problem along with its shells. The magical shells used a concentrated mana as propellants that would first explode when put inside the tube and then would use the same 5 second delay primer as the panzerfausts to explode. However it required much magical energy and had to compensated by Erika herself. Though it was a bit hard and unwieldy for making an entire army, there was no other way for her. Erika thought about recruiting some alchemist to see if they can produce something similar to the gunpowder. She went to Emil to check if this plan was feasible. Meanwhile the troops training were going on smoothly. The days passed away very fast. Erika's term for house arrest was also coming to an end.
Emil checked with various alchemists in the territory. There was nothing that even slightly resembled gun powder. Erika was a bit sad after hearing this but Bauer comforted her. She continued to help with the production of the machine-guns and mortars. The extras would be kept in store for now. The number of ammo, rifles and submachine guns produced were also on the increase. But now there was another thing Erika was worried about. The increased number of troops can no longer be trained in the palace without her mother noticing. She was almost exposed when her mother suddenly came to the garden. But the troops quickly hid themselves in the garden to avoid her. "I think we have to set up another training ground somewhere else." Erika said to Emil and Bauer. They were having a routine meeting for the advancement of the Wehrmacht. The meeting was taking place in the temporary training ground in the back garden. This time the newly promoted officers, three leutnants who were to command the three weapons platoons in the company were observing, little away the 7 others who were promoted to NCOs were training the the recruits in drills. "We agree milady. It is becoming hard to train so many soldiers here." Bauer noded. "Do you know any place where we can set up another training camp?" asked Erika. "How about the place near the dark forest?" Emil suggested. He continued, "It will be convenient for us in many ways." Emil said. Erika thought about it. "He is right." She thought placing her right hand on her chin. Emil also said, "Since that place is near the dark forest, people are afraid to go there." Emil spoke breaking Erika's thought. "Though the barrier has never been broken in history and no monsters ever came to the human side." He added. "I plan to set up the base for my Wehrmacht inside the dark forest." Erika spoke. Emil and Bauer were both a bit surprised at this bold thinking. The newly promoted officers also frowned a little hearing this. However, they saw the weapons Erika made and thought that maybe with enough troops this plan will be possible. Looking at everyone present Erika felt a bit awkward. She spoke out as if to control their frustrations, "Don't worry, I don't plan on doing it now. Once the new groups are trained and the force is in a company strength we will keep up continuous missions inside the forest." Erika spoke. "But... milady," Bauer hesitated for a bit but spoke, "You know those monsters and that loud shriek that controlled them," before she could finish, Erika spoke, "Yes, I have taken that into consideration as well." She stopped for bit and leaned on the table before speaking again, "I believe all of you felt that menacing presence right." She looked the officers and Emil and Bauer as well. They all nodded. "Yes, milady we have." They answered. She continued, "I have a feeling if we don't contain it then it'll bring disaster on us. So I want to send in troops more heavily equipped and in large numbers to keep the monsters in check and to eliminate any threat emerging from the forest. Also in this way we can maintain our secrecy and monopoly on the resources in the dark forest." Everyone could understand what Erika implied. It can even be said that they all had this same bad feelings about the forest since their mission. Erika spoke again. This time not about the forest but rather about some operational problems during their time inside the forest. "How many grenades did you expand during the mission inside the forest?" She asked in a grave tone as she looked at those present. They were all caught off-guard by this sudden question and looked at each other. In the heat of battle and excitement they forgot about this extra weapon they were carrying. One of them replied, "None Frau Kommandant." He trembled noticing Erika's sharp gaze on him and looked downwards. "That is a serious problem." She shouted at them. "These extra weapons were given so that you could flush out large groups of enemies. So why did you hold back?" She asked them. They didn't have an answer for this. "I will let it go without punishment this time. But be aware this is the last time I show you mercy." She said. Erika was worried that if they don't use proper tactical methods than they could not only get seriously injured but die as well. "You are all dismissed." Erika ended the day's activity for the troops.
From next day the troops training continued in the area near the dark forest, though Erika couldn't see it since she was forbidden to go out. But she fully trusted Emil plus the 10 veteran soldiers have also proven themselves to be worthy of doing their jobs properly. Erika meanwhile helped the craftsmen with production of weapons and ammunitions with Bauer.This schedule continued daily for the month. Her Wehrmacht was now almost settled. She only needed more time to take to a proper shape.