Adam returned to the tent with a lot on his mind.
Two days.
That was all the time he had before he was expected to leave for the border with a group of soldiers. He had no idea how many men would be under his care, how bad their injuries might be, or what kind of enemies they would face.
He had spent his first day in this world learning about herbs, monsters, and the strange system that governed everything. Now he was about to discover what happened when all those things came together in a war.
Honestly, he would have preferred to find out under better circumstances.
Faya looked up as he entered.
"How did it go?"
"Well, we're apparently going to the border in two days."
Her face fell.
"To fight?"
"To heal, mostly. That's what they told me, anyway."
"Will I have to fight?"
Adam paused.
He didn't want to lie to her, but he also didn't want to scare her more than necessary.
"I don't know. I hope not. You're my apprentice, so I'll teach you what I can, but I won't let anyone send you into a fight if I can help it."
Faya looked down at her hands.
"I don't want to be useless."
Adam set his medical kit on the table.
"Then don't be useless. Learn."
She looked up at him.
He pointed to the kit.
"Come here. We're going to start with something simple."
Faya moved closer.
Adam opened the medical kit and laid the contents out on the table.
"Tell me what you see."
She studied the items.
"Bandages. A bottle. A knife. Some thread and a needle. And those little wooden sticks."
"Good. The bottle contains disinfectant. It helps clean wounds and reduce the chance of infection. The bandages cover injuries and help stop bleeding. The needle and thread are for stitching wounds, although we won't be doing that until you've learned more."
He picked up one of the wooden splints.
"And these are used to support broken bones. If someone's arm or leg is broken, we want to keep it as still as possible until someone qualified can treat it properly."
Faya listened carefully.
Adam was surprised by how quickly she picked things up. She had no formal education that he knew of, but she paid attention and asked sensible questions.
It was a good start.
"Now, what do you do if someone comes to you with a bleeding wound?"
"Put a bandage on it?"
"Eventually. First, you look at the injury. You need to know how bad it is. If the person is bleeding heavily, you apply firm pressure with clean cloth and get help. You don't waste time making tea while someone is losing blood."
Faya nodded.
"And if the wound is small?"
"Clean it, treat it appropriately, and cover it. You also watch for signs of infection later."
He paused.
"Most importantly, you never pretend you know how to treat something when you don't. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. There is plenty wrong with acting like an expert and making someone worse."
Faya nodded again, more seriously this time.
Adam continued teaching her for the next hour. He showed her how to prepare bandages, how to organize medical supplies, and how to keep clean materials separate from dirty ones.
It wasn't exciting work, but it was important.
By the time they finished, Faya could identify every item in the kit and explain what it was used for.
Adam was satisfied.
"Good. Tomorrow we'll work on preparing some basic remedies. For now, we need to get our own supplies organized."
He pulled out the list the quartermaster had given him.
The army would provide some basic medical equipment, but Adam didn't intend to rely entirely on it. He had his own herbs, his inventory, and his Garden Sanctuary. He could prepare a decent supply of remedies if he used his time wisely.
The problem was deciding what to make.
He opened his system window.
Herbalist Level 8.
His Alchemy skill was Level 8, and he had several recipes available. Some were useful for ordinary healing, while others could help with fatigue, pain, or combat.
He considered his options.
Healing Salves were obvious. They were easy to prepare and useful for minor wounds. His improved version restored four HP per minute for ten minutes, which could make a difference for someone with a moderate injury.
Cold Relief Tea was less important on the battlefield, though it could still help soldiers suffering from headaches, congestion, or mild fever.
The Elixir of Focused Resilience was more interesting. It improved stamina recovery and focus, with a chance of temporary hallucinations or visual distortions.
That last effect made him hesitant to give it to soldiers who might be fighting.
He would need to be careful.
Then there were his toxins.
Adam looked at the entries in his inventory.
The Sedative Venom of Focused Weakness could reduce an enemy's Strength and Defense, while the Sedative Venom of Ember added fire damage and lingering disorientation.
They were effective, but dangerous.
He remembered the monsters he had fought in the dungeon. The toxins had helped him defeat enemies that were physically stronger than him, and they could potentially do the same against human opponents.
But this was a war.
He didn't know the enemy soldiers. He didn't know whether they were volunteers, conscripts, or people who had been forced into the conflict just as he had.
He wasn't eager to poison someone simply because they wore a different uniform.
Still, he couldn't ignore the possibility that he might have to defend himself or Faya.
Adam closed the inventory.
For now, he would focus on healing.
There was no point preparing for every possible situation when he could barely predict what tomorrow would bring.
"Faya, I'm going to prepare some remedies. I want you to write down the ingredients and the steps I use. Can you do that?"
She looked uncertain.
"I can try."
"That's all I ask."
He brought out the herbs he needed and placed them on the table.
They started with a basic healing salve.
Adam explained the role of each ingredient while Faya recorded the information in a small notebook the quartermaster had provided. The writing was slow, and she occasionally asked him to repeat himself, but she kept going.
He showed her how to grind the herbs, how to mix them, and how to recognize when the consistency was right.
His Herbalist class made the process easier. His robes increased his crafting speed, and his experience with Alchemy allowed him to recognize small changes in the mixture.
Before long, he had prepared several salves.
Each one was stored in a small container and placed into his inventory.
Then he made a batch of basic healing potions using the ingredients available to him.
The results were ordinary, but useful.
He also prepared a few doses of pain-relief remedies using Moonshade Blossom. Those would be helpful for injured soldiers who needed to remain calm while waiting for treatment.
Faya watched every step.
"How do you know when the mixture is ready?" she asked.
Adam considered the question.
"Experience, mostly. You learn what the ingredients should look like, how they smell, and how they react when mixed together. My class helps me with that, but you won't have the same advantages at first."
"Will I get them eventually?"
"Maybe. It depends on your class and how you develop."
She looked thoughtful.
"I don't even have a class yet."
"No, you don't."
"Will I get one when I'm thirteen?"
"That's what you told me."
Faya nodded.
"I hope I get something useful."
Adam smiled.
"Whatever you get, we'll figure out how to make it useful."
He meant it.
Classes might determine a person's starting advantages, but they didn't determine everything. He had learned that much already.
He had been given an unusual class, but he had also survived because he paid attention, thought ahead, and used whatever advantages he could find.
Faya would have to do the same.
They continued working until Adam had a reasonable supply of basic remedies. It wasn't enough for an entire army, but it was better than nothing.
When they finished, he checked the time.
The sun was already beginning to set.
"That's enough for today."
Faya rubbed her eyes.
"Can we eat now?"
Adam laughed.
"Yes, we can eat."
They made their way toward the camp's food tent.
The smell of cooking meat and vegetables filled the air. Soldiers stood in line with wooden bowls, waiting for their portions. A few merchants had set up stalls near the camp entrance, selling small necessities to anyone who could afford them.
Adam noticed several soldiers watching him.
He couldn't blame them. A new herbalist had arrived, and rumors probably spread quickly through a camp this size.
One young man approached him while they were waiting in line.
"You're the healer, right?"
Adam glanced at him.
"Herbalist."
"Same thing, isn't it?"
"Not exactly."
The soldier scratched the back of his neck.
"Well, I heard you can make potions. Is that true?"
"Some."
"Could you make something to help me recover faster after training?"
Adam studied him.
The young man looked exhausted. His uniform was dusty, and there was a bruise on his cheek. He couldn't have been much older than twenty.
"What kind of training are you doing?"
"Running, mostly. They make us run with packs until half the recruits are ready to throw up."
Adam sighed.
"That sounds about right."
"Can you help?"
"I might be able to. But I'm not going to give you something without knowing what it does. For now, make sure you're eating enough, drinking water, and getting whatever rest you can."
The soldier looked disappointed.
"So you can't make anything?"
"I didn't say that. I said I need to know what I'm treating first."
The young man nodded.
"Fair enough."
He hesitated before holding out a few copper coins.
"Could you take a look at this bruise, at least?"
Adam glanced at the coins.
He didn't need the money, but he also couldn't spend his entire day treating every soldier who approached him without some kind of arrangement.
"I'll take a look. Keep your money for now."
He inspected the bruise and found that it wasn't serious. He recommended a cold compress and told the soldier to return if the swelling worsened or he developed other symptoms.
The soldier thanked him and left.
Adam watched him go.
A few moments later, another soldier approached.
Then another.
Most had minor injuries from training. Blisters, bruises, strained muscles, and small cuts.
Adam treated what he could, explaining that he wasn't going to waste his limited supplies on problems that could be handled with rest and basic care.
As he worked, a familiar notification appeared.
\[SYSTEM MESSAGE\]
First Aid Level 4 → Level 5
Adam paused.
He had expected his skills to improve as he treated people, but seeing the notification still pleased him.
Then another message appeared.
\[SYSTEM MESSAGE\]
Milestone Reached: First Aid Level 5
Ability Upgrade Token Available.
Adam blinked.
An Ability Upgrade Token?
He opened the system window to check the message.
The token was available because his First Aid skill had reached Level 5, but the description didn't say that. It was tied to a milestone he hadn't seen before.
He read the message again.
Apparently, his class was rewarding him for improving a skill that was directly related to his role.
He would have to investigate it later.
For now, he finished treating the remaining soldiers and collected his food.
Faya sat beside him, eating slowly.
"You helped a lot of people," she said.
"Mostly small injuries."
"But they were still hurt."
Adam looked at her.
"That's true."
She smiled slightly.
"I think I like this part of being your apprentice."
"What part?"
"Helping people."
Adam was quiet for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"Me too."
For the first time since being dragged into the army, he felt as though he might be able to make something worthwhile out of the situation.
He still hated being forced into the war. He still intended to find a way out once his obligations ended.
But until then, he could help people.
He could teach Faya.
And he could become stronger.
Those were things he could control.
The following morning, Adam woke before sunrise.
He had barely finished dressing when a loud voice sounded outside the tent.
"All recruits to the training grounds! Move!"
Adam closed his eyes.
He had hoped for another hour of sleep.
Apparently, the army had other plans.
Faya sat up in her bed, blinking sleepily.
"Is it time already?"
"Unfortunately."
Adam pulled on his boots and secured his equipment.
He considered leaving his Herbalist Blade in his inventory, but decided to bring it along. It was his most important harvesting tool, and he wasn't going to let anyone confiscate it without a fight.
The two of them stepped outside.
The camp was already awake. Soldiers hurried toward the training grounds, carrying wooden weapons and training equipment.
A sergeant stood near the entrance, shouting instructions.
"Recruits in formation! Move!"
Adam joined the line.
The sergeant walked along the ranks, inspecting the new arrivals.
When he reached Adam, he stopped.
"You're the herbalist."
"Yes."
"You're expected to train like everyone else."
Adam nodded.
"Understood."
"Good. Then you can start by running five laps around the grounds."
Adam stared at him.
"Five?"
The sergeant's expression didn't change.
"Would you prefer ten?"
"No, five is fine."
"Then move!"
Adam started running.
He wasn't completely out of shape, but he wasn't a trained soldier either. His life before arriving in this world had involved sitting in a car, driving between customers, and carrying boxes of medical supplies.
The dungeon had improved his endurance, and his new subclass had given him additional physical advantages, but that didn't mean he enjoyed running around a military camp before breakfast.
He completed the first lap without too much trouble.
The second was manageable.
By the third, he was beginning to regret every decision that had brought him here.
His Endurance skill helped him keep moving, while Iron Resolve made it easier to push through the discomfort.
He also noticed something else.
His stamina wasn't dropping as quickly as he expected.
His class and subclass bonuses were working together, allowing him to maintain a steady pace despite the strain.
By the fifth lap, he was breathing heavily but still standing.
The sergeant looked mildly disappointed.
"Not bad for an herbalist."
"Thank you," Adam replied between breaths. "I'll try to be worse next time."
The sergeant narrowed his eyes.
Adam immediately decided that silence was probably the better option.
The recruits were gathered into groups and given wooden practice swords. Adam accepted one and examined it.
He had never received proper combat training before arriving in this world. His Small Blades skill had helped him survive against monsters, but fighting a monster in a dungeon was not the same as fighting a trained soldier.
The sergeant demonstrated a basic stance.
"Feet apart. Knees bent. Keep your weapon in front of you. Don't swing wildly, and don't leave your body open."
Adam copied the stance.
His Basic Combat Training skill provided a little guidance, helping him understand how to position his feet and hold the weapon. It wasn't enough to make him an expert, but it gave him a starting point.
The sergeant moved down the line, correcting mistakes.
When he reached Adam, he adjusted his grip.
"You're holding it like a knife."
"I'm more familiar with knives."
"Then forget what you know for now. A sword has a different reach and balance. If you treat it like a dagger, someone is going to take your head off."
"That would be inconvenient."
The sergeant stared at him.
Adam sighed.
"Sorry."
They spent the next hour practicing basic strikes, blocks, and footwork.
Adam made mistakes, but he learned quickly. His Dexterity and Unerring Precision helped him correct his movements, while his combat skill improved as he practiced.
He wasn't good enough to challenge an experienced soldier, but he was beginning to understand the basics.
Eventually, the sergeant ordered them to pair up.
Adam found himself facing a broad-shouldered recruit who looked eager to prove himself.
"Ready, herbalist?"
Adam raised his wooden sword.
"Let's find out."
The recruit attacked immediately.
Adam barely managed to block the first strike. The impact rattled his arms, and he stepped back to recover his balance.
The second strike came from the side.
Adam twisted away, his Reflexive Evasion skill activating just enough to help him avoid the worst of the blow.
He countered with a quick strike to the recruit's shoulder.
The wooden sword connected.
The recruit blinked.
Adam blinked too.
Then the recruit grinned.
"Not bad!"
He attacked again.
This time, Adam was ready.
He blocked, stepped aside, and struck at the recruit's arm. His movements were still rough, but his instincts were improving.
After several exchanges, the recruit managed to knock the wooden sword from Adam's hand.
It landed in the dirt.
The recruit pointed his weapon at Adam's chest.
"Dead."
Adam looked at the sword, then at the recruit.
"That was fast."
"You're not terrible, but you need work."
"I've been told that before."
The sergeant called for the next pair, and Adam retrieved his weapon.
His arms ached, and he was sweating heavily.
But he had learned something important.
His skills could help him, but they couldn't replace experience.
If he wanted to survive on the battlefield, he would need to keep training.
As he returned to the line, another notification appeared.
\[SYSTEM MESSAGE\]
Basic Combat Training Level 1 → Level 2
Adam smiled.
At least he was getting something out of this.
The sergeant barked another order.
"Back into formation!"
Adam straightened.
He still had no intention of becoming a career soldier.
But if the army insisted on making him one, he would make sure he was prepared.
Because the next time someone tried to force him into a fight, he wanted more options than running away.
And if he could help it, he would make sure Faya never had to fight at all.