Chapter 13: The March

Scout 3 who had found the beast's den the other day and was now leading the army along the route. The other scouts were out ahead doing their jobs and making sure that it’s safe to let them through.

Originally Scout 3 took less than a day to track the beast to its den, his class which specializes in agility and stealth allowed his fast progress. However now that he’s leading an army of 80+ the movement speed has drastically lowered, and is expected for the army to spend at least a night in the forest.

The forest is still an unknown place for the Garys, it has been two weeks and the accomplishments are great, the goblin den is now completely taken over , however what if the goblins are the weakest being here? What if the goblins are equivalent to an ant on Earth?

The strongest thing they know of is the Bird Beast, but what if even that is just a chicken amongst wolves? Original Gary has always been thinking of it ever since he encountered it, he was confident on the outside but inside? Well he knows he doesn't have a respawn ability.

So the Army's mission is not just to get revenge for the transgressions that the monster took. It is also a test of their combat force in this strange new world. Classes exist, at least for Gary’s but if there are other people who have classes here, then the Garys are at a major disadvantage.

No cheat ability is supreme, The [Clone] skill is as powerful as whoever wields it. For example if Garys childhood friend had the [Clone] skill it would be worthless and its potential would be wasted.

But to the great Gary?

Only time can tell.

***

12 hours passed and the army still continues to march. The morning's vigor and energy is no longer there, everyone is tired. Stats are a mysterious power and can alleviate some issues but traversing uneven terrain, Fighting small monsters here and there and being on guard all the time?

Stats are not enough, they need to rest.

The general knew this, it’s his job to lead the army in battle but it's also to look after his men. He looked at scout 3 who was guiding them.

“ Scout, my men have been marching for 12 hours straight. Lunch was even eaten while walking, we need to rest. We need to set up camp for the night. I ask, are there any suitable places close by?” (General Gary)

Scout 3 pondered for a moment and then made a strange hand gesture out to the forest.

After 5 seconds a cloaked figure jumped down from one of the trees, it was scout 2.

“ Are there any places to rest for the army?” (scout 3)

“ There’s a river 5 minutes east from here, the trees are reduced around there so it would be enough for our numbers” (Scout 2)

“ Are there any signs of monster activity in the area, I don’t want to wrestle a slime in my sleep” (Gorden)

Scout 2 shrugged at Gorden

“Well that seems to be our only option, besides I'm sure you’ll change your mind if the slime is cute.” The general says while giving a wink.

“W-wait General that’s not what I meant!” (Gorden)

“ He he he “ The two Gorden twins giggled at the back.

The army changed direction to head towards the river, they soon arrived and started to make camp under the leadership of the General Gary.

The cannon fodder Garys were to sweep the area of any debris and make sure it's nice and flat, they collected firewood for the campfire, enough to last the night. Next they placed their items around the camp in a circular shape to make sure that there were no weak spots.

The logistics team took out the equipment for cooking, pulling out a monster turtle shell that had turned it into a cooking vessel similar to a large pot. This was made in advance and was given to the logistic team from Gerald who remains at the G.A.R.Y.B.A.S.E.

They took out a few clay jars that held the ingredients, fresh vegetables and some spice that Gerald spent the last week grinding in his down time. The spice came from a seed unique to this world , Gunter had originally been researching it for medical properties but Gerald had found a better use for it. Unfortunately Gerald wasn't aware that his precious spice was taken away from him before the march. If he did, the Army wouldn't be able to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Due to the small encounters along the way the cooks have plenty of meat for dinner , the Logistic Gary takes over the role as “cook”. Though Gary didn't have much interest in cooking in his previous life so he just chopped the monster's flesh into edible pieces and shoved it into the pot which was being filled with the river water. The fire mages handled the temperature, bringing it to a boil to make it safe. The cook then poured the vegetables and the spice into the pot and he was satisfied with what he had done.

“ Man I kinda wish this was a cooking Isekai , then we could have Japanese food” (Cook 2)

“ How the heck are we supposed to make a milk pudding in the middle of the forest?” (Cook 1)

“ Ah I meant something like sashimi , Milk pudding is to seduce the aristocratic ladies.” (Cook 2)

“ And what if we are the only ones here? What if it's only a world full of monsters?” (Cook 1)

“ Ah don't say that, that makes me sad. My Harem dream is dying” (Cook 3)

“ You’re pathetic, you sully the great name of Gary with those thoughts- “ (Gary 69)

Boooommmmmmm!

“ W-what was that?!!” (Cooks)

The sound came from the direction of the river, where the cannon fodder were taking a bath (down stream). The cooks could see one of the Garys rushing towards them , but at this distance they couldn't tell which one. The loud sounds still continued on and the Gary soon arrived at the campfire, it was Scout 2!

“ Aye, so we found a lil fish at the river. You guys know how to cook fish right?”

***

“Damn , we really need an appraiser skill. Has anyone unlocked the appraiser job yet?” (Gary ?)

“ Not that I know of but I’m just a humble soldier” (Gary ?)

“ Sigh, well this is one ugly fish I don't recognize. It’s not something from Earth at least.” (Gary cook 1)

“ We should name it right? We discovered, didn't we?” (Gary soldier 32)

“ It’s edible right?” (Gary soldier 56)

“ Well since it looks like you, we should call it after you haha” (Gary soldier 57)

“ Hold on I know a guy” (Gunter)

1 minute later

“ Hey so this is Gary, he’s one of Emo-Gary's children.” (Gunter)

“ Ah thank you for your sacrifice” (Cook 1)

“ Thank you ” (Gary soldier 57)

“ We will not forget you” (Gary soldier 32)

“ Thanks , now eat it” (Scout 2)

“You’re trying to write me off so quickly!!” (Gary soldier 6, Emo Gary's clone) )

“Come on eat, science must progress!” (Gunter)

Gunter took a piece from the unknown fish and shoved it into the face of the sacrificial Gary, after some coughing the Gary was still standing alive.

“ So how is it?” (Gunter)

“ It tastes terrible!” (Gary soldier 6 )

“ Not that you buffoon! Is there any poison, do you feel okay?” (Gunter)

“ Besides the emotional numbness and the abuse I feel fine” (Gary soldier 6 )

“Success! Fish is on the menu!” (Cooks)

“ Is this going to turn into cooking isekai?” (Gary 69)

“ No it won’t” (Author)