The day continued without further surprises, and a few hours later the initial cleanup from their foray was completed. As the orcs made merry around the fires, joking about the foul stringiness of their meal, Noah couldn’t help but smile at his comrades, his people. Part of his brain tried to tell him it was strange that ‘his people’ now included an entirely alien species that likely lived in the nightmares of his fellow humans. He ignored that little voice and doubled down on his commitment to being just another one of the warriors. Life-or-death struggles were potent connectors, and he had gone through several with this group. He let his tribe enjoy themselves and fill their stomachs before he made his announcement, they deserved a bit of rest after the grueling months they had been through. After everyone began to settle down from their revelry, he spoke up, getting their attention.

  “Gather round! I have a few things to share.” He shouted, waiting a moment for everyone to draw close. “Great job today! I think it says something when you can so thoroughly trounce the ambushers like that!” There were a few snickers as he continued.

  “We will stay here for the time being, I believe this will provide a suitably defensible position while we scout out the area. Starting this afternoon everyone will be assigned to a group with responsibilities to be carried out daily. Before making those assignments, I want to clarify a few things. First, this will only be a temporary home for us. We will find our permanent residence in due time. Second, I will be setting a leveling quota for everyone in camp. If you want to sleep in the fissure, you will be leveling a bare minimum of 10 times a week.” Noah paused as he looked over everyone present. There was no fear in their faces, only determination as he spoke. He nodded.

  “After this morning you should already be at or near your quota, so this week is a given. Let me be clear though, there will be no exceptions to this rule. Once you hit level 150, come talk to me and we will discuss your new minimum. Finally, as much as it hurts to admit it, we are lacking in the magic department, especially healing. If you have allocated some of your stat points into the magic-focused ones, I strongly encourage you to learn how to heal. Un’Dal has agreed to teach his methods to anyone willing. While you won’t get XP for the task, you will be recompensed by the tribe for your service. Is that understood?” Noah asked in a loud voice. There was a chorus of replies to the affirmative, so he continued.

  “We have seven non-combatants and one healer which will make up group 10. You will be led by our trusty blacksmith, Tu’bin who will report to me. The other nine groups are combat-focused and will alternate tasks. I will lead group one, and will only be taking volunteers. If you would like to join, raise your fist. I intend to do the most dangerous tasks, so consider carefully before agreeing.” He stated. Quickly a number of hands shot up, and it was clear that no orc was willing to shrink back from the task. Noah cleared his throat.

  “Well, never mind that method then. If I have not already spoken to you about leading a group and you are above level 100 would you stand up?” One orc stood up, someone that he recognized but hadn’t gotten to know well. He nodded in her direction.

  “Very good, you are the first member of group one. Who is above level 90?” This time several more orcs stood up. By the end of it, he had another five orcs over level 90 and three more in the mid-80s. After that he assigned the remainder of the groups, having Ta’Ku lead group two, and Ro’Kar group three. The other leaders were standout warriors that Ro’Kar had vouched for including Zo’Kati.

  “Excluding injured members, the assignments for this week are as follows. Groups 2 through 5 are on scouting duty, you will be searching the perimeter for suitable habitations, potential targets, and likely threats. Groups 6 and 7 are on hunting duty, you will secure food and timber for the tribe. Groups 8 and 9 are on guard duty and will serve as the manual labor for the various to-dos around camp. You can speak with Tu’Bin for your tasks. Group 10 will be focused on generating the material needs of the tribe including weapons, meals, and armor. They will additionally tend to the wounded as needed. If anyone encounters a threat beyond their abilities, do not hesitate to retreat to the fissure. It will serve as our fallback point and will always have warriors at the ready. We have a few hours before nightfall, so get to it!” Noah shouted.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  The orcs scrambled to their feet, each searching out their group leader. His own group gathered near him with curious looks, not having received their assignment. He turned to them with a look that may have been interpreted as predatory.

  “Who’s ready for bootcamp?” He asked with a grin. Their faces turned confused at the unfamiliar word.

  “Bootcamp?” The strongest of the bunch asked. Noah nodded sagely.

  “Oh yes, feared by many, boot camp is the foundation that all of our efforts will be built upon.” They leaned forward, eager to hear of this secret knowledge.

  “Starting today, your daily routine will include three hours of meditation, two hours of sparring, three hours of hunting, one hour of weighted sprints, and one hour training a craft skill.” He announced. He could practically see the mental math taking place as the curious looks turned to puzzled frowns.

  “That’s 10 hours though, not even including meals!” One of them protested. Noah nodded enthusiastically.

  “You’re right! That’s not even half a day, forgive my oversight. Let’s add two more hours of unarmed fighting to the list!” He said cheerfully. The protesting orc frowned and opened his mouth to speak but another clapped his hand over his mouth.

  “Great plan, chief. Should we get started?” The wiser of the two spoke up.

  “Indeed, focus on sparring and meditation today. The full schedule can wait for tomorrow.” He instructed. His nine new companions sprung into action, some grabbing weapons to spar and others finding an isolated corner of the fissure to meditate in. Noah smiled in satisfaction at their reaction. He would have to learn their names soon, it wouldn’t be right to put people through the grinder and not know what to call them. He chuckled to himself before slinking away to his own private corner to meditate. This boot camp is definitely for them. Definitely. He exhaled a deep breath as he sank into a meditative stance. It's been too long. Some time later Noah was stirred back to awareness by a hand on his shoulder. He blinked to clear his eyes, seeing his subordinates arrayed before him. Some were on the ground, appearing to have been meditating, he noted in approval. It was of course the less-wise pupil of the bunch that had stirred him. He locked eyes with the disturber of his peace and glared.

  “Name.” He said flatly. The orc frowned, tilting his head.

  “What is your name?” Noah barked.

  “Di’Ma, sir.” He muttered, partially cowed. Noah cleared his throat.

  “Di’Ma… Why did you interrupt my meditation?” Noah asked, a gleam in his eye. Several discerning members of the group took a step back.

  “Well, it's dark. I thought—” Di’Ma started. Noah rubbed the crease in his forehead.

  “You thought…” He said, encouraging him to finish.

  “I thought you might be hungry, its been a long day afterall.” Di’Ma managed, sweat beading on his brow. It was Noah’s turn to frown and he cocked his head looking again at the orc before him. That’s when he noticed the abandoned fire nearby with a crispy-looking jackal hanging over it. He sighed.

  “You’re right, Di’Ma. I am hungry. Let’s eat.” Noah got up, brushing snow from his bloodstained hide. Together they moved to the fire, where one of the orcs, a male named Ga’To took the lead in cutting the meat and serving everyone. Noah accepted his portion gratefully and sat with his legs crossed. The rest of the group followed his example. He looked at each of them, his self-proclaimed students, and realized he was excited for the adventures they would have together. He must have been caught staring, evidenced by the growing frowns on their faces. He held his hands up in apology.

  “I was just thinking that perhaps we could do something that I did growing up.” There were several nods to the affirmative so he continued. “Since we will be training, fighting, and likely bleeding together, I thought it may be nice to get to know one another.” Noah paused.

  “That sounds great!” Di’Ma commented. Ga’To grunted his approval and the rest gave similar signs of agreement.

  “In that case, let me introduce you to the secret behind every truly powerful human clan.” Noah leaned in conspiratorially.

  “Family dinner.”