Chapter 344: Intercontinental Archery Championship finals part-1

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

"Wow, Dead center… Amazing. Both of them released the arrows at the same time and hit the target at the same time. And look at it, even the spot they were hit is exactly the same, although the targets are different." The commentator and former Pro Archer, Wang Ru, even stood up in excitement just from the first arrow.

However, right then, the other commentator, Yamamura Sozen, spoke, "Wait a second, Mr. Wang. Watch the replay closely. It looks like Fujimori Sakura's arrow was slightly faster than Lee Hyori's."

*Ahem* Wang Ru cleared his throat, covering up his embarrassment, "well, such a minute difference doesn't matter. What matters is the score. Look… they drew the bow again."

Sakura and Hyori continued to shoot an arrow for every minute. Ten minutes have been passed and the score was 100-100. The crowd was cheering in excitement to see such an amazing battle.

The scouts from the professional teams were awed as they were watching the performance which even exceeded the professional level.

After all, even the professionals can't hit 10 point circle every time but here, at the IAC college division, the two finalists were constantly hitting the ten-point circle. What's even more shocking is the perfect accuracy of Sakura.

From start to the finish, Sakura's accuracy never changed. The arrow always hit the dead center.

Hyori wasn't able to keep her accuracy like Sakura as the heat of the competition got to her.

Sakura's perfect accuracy put a lot of pressure on Hyori that she wasn't able to hit the dead center like the first eleven arrows. However, she did manage to score 10 every time, which is commendable.

At the end of round-1, both of them drew with a 200-200 perfect score. The Judges discussed for a couple of minutes and finally, decided to give both of them a point. They didn't continue the round.

With that, both of them are now 1-1.

"These two girls are very talented…" Scarlet commented as both of them left the ground. "Especially that girl Fujimori Sakura."

Turning her head, she further said, "Mrs. Lee, it's going to tough for your daughter." 

Hyori's mother had a look of worry on her face. "Hyori was lost to that same girl for the past two years. I hope it won't hit her confidence if she loses again…"

"Dear, please talk positively. Hyori will win for sure." Her husband said to her. Unlike her, he doesn't an ounce of worry on his face. If anything else, there's only confidence.

Just then, the screens displayed the commentators. Along with the two of them, a handsome young man is sitting in the middle.

"Right now, we're with the reigning world champion of Archery's men division, Kim Jun-Ho…" Commentator Yamamura introduced the young man.

As he waved his hands with a smile, a lot of fangirls screamed in unison.

Commentator Wang then said, "Mr. Kim, give us your insight regarding this round between lee Hyori and Fujimori Sakura."

Junho replied, "Well, I don't think I need to emphasize their skills. It was clear to everyone that both of them are highly talented. However, Ms. Fujimori was faring better. Whether it is her precision, her technique, her breath, her concentration, or her mental strength, everything was perfect. It was like she was born for Archery

She had what a world-class Athlete should have. I should say she's what we call a once-in-a-century genius.

Ms. Lee, on the other hand, was also a genius like Ms. Fujimori. After all, even a world-class Archer cannot hit a ten-point score in every shot when the target is placed 60 meters away.

However, her technique was, how should I say, a bit unbalanced. It was like she was aiming to shoot a target that was placed more than a hundred meters away. Maybe, she was facing a lot of pressure from a perfectionist like Ms. Fujimori.

But, I think she had a better chance in the next round because she had the eyes of a hunter. So, rather than the stationary targets, I think she's fare better in moving targets."

"Who do you cheer, Mr. Kim?" Commentator Wang asked him curiously. Commentator Yamamura also looked at him. Is it his favorite, Sakura, or is it Wang Ru's favorite Hyori?

Along with them, his fans are also anticipating the answer. They are ready to support whoever their idol chooses.

"Hmm…" Junho kept silent for half a minute, thinking of both of their plays. Then, he finally opened his mouth, "I'll root for Ms. Lee…"

*Whoo* 

All of a sudden, some of the spectators started to cheer for Hyori while remaining was stuck to the screen.

"Oh! Why is that, Mr. Kim?" His answer kinda disappointed Commentator Yamamura. So, he asked for the reason.

Junho explained, "It's mainly because of their background. One is from an Elite University and the other is from a first-rate university. While both of them have learned from one of the best Archers, still, Ms. Fujimori is the only granddaughter of Venerable Fujimori Hitoshi.

I don't mean to say that it's unfair for Ms. Lee but it's true that the amount of hard work Ms. Lee had to put, to reach this stage is far higher than Ms. Fujimori unless the former is far more talented than the latter. That's why I intend to root for her. Ms. Lee, Hwaiting…"

Upon hearing the explanation, while some of the scouts, who don't like this pro-Archer, did think that Junho is biased toward Hyori because he wasn't born into a wealthy family, on the other hand, Junho's fans started to cheer Hyori's name even though the next round is between the high schoolers.

Wil can't help but smile while listening to the audience cheering for his buddy.

Meanwhile, Scarlet's eyes widened as she went into shock. "She's the granddaughter of Hitoshi? Impossible. The old man didn't have any children, much less a grandchild. Is she the daughter of his Illegitimate child or did he adopt her? Wait a second."

A crazy theory popped up in her mind, "Hitoshi is one of the Generals of the Tristan Empire and he's also one of the trusted people to the last Emperor. What if Prince Masashi, the missing baby was taken by this old man?

It's been 51 years since the fall of the Empire. That means Prince Masashi will be 52 by now. And this girl is a college freshman. So, around 19 years old. She can pass off as a daughter. Ugh… Why am I thinking about such useless things? Does it matter whether what her identity is?"

Letting out a sigh, she shook her head and continued to watch the replay that was being played on the screens. 

***

After a couple of dance performances from the college students, the second round of the finals began with the high school division.

The second round was to hit the moving targets. Unlike with the college division, the oscillating target was placed 45 meters away.

As the boy won the second round with 156-143, claiming the championship, the commentators informed the audience about the tournament's jinx about how the championship title for the high school division have been decided in the second round for eight years in a row.