Chapter 14
Twists and turns led through various corridors, Evan leading the way for Anton to reach the practice fields attached to the armory. Evan produced a quiver of arrows, though Anton hadnt seen him pick one up. Youll need these. Heres the archery range. To make this somewhat interesting, Ill give you a challenge. If you hit thirty points, Ill give you a prize. Evan smiled, a mirthful yet mysterious expression on his face.
Whats the scoring? Anton asked.
Quite simple. One point or two.
Anton looked at the archery target ahead of him, a hundred meters away. That was further than hed normally shoot, but then again that was before he was a cultivator. Besides, the target wasnt moving. Hopefully, it would stay that way. There were five rings on it. Maybe the center rings were worth two points? If I lose?
Evan shrugged, Nothing special happens. You help me clean up the arrows and get back to your business.
Then challenge accepted. Anton pulled an arrow from the quiver, looking it over. It was good, without any warped wood and the fletching was even. He pulled back the bow, feeling the strain on his arms, but it was a good strain. The first arrow went high. It was his first time firing the bow, after all, and his strength had changed so much since his last attempt. But with two points available per shot, he could afford to miss a point.
The second arrow Anton was ready for the power and speed of the bow, and he didnt have to compensate as much for gravity. The arrow flew through the air, sticking in the outer ring of the target, just below the top. Perhaps he was still a little high, but it hit.
One point, Evan said.
Anton was beginning to get used to the bow. He pulled back the arrow to his ear, breathing carefully and then holding his breath at the moment of release. The arrow cut through the air, hitting the second ring from the edge. It was a little bit off to the right because of some wind, but not worryingly so.
Another point. Thats two so far, Evan recounted. Seventeen arrows to go.
Evans voice returned Anton to his own body. He had one arrow left. There was that challenge to complete. It had to hit the target, but hed done that so many times already. It would be easy. He pulled back the bow, his tired arm straining. The arrow flew over the first target towards the second and stuck point first into the grass in front of it. Anton slowly let out his breath. Hed lost focus. He could have done it but he was careless. It was worse than not even being able to do it.
Twenty-eight points total, and no more arrows, Evan shook his head.
Anton nodded. I understand. I just have one question. If I destroy the targets do I get in trouble?
Evan smiled. Going to take out your frustrations on them? If you do, youre responsible for the clean up and setting up the new ones.
Anton nodded. He could deal with that. Instead of moving towards the targets, however, he lifted his tired arm once more. Sweat dripped down his body as he gathered his remaining energy, breathing in more of the abundant natural energy around him. As he pulled back on the string he formed an arrow. It was the first time hed done it with an actual bow, but it felt quite a bit more natural. He felt himself straining to hold it, but as he felt the wind lapse momentarily he released. The string and his own energy propelled his arrow straight forward, puncturing through the top of the first straw target without even slowing. It continued on its path, barely affected by gravity, flying the next hundred meters towards the second target where it pierced through the bullseye before fading away. Anton sighed in satisfaction. Alright. I feel much better now.
Evan nodded. Good. Also, thats three points. So you win the challenge. In recognition of your archery skills, I will allow you to borrow that bow for a month with no charge. At the end of the month you can purchase it if you wish to, otherwise you must return it to the armory.
Anton was barely listening, but he eventually processed Evans words. He really did need a bow to practice with but I ran out of arrows, though. That one was extra.
So? Evan shrugged, I would say initial mastery of Spirit Arrows demonstrates more archery potential than just hitting a damn target a few times. Just take the stupid bow.
Anton took a step back and bowed, Right, of course. Sorry, Elder Evan. I will gladly accept your generosity. And I will earn the contribution points to purchase it, you can be sure of that.
Yes yes, Evan waved his hand. But you do still have to replace those targets. Otherwise someone will find themselves quite disappointed with the quality of the practice range.