Viktor had returned to his workplace.
Of course, he noticed two familiar faces sitting on the logs before his doors. Jake and Master Aaron finished their sushi and discussed artisan proficiencies and skills.
It was only a matter of time before Jake felt another surge of inspiration. His artisan subclass was so versatile that it should match anything he came up with.
Therefore, Master Aaron stressed learning the basics of each field.
"Look who's back," Master Aaron laughed.
Jake turned his head to the side and faintly smiled at Viktor. "How did it go?"
He couldn't hide his nerves as a lot weighed on The Emperor's decision. Jake also wanted to hear what Viktor thought about his performance.
To Jake's relief, Viktor curved his lips into a bestial smile.
He said, "You bought us a lot of time. Get in."
Opening his workplace's doors, Viktor invited the young man inside for the first time since meeting him. Master Aaron didn't need any invitation as he walked in as though Viktor's place was his home.
Jake's heart warmed as all his assumptions were proven wrong.
He went past Viktor and entered the familiar room.
Jake and Aaron took their seats inside while Viktor leaned his back on one of his woodman's tools. It was their usual setting where these three talked about their future plans.
While Viktor used to be the least talkative one, he now took the mantle of the meeting and explained things.
He said, "The Emperor watched your duels from his castle."
"Wait, did he?" Jake asked, shocked. How in the world did he gather The Emperor's attention? Only a few people were aware of his plan to show others archery.
A moment later, Jake realized that Minerva must have notified The Emperor about his plan. She probably told her descendant to take a peek at the training grounds.
His desire to become a pioneer and fight against others finally rewarded him!
Upon hearing about that news, Viktor sneered.
He harrumphed and said, "You have done enough. Leave them as well to us and have fun with your archery. It's stupid, and I still can't wrap my head around it, but it's fun and works in your favor. I'll also lend you a hand."
"...seems like Master Aaron was right," Jake muttered.
Everyone heard him, though.
At that moment, Jake realized that he loved to improve the most. He took the most fun from challenging opponents and facing them head-on. He wouldn't like to preach archery all the time and spend his time convincing others that it could match everyone else.
That said, he wanted his archery to be the number one archery!
He'd love to exchange pointers with others or teach them about his styles.
But deep inside, Jake had been aware all this time that he was selfish and that he'd focus on himself more than anything else.
If Master Aaron was utterly right, Jake had enough charisma to bring archery to the top and make it stand beside others.
That much would be enough for him.
Hearing Jake's thoughts, Viktor scoffed, "You don't have enough lifespan to make archery the best in the world. But you have what it takes to make it to the top. I guarantee that..., and I swear on my name that I'll support you as the head of Asta Bow Household. You shall be the Supreme Archer of our era."
Jake's blood boiled. His heart thumped with excitement.
He even felt adrenaline driving him insane.
He wanted to progress right now!
Viktor's change and willingness to support him really stirred Jake's heart.
"Observe me. I'll pass you a few skills," Viktor said as he marched into the open space behind his workplace.