Chapter 96: The Arrow That Never Misses

A technique from such a significant and powerful figure isn't something you can just pick up because you want to.

Considering my skill window is still mostly empty, except for the empire's techniques and basic archery, this is an emotional moment.

"Oh my, what are you talking about? Thank you. Thank you."

I rubbed my hands together with a completely changed expression.

Now that I think about it, it seems like the talk of engagement was a sign that things would work out. Somehow, I feel grateful to Regina too.

"Well, I hope you know how grateful I am. Take up your bow and follow me, human."

I immediately followed behind Hiresia, who was proudly raising her chin.

"They say fundamentals are important, but that's only half of archery."

Hiresia said at the place where the training target was set up. Just by looking at the expression "half," you can see how important the basics are. As expected, the path I chose was not wrong.

"For example, this."

Her hand caught three arrows at once.

Ting!

Wedge! Wedge! Wedge!

Three arrows flew simultaneously and struck the target at exactly the same intervals. It was a creepy piece of work.

"This is impossible with just the basics."

Multiple arrows. It is a special ability that is symbolic of Hiresia and can fire up to 10 shots at once. You can think of it as almost at the level of an arrow bomber. This is also the reason why she, who is basically an archer, is very strong in one-on-many fights.

'This is impossible, impossible.'

Even if he's not Max, this is impossible for the main character.

It wasn't a skill that could be learned just by being taught. She would know that fact much better. Of course, I will learn other skills that I can acquire now.

"I understand, senior. After all, technique is necessary."

I nodded my head repeatedly, my eyes shining brightly.

So now let's take a look at one technique.

"That's right. It's just as important as the other half."

Hiresia continued speaking.

"You may still lack the basics, but I will teach you special techniques that could be a lifesaver in times of crisis."

"Oh my... Thank you, senior!"

"Yes, thank you very much."

Hiresia smiled with a face that seemed to have gotten even more proud. Her eyes quickly became serious.

"I will teach you an arrow that will never miss."

An arrow that never misses? Is that possible, even with a tracking bullet? If it were someone else's words, I would have dismissed them as nonsense, but this person is the bow itself... no, an elf.

It's said to be very refreshing.

"Is that possible?"

"To be precise, I would say absolutely at that point."

... Isn't that too difficult?

"Let me make it a little easier for you."

Hiresia's hand touched my head. For a moment, a strange energy spread from that hand into my head.

A Focus beyond the limit that is exerted through sight, reading each trajectory of the arrow in detail.

'Alright.'

I tried hard to recreate that sensation, raising my Focus as much as possible. While doing so, I tried to draw that sensation toward my vision.

'It's not easy.'

How many times did I repeat it? Maybe dozens of times. After countless trials and errors, finally, the path began to come into grasp at my fingertips.

The appearing golden line.

"Oh, I see it! I see it, senior!"

My excited exclamation.

"Hmm, faster than I thought, not bad."

Hiresia threw a comment as if it was unexpected.

I grinned.

Teaching is more fun when the student picks things up well. Who knows? Maybe later, I could gain another trick up my sleeve.

"Then try shooting it."

That was my intention anyway.

The first shot with my pure Focus.

I placed an arrow on the bow. And calmly composed my breathing.

The arrow that had hit the bullseye earlier, there was a line visible there too.

'Is that even possible?'

The very technique that only the insane masters of archery could do.

The so-called docking, splitting the previously embedded arrow, I decided to give it a try.

Twang!

I released the bowstring right at the beginning of the line.

Swoosh!

The arrow flew through the wind. And then.

Crack!

Thud!

The arrow perfectly split the first one and embedded itself into the target.

It was a perfect docking. Even I was surprised. A mere novice still learning the basics of archery had just executed a technique thought only possible by masters.

This was the power of Focused shooting.

If only I had this...

Huh?

Suddenly feeling dizzy, I squinted my eyes and sat down.

This wasn't usual for me. Therefore, I couldn't help but think, 'Could it be?'

As if Hiresia had read my thoughts, she explained.

"Focus is something that gets consumed. Especially when shooting with Focus, there's no need to say more."

In other words, 'It's a technique that seriously drains Focus, got it?'

Of course. There's no technique in the world that exerts great power without a price.