As soon as Hiresia arried at the hideout on Mount Harkin, she looked incredulously at the logs piled up on one side.
"What's this?"
"Logs."
"I know they're logs, but why are they here?"
"For practice. Swordsmanship."
Hiresia squinted and alternated her gaze between and the logs. Then she said,
"Does the swordsmanship hall now ask for such things?"
"Ah, I graduated from there. It's for new swordsmanship training."
"You've been attending diligently and indeed graduated, huh."
"What do you see as, senior? I'm a remarkable talent who ranked second in the archery evaluation."
Second in the class. When she heard the news, Hiresia tried not to show it openly, but her pleasure was unmistakable.
I was also glad, of course, to have upheld the honor of the woman who had taught archery with such dedication.
Of course, no one else knows yet that she's my teacher.
Normally, achieving such impressive results would only be possible a year later. It was possible due to the relatively lower level of the second year and the power of Focus Shot.
Normally, this would be the end of learning from Hiresia, who is almost impossible to learn any new technique beyond mastering the basics.
That's why it was my course to leave without regret and look for another archery teacher.
But now.
The situation was different. Very different.
First, our relationship had beco close enough to teach an advanced skill like Focus.
Plus, her slight sprout of fondness for after the incident at the lake. Therefore, my choice completely changed.
Especially since she naturally began to teach a new technique without even asking.
And that technique was rapid shooting. The core skill I always admired.
'This is the power of fate.'
It's true in reality, but especially in this ga. There's a reason hardcore gars emphasize relationships as the core.
"Hmph, don't be arrogant. Not that you lack talent, but, hm hm…"
I couldn't help but laugh at Hiresia's attitude.
Regardless of the relationship, her recognition of was certain. Otherwise, she wouldn't say such things, being an elf.
"But, seriously."
"Yes?"
"Suddenly training with such things? Seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?"
"Shall I show you?"
"Hmm, go ahead."
"Watch as much as you like."
I approached where the logs were. I drew my sword. I realized it was the first ti I was drawing a sword in front of Hiresia.
"Ho, your posture is quite good."
Hiresia muttered. She doesn't use swords, but it seems she could tell with her discernnt.
"Phew."
I took a deep breath. A thod to enhance concentration. And then, I executed the executioner's blow.
Whoosh!
Thud!
The thick log was split in half in an instant. Trendous power. Impossible with Imperial Style No. 8.
"Huh, not bad?"
Hiresia seed surprised at the unexpected level. Her shoulders shrugged slightly.
"That's a splitting cut? There's such a strong cutting thod."
Hiresia grasped it imdiately. Her discernnt was indeed on a different level from mine.
"It's a technique filled with a man's determination. I'm still quite unskilled, though."
"That's the end?"
"Yes, that's it."
"A strong blow, but it seems quite insufficient on its own?"
now.
"Ah, that."
I sheathed my sword and continued.
"It's not part of swordsmanship per se; it was created solely with the intention of beheading with a single blow."
"Intention of beheading with a single blow? There are so unique techniques out there."
"The world is wide and there are many people."
I decided not to explain further for the sake of ntal health. It's not a cheerful topic, talking about executioners and such.
"But the training isn't over, is it?"
"Of course not. I'm going to finish with archery and then wrap up."
"Because you're wary of ?"
"It's not that, it's just basic courtesy. How could I practice other techniques in front of a special teacher?"
The word 'special' I carelessly uttered seed to have touched Hiresia's emotions. I could feel her pointed ears twitch. Her face also turned slightly red.
"Well, you speak well."
"It's just the obvious thing to say."
I also felt warr. It was usually comfortable, but when the atmosphere turned subtle, it was not easy to interact with Hiresia. Because I knew her feelings.
The darn notification window had shown the precise emotion of 'fondness.' It's still a small fondness, but that's not easy either.
'She's a good woman in many ways…'
The countless mories of failure I experienced while playing the ga.
Because of those mories, it was burdenso to seriously advance the relationship.
And another thing.
Her personality changes completely after the mid-point, which was also a concern. At least I wanted to prevent that.
The Hiresia I feel affection for and like is with her current personality.
I wanted to preserve that.
"Senior."
"Uh...? Uh, yes.. What?"
"Let know if anything happens."
"What do you an?"
"I might be able to help. That's why."
"I will."
Hiresia answered, lowering her eyes slightly. Her embarrassnt was clearly visible.
Honestly, it was an awkward topic for to bring up as well, but it seed like sothing that needed to be said.
Anyway, after saying it, I felt sowhat relieved.
"Well, I'll practice rapid shooting now."
And with that, I went back to my usual archery training.
I picked up my bow, feeling the familiar weight of it in my hand. My fingers traced the smooth wood, and I couldn't help but smile.
Rapid shooting, the technique I had long admired, required imnse focus. Each shot had to be precise, swift, and continuous. There was no ti to relax between shots, no ti to second-guess. It was all about rhythm, speed, and confidence.
I drew the string back, the tautness vibrating through my arm. With a deep breath, I aid at the target—a dummy I had set up a bit farther from the logs. Without another thought, I released the arrow.
Whoosh!
The arrow flew through the air and hit the dummy square in the chest.
But I didn't stop.
Quickly, I nocked another arrow, drew the bow, and released. Over and over, the arrows flew from my bow, each one landing near the last, puncturing the dummy in a tight cluster.
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