Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 237

Chapter 237 Chapter 54.3 - Archery Competition

"Then, let the competition begin...."

The air was charged with anticipation as the first student, a slender figure with a quiet demeanor and glasses, was called forward.

As my gaze focused on him, I couldn't help but notice a slight nervousness in his stance.

'Indeed, he is really nervous.'

His slender body seemed to carry the weight of expectation, and his glasses added a touch of vulnerability.

One would normally think he was someone who wasn't perfectly specialized in the art of archery, but the small muscles underneath his clothes were saying otherwise. Though, without a keen eye, one wouldn't see it, thanks to the fact that his clothes were baggy.

'Let's see how he will fare.'

Observing him closely, I wondered how he would fare in the archery evaluations and if he would be able to showcase the precision and adaptability that Adrian had emphasized.

'This will also act as a good way to see the general level.'

It was good that I wasn't called first, as that would make things a little more uncomfortable.

Adrian, with his authoritative presence, stepped forward, suggesting to the nervous student that he should start. He explained how this part of the competition would work, revealing that each participant would be given ten different arrows and a common bow to ensure fairness.

"After that," Adrian continued, "I will signal the target placement, and the environment between the target and archer will change constantly. Your ability to adapt will be crucial."

He gestured toward the second-year mages, indicating that they would be responsible for altering the environment during the competition.

"Keep in mind that precision and adaptability are key. Let's see how you handle it."

Hearing those, I nodded inwardly. This was the type of test both me and others were expecting, so we weren't much surprised. However, of course, those who could see the truth would fare a little.

'He indirectly said the environment is in the control of mages he called.'

In a sense, he held the power to control the difficulty of the test.

'Well, not that it matters much.'

Adrian signaled to the young man, prompting him to step forward and take his place on the archery grounds.

With a determined nod, the student grabbed his bow, his focused expression betraying a hint of nervous anticipation.

"He is pretty good."

As he carefully notched his first arrow, a subtle yet skillful manipulation of mana began to emanate from him. From how he handled things, in my eyes, he was better than my last group.

'Well, I guess we are starting with a good piece.'

The air around him seemed to respond to his command, creating a subtle shimmer that hinted at his proficiency in mana manipulation.

The spectators also observed in silence, captivated by the young man's display of skill.

"He's not just a novice; look at how he manipulates mana."

"Did you see that? The way he controlled the arrow's trajectory with his mana?"

It was evident that he was not just a novice; his controlled mana manipulation spoke volumes about his training and dedication.

SWOOSH!

With a steady breath, he released the arrow. It soared through the air, navigating the changing environment that the second-year mages manipulated.

The tension in the air reached its peak as the arrow approached the target, and a collective breath was held.

THUNK!

The arrow struck the target with precision, earning a murmur of approval from the onlookers.

"Well done."

"He did hit this time."

The young man's expression remained focused, a mix of determination and relief evident in his eyes as he didn't stop.

After he hit the first target, it immediately disappeared, and another appeared, this time in a distance farther away.

SWOOSH!

He released another arrow once again at a speed that was commendable. This time, his arms were holding the bow, and the bow itself was charged with mana as the range of the attack was no longer in the normal physical range.

It was a pretty general technique widely used to increase the speed of the arrow.

THUD!

His attack once again hit the target, but this time, it was slightly off the mark.

SWIRL

It was because of the small change in the air between the target and himself. With my eyes, I could see the wind positions being manipulated.

'Mage has started.'

The amount wasn't seemingly huge, but the mage skillfully enough to control it precisely to generate a force of wind enough to disturb the path of the attack.

"Tch."

The guy clicked his tongue as he also realized that the mage was disturbing him.

'He is using his skill.'

Undeterred, the archer decided to employ a skill. His body emitted a faint glow as he activated a particular ability.

It wasn't a good choice to reveal one's skill that early, in my opinion, and most of the experienced audience seemed to think the same.

'After all, the mage will also realize.'

This was a test. A test to see one's adaptability to different conditions. Immediately using your skill rather than finding your own solutions first meant you were reliant on your skill and weren't creative enough to finish on your own, and that was a minus point.

With newfound confidence, he fired another shot. However, the distance to the target had increased, and this time, the mage added a new challenge by creating a swirling wind that veiled the target.

The arrow sailed through the air, skillfully navigating the wind disturbance, but the added difficulty was evident.

THUNK!

The arrow hit the target, though not as cleanly, just as before.

As the competition progressed, the targets continued to appear at greater distances, and the mage cleverly introduced various environmental challenges. Rain poured down, fog enveloped the area, and gusts of wind altered the trajectory of each arrow.

At the end of the three shots, the archer was decided to be challenged further.

Moving targets emerged from the fog, and, undeterred by the obscured visibility, he aimed and fired. Two arrows found their mark, hitting the moving targets with impressive accuracy, but the third one missed.

Adrian stepped forward, signaling the conclusion of the test.

"Well done. Your adaptability and marksmanship have been tested thoroughly today. You may return to the group."

As the archer returned, the audience exchanged murmurs of analysis and opinions, contemplating the strengths and weaknesses displayed during the test.