After the initial greetings finished, the senior members led the newcomers through the area, their steps echoing with an air of authority. Adrian, the captain, explained, "Here in the Archery Club, we train to achieve mastery over precision and timing. This range is designed to challenge your accuracy, your ability to adapt to changing conditions, and to develop an unerring eye."
Elara, the vice-captain, continued, "The indoor training hall is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to analyze and perfect your form. Remember, every detail matters in archery—from how you stand to how you breathe. It's about becoming one with your bow and arrow, and that requires unwavering dedication."
The reason why such equipment was dedicated to the Archery grounds was that the Current Bow Empress was a student who graduated from Arcadia Academy.
'As expected, coming here was the right choice.' Astron thought. Even though he thought he may have wasted his time before coming here, now that he saw the facilities, it was evident that this was the correct choice.
As Astron listened, he watched as club members demonstrated their skills, their arrows flying with elegance and fluidity that seemed almost otherworldly. The environment was intense yet inviting, a place where dedicated marksmen could thrive.
There was a reason why the students there were displaying such amazing skills. It was because they were the ones that left after the competitive setting of the club left the ones without any skill out.
And just to explain this to newcomers, Elara continued to speak. "However, let me be clear—the Archery Club is not for the faint of heart. Our standards are high, and our expectations are even higher. We are not interested in mediocrity; we seek excellence. Those who cannot meet our standards will not remain."
Then, Adrian turned his attention to the sides.
"The way you will be eliminated will be related to your performances on the practical tests. If your notes don't meet our standards, we will subject you to a test where we will test your skills and dedication. And then, we will decide whether you will stay in this club or not."
As Adrina finished his words, he turned his attention to the students around them. "Any questions?"
"….." Nobody answered since none of them had the guts to do so, and those who had didn't have any questions.
"No? Good." Seeing that his message was conveyed, Adrian finished his words.
"Then, before we finish, please come here and take your identity cards," Elara said, pointing towards the cards on the table.
"This card will let you have access to club facilities no other can access. Don't ever lose it since we won't be giving anyone another one."
As her words sank, the members made their way toward the table and took their cards.
A card with a simple symbol of a woman holding a bow in her hands with the bow stretched and aimed at the sky.
"Now, we are finished for today. You can stay here and train. You can also watch the seniors if you want, and you are free to leave if you wish to do so."? As Elara finished, the newcomers looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
Just like that, the orientation finished.
******
As everyone got their identity cards and the instructions finished, we were left alone in the club room.
Some of the newcomers looked uncertain, unsure whether to stay and train, watch the seniors in action, or leave altogether.
'Well, now we shall start with the reason why I am here for.' I thought.
For me, the choice was clear. I was here to learn, to absorb as much as I could from those who had already mastered the art of archery to a certain extent and make it my own. I made my way toward the area where the senior members were training, drawn by the prospect of observing their techniques up close.
As I approached, I could see a bunch of seniors training there. Even though the place was fairly empty since it was Friday evening and it was quite late, I still had enough material to observe.
I was keen on observing their techniques, understanding both their strengths and areas that could be improved.
'It is time to do what I am the best at.' I thought. Observing and understanding.
SWOOSH THUD
One of the seniors exhibited a meticulous approach. Their stance was composed, with every muscle in their body appearing taut yet controlled. Their grip on the bow was unwavering, and the release of the arrow was seamless, showing years of disciplined training.
'Hmm…He is more reliant on his strength than his usage of mana.' I analyzed. He was a slightly bulky person, and the bow he was using was a longbow with a big string that could exert a lot of strength.
'This is certainly not my style, but the way he uses his muscles is certainly different.' Looking back at my posture, I compared both in my head.
Analyzing their style, I recognized the impact of their body build – robust and sturdy, favoring the immense draw weight of the longbow. It was a strategy that prioritized power, reflecting the anatomy of someone with developed pectorals and biceps. Comparing this to my own leaner form and the compound bow I favored, I mentally noted the unique muscular distribution required for their method.
However, that didn't mean I couldn't use it. With enough training, I was sure to adapt this to my own.
But there was one thing that made this way of using a bow less effective. It was the fact that the usage of muscles overly would make it harder to move swiftly. That meant he was more like a sniper that attacked with high firepower.
'But if I manage to compress this style onto my upper body while making myself swift. Certainly, this seems adaptable to other styles.' I took a note and continued.
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