Then Archery is my path

Mr. Karlos's gaze bore into me, his face emotionless, his eyes as lifeless as a doll's.

"That's exactly what we do in these lessons," he said flatly.

"Really? I thought this was just an archery class, not one for elemental control," I replied, my voice tinged with surprise.

"Of course, we focus on refining and performing in archery," he explained. "But to progress further, mastering elemental control becomes essential. It's necessary for achieving better results. You won't always have the luxury of relying solely on techniques—they demand aether, which takes time to gather."

"I thought those who use ManaArmis couldn't use elemental control at all," I said, frowning in confusion.

"What we use differs greatly from the elemental control taught in ManaDomain," Mr. Karlos began, his tone growing slightly more instructive. "First, the source of the element is our own body, unlike ManaDomain, which uses atmospheric mana. Second, we use the element more as an enchantment than a distinct attack."

"Then… can we start?" I asked eagerly, tightening my grip on my bow.

"Position yourself and take the bow in hand," he instructed.

I immediately adjusted my stance, following his directions to the letter.

"If, for techniques, you have time to load the weapon—in your case, the arrow—with aether," he continued, "here, everything must happen instantaneously. At the exact moment before releasing the arrow, you must use the element. For now activate the Circuit."

Breathing Technique: Tempest Flow (4 ☆)

Stage 1: Wind Circulation

My body became enveloped in ManaVentis, which shimmered visibly. The mana began to circulate around me, forming wind currents that twisted into vortices before returning to smooth flows.

"The idea," Karlos said, his voice steady, "is to feel how your mana circulates not only inside your body but also outside it. At the right moment, you allow some of that mana to flow from ManaVentis and manifest the element."

Master really should have taken notes from his former colleague when it comes to explanations, I thought, struggling to piece it all together.

I focused on the aether flowing through ManaVentis, feeling the currents swirl and pulse. But when I tried to command it, it refused to obey, slipping away like the wind that defies your grasp. It was as if the currents mocked my efforts, continuing their path without even acknowledging my will.

After several more attempts, nothing had changed. My bow remained steady in my hands, but my eyes were now closed, my entire concentration fixed on the aether swirling around my hand.

"Mr. Karlos," I finally said, frustration lacing my tone, "this isn't working. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?"

"I wouldn't know," he replied bluntly, folding his arms. "But don't think this is supposed to be easy. Elemental control is considered much harder to master than techniques. Why do you think this dojo exists? To use archery, techniques, and elemental control in harmony requires extreme concentration—that's what we practice here."

Now this makes sense. Just practicing archery continuously won't lead to real progress. But when you combine it with techniques and elemental control, the effect multiplies to enormous extremes.

I resumed my practice, but success continued to elude me. No matter how much I intensified or varied my attempts at manipulating the aether, it only responded faintly before returning to its natural flow, refusing to bend to my will.

This isn't working. I need to change my approach.

Then, I recalled seeing some of the students during the entrance exam practicing something that resembled martial arts.

Maybe the secret lies in the movements?

Abandoning my stationary stance, I shifted my approach. I positioned the bow properly and nocked an arrow onto the bowstring. Straightening my back, I opened my eyes, locking onto the target in front of me. Still, I couldn't let go of my focus on the circuit—the internal flow of aether and its external movements in ManaVentis.

It's moving! It's finally moving as I want it to!

The aether began to flow toward the arrow. Excited, I released the arrow, but the circuit immediately collapsed. I hadn't controlled my breathing properly or assimilated enough aether to sustain the flow.

Suddenly, a crushing wave of fatigue hit me, and I dropped to my knees, panting.

"Enough for today," said Mr. Karlos, his voice as monotone as ever.

"It's okay—it moved!" I exclaimed, still catching my breath.

"Yes, I saw. You released the arrow, but then you completely forgot about breathing and closed the circuit," he said, his tone neutral, though his observation felt sharper than usual.

That doesn't sound right, I thought, frowning.

Mr. Karlos helped me to my feet, then took a step back, his sharp eyes analyzing me from head to toe.

"Do you want some advice?" he asked suddenly.

"Of course!"

"Sign up for optional Unarmed Combat classes."

Unarmed combat? But isn't that geared toward close combat? How is that relevant to me?

"Can you tell me why?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion.

"As an archer, you won't always have the luxury of keeping your distance. Real situations often demand adaptability, and being skilled in close combat will be invaluable. Your body is naturally resistant and durable—you'll make good use of that. Plus, the Unarmed Combat classes rely heavily on elemental control. You'll understand it much better there."

That sounds… surprisingly convenient.

"Alright, I'll sign up as soon as the system allows it."

"Don't wait for the system," he said bluntly. "Go straight to the gym number 11. They usually have classes there. But make sure you come here at least three times a week after your lessons as scheduled."

"Got it. Thank you," I said sincerely, giving a small bow of gratitude.

It was already late when I hurried to the commercial area, weaving through several bars and markets. My room lacked even the bare essentials—a stove, a kettle, and of course, not a single pot to prepare food.

After searching for the lowest prices, I managed to buy what I needed: a small gas camping stove, pot, some basic vegetables, a piece of meat, and a few bones to make broth. I didn't forget the essentials—salt and pepper. By the time I was done, I only had 50 VA left to last the whole month.

Finally, back in my room, I unpacked my purchases. Setting up the stove, I started preparing a simple meal, letting the aroma of simmering broth fill the space.

Bzzz.

A notification buzzed on my watch. I checked it to see that the sender was Lia.

|Lia|: Hello, how are you?

What's that for?

|Kail|: Well. How are you?

|Lia|: Fine. Just lately, a lot of annoying people surround me.

|Kail|: I understand. Is that the reason for how you behave?

|Lia|: Nero has been following me for a year already, like a bodyguard. I've told him so many times to stop, but he never listens.

|Kail|: He seems like a normal guy.

|Lia|: DO NOT misunderstand. He hasn't done anything to me. I simply don't like his presence.

|Kail|: Strange how the person who's annoying somehow turns into the victim.

|Lia|: This is NOT the same thing!! Have you decided which additional courses you'll enroll in?

Her sudden shift in topic caught me off guard, but it made me smile—something I hadn't done in a long time.

|Kail|: I've decided on two. Just one left.

|Lia|: Wow, quick. How did you manage to pick them so fast?

|Kail|: Just how things turned out.

|Lia|: What do you think about the courses on studying breathing techniques?

Reading her message, my mind sharpened, and I recalled my main reason for maintaining contact with Lia. Breathing technique to increase ejection fraction.

|Kail|: Sounds interesting. Do you plan to take these?

|Lia|: Yes! But it's generally for people whose techniques have flaws or inefficiencies. That's why none of my friends are interested in it.

|Kail|: Maybe I need those too.

|Lia|: I don't think so. So, will you come with me tomorrow?

Losing an optional course slot for a seemingly minor subject isn't a big deal. My relationship with Lia and the potential benefits of her insights are worth it.

|Kail|: Okay. Where is it held?

|Lia|: Wonderful! (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ In Block C, 3rd floor, Hall 7. Come after you finish your lessons tomorrow.

|Kail|: Got it.

I closed the hologram and turned on the stove.

The sound of the fire starting filled the quiet room.

I placed the newly purchased pot on the burner, already filled with tap water, and started preparing the ingredients. As the water heated, I cleaned the vegetables and meat, letting my thoughts settle into order.

The most important things I need to accomplish now are:

1.Learn to use elemental control to a satisfactory level for combat applications.

2.Avoid contact with anyone who might recognize me from the past.

3.Acquire the breathing technique created by Lia, provided it is available.

4.Establish a schedule that allows me to balance my courses with training for techniques.

5.Continue practicing the breathing techniques required to activate the leg armor.

Of these, points 1, 2, and 5 are mandatory. The others are important but can be deprioritized if necessary.

As I worked, the faint bubbling of water on the stove served as the backdrop to my thoughts. Each goal loomed in my mind like a hurdle I needed to clear—strategically, carefully, and without missteps.