27 – Student Battle, Finals 5
In modern times, bows were a weapon that were hardly ever used.
Once guns had made their appearance, with the exception of sound, they were an upgrade in every way.
However, in spite of this, the Dilmont family had continued to pass down their combat archery skills.
With their bow arts, they could use magic to bend arrows, and give them force to rival a cannon.
As a third daughter, Arnela Dilmont was of little importance.
She loved bows, but had no talent for magic arts. And so she could not fire with enough force. People told her that she was better off using a gun.
Her grades were always barely passable. And it was recommended that she switch courses.
…However, one day, a certain sword instructor arrived at the school, and saw her.
‘Just as I thought. Your eyes and bow are well suited for fighting.’
He had that look of ‘discovering something.’ Before she knew it, Arnela had been brought into the team.
It really was ridiculous.
Normally, participants in the tournament were selected through vote. With such grades as hers, she would never have been chosen.
She thought of turning him down. But he had said, ‘Don’t you want to see your…no, your bow’s potential?’
In a way, archery was her only gift. There had been times when she wished she had enough talent.
And while she had gotten into the team…things were difficult from there.
“You. If you have something to say, then just say it.”
“Uh…well…”
This happened all of the time.
As Millie stood with her hands on her hips, Arnela could not say anything.
But when that happened…
“Hey, you sound so threatening. …Arnela, you’re part of the team now. So don’t hesitate if you have an opinion. That’s all she means… I think.”
Bailey said.
But even after that, Arnela still hesitated, and Millie just snorted and walked away.
However, if asked if she felt uncomfortable there—she did not think so.
Previously, she had apologized to Millie. For causing so much trouble.
Millie had sighed with exasperation.
“Trouble? What?”
“I, um…”
“Look here. All I wanted to say was…you should believe in yourself more.”
“Believe…?”
“Yes. How do you expect to support us, when you lack so much confidence? That is what’s troublesome. If you aren’t confident, then you should train until you are. Until you can fulfill your role. I won’t forgive you if you mess up when the time comes.”
She said as she turned and walked away. And then she realized it.
Millie called herself a genius.
But she never stopped working hard. She put in the effort.
—Comrades are not friends.
It wasn’t about sentiment. Fight, compete, and clash. And that is why they could trust.
Because they knew the effort, pain and hardships.
And so drew her bow. As many times as she could. In order to fulfill her role.
Right before the battle, Millie had said it. “I’m counting on you.”
And so…
(Please. Reach…)
She prayed while drawing.
And then the arrow flew towards Roy’s eye as if being guided.
◆ ◇ ◆
“Impossible…!”
Roy was shocked as the arrow shot towards him.
It was little wonder.
His warrior physics had been strengthened with ki arts, so that it far surpassed any ordinary person. The idea of firing from a distance at them was unbelievable.
At this speed, the chances of friendly fire were too great.
But it seemed like Bailey and Arnela had not thought of that at all.
(No, perhaps there was no need to…!?)
Overwhelming precision.
What made this possible…was Arnela Dilmont’s eyes.
It was a talent that no one knew about. Until that sword instructor saw it.
Roy swiftly canceled his attack and moved his head out of the way.
However, that left him open. The movement was kept at a minimum, and he had the best recovery. But it was still an opening that Bailey could take advantage of.
A wave of attacks from sword, shield and arrow. That was their trump card for defeating Roy.
That was how they took him by surprise.
But…
“Hmph!”
“!?”
Roy’s headbut shattered the arrow that Arnela unleashed.
◆ ◇ ◆
Arnela went pale.
Roy might as well have been made of steel.
Lukewarm attacks would not pierce him. Not even bullets.
And she knew that her arrows did not have that power.
Bailey was being pressed back now.
If he fell, Arnela had no way of defending herself.
—Would they lose?
Was there no way to win?
After they had worked so hard…
“No…!”
The word spilled from her mouth.
Though she usually found it difficult to voice her opinions. She said it now.
I don’t want to lose.
I don’t want to lose…!
“Don’t become frantic…”
Had she really heard that?
—I won’t forgive you if you mess up when the time comes
She thought she heard the words.
And so Arnela drew her bow as if praying.
“Please…”
She released it.
“Reach him…!”
A red light shone from the arrow.
After seeing the magic energy in it…Roy realized, and immediately started to dodge it.
But the arrow that passed him then curved.
And pierced him in the back…before exploding.
“Really… Do I always have to help you.”
Millie Alensen.
As Godor lay unconscious, she laughed while covered in dirt and dust.
Waves of shock spread through the crowd.
Had she been knocked down by Roy’s attack?
But the referee did not say anything.
The red alert that rang…was for Godor alone.
To be precise, Godor had taken the hit as much as he could. And so Millie was able to bear it.
As for Roy, the unexpected attack should be a fatal one…
“Not…yet…!”
“I thought so!”
Roy appeared from the flames, and Bailey met him with an attack.
They were both wounded now.
And they knew that this would be the final clash.
“Roy!”
“Bailey!”
The figures crossed.
And then the buzzer signaling the end of the battle. The crowds roared.
huh?!
Haha. Accidentally had some Strange Dragon in there.