Then Archery is my path

April 26, 3108

"Your Wind Slash is unstable."

Master's words were blunt as I demonstrated the technique on a tree. The trunk now bore countless small cuts near the impact point of the arrow, but it hadn't fallen.

"But I can't understand what I'm doing wrong. The amount of aether is enough."

"The problem isn't the aether," he replied calmly, "it's in how you understand the technique."

I stood there, waiting for an explanation, but Master turned and started walking back toward the house.

"Master! Won't you explain it to me?"

"No."

He stopped, turning slightly to face me.

"Think about how you're doing a slash."

And with that cryptic remark, he continued on his way, leaving me completely confused.

After finishing my daily training routine, I grabbed my bow and began practicing Wind Slash again. No matter how much I tried, the results didn't improve.

How do I slash? I thought.

With a sword in both hands, I search for the opponent's weak point, then find a convenient path for the blade to reach it. But that has nothing to do with the arrow—it doesn't have a blade, just an arrowhead. It can only pierce, not cut...

Then, as if a spark ignited in my mind, I paused.

But what if it did have a blade? What if the arrow had a sword attached to it—something I could control?

Gripping my bow tightly, I began experimenting again, this time visualizing my new idea.

Imagine a sword that is parallel to the arrow. See it travel toward the target, carving its path, and anticipate how it will connect.

I released the bowstring, and the arrow shot through the air. As it neared the tree, a blade of wind materialized around it. The tree didn't just splinter—it was cut cleanly, collapsing to the ground.

"The problem was my focus. I was concentrating too much on the attack itself, assuming it had to be constant. I didn't realize the cutting force only needed to form at the moment of contact. Overthinking caused the smaller blades to scatter, weakening the effect."

"You realized it quickly."

I spun around to see Master standing beside me, his eyes fixed on the fallen tree.

"Now, cut that tree into stove wood. No tools allowed."

"How?"

"Exactly how you just brought it down, only without the arrow."

"New training... Wonderful. I'm just jumping for joy.

No. I'm definitely not."

Though my thoughts were less than enthusiastic, my words were obedient as always.

"Okay."

"Aether armor can't be used."

"Sure," I replied with the fakest smile I could muster.

Of course I accepted... but how do I even do that?

Now that I understood the fundamentals of Wind Slash, I could form a small blade of wind, but it wasn't nearly as large or powerful as the one created with an arrow.

Having no other choice, I started working on the thinner branches of the tree. Progress was slow, and later, I found myself forced to deal directly with the trunk.

This is going to take ages.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I finally stepped away from the tree and headed to the meditation area. Master was already there, waiting for me.

"Do you know why the head armor opens last?" he asked.

"No, but I can assume it's because it's not very important," I replied.

"Partially correct. Its significance is less obvious because, once opened, it provides no substantial boost to physical strength or aether control compared to the other components. It mainly serves to protect the area and slightly enhances sensory capabilities—such as hearing, vision, and sometimes smell."

"Then what's the point of me opening it?"

"For you, the situation is a little different," Master said with a measured tone. "Your central aetheric artery in the head is ideal—its size and condition make it perfect for development. More importantly, opening the head armor will enhance your Windweave Vision."

"Now this makes sense," I admitted, nodding.

"Begin," Master commanded, stepping back to observe.

Windweave Vision is a crucial part of my arsenal. If I can master it and use it more effectively, it will significantly improve my capabilities.

April 27, 3108

While practicing Wind Slash, I began to notice some consistent patterns and conditions that governed its use:

Formation Zone: The wind blade can only be generated in a pyramid-like area centered on the arrow.

Activation Moment: The blade forms only at the moment of contact with the predetermined target. It doesn't exist until that precise instant.

Arrow Speed: The faster the arrow, the farther the blade can extend and reach its target.

Aether Input: Increasing the amount of aether enhances the blade's penetration power and prolongs its durability during contact.

Understanding these principles gave me a clearer picture of how to refine the technique further.

"Now to find a way to apply this to Master's impossible tree challenge..."

The same rules apply to the blade that I form without the arrow, but the results are much weaker in both range and power.

However, progress is progress. Initially, the blade was no bigger than 2-3 cm. Now, I can extend it to around 5-6 cm. For comparison, the blade formed by an arrow reaches approximately 20-25 cm.

April 30, 3108

Improvised Hunters Day

I just have to hit him once.

It sounds possible—at least in theory. But the reality is far harsher. So far, I haven't even managed to shoot him during these exercises, let alone land a hit. Adding to the challenge, Master never uses any armor components.

No excuses this time. I have to hit him.

With my bow on my back and a quiver full of arrows, I started running in search of Master's current.

After more than 30 minutes of tracking, I finally found him. And just like every other time, the crazy chase began.

As usual, I wasn't the leader.

But today, there was a slight difference. I managed to shoot my bow once. Master, of course, avoided the arrow with ease, as if it was nothing more than a falling leaf.

By then, I had already closed my circuit—I was completely exhausted.

The hunt ended as it always did: the hunter collapsed on the ground, gasping for air, while the prey perched calmly on the branch of a tree, watching with detached curiosity.

July 30, 3109

Kail turns 17

Not much has changed over the months. The head armor remains unopened, though I'm closer than ever. Opening it takes far more effort than I'd expected.

On the bright side, my Wind Slash technique has improved significantly. I can now form:

1 blade in 3 seconds

2 blades in 10 seconds

3 blades in 30 seconds

A major breakthrough was my first successful use of Illusionary Redirection. Although I can only manage a single clone, creating an identical copy of my body is no trivial feat—it requires precise aether control and focus.

Today is the last chance to hit Master. If not now, I can forget about the academy.

With determination burning in my chest, I began my search for Master's current.

Luck was on my side this time. After only 10 minutes, I found his trail and began following it.

"Here you are," I whispered under my breath as I finally caught sight of him.

Breathing Technique: Tempest Flow (4 ☆)

Stage 2: Wind Acceleration

Mana Armis: Left Foot + Hand + Right Shoulder – 2nd Form Condensation

I initiated Wind Acceleration, my body moving at a speed faster than before. Within moments, I was behind Master, observing his movements and looking for the smallest opportunity.

When the chance appeared, I wasted no time. My hand flew to the quiver, drawing an arrow in one fluid motion.

Archery Technique: Tornado Archery (4 ☆)

Stage 1: Guided Arrow

The arrow, infused with aether, was nocked and released from the bow in under two seconds.

It flew with considerable speed, its trajectory slightly curved due to the influence of wind currents. The shot was precise—directed toward Master.

But it missed.

Even before the first arrow completed its flight, I had already drawn another. Aether began to swirl and accumulate, the arrow glowing faintly with the distinctive hue of wind aether. It was ready within seconds.

Master, as always, stayed one step ahead. He jumped effortlessly toward another tree, his movements seamless.

Movement Technique: Wind Kingdom (4 ☆)

Stage 2: Illusionary Redirection

One Kail momentarily reduced the distance while in just a few moments another Kail appeared from behind a tree below my initial position.

Both of us drew our bows simultaneously, aiming at Master.

In the blink of an eye, the arrows flew toward him.

But only one was real.

Arrow from Kail who reduced the distance dissolved in the wind along with the clone. The true arrow, however, sped with remarkable precision toward Evans.

Master was mid-air, halfway to the next branch, when he noticed the arrow's trajectory. He twisted his body in an attempt to avoid it, but the arrow shifted slightly—steadily locking onto its target, guided by the wind currents.

As it neared, just centimeters away, the wind surrounding the arrow began to take shape—a single-edge blade forming in an instant.

Realizing the danger, Evans activated his circuit and formed his ManaArmis. Armor enveloped his hand, which he used to deflect the arrow. The force pushed it off its path, sending it spinning into the distance.

"Ahhhh, not yet," I groaned, frustration evident in my voice.

"On the contrary," Master replied calmly. "You succeeded."

"But I didn't hit you," I said, confusion written on my face.

"Then what is this?"

Master extended his hand, still armored, revealing a small but visible cut etched into the surface.

"Is that enough?" I asked, my heart racing.

Master's usual stoic expression softened ever so slightly.

"Did you want me to stay with the arrow in my hand or what?" 

"No,"

I blinked, slightly surprised by the question, then nodded in acknowledgment.

"Get ready. If you want to get into the academy, you need to send your application in August, and you still don't have all the necessary documents," he added.

"Okay, Master," I answered with determination.

With those words, I turned and headed back home, my spirits high.

Master stayed behind, deactivating his circuit and letting the armor around his hand dissolve. He stared at his palm, the small cut still visible, a few drops of blood seeping out.

"I didn't expect to be left with a wound by a bird that doesn't know how to fly yet," he muttered to himself with a faint smile.

As I prepared my belongings for my departure tomorrow, Master entered the house. He walked to the table, carrying a bottle of whiskey in one hand. Without a word, he placed it down with a dull thud.

"Sit down," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated, frowning. "Master, I'm still a minor. I can't drink."

"Don't act like a fool. Have a glass," he retorted, pouring the amber liquid into two glasses.

"Okay," I relented, taking the glass he offered.

We both took a sip, the sharp burn of the whiskey warming my throat. After a moment of silence, Master spoke.

"Kail," he said, his voice unusually soft.

"Yes?"

"Take care of yourself."

"Okay," I replied, not sure what else to say.

We didn't speak further, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. The sounds of the forest outside, mixed with the gentle crackle of the fire in the stove, created an atmosphere of peace.

By the time I finished my third glass, I stood to leave. As I pushed my chair back, Master broke the silence again.

"Come back when you have the opportunity."

I turned to face him, a small smile forming on my lips. "Of course. You're more important to me than my biological father, and this place—this place I can truly call home."

Then he added, his voice steady yet warm, "Thank you."

"For what?" I asked, genuinely puzzled. "You've given me so much more than I could ever repay."

His lips curled into a faint smile. "Because you found me."

At that moment, I couldn't help but smile in return.

"Thank you for not throwing me away,"