Chapter 229: Decisions (4)
Viktor returned to his workplace near the empire's capital.
It would have been better for him to return to his mansion in Asta Bow's region, but Viktor was against this idea. He didn't mind coming back and forth, even though it took him more than a little time to flip over the entire household and get them back on the right track.
All organizing stuff evaporated the second he noticed Jake practicing in his workplace. He wasn't alone, as his master was behind him, helping him with the new training routine.
The training regime was different. Viktor could see that Ingrid was focusing on Jake's The Feather Step Skill and quick decision-making.
With Jake focusing on taking out arrows as fast as possible during an action, he was slowly adapting to the game system feature and its secrets.
He'd soon be able to take out more than just arrows from his inventory without opening it up and clicking on the game system's tab. He was also getting much closer to being able to use his common skills without taking a glance at their icons.
Viktor stepped in.
Ingrid and Jake stopped their practice and craned their heads toward him. It was always a peculiar experience to face Viktor, as his expressions were unique.
"Why do you look so upset?" Ingrid asked.
Jake tilted his head. 'I thought we had gotten on much better terms, but he looks like old Viktor.'
Viktor harrumphed, "You're using my workplace without my consent? Do I need more reason to be upset with you two?"
It was a lie.
Viktor was in a bad mood because he had little time to help Jake. He introduced useful skills to him, including a single, powerful one that demanded more than practice, yet he didn't have time to help him much with them.
Upon returning back home, Viktor noticed Ingrid taking his spot.
A mix of jealousy and anger boiled in Viktor's heart.
He was also disappointed in himself, as he believed it should be him to help Jake the most.
He walked in and stood abreast of Ingrid.
He asked her, "What is he practicing now?"
Ingrid curved her lips into a sneer. She wasn't close with Viktor, but it wasn't difficult to see through him. She shook her head as though disappointed in him and looked at Jake.
She said, "Jake and his team won the esports tournament. Their next opponents will be at a much higher level, so we're working on his foundations and what he lacks the most."
"The event all players have been talking about for a while?" Viktor asked, his arms crossed. "I heard it's an event to choose the strongest players and help them develop against the dungeons."
Ingrid flatly replied, "Do not bother looking into the purpose of this event. It's all entertainment."
"Has he tried Triple Hydra?" Viktor asked.
"No," Ingrid replied. "He doesn't have time for that."
"You're crafty," Viktor said.
Ingrid wordlessly thanked him as she meaningfully looked at him. Viktor wasn't a high-level NPC for no reason. He could see Ingrid's scheme for Jake in this new training routine.
If he completes the training routine in the remaining days, he'll need confidence at the right moment to unleash The Triple Hydra.
"It's an advanced skill. Even if he were to learn that through his gift, it'd be a unique grade at most. Without much experience and comprehension, he'd evolve it without significant gains. That's why his development method is to my liking," Viktor said.
"He needs to believe in himself more," Ingrid added.
Talent and hard work were required in all fields.
Viktor stared at Jake's releases as Ingrid told her disciple to shoot a few arrows from different angles.
He suddenly shouted, "Jake! Come right here!"
While Jake slowly left the training ground, Viktor turned around and went to his storage corner. He opened his chest and took out a quiver with arrows that Jake hadn't released yet.
He threw the quiver toward Jake and said, "The fletching in those arrows is helical. It's also enchanted with wind magic, giving the arrow a highly penetrative prowess as it spins. The arrow point is six-bladed and curved. The arrow spine is stiff, best for either Soldier or Master Form. You should get a hang of them quick enough. Consistency in releases is the most important for spinning arrows."
Jake nodded. "I'll try them. I'll save four-bladed arrows for Joker Form. I will primarily use six-bladed arrows with helical fletching for Soldier and Master Forms and normal shooting. I need a hand sign to take them out… let's see." Embark on a journey with m-vl-em,pyr
As Jake learned how to quickly take out this new kind of arrow through his Rapid Release Skill, Ingrid smirked at Viktor.
She said, "You're more of a fletcher than an archer."
"Shut up," he replied. "I'm just getting started. I'll be in shape faster than you think."
"I hope so much for that," Ingrid replied. "The Warmonger Empire should soon see an avalanche of newbie archers, so don't waste the opportunity Jake has won for you. If I were in your place, I would have already brought more archery masters to the capital."
She was right.
Jake had inspired many players in The Esports Tournament. It was a pity none of them saw Jake's archery in person, as that would have allowed them to create blueprints for skills inspired by him.
Jake, however, still hadn't received anything from Ethan and his group. It wasn't like a lot of time had passed, so he believed in them and that they were taking their time to create the best versions of their original skills.
Jake always took his sweet time with his training.
"…right," Viktor replied to Ingrid's words. The familiar expression of tsundere shaped his face as he turned around to go to the capital and make a call to his house.
Ingrid and Jake were once again left alone.
"So much spin is damn awesome! It's not that difficult to shoot, either!" Jake exclaimed.