sjar Chapter 48 Observation and Analysis
Chapter 48 Observation and Analysis
After the initial welcoming ceremony, senior members led the new members on a tour of the facilities, their steps exuding an air of authority. Club president Adrian explained, "In the archery club, our goal is to master the ultimate in precision and timing. This shooting range tests your accuracy, your ability to adapt to changing environments, and cultivates your incredibly sharp eyesight."
Vice President Elira said, "The indoor training hall is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to analyze and refine your movements. Remember, every detail in archery is important, from your stance to your breathing. It's an ability to become one with the bow and arrow, requiring unwavering determination."
The reason the archery club is equipped with such high-end facilities is because the current "Archery Emperor" was a graduate of Arcadia Academy.
“It seems coming here was the right decision,” Morse thought. Although he had previously thought coming here might be a waste of time, now that he saw these facilities, it was clear that his choice was correct.
As Morse listened to the introduction, he observed the guild members demonstrating their skills, the precision and fluidity of their arrows. The atmosphere was tense yet captivating, a place where dedicated archers could thrive.
There's a reason the students displayed such excellent skills. The competitive environment of this club eliminated those who lacked ability.
To explain this to the new members, Elira continued, "Also, I must make it clear that the archery club is not for timid people. Our standards are high, and our expectations are even higher. We don't accept mediocrity; we only pursue excellence. Those who cannot meet our standards will not stay."
Then, Adrian turned his gaze to the side and said:
"Your elimination will depend on your performance in the actual test. If your score does not meet our requirements, we will have you take a test to assess your skills and determination. Then we will decide whether you can stay in this club."
After Adrian finished speaking, he looked at the students around him and asked, "Any other questions?"
No one answered, because no one had the courage to ask a question, and those who did have no questions.
“No? Very good.” Seeing that his meaning had been clearly conveyed, Adrian ended his speech.
“Well then, before we conclude, please come here to collect your identity cards,” Elira said, pointing to the cards on the table.
"This card will grant you access to facilities that are only open to club members. Don't lose it, because we won't be issuing replacements."
As she finished speaking, the members went to the table to collect their identity cards.
The card features a simple design: a woman holding a bow and arrow, drawing the bowstring taut and aiming at the sky.
"That concludes today's activities. You may stay to train, watch the senior members train, or leave at your leisure," Elira concluded. The new members exchanged glances, unsure of what to do next.
And so, the orientation meeting came to an end.
......
After everyone received their ID cards, they were left alone at the club's training ground.
Some of the new members seemed hesitant, unsure whether to stay and train and observe the senior members, or to leave directly.
"Alright, now let me tell you my real purpose for coming here," I thought to myself.
For me, the choice was clear. I was here to learn, to absorb as much experience as possible from the senior members who had already mastered archery skills, and to make it my own. I went straight to the area where the senior members were training, drawn by the opportunity to observe their techniques up close.
As I approached, I saw a group of senior members training. Although it was Friday evening and not early, there was still plenty of training material for me to observe.
I focused on observing their skills, analyzing their strengths and areas for improvement.
"It's time to use my strengths—observation and analysis," I thought to myself.
Whoosh—Bang!
A senior member demonstrated a rigorous archery technique. His stance was steady, every muscle in his body taut yet perfectly controlled. His hand gripped the bow firmly, and the release of the arrow was flawless, showcasing the results of years of rigorous training.
"Hmm... he relies more on strength than magic," I analyzed. He was a slightly muscular man who used a longbow with immense tension, capable of generating great power.
"This is definitely not my style, but the way he musculars is certainly unique." Thinking about my own stance, I compared the two in my mind.
After analyzing his style, I realized his physique—strong and muscular—was better suited to the high draw weight of a longbow. This strategy prioritized power, reflecting a well-developed chest and biceps. In contrast, my leaner build was better suited to a compound bow. I mentally noted the unique muscle distribution required for this archery method.
But that doesn't mean I can't use it. With proper training, I believe I can adapt it into my own style.
However, this archery style also has a significant drawback: its over-reliance on muscle makes the body less agile. This means he is more like an archer primarily focused on high-firepower sniping.
“But if I can compress this style into my upper body while maintaining flexibility, this style can definitely be adapted to other fighting styles.” I made a note of this and continued to observe.
Next, I turned my attention to the technique of another senior member. Her movements were fluid, like the grace of a dancer. Her stance adjusted with each arrow, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable archery style. Muscles like the obliques, gluteus maximus, and quadriceps seemed to work together in coordination during her archery, maintaining balance even during the shooting motion. She was training in the center of a square training room filled with moving targets and projectiles fired at her to test her skills.
"This dynamic fighting style reminds me of ancient cavalry archers," I thought to myself. Although I'm a player, I enjoy studying the art of war, and the mounted combat style of ancient cavalry archers has always impressed me. I turned my attention back to the senior member and began to analyze her.
“Her dynamic vision is indeed very good. But this style doesn’t suit her.” Although her movements are fast, her perception of the environment and moving targets is somewhat lacking, thus wasting a lot of energy dodging arrows that she only notices at the last second. However, it seems she has noticed this and is trying to improve her style.
I carefully considered the diversity of her style and how her reliance on different muscle groups complemented her choice of a recurve bow. Her slender and flexible physique allowed her to fully utilize the bow's agility. Comparing her posture to my own, I began to contemplate the balance between power and technique.
"Although he hasn't fully mastered this style yet and needs to improve her environmental awareness, her use of rapid body movement is indeed quite good. I can clearly see the differences between the two styles." I thought about it and jotted down the advantages of each style.
Finally, my attention shifted to another senior member. His movements were quick and purposeful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the equipment. His movements activated muscles such as the brachialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, and infraspinatus, precisely executing each movement with control and accuracy.
This senior member exuded a sense of purpose; every movement was purposeful and efficient. His style focused on precise target shooting and rapid fire. His training clearly centered on accuracy and quick reflexes, and I admired his discipline and timing. The way he fired arrows as swiftly as if shooting a gun amazed me.
"Such precise shooting skills." I immediately memorized his body movements. Seeing that it was getting late, I prepared to leave, as I needed to do some training before resting.
However, just as I was about to leave, I saw a figure in the corner of the training field.
That's the vice president, Elira.
Swoosh—swoosh—
The arrows flew swiftly, each one hitting its target precisely. But what impressed me most about her wasn't her posture or other skills, but her use of magic.
"That's amazing." This is the first time I've seen anyone other than Irina and Eleanor wield magic so skillfully. However, those two are monsters when it comes to using magic.
"It seems that the senior members are indeed very capable."
Her movements were as fluid as if meticulously choreographed, each action purposeful and fluid. She made almost no superfluous movements, seemingly fully aware of her physical limits.
“This is the ideal state—understanding your body and adapting your skills to it.” I recalled a figure I had seen under the moonlight; his figure and movements were similar, but even more outstanding. Every step he took was incredibly efficient, wasting no time.
"As a magic book designed specifically for me, it is guiding me. Now I understand it more deeply," I pondered.
Seeing her and the other senior members' performance truly gave me a clearer understanding of my own position. As I continued to observe Elira, I could feel the magic around me growing colder.
She is using ice magic and infusing it into the arrow.
"It seems she has already been able to infuse certain types of magic into arrows. This is a skill that is taught from the second year of school, and the fact that she can do it shows that she has a great talent for it."
This means she didn't spend much time practicing, but she was already able to master the skill, which proves her talent.
Whoosh—snap!
When her arrow, imbued with ice magic, hits its target, it gushes forth from the arrowhead, completely enveloping the target.
Whoosh—Boom!
With a burst of flame, the frozen target was blasted to pieces. I saw a faint smile on her face, as if she was satisfied with her achievement.
Her archery skills are a perfect combination of efficient muscle use and exquisite magical control. Each arrow, imbued with special properties, flies swiftly and accurately to its target, without any deviation.
Elira's exceptional skill in her field is undeniable, particularly her mastery of magic. Her masterful combination of technique and magic sets her apart, making her a true archery master.
Just as I was about to leave, I felt her gaze linger on me briefly. She glanced at me, then nodded in approval.
"It seems she can at least appreciate other people's abilities." She then turned back to continue training, and I ended my observation.
With new insights, I left my observation post and entered the indoor training hall provided by the club.
Having thoroughly explored various styles, I couldn't wait to begin my personal training. Inspired by the performances of the senior members, I focused on refining my stance, improving mana control, and enhancing shooting accuracy.
The archery club's training grounds have become my paradise for self-improvement, and I am determined to refine and evolve my skills.