Chapter-07 · EP-101

Episode 101: Yuno Hayasaka (Part 1)

Lately, I, Yuno Hayasaka, have been feeling frustrated.

My party members, Iori and Maika, are amazing. Compared to them, I feel my own inadequacy more and more each day.

In yesterday's class, when Shirou gave Maika advice on Water Magic, she mastered a new technique in no time.

I was speechless watching the rock crumble apart from the impact of the water ball hitting the wall.

And Iori has been strong from the start. With a swing of her sword, she cuts down enemies, and she even annihilates Huge Slimes in an instant.

Yet I – I can use Healing Magic. It's useful when someone is injured. But that's all.

Against enemies on the second floor and beyond, it takes me a very long time to defeat one alone. Iori does it in an instant. Maika could probably defeat them easily with her new magic.

I'm clearly holding the two of them back.

…I want to become stronger.

Thinking such thoughts, I headed to weapons training class.

Today, apparently we'd be learning about new weapons, not just wooden swords.

We left the classroom and moved to another building.

We entered the archery hall.

As we walked across the wooden floor, one wall was hollowed out, allowing us to see outside. Beyond the grassy area called the shooting range was a mound of earth, and in front of it were lined up round targets, black and white.

It was my first time in the archery hall, but it had a somewhat sacred atmosphere that made me feel focused.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

A clear, crisp voice rang out.

I turned around. Standing there was a tall woman.

"I'm Rena Takamiya, from Class 3-A, president of the Archery Club. Today, I'll be teaching you the basics of archery. Nice to meet you."

Saying that, Takamiya-senpai smiled brightly.

She was slender and tall, even slightly taller than Iori. Her long black hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her posture was excellent.

And more than anything –

"Her eyelashes are so long…"

I muttered unintentionally.

Her features were refined, with long eyelashes. She had a dignified beauty, and I found myself captivated.

Come to think of it, many noble women are beautiful. Hikaru-san is, too. Is it in their blood? I'm envious.

"From now on, you'll learn the basics of archery. If today's class sparks your interest, please feel free to visit the Archery Club. Trial memberships are also welcome."

Takamiya-senpai smiled gently.

I had the impression that nobles other than Hikaru-san were all arrogant, but Takamiya-senpai seemed very approachable. I'd like to get to know her better.

After that, we took turns practicing shooting with longbows.

Takamiya-senpai carefully taught us how to stand, how to time the shot. How to hold the bow, how to nock an arrow, how to draw, how to aim. Everything was fresh, and I listened intently.

First, the boys went.

They shot at the target in turn.

Most missed, the arrows passing by the side of the target.

Among them, Shirou hit the target right away.

"Ohh!"

The class cheered.

As expected of Shirou. He's good at everything.

Next, Murasakimura-kun hit the target, and Sendo-kun hit as well.

I guess people who are capable are capable at everything.

After the boys' practice, it was the girls' turn.

My turn came.

When I picked up the longbow, it was heavier than I expected.

I tried to take a stance, but drawing the string was very hard.

"Don't put too much strength into it. Relax your shoulders."

Takamiya-senpai came to my side and gently advised me.

"Imagine drawing with your back muscles."

I tried as she said.

I finally managed to draw the string.

I aimed at the target and released my fingers.

The arrow flew – but it missed, just short of the target.

"So close. But your form is good for a first-timer. Try aiming just a little more to the right."

Takamiya-senpai gave me another piece of advice.

I nocked the next arrow and aimed slightly to the right this time.

I released.

The arrow flew – and hit!

Not the center, but it hit the target.

"I did it!"

The words slipped out.

"Good job."

Takamiya-senpai smiled at me.

I was happy. I was no good at swordsmanship, but with a bow –

Just then, a loud cheer erupted from beside me.

Looking, Iori had hit the center of the target three times in a row.

"You're amazing. Have you done this before?"

Takamiya-senpai approached Iori, looking surprised.

"I've handled one a little."

"Would you like to join the Archery Club?"

"Sorry, I have to focus on improving my swordsmanship."

"I see. That's a shame."

Iori was being scouted again.

Following the First Swordsmanship Club, now from the Archery Club.

I truly respect Iori's high potential. She can do anything.

Just then, someone said.

"Senpai, please show us a demonstration!"

"I don't think my example will be much help."

Takamiya-senpai said as she picked up a bow.

Then she brought a ball that had been placed in a corner of the room and handed it to Shirou.

"When I give the signal, throw it at that target."

"Huh? Just throw it so it hits the target?"

Shirou asked, looking a little confused. Takamiya-senpai answered, "Yes."

Takamiya-senpai raised her bow.

"Ready."

At the same time as her words, Shirou threw the ball hard, like pitching a baseball.

Immediately, Senpai released the string.

The arrow flew – and pierced the ball in mid-air.

The arrow-impaled ball fell to the ground.

"Ohh!"

A huge cheer erupted from the whole class.

Amazing. Hitting something moving that fast.

"In the dungeon, you won't be shooting arrows at stationary targets. You have to aim for the vital points of moving monsters. You need this level of skill to be useful in real combat."

Takamiya-senpai explained calmly.

"In the First Archery Club, they shoot while running, or at moving targets."

"Amazing!"

Murmurs of admiration came from the students.

Still, it was truly amazing. Could I ever become like that?

"Next, I'll introduce you to the compound bow."

Takamiya-senpai took out a different bow.

It was a mechanical-looking bow, different from the longbow. It had pulleys and a futuristic appearance.

We took turns trying it. It was much easier to draw than the longbow.

"The compound bow requires less drawing strength, so it's easier for women to handle. However –"

Senpai's expression became serious.

"Never, ever shoot it in the direction of people. This is a weapon. If you accidentally hit someone, it will cause serious injury."

We nodded seriously.

The class ended, and we put away the bows.

I thought.

I can't defeat monsters with a sword. But with a bow –

Maybe archery suits me.

If I could attack enemies from a distance, I might be able to help Iori and Maika.

A small glimmer of hope lit up in my heart.