Chen Fan continued to focus on the archery target, located 50 meters away. Hitting it without any wind was already a challenge, but what if the wind was strong? Or if the weather turned adverse, with rain or even snow? These factors would only compound the difficulty.
This was likely the significance of the "slow-fire" characteristic, where the hit rate exceeded 100%, and its continuous improvement held importance.
Although the riding and shooting feature was currently at level 2, it was conceivable that as [Basic Archery] leveled up, it could reach or even surpass 100%, possibly even reaching 200% or 300%. This likely implied aiming at moving targets, with varying relative speeds.
Compared to the shooter, the slower the target's speed, the easier it was to hit. When the speed difference reached a certain threshold, hitting a moving target might not differ much from hitting a stationary one. Conversely, when the target's speed exceeded that of the shooter, hitting it became increasingly challenging. Thus, the portion of the riding and shooting characteristic exceeding 100% likely compensated for such gaps.
All in all, a higher hit rate was always better, with no room for doubt.
Chen Fan briefly examined the first two characteristics, finding no need for explanations for his robust physique and superior arm strength. Naturally, the higher, the better.
Level: 3 (0/4)
Physique: 13.78
Strength: 12.57
Agility: 8.47
Spirit: 6.05
Potential Points: 0 (1 point/1 day)
"The rate of potential point growth is still quite slow," Chen Fan mused. He wondered how he could accelerate this process further. Fortunately, he knew that consuming beast meat could yield potential points.
"Let's conclude our practice for today. Thank you all for your hard work," Chen Fan said, glancing at Zhao Feng in the distance and offering a smile.
"I'm fine; I can keep going," Zhao Feng insisted.
"It's really not necessary," Chen Fan responded, feeling moved. His eyes swept over the group of people. "You've all worked hard tonight. Go back and rest."
He couldn't afford to wait for their congratulations tomorrow. What if there was no prey? It would dampen everyone's spirits for no reason.
Fortunately, the group didn't press the issue and instead expressed concern.
"Brother Fan, if things don't work out, maybe wait a couple of days before heading out," Wang Ping suggested.
"Yes, that sounds reasonable," Chen Fan agreed.
"Then, if you do go, please be careful!" another young man chimed in.
"Yes, Brother Fan, come back safe and sound!" However, Wang Ping immediately interjected, "What are you saying? Of course, he'll return safely, and with a haul of prey too." The thin young man quickly corrected himself, and laughter filled the air.
Chen Fan couldn't help but laugh.
As the others departed, only Chen Fan and the lame man remained in the field.
"Remember, when you go out tomorrow, stay behind your father and the others; don't try to be a hero with your archery skills," the lame man advised repeatedly. "Your talent is remarkable; there's no rush to go out."
"Sure thing, Uncle Zhang," Chen Fan replied, feigning impatience and waving his hand. "That's enough for today. Uncle Zhang, you should head to bed early."
"This kid," the lame man muttered, watching Chen Fan's retreating figure with a hint of annoyance.
But he sighed and thought to himself, "I hope this kid comes back safe and sound tomorrow. Whether he manages to catch any prey, I won't set my hopes too high."
...
The next morning dawned gloomy, as though rain might fall at any moment, casting a somber mood over the village. Fortunately, the villagers remained unperturbed, as an unusual event was unfolding.
At the village entrance, all eyes were fixed on Chen Fan, who held a bow in his left hand and an arrow basket in the other. Beside him stood Chen Guodong, his usual composed self.
"Guodong, are you really taking him hunting with you?" the bald man asked, scratching his bald head with a toothy grin.
"Yes," Chen Guodong affirmed, his expression conveying his seriousness.
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
"What? Guodong is taking his son on a hunt? Isn't that too risky?"
"Do we really need to do this? The boy is still so young. Can he handle the wilderness?"
"Guodong, bring him back, will you? How can we allow you to do this?" An elderly man choked back tears, his voice quivering.
The rest of the hunting team couldn't hold back any longer.
"Guodong, while you mentioned that we're like brothers and father-and-son soldiers, was this decision too sudden?" The speaker cast a pointed glance at the longbow Chen Fan held. "And speaking of that, isn't that the village's sixty-pound longbow? Are you going a bit too far?"
"Yes, that bow is quite strenuous for even us to draw. How can you let a child use such a bow? Switch it for a 40-pound one; it's more suitable."
"Absolutely, it's excessive."
Chen Guodong reddened in response to their remarks, appearing somewhat flustered and unable to articulate a proper response.
"Cough."
Chen Fan cleared his throat and offered an explanation. "Uncles, please don't misunderstand. I asked to join your hunting team this morning, and it wasn't my father's decision."
A moment of silence enveloped the crowd.
Chen Guodong finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Xiao Fan, did he force you to say that?" The bald man approached, pointed at Chen Guodong, and turned to Chen Fan. "Uncle Liu is here to support you, so don't be afraid."
Chen Guodong had the urge to burst into frustration, glaring at the bald man.
"Uncle Liu, there's really no coercion; I genuinely volunteered," Chen Fan clarified, feeling exasperated.
"Truly volunteered?" The bald man grinned.
"Indeed."
Chen Guodong shot him a look, signaling him to keep quiet. He then addressed the crowd, "Xiaofan has been practicing archery lately, and I merely wanted to take him out to gain some experience. Please don't overthink it."
He refrained from mentioning Chen Fan's performance the previous night, not because he intended to surprise the hunting team, but because he remained uncertain.
As he stated, it was a way to acclimate Chen Fan to the wilderness and allow him to adapt to the environment in advance.
"Alright."
With this, everyone ceased to dwell on the topic and dispensed with further inquiries. They offered well-wishes for a safe journey and return as per tradition.
Among the onlookers were the lame man, Wang Ping, and others, all waving enthusiastically to Chen Fan.
Amidst the mix of concern and anticipation in the villagers' gazes, the nine-member hunting team slowly departed, eventually disappearing from view. The village was enveloped in a somber, melancholic atmosphere once more. However, within the hunting team, spirits were noticeably higher.
The bald man clapped Chen Fan on the shoulder, jesting, "You're quite gutsy, kid, asking to come along with us. Do you realize the danger out there?"
"But isn't everyone here?" Chen Fan retorted with a smile.
"Hahaha."
The others joined in the laughter.
The bald man clicked his tongue and quipped, "You're a smart one. No worries." He raised a round shield with a one-meter diameter, adding, "If we encounter a fierce beast, just stand behind Uncle Liu."
"Understood, Uncle Liu. If things get hairy, I'll make a beeline for you." Chen Fan assured.