".... Huff.... Huff.... Huff... "
Bittu took deep breaths as he lay on the ground, tired from just finishing his training.
This morning, he arrived at the hotel and met with Mr. Kaminari and Siddarth. After getting to know them for real this time, Bittu nodded at them and got inside the realm with them.
Even though he didn't have a good opinion of them, Bittu still didn't misbehave with them because he wanted to find out why they threw him inside, instead of just asking him. He surely wouldn't have declined.
After half an hour of rest, Bittu got up. He was heading towards a door that he didn't know was there until a moment ago. Only when one of the arrows pushed it open while he was training did he realize that there were other rooms in here too.
From outside, it looked totally dark in there. Bittu walked and reached near the gate. The gate was quite huge compared to normal ones but not too much.
To be cautious, Bittu carried the bow from yesterday and changed all the wooden arrows for the new ones from here that were kept just beside the bow in his inventory.
[Item: Strengthened Wooden Arrow
Number: 25
Damage: Average
Material: Unknown
Weight: Light
Durability: Medium
Special Properties: None
Description: A projectile crafted from sturdy wood, designed for use with a ranged weapon.]
Bittu was surprised when he first found that the system was unable to provide him information on the materials used to make this, which sparked his curiosity but was unable to satisfy it since he didn't know how to.
Unable to satisfy his curiosity regarding the arrow, so, Birth moved onto the room before him, he decided to explore this room.
Bittu took a deep breath and walked forward. The moment Bittu put his foot on the ground on the other side of the door,
"....crackle..... crackle... crackle..... ", the sound of fire burning came from all sides of the room as the room that was veiled by darkness until then was now filled with light.
Bittu was once again stunned, speechless looking at the grandeur of this room.
In this illuminated chamber, Bittu marveled at the intricate setup designed for archery enthusiasts.
There were targets, moreover, human targets made of wood. The targets, strategically positioned, hinted at challenges for honing precision. The statue, identical to the previous room, exuded an air of timeless elegance, as if watching over the archers in their training.
Above, the ropes and movable platforms added a dynamic element, offering archers the opportunity to practice their skills in diverse scenarios. Scrolls, similar to those in the previous room, revealed advanced archery techniques and strategies, further enriching Bittu's knowledge.
The room resonated with the crackling sound of fire, creating an immersive atmosphere. Bittu, inspired by the grandeur of the training space, couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. The bows and arrows he had chosen earlier seemed to pulsate with newfound energy, ready to be wielded in this realm of archery mastery.
Bittu immediately wanted to start his training but didn't know how to start. So, he decided to read the scrolls that were kept in the room. He approached the scroll part of the room and began studying them.
As Bittu delved into the scrolls, he discovered ancient techniques that surpassed his previous understanding of archery. The writings detailed the art of arrow control, precision aiming in various conditions, and even strategies to outmaneuver opponents in archery duels.
The first scroll, adorned with intricate diagrams, elucidated the significance of stance and posture in achieving consistent accuracy. Bittu absorbed the wisdom, realizing the subtle adjustments he could make to enhance his stability and focus.
Moving on to the second scroll, he uncovered the secrets of dynamic shooting – shooting while on the move or from precarious positions. The descriptions were accompanied by illustrations demonstrating the fluidity required to adapt in combat scenarios. Bittu could envision himself incorporating these maneuvers into his own technique.
The third scroll was a treasure trove of knowledge on arrow types and their applications. From broadhead arrows for piercing armor to specialized arrows designed for long-range accuracy, Bittu gained insights that broadened his arsenal.
As he immersed himself in the scrolls, the crackling sound of fire continued to echo, creating an ambiance that fueled his concentration. Bittu felt a growing connection to the ancient art of archery, appreciating its depth and complexity.
The final scroll revealed advanced strategies for archery duels and competitions. Bittu absorbed the tactics, envisioning himself employing cunning moves and psychological warfare to outsmart adversaries. The room, with its wooden human targets and dynamic elements, seemed like the perfect arena for him to put these newfound skills to the test.
With each revelation, Bittu's initial weariness transformed into eagerness. The grandeur of the training space became a source of inspiration, and he felt a deep sense of purpose in mastering the profound art of archery within this mystical realm.
After reading all the scrolls, Bittu felt that many of the problems that he was having before while holding a bow as his weapon were answered.
Bittu spent the next hour thinking of various ways to integrate this knowledge into his archery. Since Bittu was a newbie, he managed to integrate them easily. If not, he would have had to change his style to learn these.
After that, Bittu immediately got up and started his training because he knew what he had to do was to make the things that he imagined come true, and these training dummies were there for just that.
In the next three hours, Bittu practiced all he had learned in the scrolls. Even though he hadn't perfected them, he managed to do what he had visualized.
Bittu's body felt the strain of continuous training, his muscles aching from the intensity of the archery exercises. The room, now familiar to him, resonated with the crackling sound of fire as he lay on the ground, panting. The lingering scent of burnt wood added to the sensory experience, a reminder of the fiery challenges he faced.
The grandeur of the archery chamber, illuminated by the dance of flames, continued to awe Bittu. The wooden human targets stood stoically, witnessing his progress. The air held a mixture of determination and ancient wisdom, fueling his commitment to mastering the art.
As Bittu absorbed the insights from the scrolls, the intricate diagrams and detailed descriptions became etched in his mind. The room itself seemed to guide him through the nuances of stance, dynamic shooting, arrow types, and strategic maneuvers. The ambiance, a symphony of crackling flames, contributed to the immersive learning environment.
The diverse training dummies in the room, from stationary targets to the challenge of deflecting arrows, became companions in Bittu's journey of improvement. The transition from dodging to arrow deflection posed a unique challenge, testing his agility and precision in unexpected ways.
Bittu's exhaustion and determination intertwined as he lay on the ground, taking in the culmination of five hours of relentless training. The wooden floor beneath him, worn from the countless hours of archery practice, offered a sense of connection to the countless archers who had honed their skills in this mystical realm.
With each passing day, Bittu's dedication only intensified. The newfound knowledge from the scrolls seamlessly integrated into his practice sessions, transforming his archery style. As he closed his
eyes, the crackling sound of fire became a comforting backdrop, symbolizing the continuous refinement of his abilities within the enchanting realm of archery mastery.
For the next few days, Bittu continued to come to this place and practice his archery. His aim precision has increased a lot.
He also came to know that the first room was not for dodging practice at all. It was also for archery practice, but in that, he had to use arrows to deflect the arrows thrown at him.
Bittu was baffled and shocked when he first found this out from the scrolls, from that room. How can he stop or deflect arrows that fast, moreover with archery? He was confused but still decided to do as instructed in the training scroll.
Currently, he was doing just that; using his arrows to deflect the arrows thrown at him. Even though the arrows at the beginning were easy to deflect, as time passed Bittu struggled to keep up with it. When the arrows' pace managed to be just a little faster than him releasing the arrows, he stopped deflecting them and focused on his dodging.
"... Huff... Huff.... Huff.... "
After dodging the last one, Bittu lay on the ground as he panted, taking deep breaths because he had been training for five hours continuously. Half the time in this room and the first half in the other.
After resting for some time, Bittu stood up as he smiled because he saw Elena coming his way from the same door she always uses to come here.
"... How is it?... Did you feel like I have improved? ", asked Bittu, asking for her opinion to know how much he has improved and how much more he needs to.
"... You have made huge improvements, not only in your archery but also in your reflexes and body control," said Elena with a happy and excited gaze. She was genuinely happy for her beloved.
But Bittu managed to catch the hint of sadness hidden in her voice and in her eyes.
".... You shouldn't be sad, Elena. It's not like you will be away from me for long; it's just for a month. After that, I will also be with you in the city. ", said Bittu, consoling her.
That's right– tomorrow Elena was going to the city as told to Aisha. It has already been ten days since Bittu arrived in the city.
".... I know, but I wanted to stay with you. ", said Elena with some disappointment.
Bittu held her hand while assuring her, "... We can enjoy our time in the city, Okay? "
".. Okay," Elena expressed her agreement even though she was dissatisfied that they couldn't go together.
After taking, they walked back towards the hotel. While going back, though, Bittu was having second thoughts if he should let her go there because his experience in the city was not just bad but worse with those incidents happening. He was repulsed by the thought of going there.
But, he remembered that with him, she too had been practicing all this while and he was sure that she could keep herself safe with that ability of hers. Furthermore, she could meet with more players and get the grasp of the situation in the city on how the players were doing which he couldn't because of those incidents.
He was truly in a dilemma. What Bittu failed to realize is that he has started to genuinely care for this girl and that the seed of love has taken place in his heart because of the things she has done for him these past few days.
The one that played a major role in this was when two days ago, they were walking towards the mysterious realm, a bunch of children came towards them. Bittu was confused seeing them approach.
But, they had approached because Elena, who they called "big sis," hadn't come to see them for some days and hadn't played with them. So, they were worried that something happened to her and were on their way to her place to see what happened?
Bittu was surprised when he heard this and also when he saw the care and concern in their pure eyes. Bittu's impression of Elena had a leap along with his care for her.
This was because Bittu, having both his parents, hadn't had the blessings to receive their love since they were always busy with their adult work and didn't have time for him at all.
This was also another reason as to why Bittu craved and expected love from his life-long partner, and seeing Elena's good interactions with these kids and her love for him; the seed of love began to sprout in his heart.
After some time they reached their room. Having their fill, they went into bed in each other embrace.
".... Bittu, how about I go after some time, likely with you, after you finish? ", asked Elena cutely opening her eyes, trying her best to be as cute as possible so that he will agree and she doesn't have to go.
Bittu who had his eyes closed trying to sleep denied without opening his eyes, "....No... You have to go tomorrow. Remember how you promised Aisha. "
"... But, I don't wanna.... ", said Elena expressing her dissatisfaction.
Bittu finally opened his eyes and looked and said unsure as to how he should convince her, "... Why? I already told you it's for just about a month and then I will be there."
Elena who was feeling regretful for promising Aisha to come after just ten day.
'If I had know that Bittu would be here, I would have extented it to over a month. ', Elena thought this as she nodded her head, expressing agreement of her heart and mind.
"... How about you give me something that would make it so that I wouldn't miss you for a month? ", Elena boldly proposed, her face turning red.
Bittu though not getting the hint asked, "... Fine, what do you want? "
Elena was disheartened seeing Bittu not get her hint. Furthermore, remembering that how he has not done anything to her in the span of ten days except the first day, Elena was sure that he wouldn't so, she decided to take matters in her own hand.
Determination persent on her face, she did something Bittu has already experienced once but hoped that the next time he would be the one tk initiate but it seems like he failed.