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While the black-haired girl stood there stunned, I moved on to the final crafting steps.
I took some Forest Stone lying around and sharpened it against a nearby rock to make arrowheads.
I shaped the Meanbird Feathers and attached them to the back of the carved shafts…
Not bad, considering they were made on the spot.
After checking the quality, I handed the bundled ten arrows to the girl.
“Here. Tenfold repayment. If you need more, I’ll make them.”
“Th–thank you very m–much…”
She accepted the arrows with both hands, wearing an expression like someone being tricked by a fox.
Her refined speech and mannerisms made me think she was probably a proper young lady, like Monaka.
Then my gaze was drawn to the bow tucked under her arm.
“Hey, that’s a Western Bow, isn’t it? I watched your stance—you’re a user of the Way of the Bow skill, right? Then you should be using an Eastern Bow, not that.”
Bow skills differed by region: Archery, which originated in the western lands, and Way of the Bow, which came from the eastern lands.
Both involved shooting targets with a bow and arrows, but the tools and techniques were completely different.
The girl replied with a puzzled look.
“Eh? Th–this was… made for me by a Wood Crafter from another class…”
“Let me see that.”
I said, taking the bow from her a bit forcefully.
It was such a crude piece that I didn’t even need to appraise it.
“Unbelievable. Even if they’re just a Wood Crafter-in-training, making something this sloppy…”
Unable to hold back, I scanned the area for materials.
“Um, what are you planning to do?”
“Since we’re here, I’ll make you a bow too.”
Before she could finish blinking in surprise, I cut down a thick branch and shaved it with my stone knife.
“Am–amazing… It’s like magic… Ah—th-that shape, that length—that is exactly the kind of bow I used to wield!”
Her dark eyes, once full of confusion, finally sparkled like gemstones.
“That’s right. Western Bows are symmetrical, but Eastern Bows are asymmetrical. For beginners, Western Bows are easier to use, but if you’re accustomed to Eastern Bows, they’d feel awkward.”
While I was explaining, the bow’s body took shape.
All that remained was to tie on the Daija Vine Thread I had brought as a makeshift string…
The girl said with a look of pure admiration,
“Incredible… truly incredible…!
Even in my homeland, such a fine bow was exceedingly rare!”
“I see. Arrows are consumables, but a bow is something you use for a long time, so I was picky about the materials. Here—take it.”
After checking the bow one last time, I handed it to her.
She looked like a fox and a raccoon were pinching her cheeks from both sides.
“W–what!? I cannot possibly accept such a splendid bow from someone I have only just met!”
“It’s fine. I made it because I wanted to.
I could tell just by watching your stance. This bow suits you better than anything else.
Try shooting—it’ll prove it.”
“Y–yes…”
Still in a daze, she took the bow.
She nocked one of the arrows I’d given her and drew.
…Snap!
A beautiful, perfectly set stance.
But I didn’t miss the slight trembling in her white fingers just before release.
“Wait. Your emotions are unsettled, aren’t they? Take a deep breath and calm your heart.”
She snapped back to her senses.
Closing her eyes, she inhaled and exhaled deeply, then opened them wide.
…SHWAAAAAANG!
A dazzling streak tore through the treetops.
The arrow, like a beam of light, pierced the Meanbird before it could even take flight.
A shriek—“Pigyaa!”—rang out, and I let out an impressed hum.
“One-shot kill. As expected—you really are…”
When I noticed, the girl was somehow prostrating herself at my feet.
Her hakama sleeves and long black hair spread across the ground.
She was even bracing herself with both hands, bowing so deeply I could see the crown of her head.
“What’s wrong?”
Without lifting her forehead from the ground, she spoke.
“My name is Kotone of Class 1-19! Please—take me as your disciple!”
Class 1-19 was led by a girl of the advanced class Miko, and like Monaka’s Class 1-2, it was composed entirely of girls.
Kotone’s tone was resolute.
“You crafted a bow that felt like an extension of my own body after merely observing my stance… And you even perceived the disturbance in my heart!”
She suddenly lifted her face, fixing me with an intense gaze.
“I beg you, Master! Until you accept me as your disciple, I shall not move from this spot, no matter what!”
Being called “Master” was a first for me.
I had no intention of taking disciples, but I searched for words she might accept.
“Uh, taking a disciple is a bit much…
But if we meet occasionally, I could give you some advice.”
“‘Advice’…?”
“Yeah. Something like guidance.”
“I understand! If I earn your approval through your guidance, you will take me as your disciple! I shall strive with all my might to be worthy of your regard, Master!”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
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