Chapter 236 Chapter 54.2 - Archery Competition
As I walked towards the Archer Club grounds, the hum of excited chatter among students filled the air.
"Did you hear? They say Lilia from Olympus' Vanguard is here for the evaluations."
"Seriously? That's going to be a show. I wonder if she can live up to the hype."
"Archery Club evaluations always draw attention. Last time, we had some surprising talents join."
"I hope they don't make us shoot from too far. My aim isn't the best."
"I heard they're introducing some new targets. It's going to be challenging."
"I just hope they finish quickly. I have some other plans for the weekend."
"Look at those targets, all set up for precision shots. This is nerve-wracking."
The rumors about Lilia's presence were spreading like wildfire, and it wasn't surprising. Her beauty alone had made her one of the most famous students in the academy, second only to Victor, the first rank. The popularity gap between them was explained by Victor's unique charisma, making him the ideal protagonist in this world of weak-to-strong dynamics.
"In a sense, Victor is the perfect protagonist of the world," I thought to myself, acknowledging the inherent nature of this world as a game where characters grow stronger over time. Victor, with his established strength and charisma, didn't fit the mold of a character who evolves and improves throughout the story.
"Though, it is sad that this world is a weak-to-strong type of game," I mused, recognizing the limitations of Victor's character in the context of the narrative structure.
As I approached the Archer Club grounds, the anticipation in the air intensified. The sounds of students discussing the upcoming archery evaluations hinted at the excitement and curiosity surrounding the event.
"Who knows, maybe he is the main character of another book," I considered, entertaining the idea that in some alternate timeline or parallel world, Victor might be the central figure in a different narrative. However, such theories remained unproven and speculative.
Upon reaching the Archer Club grounds, I found a spot to wait for the competition to begin. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and eagerness.
The prospect of witnessing Lilia's skills in the archery evaluations added an extra layer of anticipation to the air.
I settled into a quiet corner, observing the surroundings and wondering how the competition would unfold.
'There will be many talents here and possibly many eyes as well.'
Normally, people from the outside world wouldn't be allowed to enter the academy. However, Adrian will actually utilize his family's resources to make some people close to him enter. They will be the scouts from guilds that are looking for talents.
In a sense, this was a pretty good move to increase his influence inside the upper echelons of the guild managers.
However, that move will result in a different way, as he won't expect that Lilia will outshine himself in the past.
The people he had called as scouts would witness how brilliant Lilia was, and in the end, he would realize what he had attempted worked in Lilia's favor more.
The anticipation in the air grew as the time for the archery evaluations approached. The mixture of nervous energy and eagerness enveloped the atmosphere, creating an electric buzz that hinted at the significance of the event.
As I observed my surroundings, contemplating the unfolding competition, the hushed voices of students nearby caught my attention.
"Did you see? Lilia's here for the evaluations. She's from Olympus' Vanguard!"
"I heard she's unbelievably skilled. Can't wait to see her in action."
"Look at her; she's like a goddess with that green hair and red eyes."
Curiosity piqued, I turned my attention to the entrance of the Archer Club grounds. Three figures walked in, drawing the admiration and fawning whispers of the surrounding students.
The first, a young man with wavy blue hair and an incredibly handsome face, caught the eyes of many. It was Ethan with his usual and natural smile.
'So, Ethan is here too.'
Outsiders weren't prohibited from watching.
The second, Julia, a girl with distinctive white bob-cut hair, carried an air of confidence that demanded attention. She was still the same as well.
And then, the third figure, Lilia from Olympus' Vanguard, with her striking green hair and red eyes, commanded a different level of awe.
The students couldn't help but fawn over her, comparing her to a goddess.
'I guess she encountered them on the way.'
Seeing the expression she was making, it seemed she hadn't called them here. Well, knowing Julia's personality and how playful she is, Lilia would most likely find her bothersome.
'With Ethan being here, I guess he will also be entangled with this.'
If Ethan was here, that meant things highly likely would play just as they did in the game since Ethan would also realize Adrian's gaze on Lilia.
As the trio settled into the Archer Club grounds, the reactions from the students around me became more apparent. Some girls began to fan over Ethan, captivated by his charm and appearance.
"Did you see him? Ethan's just... wow, he's so hot!"
"Seriously! I heard he's the most rapidly improving student in the Academy. That's Ethan, right?"
The comments, filled with awe and fascination, echoed through the air. Ethan's charismatic presence seemed to cast a spell on those around him, creating a magnetic allure that was hard to ignore.
"He's like a living legend or something."
"Nah, Victor is better man. Are you crazy?"
"Bullshit. Do you think your Victor could improve this much after just awakening months ago, huh? Even I could become the world's best if I were the son of Blackthorn's."
"So what? In the end, Victor is the first ranked. And his cold demeanor is the best."
"..."
The students continued to share their impressions of Ethan, their words painting a vivid picture of his skills and charm, though comparisons of him to Victor spread wildly at the same time.
'So, it started.'
As recognition spread, the atmosphere became charged with a mix of admiration and eagerness to witness his prowess during the club evaluations next time. After all, many students wanted to see the spear skills of the well-known Hartley family.
FLINCH!
Just as I was contemplating the upcoming evaluations and the potential showcase of the Hartley family's skills, a sudden flinch seized me. It was as if an invisible force had startled me, and for a moment, my focus wavered.
'This…..'
I quickly realized that it wasn't a random occurrence but rather my passive ability, [Vengeful Bane], at play.
'Demonic Energy.'
The sensation lingered, and a realization dawned on me—there was a presence of a demon contractor nearby.
Since my body had already improved quite a lot, I was a lot better than sensing mana. And it seemed that was also the case with demonic energy.
I scanned the surroundings, trying to locate the source, but it eluded my senses. The mysterious presence remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.
'This guy is quite good.'
The demonic energy disappeared as it appeared. So, I didn't have much choice.
'But this changes things a little.'
There was one reason for a demonic human to be there.
'To see the talents and assassinate the ones that could pose a threat.'
I guessed they were also possibly the ones that would later contact Adrian, as from how skilled they looked, they seemed to be more on the higher-ranking side.
'Then, I guess I should show enough strength.'
I was already planning to downgrade myself as I didn't want to be Adrian's target, but with this, my choice solidified.
TOK!
Just at that moment, I heard a sound of knocking from the sides.
'Well, I guess we are starting….'
*******
As Lilia, Julia, and Ethan entered the archery grounds, they immediately attracted attention. Lilia, revered as a goddess in the academy due to her beauty and status, naturally drew eyes wherever she went.
The presence of Julia, energetic and vibrant, and Ethan, who carried an air of strength, only added to the spectacle.
Whispers and hushed conversations spread through the crowd as the students noticed the arrival of Olympus' Vanguard.
The archery competitions were not only a test of skill but also an opportunity for students to witness the prowess of high-
ranking individuals in the academy.
'Tch….Annoying…..'
Lilia, aware of the attention, maintained her composed demeanor, though her annoyance lingered beneath the surface.
She didn't dislike it when she was praised, but not everyone was praising her. There were some annoying gazes of audacious students who didn't know their place and looked at her with those disgusting gazes.
Ethan, who had experienced his fair share of admiring gazes from girls, couldn't help but ask, "Isn't it a bit uncomfortable, though? I know I get weird looks from some girls, and it's not the most pleasant feeling."
Lilia, brushing aside a strand of her hair with a hint of annoyance, replied, "It comes with the territory. When you're in the limelight, people will look, and not everyone is going to offer admiration. Some will harbor envy, others fascination. It's an inevitable occurrence for celebrities like us. We just need to endure it."
Julia interjected, "But isn't it better to enjoy it? I mean, we're here to make an impact, right?"
Lilia sighed, "There's a fine line between enjoying the attention and being bothered by it. I'd rather focus on the task at hand and get through this competition without unnecessary distractions."
"That is so like your answer." Ethan admired this about her, as he couldn't do the same. When he first came to school after mid-terms, the attention he got was so intense that he felt suffocated.
Even he, as a member of Hartley's, felt that bothered, and he couldn't help but think Lilia's case was more severe.
TOK!
Just as they arrived in the middle of the center, a sudden sound of something hitting echoed around the place, and everyone's attention was gathered there.
Adrian's presence demanded attention as he confidently stepped forward, acknowledging the students gathered for the competition.
"Hello," he greeted, his voice resonating through the archery grounds. "I am Adrian, the captain of the Arcadia Archery Club. I trust you are all ready for today's evaluations."
Adrian continued with a short but impactful introduction about the club's dedication to perfection in the art of archery. He spoke of their commitment to excellence and how the archery competitions were a tradition that had been upheld for years, separating the dedicated from the mediocre.
"As members of the Archery Club, we are expected to embody precision, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Today's competitions will test our member's skills under various conditions, and we will determine who remains and who must leave the club," he announced with a firm resolve.
Adrian wasted no time and immediately began organizing the students for the competitions. Targets were set, and the atmosphere grew tense as the first participants stepped forward.
"Then, let the competition begin…."
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