Chapter 5: Hunter's Archery

Nolan pondered for a moment, then spoke:

"Umm, it's like this, Hunter sir. May I ask if you take apprentices?

"I've always wanted to become an adventurer but I'm not too confident in my own abilities. So I wish to first become a hunter and learn wilderness survival skills and experience."

Reality is not a game. At least in his choice of words, Nolan felt he should be more respectful.

Draff was a bit surprised that someone actually wanted to become his apprentice. Hmm... Having an apprentice to help out would reduce his workload.

But the Mora he earned from hunting was barely enough to support his family and drinking habits. How could he afford to pay an apprentice?

Draff awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and rejected politely with an embarrassed smile.

"Haha, young man. You don't need extremely formidable abilities to become an adventurer. Helping run errands and do chores in the city still makes you an adventurer!"

What Draff said did make sense. Becoming an adventurer was very simple, but an adventurer who didn't leave the city wouldn't be able to fight monsters!

"An adventurer who doesn't leave the city, what kind of adventurer is that? Don't worry sir, I don't need Mora, I only wish to learn something!"

Nolan could see that Draff was still a little bit interested, but what factors could make him refuse? Thinking about the fact that he had a love for drinking, maybe it was the problem of Mora.

Seeing the Liyue youth's earnest gaze, Draff didn't have the heart to refuse. Having an apprentice around would be greatly beneficial. At least when encountering dangerous monsters, there would be someone who could seek help from the patrolling Knights of Favonius.

And he could save the excess Mora...

"Cough." But to prevent the youth from not being able to endure hardships and disappoint him, Draff lightly coughed and said solemnly, "Being a hunter isn't easy, there are definite dangers and injuries happen frequently. Are you certain about this?"

"Of course, Hunter sir. I only wish to give it a try. If it doesn't work out, at least I tried my best. This is my dream."

Nolan thought that Draff might still politely refuse, but he didn't expect it to go so smoothly.

Draff crossed his arms and gazed at the street ahead, pondering for a bit. Then he lowered his arms and said,

"Alright. While I don't know what considerations you have, and we're still strangers upon our first meeting, since you're willing to give it a try, I, Draff, am no petty man either. I'll take you for one month. What you can learn is up to your own capability!"

He also harbored thoughts of propagating his hunting skills to later generations. The town's youth nowadays were all unwilling to follow in the older generation's footsteps, thinking only of running off to the cities.

Sigh... Coming across a Liyue youth who was willing to learn now, teaching him wouldn't hurt.

When the youth returns to Liyue in the future, he might brag to others about the amazing hunter-master he met in Mondstadt!

Draff's thoughts started wandering off.

"Really? Thank you, Hunter- I mean, Sir Draff! I will learn diligently."

Nolan held back his excitement. His path of growth was progressing again, and the day he could gallivant freely in Teyvat was drawing near!

After calming down, Nolan briefly introduced himself and asked Draff when they would start hunting.

"Nolan huh... Liyue names really are easy to pronounce or it's just you?" Hearing his introduction, Draff lamented feelingly.

Then he said solemnly, "Let's have our hunting session in the afternoon. I just finished my business in the city and still need to return to Springvale. Wait for me at the city gates later."

"Of course, Sir Draff. Thank you."

Nolan bowed slightly again to express his gratitude.

"Alright, no need to be so formal with distant courtesy. We're not in a teacher-student relationship, just see it as seniors and juniors of hunting exchanging experiences."

Draff waved his hand and said with a smile. Nolan saw him off as he walked away on the stone-paved road, filled with anticipation for the afternoon.

With leisurely time still available, Nolan continued wandering Mondstadt's streets and familiarizing himself with everything.

Time flowed by swiftly like water. In the afternoon, Nolan put on the exercise outfit Amber bought for him with 5000 Mora. He arrived at the city gates to wait for Draff.

Speaking of which, he should return those 5000 Mora to Amber for the clothes later, can't take advantage of the girl.

Nolan didn't have to wait long before Draff appeared, dressed in hunter's garb. He carried a hunting bow on his back while holding another in his hand, which he passed to Nolan saying:

"This is the bow I used previously, very suitable for archery basics. Use it for now."

Nolan took it. This was the first time in his life that he had come into contact with a bow and arrow. On the surface, it looked a bit old, but there was no damage at all. It was quite good.

Following Draff's guidance, he properly equipped the hunting bow and quiver. Finally resembling somewhat like a hunter's apprentice.

"Mm, not bad." Draff nodded with some satisfaction, then said ponderingly, "I agreed to take you along for guidance, but there's another reason."

"Another reason?" Nolan was puzzled.

Draff smiled and explained:

"Recently, there have been more wild beasts in the Whispering Woods and Stormbearer Mountains area. There is a possibility that it will affect people's travel.

"So the Knights suggested us Springvale hunters could hunt more here. I think there are more prey than I can possibly take alone, in order to avoid wastage by then, I'll ask you to work a little harder."

"Of course, isn't that exactly what an apprentice should do!"

Nolan said happily.

Perhaps Draff felt having an extra person to share hunting experiences wasn't much, but to Nolan, this was tremendously important. Learning archery would greatly boost his combat ability.

"Haha, young people should be so energetic. Let's go, whether it's the craft of hunting or experience, the fastest way to learn is through practice."

Draff patted Nolan's shoulder, signaling him to follow. The two crossed Mondstadt Bridge, startling some pigeons that were foraging.

The fresh scent of grass brushed past their cheeks in the breeze. On the route to the hunt, Draff said to Nolan:

"For Springvale's hunting skills, one must first learn the bow. It was supposed to be taught from a young age to the younger generation to use it, and when you have learned it for a few years, you can follow the adults to hunt and further learn the other skills.

"Archery is difficult to grasp. It'll be pretty good if you can get basics in a month. For now, start with holding the bow."

Holding the bow wasn't hard. The key was stability, as stability was archery's foundation. Without stability, how could one shoot accurately?

While heading towards Whispering Woods, Draff began coaching Nolan on a hunter's archery.

The basics of holding the bow, picking up arrows, how to shoot to conserve stamina and conceal yourself.

This was an archery solely meant for hunting.

(End of Chapter)

To be continued...