Chapter 39 - Instant Training
"Yes!"
[Starting the modification process… Ding! Optimizing the design… Creating rules… Ding! You have successfully added a new function to your Ink Collector System.]
Reading the notification, Jhin started reading the optimization the system made.
The new function was named [Instant Training]. It has only two rules.
1. He must learn or assimilate the technique or skill first.
2. He must spend ink to start the Instant Training.
After reading the new function, three dark lines appeared on Jhin's forehead. "As I thought! No wonder it quickly agreed. It just wants to scam my inks!"
Even so, Jhin was still relieved that he would be able to learn the skills much faster now. As long as he masters the skills, then his killing efficiency would improve. As a byproduct, he could earn ink drops much faster.
"System, I want to master the 'Basics of Archery'." Jhin said.
If he could master archery, he would be able to erase the soldier's doubt towards his skills. And he would be accepted as a temporary member of the Archery Hall. Meaning, he can join the battle in the coming beast stampede, making the chance of him earning inks higher.
[Starting the Instant Training… Deducting ten ink drops… Please follow the red lines to execute proper archery.]
'Thankfully I killed those two men earlier, netting me with fifteen ink drops. It is fortunate that the healing of the ink soldiers only spent four ink drops.'
Jhin looked at his ink reserves. There were only one ink drops left.
[Please blink thrice to start the training.]
Jhin followed the system's instruction. When he opened his eyes after the third blink, he could see illusory red lines appearing on his vision.
He looked at the bow on his hand.
At this moment, a red hand was gripping the bow with an arrow nocked on the string.
Understanding the intent, Jhin picked an arrow from his quiver. He adjusted his grip to match the lines.
The red lines started blinking before showing a path on how to raise his bow while adjusting his stance.
Jhin followed the instruction.
"This feeling…"
The moment he copied the drawing stance instructed; he could feel the bow lose its weight. It was as though it became a part of his hand.
Then the red lines blinked. It transformed into a shooting stance.
Jhin imitated the red lines. Then, he released the arrow.
The arrow flew into the air like a bullet. It traveled to a curve before embedding on the target with a sharp twang.
"I see!" Jhin's eyes lit up after seeing the result. Although he didn't hit the bullseye, the fact that he hit the target made him excited.
Drawing again, Jhin carefully followed the instruction of the system. This time, he did it slowly. Each time there was a change, he would analyze the reason behind it.
He released the arrow. It flew into a curve before hitting the center of the target.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Arrows after arrows flew from his bows. Every time he shoots, his skill would improve. The speed became sharper while the trajectory became uniform.
[Ding! Instant training completed! You have mastered the Basic of Archery.]
Jhin wiped the sweat from his forehead. He did it!
He mastered the basic level of archery.
Jhin was enjoying the feeling of his successful shots. He didn't know that learning archery is so satisfying.
"You… What are you playing?" Saline uttered in shock. Others might not see it, but as a Tier 2 combatant, someone who started developing soul strength, she could see something special on Jhin's actions. It was as though he was guided by a mysterious force.
"Tell me… Is this your first-time shooting?" Saline asked while her eyes alternated between Jhin and the target where ten arrows were embedded at its center.
Although the target was only at twenty meters away, for a Tier 0 existence to hit the center ten times was almost an impossible feat.
"Haha…" Jhin faked a laugh. He glanced at the dumfounded soldiers and said, "The first arrow is all of you. While the second arrow is me. The first arrow was shot with the focus being not the target but the audience. As a result, it lacked precision and missed the target. The second arrow, however, was focused entirely on the target. Thus, its accuracy is high. Consider this as the first lesson. Now, all of you ponder about it."
"Eh?" Saline was confused. She was unsure whether to believe her judgement of listen to Jhin.
"Well, whatever, as long as he can teach the soldiers."
After a moment of silence, Saline looked at the sky before letting out a sigh of relief. She was glad that a heavy burden was lifted off from her shoulders.
The failed shrine raid had exhausted her so much. If she has the choice, she wanted to rest for a while. The stress has been piling up on her. Her comrades died, her commander was in coma, yet now, a beast stampede was about to occur. And she was tasked on training them archery.
"I'll leave the soldiers to you then." Saline said. "I'm going to sleep. Make sure that when I return, they would have synchronized attacks."
Saying so, Saline's turned into blur. Her silhouette entering the portal.
"How irresponsible." Jhin muttered under his breath. He scanned the soldiers. His mind rapidly calculating.
"You, come here!" He pointed the closest soldier. It was a woman with a sword hung on her waist.
She pointed herself, puzzled at Jhin's command.
"Yes you! Come here."
"En!" She before quickly walking towards Jhin.
"What's your name? Can you help me command them? I can't amplify my voice." Jhin said as he looked at the brown-haired lady in front of him. He couldn't help but marveled, 'Are all women in this world beautiful?'
"I'm Lily sir." She replied, "I can help you. But, how about my training?"
"Don't worry about it, I'll help you later." Jhin swept his gaze forward. "Now, tell them to line up from the shortest to tallest. Afterwards, have them follow these set of instructions…"
"En!" She turned around started. However, just after she spoke a few words, a pained cry suddenly rang in the field.
Jhin's expression changed as he turned around.
"Aria!?"