The Author's Viewpoint

Tave and Aura had returned to the lakeside. The same place where they'd talked the night before.

Tave was fully prepared to receive whatever teachings or insights Aura was willing to share. It was a strange feeling, considering he was the one who had written the story. Yet somehow, he was genuinely curious to hear Aura's reasoning, to see how she would explain things from her perspective.

Especially her choice to teach him archery.

"So, first. This is a rare moment," he said. "I'd love to hear why you think I need to learn archery too."

Aura offered him a warm smile before her tone shifted into something more focused. More serious.

"First, Tave, I want to tell you. I can read your elemental affinities. And there's something... unique about yours. Something I don't often see, even among Gaia Awakeners."

"That does sound interesting," Tave replied. "You're certainly living up to your reputation, as both a powerful archer and an Imperial Knight."

Aura tilted her head and gave a small laugh. "Look at you, flattering people already. No wonder Princess Vanya fell for you."

Tave gave her a sharp, half-smirk. "I thought we were talking seriously."

"Alright, alright," Aura chuckled. "Let's get serious."

She continued then, speaking about her unique ability, how she could perceive elemental patterns and core structures in a way others simply couldn't.

"Blaze, shadow… and two merge elements. Soul fire," she said, almost with a note of admiration. "That's a bold path, Tave. Not many choose something that unstable. But you seem to be the kind of person who goes all in. And with your merged elements… Well, it's a little scattered. But I can see why you chose them."

Tave responded flatly, "That one… was taken when I was in a corner."

Aura nodded gently. "I can understand that. But now let's focus on how to optimize what you already have."

Then her gaze shifted, just slightly sharper. "And about your two cores… That's rare. Almost miraculous. So, did you obtain Soul Fire first, or the second core?"

"The second core came from my relic," he replied.

"I thought so," she said softly. "A Unique-grade fire spirit… Tave, you must be exceptionally lucky. That second core gives you something most could never dream of. Enough that you can burn your own core and still remain intact. That's a privilege. One I doubt anyone else could even attempt."

Aura shifted into a more focused tone now, her voice tinged with the sharp clarity of someone slipping into theory and mechanics.

"So, you excel in stealth, with heightened senses. Sight, hearing, and…" she gave a subtle smile, pausing just long enough to make her meaning clear.

Tave raised an eyebrow. "Just say it. I'm ready if you're about to start laying everything bare."

"Yeah," Aura said. "Seems like I know a few more secrets than you've been trying to hide."

"And yes, that's incredibly annoying," Tave replied dryly, a trace of irony in his voice.

"With your build, your talents, and your shadow wolf, you're already versatile. You can assassinate. You can engage in melee. But if you add ranged precision to that. Use your stealth not just to get close, but to strike from a distance. You'll gain something more. You won't just kill your enemies before they see you… they won't even find you. Not when you're that far out and already gone."

"But… Lady Aura," Tave cut in. "Wouldn't that take away from my sword mastery? I mean, I can't possibly master too many things and expect to be anything but average at all of them."

Aura gave a faint, knowing smile. "There will come a time when you hit a wall with your current path. And more than that, you have the potential to live longer, grow stronger than most. When that time comes, you will need to branch out."

She turned to him fully then, her voice steady. "Those who rise to the top don't rely on pure close-range combat alone. They refine their elemental mastery, especially skills with massive range and destruction. That's the difference between surviving… and being overwhelmed."

Aura continued with sharp clarity in her voice.

"With Soul Fire and Netherblaze Flames, you can create devastating wide-area attacks. Both affect the mind and spirit—true psychological damage, not just physical. Now imagine channeling that kind of force from a distance. You'd be tearing through enemies before they even realize where the attack came from."

She glanced at him, her expression composed but firm. "And you'll still have your arsenal for close-range engagement, if they manage to reach you."

"So, you're saying I should treat sword mastery as a secondary option?"

"No," Aura replied immediately. "I'm saying make it part of a versatile combat style. Adjust based on your team, your enemies, and the situation. That way, you're harder to counter. You're not locked into a single form."

She paused, then added, "And… look at Her Highness, Princess Vanya. She also excels in support capabilities, especially now that her Echo has awakened."

Aura smiled faintly, and there was a flicker of pride in her voice. "Because of you."

Tave gave a faint, subtle smile in response, confirming the truth behind her words.

After enough theory and discussion, none of which Tave would dare waste, they stepped into the practical part of their session. There was no way he'd pass up an opportunity like this.

He drew the bow from his storage ring, and the moment it appeared in his hands, its weight felt solid, elegant but deadly.

They stood side by side at the edge of the lake.

Aura pointed out toward the water. "See there? Those small creatures that occasionally surface. Your task is to strike them from here," she said.

"For now, use real arrows."

She summoned a quiver and handed it to him—sleek black leather strapped with gold stitching.

Tave slung it over his shoulder and drew a single arrow, fitting it into place on the bowstring. He began to pull back with measured control.

"See? Like this." Aura stepped closer, adjusting the position of his arms and shoulders.

"Keep your elbow higher. Don't lock your wrist."

"Align your front foot with your target."

"Let the tension sit in your back, not just your arms."

"Now exhale slowly as you hold, and only release at the tail of your breath."

Her voice was right by his ear. Calm, steady, never rushed.

Tave could feel the warmth of her breath as she spoke, brushing against his skin. It was impossible not to notice.

And yet, despite the proximity, her tone stayed professional. Controlled. But clear.

Every instruction was carefully enunciated. Her pacing was just right. Her guidance was easy to absorb. Even for someone like him, who had never once studied archery before.

And for the first time… the bow didn't feel like an accessory. It felt like a weapon that belonged in his hands.

Tave narrowed his eyes, sharpening his focus. His vision had always been exceptional—one of his key advantages. He could see clearly even at long distances, and now he was finally putting that to use.

"You already have a strong foundation with your vision," Aura said calmly beside him. "This kind of advantage only shines when used from a distance. That's where it becomes lethal."

The wind moved gently across the lake, rippling the surface, carrying away his hesitations.

And for the first time in a long time… he didn't feel like he was being hunted by the story.

He felt like he was writing it again!