Reisen Riou sat cross-legged in the monster-slaying arena of the testing ground's Serenitea Pot-like space, surrounded by scattered monster remains.
Suddenly, a Hilichurl King appeared. Reisen's left hand mimed holding a bow, his right pulling back. Releasing, an invisible arrow pierced the Hilichurl King, reducing it to wreckage that blended with the rest.
This was the realm of the Heart's Bow and Arrow—the practice of Bow Heart. Reisen's current level was the pinnacle, called Heart Bow: Speed Shot. Before this were Heart Bow: Kill Shot, Heart Bow: Non-Lethal Shot, and Heart Bow: Harmless Shot.
"Still not fast enough," Reisen sighed.
Though his One Mind progress surged, Bow Heart training stalled. It demanded raw practice, no shortcuts, just grinding it out. Fortunately, his progress wasn't slow.
Another monster appeared.
Reisen mimed the bow again, then paused. Why use hands at all? Why not just visualize it?
He dropped his hands, picturing the draw and release. Repeating the mental motion, he looked up—the new fiend, pinned in place.
This was a Dark Raven, a fiend born from tengu grudges mixed with unknown forces, lurking in shadows with blazing speed and some shadow control. Common but tricky, its life energy was only LV50+, worthless for Reisen's research. Yet its vitality was stubborn—his Heart Bow shots barely fazed it.
"Damn nuisance," Reisen muttered, infusing his Heart Bow with Electro. A dazzling arrow wreathed in lightning materialized, auto-firing under the Law of Annihilation and Law of Infallibility. One shot obliterated the fiend, leaving only common artifacts.
Another Hilichurl King appeared. This testing ground was great, but Hilichurl Kings were too common—popping up constantly, unlike the rarer Dark Raven.
Reisen's eyes lit up. Heart Bow: Rapid Shot.
Unlike the fiend, the Hilichurl King lacked resilience. Seven or eight gaping holes later, it collapsed.
Reisen felt a rush, his Heartforce surging, clearing distractions. His focus sharpened, pure and singular. Checking his panel:
Bow Heart LV8 → One Mind: Bow Heart LV9 (Mortal Pinnacle). His Heartforce ability merged into it.
Archery skill and theory both hit LV9. What did that mean? In practice, it was humanity's peak, with no further progress without branching out. In theory, it touched the inhuman realm.
Reisen clapped. Several bouncing Cryo Slimes appeared.
Pointing at the wreckage, artifacts, and Mora, he said, "Store these in the vault."
The lead slime nodded, conjuring an ice cart. Others went overboard, crafting ice forklifts, scooping debris into the cart.
"Nice work," Reisen said, stroking his chin, proud. He'd trained these slimes well—for chores, not combat. Their fighting was still basic, easily outmatched.
Leaving the space, he greeted the two old gatekeepers and headed for a drink. His archery breakthrough deserved celebration.
At the tavern, he ordered sake. As he sipped, an electromagnetic pulse hit—Raiden Ei's voice: "To Tenshukaku, now."
"Boss, put it on my tab!" Reisen gulped his drink, vanishing in a flash of lightning.
The owner told the clerk, "Tab it. Archivist Reisen, 3,000 Mora."
…
A purple streak shot to Tenshukaku.
Reisen materialized, smelling sea salt and blood. Frowning, he asked, "Ei, you're hurt?"
A Thunder Elixir appeared in his hand. Ei crushed it.
"Minor scratch, already healed. Most of this blood's not mine," Ei said. "Come. We're waiting for others. This is big."
"Where's Sister Makoto?"
"Exhausted, resting. I'll wake her when everyone's here," Ei said. "I need you to analyze the situation."
"What situation?"
Ei explained. In the Dark Sea, they fought dog-like magical beasts battling Hilichurls and other monsters. These beasts were tough, their claws and bodies laced with curses that caused relentless bleeding. Ei got grazed—normally, it wouldn't even break skin, but the curse drew blood.
Luckily, both Makoto and Ei knew Thunder Elixir techniques, easily dispelling curses and healing wounds. The beasts carried a strong otherworldly aura, likely from another world. Ei found Khaenri'ahn experimental devices and living traces in their territory. Makoto, exhausted, slept after calling a meeting. Ei could handle routine governance but needed Reisen's insight for this Khaenri'ahn issue.
"This is tricky," Reisen said, frowning. "No direct evidence proves Khaenri'ah brought these beasts. We need to tread carefully."
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