Chapter 16: Setting Out from the Village
When aiming at a target fifty meters away, shooting in windy conditions is naturally more challenging than in calm weather. Strong winds or harsh weather—rain or even snow—increase the difficulty further.
This underscores the significance of the "Steady Shot" trait, where hit rates can exceed 100% and continue improving.
The "Mounted Archery" trait is only Level 2 now, but as [Basic Archery] levels up, it could reach or even surpass 100%, potentially climbing to 200% or 300%.
The key lies in targeting moving objects with varying relative speeds.
A target moving slowly relative to the archer is easier to hit. At a certain point, it becomes comparable to aiming at a stationary target.
Conversely, the faster a target moves relative to the archer, the harder it is to strike. The portion of the Mounted Archery trait exceeding 100% likely compensates for this challenge.
In short, higher hit rates are undeniably better.
Chen Fan glanced at his other traits—Strong Body and Exceptional Arm Strength—which spoke for themselves: the higher, the better.
Level: 3 (0/4)
Constitution: 13.78
Strength: 12.57
Agility: 8.47
Spirit: 6.05
Potential Points: 0 (1 point/day)
Potential points still grow at one per day.
Chen Fan sighed inwardly, unsure how to accelerate this rate. At least he knew consuming beast meat could earn more points.
“Let’s call it a day. Thanks for your help,” he said to Zhao Feng in the distance with a smile.
“I can keep going,” Zhao Feng insisted, shaking his head.
“Really, it’s fine.” Chen Fan looked at the group, touched. “Everyone’s worked hard tonight. Get some rest.”
He avoided saying, “Wait for good news tomorrow.” If he returned empty-handed, it would only disappoint them.
The others exchanged uneasy glances.
“Brother Fan, maybe wait a few more days if it’s too dangerous,” Wang Ping mumbled.
“Yeah…” others echoed.
Chen Fan smiled wordlessly.
“But if you do go, be careful!”
“You’d better come back alive!” blurted a scrawny youth, only to be swatted by Wang Ping. “What kind of talk is that? He’ll return safe and sound!”
“Right, right! Brother Fan will come back and bring prey!” The youth backtracked, drawing laughter.
Chen Fan chuckled despite himself.
Soon, only Chen Fan and the limping man remained.
“Stick close to your father tomorrow. Don’t play hero with that bow,” the man urged. “With your talent, waiting a few days would be wiser.”
“Understood, Uncle Zhang.” Chen Fan waved dismissively. “I’m heading back. You should rest too.”
“That brat…”
The limping man glared at Chen Fan’s retreating figure, then sighed. Just let him survive tomorrow. Prey would be a bonus, but I’ll settle for his safety.
Dawn broke under a brooding sky, heavy with unshed rain. The villagers, however, were distracted by an unusual sight at the gate.
All eyes shifted between Chen Fan—left hand gripping a bow, quiver on his back—and his father, Chen Guodong, standing stoically ahead.
“Guodong, you’re taking him hunting?” The bald man rubbed his scalp, grinning.
“Yes.” Chen Guodong’s tone left no room for debate.
The crowd erupted.
“Have you lost your mind? The boy’s too young!”
“Guodong, call him back! We can’t let you go this far!” pleaded a tearful elder.
Even the hunters protested.
“Since when is ‘father and son against tigers’ an excuse for recklessness?” one snapped, eyeing Chen Fan’s bow. “And that’s the village’s 60-pound longbow! Even we strain to draw it!”
“Give him the 40-pound one instead!”
Chen Guodong flushed, cornered.
“Ahem.” Chen Fan cut in. “Uncles, this was my idea. My father isn’t forcing me.”
The crowd hushed.
“Did he threaten you?” The bald man jabbed a finger at Chen Guodong. “Uncle Liu’s got your back!”
Chen Guodong looked ready to strangle him.
“No one forced me,” Chen Fan said flatly.
“Really?” The bald man gaped.
“Enough.” Chen Guodong silenced him with a glare. “Chen Fan’s been training. I’m taking him to gain experience—nothing more.”
He omitted last night’s archery display, lacking confidence himself. Better treat this as a scouting trip.
The crowd relented, offering their usual prayers for safety. The limping man and Wang Ping waved fiercely from the throng.
Under the villagers’ anxious stares, the nine hunters departed. Tension thickened in the village, but the hunting party’s mood lightened.
The bald man clapped Chen Fan’s shoulder. “Bold move, kid. You know how deadly it is out here?”
“That’s why you’re all here, right?” Chen Fan grinned.
Laughter rippled through the group.
“Smartass.” The bald man hefted his meter-wide shield. “Stick behind Uncle Liu if beasts show up.”
“Wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.”
