The same fifty-meter target. But with wind? Everything changed. A breeze was enough to throw off a shot—and if it was raining, snowing, or gusting hard, it only got worse.
That, Leo figured, was the real meaning behind his "Slowfire" trait showing over 100% accuracy.
As for "Mounted Aim," it was still only Lv.2, but he could already imagine the future—what would 200% or even 300% accuracy look like?
Targets in motion didn't all move the same. If the prey was moving slowly relative to the shooter, it wasn't much harder than a stationary target. But the faster it moved—especially at odd angles—the harder it was to predict and land a clean shot.
Extra accuracy was compensation. A buffer for chaos.
In short, the more, the better. No argument there.
He glanced at the other traits. Reinforce Body, Iron Arm.... Nothing fancy, just raw strength and durability. Simple and essential.
----------------------
Level: 3 (0/4)
Physique: 78
Strength: 57
Agility: 47
Clarity: 05
Status Points: 0 (+1 per day)
----------------------
"Still one point per day."
Leo let out a soft sigh. He didn't know what would increase the daily gain rate. For now, at least, he had beast meat—probably the only shortcut that existed.
"That's enough for tonight. Thanks, everyone."
He looked over at Zhao, who was still standing across the range, ready to throw another target.
"I can keep going," Zhao replied.
Leo shook his head, genuinely moved. He turned to the others and smiled. "You've all done more than enough. Go get some rest."
He didn't mention tomorrow. No promises, no boasting. What if they came back empty-handed? Better to say nothing and surprise them later.
Still, he could tell the worry in their eyes.
"If it really doesn't work out, you can wait a couple more days," Warren murmured.
"Yeah, no shame in that," someone else added.
Leo simply smiled. They understood what he meant.
"Just be careful out there, alright?"
"Yeah, come back in one piece, Leo!" said a wiry youth. Then, realizing what he said, he winced.
Warren smacked the back of his head. "What the hell, man? That's not what you say!"
"Right! I meant—Leo's totally coming back with a beast on his back!"
Everyone laughed. Even Leo couldn't help but grin.
As the group dispersed, only he and Uncle Zach remained.
"Don't go playing hero tomorrow," Zach said, his voice a touch sharper than usual. "Stick behind your father. Your talent's real—but a few more days of training would've made a big difference."
"I know, Uncle Zach," Leo said, waving off the concern with mock impatience. "I'll be careful. Promise."
Zach watched him walk away, muttering under his breath, "Damn kid…"
He sighed, deep and low. "Just come back safe. That's all I ask."
The next morning dawned gray and heavy. Rain loomed overhead, but stubbornly refused to fall. The air hung thick with humidity and unease.
But none of that dampened the buzz inside the camp.
At the gate, all eyes were on Leo—bow in hand, quiver strapped across his back—and his father Grant, calm and composed at his side.
"Wait… Grant, are you really bringing him with us?" Briggs asked, scratching his shaved head in disbelief.
"Yeah," Grant said simply.
That one word sent a ripple through the crowd.
"He's just a kid!"
"Why now? Isn't it too dangerous?"
"Grant, bring him back in. No one's asking you to go this far!" cried an elder, voice shaking.
Even the other hunters looked uneasy.
"Grant," one said carefully, glancing at Leo's bow, "That's the sixty-pounder, isn't it? You're giving him that?"
"Even we struggle with that draw weight, man. Give him the forty."
"Yeah, what are you thinking?"
Grant flushed red. He looked like he wanted to explain, but didn't have the words.
Leo stepped forward with a cough. "Uncles, you've got it wrong. This was my idea. I asked to come."
Silence fell.
Grant exhaled in relief.
"You sure about that, kid?" Briggs stepped closer, thumb jerking toward Grant. "He didn't make you say that, did he? If he did, you've got Uncle Briggs right here to back you up."
Grant's eye twitched.
Leo nearly laughed. "No, really. I volunteered."
"Huh. You serious?"
Briggs looked stunned.
Grant stepped in before it spiraled further. "Leo's been practicing these last few days. I thought it'd be good to let him see the real world. That's all."
He didn't mention last night's demonstration. He wasn't trying to pull some big reveal—truthfully, even he wasn't sure how Leo would perform in the wild.
He just… had to trust.
The tension faded. The crowd began offering their usual farewells—wishes for safety, success, and a safe return.
Zach and the others waved from the side, Warren included, grinning and raising a fist.
Then, the nine-person hunting team departed, vanishing into the misty morning. The village behind them fell quiet. Heavy. Tense.
But among the hunters, the mood lightened.
Briggs clapped Leo on the shoulder with a laugh. "You've got guts, kid. Wanting to come out here on your own? You even know how dangerous it gets?"
Leo gave a modest smile. "Aren't I with the best of the best?"
That got a round of chuckles.
"Cheeky little…" Briggs clicked his tongue, raising his massive round shield. "Stick with me, alright? If a beast shows up, your best bet is hiding behind Uncle Briggs."
Leo nodded earnestly. "Absolutely. The moment anything jumps out, I'm diving behind your steel-forged wall."
Briggs barked a laugh and shook his head.
"Smart kid. I should start charging rent if you're planning to live behind me all day."