The Extra's Harem In Dead End Game
Chapter 103 - 103: Archery Evaluation [2]

"Next."

Finally, it was my turn.

Except for Alan, the Common Class' performance up front was absolutely the worst. I can't stand to look at it with my eyes open.

The Royal and Noble guys watched that mess with expressions that said, "These are hopeless pieces of trash."

But this time it was different. I felt like the air itself had changed. It's me. Because the Seltrin family's dog-like creature appears.

Contempt, disgust, hatred…

The gazes are no different from usual. But there are a few additions to that look—a look of caution and tension.

A gaze as if a civilized person were looking at a barbarian invading his land. That's probably it.

Because I, who thought they were funny, thoroughly trampled them during the last group evaluation. They must feel a serious threat.

"Huh."

I deliberately looked toward the guys and let out a laugh that felt like a mocking sneer.

Because it's fun. And it was also a psychological drain. I will definitely achieve excellent results.

"Ugh…"

"That kid!"

"Fuck. Here we go again."

Since it was Professor Lawrence's evaluation, they couldn't say anything out loud, so they just grumbled with angry faces.

"Ha."

Elaine was seen shaking her head and sighing. I thought it had gotten a little better, but it was that same expression again.

This. I guess I should have done some image management.

No. That's not me. It doesn't suit my personality to try to look sweet just to impress the heroine. I'll just live the way I want.

"In position."

I entered the centermost room.

Good.

A position that clearly shows that I am the main character of this group. Anyway, no one else would care unless it's the professor.

"Begin."

As soon as Professor Lawrence's word fell, I picked up the bow. Too familiar a posture.

After mastering the basics, that posture had become even more natural. I lightly placed an arrow on the bowstring. In that state, I sensed the wind. Movement, strength, direction.

Good. I get it.

Twang!

I released without hesitation.

Wedge!

The arrow flew. That arrow…

Phew!

It was stuck slightly to the left of the center. Still, it was barely within the 10-point line.

"Oh, that's too bad."

I grumbled as if I didn't like it. I wanted to clearly show everyone a more wonderful first step.

But…

"Damn it. 10 points from the start?"

"That kid is good at archery? Does that make sense?"

"… Oh, what a coincidence. A coincidence. It's a coincidence, a coincidence."

"Tch, that's not it. The posture is already fixed."

The response back was very good. It seems they couldn't believe I was good at archery.

But what can they do? It's too early to make a fuss over just this much. I haven't shown all of my skills yet.

"Hmph."

I laughed again. Let's show them.

The true value of my archery.

The finest archery skills, directly passed on by 'The Forgotten Forest's Princess' Hiresia. Enjoy it to your heart's content.

Creak.

Twang!

The arrow flew with vigor. And then,

Thunk!

9 points.

"Agh."

… It wasn't easy. I instantly became humble.

***

"Is… is that really him? It's not some other person?"

The disbelief in Lana's reaction was understandable as a close friend.

Elaine understood her friend's reaction.

Considering the flamboyans deeds that Max had shown so far, that was a natural reaction. She would have come to the same conclusion until not long ago.

But now she knows. That Max had hidden other sides of himself.

The imperial swordsmanship style eight, honed to a level even her father would acknowledge.

She could tell how much blood, sweat, and tears went into reaching such a level without even seeing it. The surprisingly good grades in the last magic school assessment were also a result of such efforts.

Known to everyone as a lazy troublemaker, in reality, he was an incredible hard worker who constantly strived unseen.

"It must be the fruit… of his efforts."

The same goes for the performance now.

Although clumsy with archery, one could tell by feeling that he was shooting with a very stable posture, consistently without shaking. Such fundamentals are not acquired in a day or two. It's the result of relentless effort.

Honestly, she still thinks he's a schoolmate that doesn't quite get along with her, in terms of personality or other aspects.

She accepted his apology, but his past conduct was too severe to understand.

But she had to honestly acknowledge such aspects. He's amazing.

"What? Effort? Efffff-ooorrrrttt?"

On the other hand, Lana shook her head vehemently, as if the sound of it was preposterous.

Understood. It must be a reality too unpleasant to accept. But soon, whether they like it or not, everyone will have to acknowledge it.

That Max has changed. Or maybe, he has always been…

"You saw it last time too, Lana. It seems like you might as well acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged."

Having competed in the same group against Max's team in the magic school assessment, she must have felt it already. It's just that accepting Max is something she can't stand.

"No way! Eh, Elaine saying something like that! This, this can't be! This can't happen! What the hell happened with that guy! Tell me the truth!"

Lana flustered with her eyes wide in shock.

… Suddenly, her head started to hurt.

Calming Lana down might require more energy than shooting an arrow. In such times…

"Hmm?"

"The professor is glaring this way, you know?"

"Oops."

Even Lana, as brash as she is, closed her mouth quickly, fearing Professor Lawrence. Somehow, that was successful damage control.

Elaine's calm gaze turned back to Max.

***

"Not bad."

Professor Lawrence's eyes sparkled slightly.

This is the second student worth noticing in the Common Class so far.

But among them, this student is definitely more promising.

He can tell just by looking at the posture. How well he has mastered the basics.

Everyone knows the importance of basics, but not many actually manage to imbibe them into their system. Basics are easy, insignificant, just a step in the process; that's what many think.

Those who believe that flashy and powerful advanced techniques are the real deal…

They are foolish not to know what foundation those advanced techniques are built upon.

But he was different.

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