Well, this is a bit...unexpected. On the outside, Acutus might be too blind in their rage to aim correctly at me while I start running around to confuse them and dodge their arrows at the same time. But I've never expected them to not only do so while being calm, but they've almost hit me a few times now. Two of them almost stab through my shoulder (with another one barely hitting my back) with me barely dodged them in time. I've already done everything to keep their sanity in check by not insulting them beyond what I've given. But I've never thought a person who carries a grudge against me could keep their aim while keeping their distance away from me.
At this rate, I can't prolong this battle any longer. I can't use my UI to see their [HP], but I feel like they can only endure a few more hits until they're defeated. I have to find another opening to do so, but this guy won't let me! Time for another improv before another one of their arrows hit me for real.
[Stop running, you coward! You're supposed to prove something to a spoiled brat like me!]
Speak for yourself. But they're right. I can't run forever. Sure, they've got some nasty tricks while they're [Enraged], but despite their attempts to maintain their cool head, I know they're going to crack soon. So test drive! Let's confirm something first.
"[Owl's Vision]!" With this, I can locate Acutus before they duck back into the leaves or hollow. And next, I shout, "[Tracking Aim]!"
With its guaranteed hit, I should be able to replicate my last attack with the difference that [Tracking Aim] has low attack power compared to [Corkscrew Pierce], which ignores [DEF]. This way, I can avoid killing them by accident. The only con is an emphasis on "low attack power" as I watch the arrow hit their left shoulder. So it's not enough to end this duel. But that's not my current intention at all.
[Not even close, kid!] Acutus declares before they disappear in thin air.
And that answers that. They're still using the same cloning trick before their [Enraged] state. I never thought they would use it again, but they have. How much does this guy want to beat me to the brink of my sanity?! Then again, they're not thinking straight, and using that skill must have cost them more than their [MP] or [SP]. If they keep this up, there might be some consequences to their crippling sanity. If I want to incapacitate them again, then I have to go all out. That also means using everything I have to outsmart them.
And it all starts with a second [Smoke Bomb].
[You have activated the [Smoke Bomb]. Your opponent will lose sight of you for 2 minutes until expiry.]
I can see the smoke spread out of the area as soon as my notice window pops up. This gives me good coverage while I work on the next step of the plan.
"[Eagle Eye]!"
With this skill, I can detect where Acutus's clones are right now. I already know that the real one isn't supposed to be able to be detected by [Eagle Eye], but the downside is that if they are hidden, I'll have to rely on the flight source of the arrows to locate them. This means it's time for me to play "Dodge the Arrows" again.
[Dammit! That's not what I mean! Stop using your stupid [Smoke Bombs] already!]
I smirk as I look up at wherever Acutus is. "Why? It's not against the rules. Why don't you use one yourself?"
[DON'T MOCK ME!]
And here comes the rain of arrows. I have to keep my focus and dodge the arrows as fast as I can while finding that arrogant archer hiding as usual. This time, aiming is not as easy because the guy is completely pissed to lower the number of arrows coming at me (that and my [Smoke Bomb] obscures his vision to aim at me very accurately) and letting my guard down to find the real Acutus would mean my defeat. So I have to play smart. Find an opening and make my strike.
TWANG!
I hear another arrow nearby. I look up and smile. "Come on, is that all you got?"
I don't waste any time firing my arrow at what I hope to be the real Acutus's next hiding spot. With this shot, that's another hit and I'm passing the test.
But that doesn't mean I'm confident at this shot. Because instead of another twang from my arrow, I heard some kind of metal clanging sound from nearby. What the heck?! I don't think they were wearing any metallic armor on them.
[Hardly, [Insignis] wannabe.]
I look up again and gasp as I see them walk out from the hollow of the tallest tree in this area. Their body is glowing in the blue aura and I see the hexagonal tile-like texture on it, almost like General Veritates's skill. So much for repeating my trick. That's not the only bad thing...
[The smoke has dispersed.]
Of course, my [Smoke Bomb's] effects have to expire at a bad time. I guess this is my limit on provoking Acutus.
[You think you're oh so clever just because you won again ol' Veri. What's so special about you?! You are nothing but a half-[Insignis] who conned his way over our chambers closer to home!]
I quickly twitch my eye over that insult. "Conned?! What makes you think I scammed my way here?!"
[Isn't it obvious? You're the brother of that young [Insignis] who was chosen to be part of the [Sign Creation Ceremony]. You found yourself here while he's out there doing what any birthday [Insignis] kid out there do!]
It's that the reason why they thought I'm a con artist? Because of nepotism?! Damn, this guy is much denser than I thought!
[You are a shameless punk. You used your brother to get special treatment from the elders despite you're only a [Human] with little blood from my kind! Must be nice to use him as your tool.]
...Kazu? As my tool?
I freeze as I process what they just said about me and my treatment of my little brother. I can feel the rage swelling inside me, something that I never felt for years until now. What's ironic is that I've been accused by an NPC with a highly-advanced AI with rocks for brains. I feel like smacking their smug face with my composite bow, then imagining myself killing them. And after a few seconds of bottling up my near-uncontrollable rage, I take a deep breath and start laughing. That laugh then turns into a maniacal one as I try to let out everything I've resisted within me.
[Oh, did I hit a nerve? Or do you want to admit you're cheating?]
It takes me a while to stop laughing. I keep taking more breaths until I'm sane enough to talk.
"Sorry about that. I have been called a thug or monster for many years now and I didn't expect that kind of insult at all," I say as I finish catching my breath. "I appreciate you didn't call me the former two. However..."
With another deep breath, I narrow my eyes and turn them to Acutus with only pure rage against them.
"Accusing me of using my brother as a tool was your big mistake."
Yep, they've asked for it now.
[So I did hit a nerve! Ha! Let's see if you keep that streak for long! Compared to you, I'm the calmest archer of all [Signatio]!]
I don't know if my insults made their AI dumb or character dumb. But back on topic, that shield of theirs is a pain in the ass, but I have a few ideas on how to get through it. I've gotten some hints, but this time, I have the means to counter it. The only problem is that he's sharing my skills from the same [Masteries] we know. Along with their mysterious [Unique Talent], they are practically unstoppable.
Do I want to spend more time guessing what kind of tricks they have left? No.
My patience ran out the moment he made a false accusation against my brother. It's time to give them some karma.
[You have activated the [Smoke Bomb]. Your opponent will lose sight of you for 2 minutes until expiry.]
Once I put another [Smoke Bomb] in place, I go to work. I start running through the smoke as I prepare the next phase of my plan.
[You can't hide forever in the smoke, kid! I know you're tricks and I know where you're hiding now!]
Yes. Keep following me, bastard. While you're doing that, I throw another bomb and quickly jump up to climb the tree nearby.
[NOTICE]
[Your [Minor Climbing Expertise] has been disabled due to the battle's handicap.]
[NOTICE]
[Your [SPD] will be halved when you climb a tree or rocky surfaces.]
That's one price to pay to make this work. In any case, I keep climbing as I hear a thud and some leaves rustling nearby.
[Are you trying to climb out of your hiding spot after your fourth [Smoke Bomb]?! You really are a cheating coward!] I can't turn to see Acutus right now, but I can hear their bowstring pulled, probably aiming at my back. [It's all over. Come back if you want to mess with the eagle themself.]
Yeah, this would be my end. I'm barely at the top thanks to my [SPD] penalty and I'm open to their attack. But there's one thing they haven't noticed by now.
[NOTICE]
[You have reached the limit of [Smoke Bombs] you can use in this special battle.]
I didn't throw a fourth [Smoke Bomb] at all!
[You have activated a [Skunk Bomb]. Anyone in the targeted vicinity will be stricken with a [Smell Impairment] for 1 minute. The smoke will disappear for 2 minutes.]
[The area that was targeted by a [Smoke Bomb] will be overwritten shortly.]
[H-Huh? What's that smell?]
As soon as I reach the top, I finally turn my head to Acutus as I notice my [Skunk Bomb] in effect. Green smoke starts to overwhelm the white from the [Smoke Bomb] and I watch them drop their bow and cover their nose.
[ARGH! That's disgusting!] Acutus screams as I watch them seemingly choke from the smoke. [ACK! I can't breathe! This isn't a [Smoke Bomb]! Who the hell made this?!]
You can blame that on my "tool" for that crazy concoction.
[Skunk Bomb]
[A special bomb in a bottle created from the essence of a [Wild Skunk]. Releasing it will emit a nasty odor that is enough to stop a soldier in their tracks. Can be released about 10 ft around the targeted area. If the affected area is entered, they will be stricken with a [Smell Impairment] for 1 minute.
Creator: <Kazu>
Quality: 14]
I didn't mean to ask him for it, though. Kazu simply made one after beating that annoying [Wild Skunk] at the [Tested Wilds] and he gave it to me so I can help him with his "experiment". AKA use it when the time is right.
Honestly, having one on my person is a lifesaver. It's because of this simple prank item that they will meet their downfall.
[NOTICE]
[The enemy, <Acutus> has been inflicted by [Smell Impairment]. As a result, some of their skills will be disabled until the condition is cured or expired.]
I feel it is a bit suspicious as to why they managed to locate me despite my attempts of being silent and stealthy. But it's not the only item I have up my sleeve. No, I'm not letting them get away from me. Not after they insulted me and my brother.
"[Owl's Vision]!"
After I activate this skill again, I aim at the incapacitated archer and throw two [Paralysis Darts] at them. This might not increase my accuracy for this one, but...
[Paralysis Dart]
[A special dart that contains a toxin that will paralyze you for one minute. You can use up to two darts at the same time to double its effectiveness, but the effects will be weakened to half afterward.
Quality: 10]
It's better than nothing!
[ARGHHHH!!!]
I watch them collapse to the ground as my darts hit their left leg and right arm.
[NOTICE]
[Your enemy, <Acutus> has been inflicted with [Paralysis] for 2 minutes. The next [Paralysis Dart] will be weakened.]
That's the last thing I need to finish them off. Thankfully, the effects of the [Skunk Bomb] won't reach the tree branch I'm standing on. Which gives me an opportunity to finish this once and for all.
[Dammit! Are you going to stand there and let me die from this?!] Acutus screamed. [You won't get away with this!]
"Why not? This is supposed to be a trial meant for me and you're the one who is supposed to test me," I say as I nonchalantly grab a [Spiral Arrow] and load it into my [Experimental Compound Bow]. "I've already understood what's the point of this trial. It's thanks to you that I've discovered a lot that will help with my fighting style and myself in general."
[What the hell are you talking about?! This whole trial is all about perseverance and perception. You haven't done anything to show that trait at all!]
I smirk when they say this. "Oh, I've learned how to persevere." I pull the bowstring and arrow to charge up for my final blow. "I've perceived that you are nothing but an arrogant archer who needs to be put in their place and I'm persevering from your stupid attempts to get my guard down by mocking my little brother's hard work for someone who never asked for one at all!"
[...Wait, what did you say?]
About time they got it through their thick skull. "This is for insulting me and my genuine familial love for Kazu. [Corkscrew Pierce]."
And I release the string with that final declaration. Because of the skill's speed after I activate it, my arrow quickly drills through their armor thanks to its spiral-shaped head and it doesn't take long for it to strike right where I want it.
[CRITICAL!]
[ARRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!]
[NOTICE]
[<Acutus> has been grievously injured. Due to its special conditions, this battle is over. All of the restrictions have been lifted.]
[The smoke has dispersed]
And that's that. An arrow near their shoulder, which should avoid his vitals completely (Probably... This is a VRMMO, but I don't condone killing NPCs, especially human-like mobs). I would've shot them in their knee or used [Arrow Shower], but that seems a bit cruel and overkill on my end. But I am satisfied with these results. I get my catharsis and another key and they get some well-deserved karma.
[D-Damn you...]
I quickly hear their curse as I jump back down to where Acutus is lying. The [Skunk Bomb] should have disappeared by now after I got that notification after the battle. Looking down at the archer, they look like a former shell of their self-proclaimed brilliance as an [Eagle of Perception].
[I can't believe it! I've been beaten up by an [Insignis] wannabe who has little [Mana] to show for it! Not to mention you're going to leave me to die here from the likes of you!]
This again?! I'm getting tired of their put-downs. "Gee, sore loser much? I made sure my arrow avoided all of your vital organs in that final shot. If I pull it out right now, who knows what will happen? I'm not a healer, you know." I'm not even a doctor in real life and I don't know if I plan to become one. Again, not gonna rush things. "And just so you know, I know a bit of magic thanks to my brother. I may be his older brother, but it was him that made me who I am today. If I didn't j- I mean, become an adventurer, I would never have met so many of my friends, nor would I be here with Veritates and the test itself. It's because of my brother that I finally found the motivation to chase my own future with or without him. Consider yourself lucky by not threatening to kill my brother."
[Well said, kid!]
A wave of black aura suddenly blows past us and they quickly gather together right between us to reveal...
"General Veritates!"
I can't believe it. The first boss of the [Test of Courage] is now right in front of me. I try to ask him what he is doing here. But he only responds with silence as he walks to Acutus instead. I initially thought I needed to approach him to talk to him. But I see him raise his armored fist and...
BAM!
[ARGH!!!] Acutus screams after I witness them being punched by the undead general. [What is that?! I didn't do anything bad this time!]
[Oh, yes, you did!] Veritates counters. [It has been 10 years since I passed and I come back to see you looking down on a young prospect who has a talent to rival the best warriors and hunters in this land! Just what the hell did that damn <Vari> teach you while I'm gone?! I've never seen you acting so pompous before.]
I'm utterly confused. It seems like Veritates knows Acutus very well. Yet I've never sensed any hostility other than anger over their stupidity. I'm too speechless to even know what the hell is happening.
[B-B-But, Master! I'm only trying to peg his arrogance down after your fight against him! Surely, he must have been too confident after he managed to defeat y-ARGGGGGHHHH!]
And he pulls out the arrow that I tried to warn them not to do so. I wish I could tell him, but I'm too shell-shocked to see this escalating confrontation...
Wait, did they say Veritates was their "Master"?!
[Ugh... This is why I've had my hesitations when I tried to find another Master for you after you chose to become one of the [Insignis Scouts]. I should have stayed as your Master before my passing.]
"Okay, time out!" I interrupt once I snap out of my shock. "Acutus was your apprentice?!"
[Why yes. Many squires in Signatio's military have free reign on whether they want to become a soldier for the army, a magician for the royal court or the intelligence branch, or be given a special benefit if they choose to become an adventurer. I was one of the teachers who taught unruly squires such as young Acutus before you. I was at my death's door when he had his selection ceremony. So my biggest mistake was choosing the wrong Master for him to transfer once he made his choice to become a hunter.]
That explains their annoying arrogance. Now I feel sorry for Veritates. He must have had high hopes for their future. I guess that's why he's made sure I don't get too confident in my skills alone.
[B-But Master...]
[I HEAR ENOUGH EXCUSES, YOUNG MAN!] Crap, angry armor at 9 o'clock. [It's because of your preconceived notions about young Wind that made you fail your position as this test's proctor! If he hadn't had the heart to not finish you off, you would have suffered the wrath of the gods from your arrogance and overconfidence! Maybe it was wrong for me to initiate your selection ceremony so early after all.]
After that, I see Acutus's pompous facade break for the first time. They are bleeding, but they are not crying from the pain. Rather, the pain of their former master calling out their behavior. Damn, [Master], [Unique Talent], or not, Veritates's speech is enough to break a tree in half. I wish I could ignore it, but I can't let them lose themselves from their mistakes.
"Hey, Acutus!" I call out. "You may be a jerk from how you treat me and it's uncalled for you to accuse me of using my brother without any remorse. But I have to admit, you almost pushed me to a corner to the point I have to use my skills through unconventional means. You have talent as a hunter, but you need to work on your attitude before you can prove yourself as the best."
[Heh. Spoken like a true hunter.] Veritates picks up Acutus's bow and tosses it to them. [Stand up, kid. It's not too late to give up yet.]
Acutus stares at us afterward. After a few seconds, they start chuckling weakly and say, [Wish I could, but I can't stand up.]
[Hogwash! You can't give up after that duel!]
[No, I really can't stand up. I-I can't...keep my eyes any longer... I-I'm...losing blood...]
Oh, crap! I almost forgot about them bleeding out! It didn't take long for the undead general to get the hint as he starts using his magic while I help out with first aid now that my UI is also unlocked.
"Seriously, I tried to tell them not to pull the arrow out!" I scolded Veritates.
[I'm sorry! I didn't notice until now!]
Geez... No offense, but for a stern general, he's not good at maintaining his pupils' well-being. Thank god he learned healing magic...
-----
Current Quest: Test of Courage ***
Type: [Hidden]
Status: In Progress
Party Members:
[Wind]
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Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 21
[Woodcrafting] Level 10
[Swordsmanship] Level 21
[Cooking] Level 9
[Wind] Level 16
[Physical Enhancement] Level 17
[Hunting] Level 17
[Blacksmithing] Level 18
[Dagger] Level 6
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