Chapter 5: The Silent Archer

The morning sun spilled across the training ground. The five gathered as usual, their chatter filling the air.

Ren was already pacing, scanning every corner of the ground.

Where are they? Franco must’ve brought the swords here somewhere…

He crouched, peered under the benches, even checked the weapon racks — but nothing.

The sound of boots crunching gravel silenced them. Gerald approached from the Squad Quarter, his back heavy with quivers, a bundle of wooden bows slung across his shoulder.

The kids froze, eyes widening as he laid the bows down one by one.

Kian tilted his head, confused.

“Captain… why have you brought bows and arrows?”

Gerald adjusted his gloves, his tone calm but firm.

“Uhmm… bows go better with wind affinity. Franco suggested Haruto should learn archery. So I brought these to teach him.”

He glanced at the others, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“…I brought more, just in case you feel like trying it out.”

The five exchanged glances, their eyes shining, gazes fixed on the bows like treasures.

Ren whispered, almost trembling with excitement.

“Archery…!”

Gerald chuckled softly.

“I’ve also called one of my subordinates, Chloe. She’ll be here soon to teach Haruto. She’s one of the best archers in the squad.”

The kids’ starry eyes followed Gerald as he set the quivers down neatly.

Haruto stood still, his expression unreadable.

Ren grabbed a bow eagerly, then thrust one into Haruto’s hands.

“Here, you take this!”

Each of them picked up a bow and quiver, lining up before the target Gerald had set — a mannequin made of grass, something like a scarecrow.

One by one, they loosed arrows.

Each shot missed.

Finally, Haruto drew an arrow from his quiver. He loaded it silently, his movements smooth, almost instinctive.

He released.

*Swoosh.*

The arrow struck directly into the scarecrow’s head.

Haruto’s face remained blank, but the others erupted.

“Woooahhh! Harutooo! Teach me! Teach me!”

Their voices echoed across the ground.

Then, a slow clap broke the noise.

A voice rang out, calm but sharp.

“So, you’ve got a knack for archery… good for your first shot.”

Gerald turned, smiling faintly.

“Oh, she’s finally here… Chloe.”

The kids looked.

A girl approached — tall, about 170 cm (5’7”), straight black hair flowing past her shoulders, eyes a striking dark pink. She carried herself with quiet confidence, every step deliberate.

Chloe stepped forward, her dark pink eyes sharp, her voice cutting through the air.

“Everyone! Now I shall test you. Pick up your bows!”

The kids screamed in unison, “Yes!!”

(Haruto, as always, remained silent.)

Chloe’s tone grew sharper.

“Draw an arrow!”

“Yesss!!” the kids echoed, fumbling with their quivers.

“Take aim!!”

Gerald, watching from the side, raised an eyebrow. Why is she acting so strange? Then he noticed her hand trembling slightly. She’s nervous… He chuckled quietly to himself.

“Now shoot!!” Chloe commanded.

“YES!!” the kids shouted, loosing their arrows.

None came close to the target.

Ren’s arrow, however, struck the ground with a heavy thud barely a meter away. He can make things heavy for himself while lighter for others. Here he made his arrow lighter for himself making it heavy for other thus as soon as he released it, it fell down piercing the ground.

Kian’s arrow burned away mid‑flight, reduced to ashes along with his hopes for archery.

Daichi and Aisha’s arrows veered wildly off course, missing by several meters.

Then Haruto drew again. Silent. Focused. He loosed.

*Swoosh.*

The arrow pierced directly into the scarecrow’s head — splitting through the shaft of his own previous arrow.

The kids froze, stunned. Then erupted.

“Woooowww!! Harutooo!!”

Chloe’s clap rang out, sharp and decisive.

“Very well. I shall teach you boy.”

Kian blinked.

“Teach him means…?”

Chloe’s gaze hardened.

“Him means only him. You all are not suited for archery anyway.”

The kids’ faces fell, their excitement collapsing into heartbreak.

Gerald stepped forward, his voice steady.

“She’s right. You can focus on your sword skills until Franco finishes your weapons. Haruto will learn archery.”

He gestured toward the racks.

“Go pick up your wooden swords and start your practice, the four of you. I’ll come in a while.”

The kids answered softly, almost sadly.

“…Yes.”

Gerald walked toward Chloe, his boots crunching softly against the gravel.

He lowered his voice, speaking gently.

“Chloe, don’t be nervous. If you’re scared of talking, don’t worry — Haruto isn’t much of a talkative one.”

Chloe’s eyes flicked toward Haruto.

Haruto stood still, his expression unreadable. Then, almost imperceptibly, he gave a small nod.

Chloe’s cheeks flushed. She turned back to Gerald, flustered.

“I… i‑ttt… it’s not like… I… I’m scared!”

Her voice cracked slightly as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

Gerald raised an eyebrow, giving her a look that said everything without words. It’s obvious.

Chloe glanced back at Haruto again. He nodded once more, calm and silent.

Her face turned redder, and she quickly tried to hide it, looking away.

Gerald smirked, shaking his head.

“Looks like you two will get along just fine.”

With that, he turned and walked off, leaving Chloe and Haruto standing together in the training ground, the air between them charged with quiet tension.