Chapter 82 The Most Difficult Task

"Multi-Arrow," it didn't contain any cultivation methods for Aura, nor was it an Aura Secret Scroll, but rather a technique that could be practiced by knights of any Aura attribute.

It consisted of three tiers: Dual Arrow, Triple Arrow, and Multi-Arrow, along with an ultimate arcane art known as the Multi-Phantom Arrow.

Marcus rode his dappled gray horse across the riding field, demonstrating each move of the "Multi-Arrow" meticulously while explaining them alongside each shot.

"There are five ways to execute the Dual Arrow. I usually opt for the Simultaneous Dual Shot, which is simply firing two arrows at once, hitting a single target. The second is the Intersecting Dual Arrow, where two arrows are launched side by side and guided by magic to collide mid-air, altering their trajectory. As for the remaining techniques, such as the Dual Helical Arrow, Dual Chain Arrow, and Dual Rapid-Slow Arrow, they're not very practical."

Controlling both the horse and two arrows simultaneously was indeed quite challenging.

Marcus meant that mastering the Simultaneous Dual Shot and the Intersecting Dual Arrow alone was enough to earn one the title of an ace archer, capable of prevailing in any battlefield.

The other forms of shooting were more effective when practiced and contemplated on solid ground.

He continued, "The Triple Arrow can be seen as an advanced form of the Dual Arrow, involving launching three arrows simultaneously, in a helix, in a chain, with varying speeds, or randomly. The principles are similar, but they require higher control. The same goes for the Multi-Arrow, with its Multi-Simultaneous Arrow, Helical Shadow Arrow, Multi-Chain Arrow, Multi-Random Shot, and Multi-Intersecting Arrow, all demanding even greater control."

Stopping his horse, Marcus demonstrated the Triple Arrow and Multi-Arrow one by one.

After firing all the arrows from his quiver into thin air, he shook his head, dissatisfied with his archery skills. "I can master the Triple Arrow in a stationary position, but not the Multi-Arrow; it's too difficult. As for the final ultimate arcane art, the Multi-Phantom Arrow, I need at least a quarter of an hour to prepare before attempting it."

The grip of an arrow in one hand was steady; two arrows were manageable; three arrows fit perfectly between the fingers, each nestled in its own space.

But beyond that, it became challenging to hold them all, requiring two arrows per finger gap, which demanded exceptional dexterity and the distribution of magical power to guide each shaft. This level of control was not yet achievable for a Terra Knight in terms of Aura manipulation.

The squire carefully retrieved the arrows from the target and returned them to Marcus.

Marcus exhaled deeply, releasing his tension. "My Lord, I find it difficult to maintain control when firing more than three arrows at once. The Ultimate Secret Art is even harder to grasp. So, I've divided it into two shots, three arrows each, barely replicating the effect described in the Multi-Shot technique."

He drew three arrows from his quiver. "For the first three, I use gentle force to launch them at a slower pace. For the second set of three, I apply fierce strength, propelling them at high speed to collide with the first three, unifying their velocities and disrupting their trajectories, creating an illusionary effect."

With that said, he bit down on three arrows and, without hesitation, drew another three and released the bowstring. In that instant, the first three arrows soared diagonally upward.

In a blur of speed, he transferred the arrows from his mouth to his hands and drew his bow again, this time almost stretching the string to its full moon shape. As the arrows were launched, a sharp whistle pierced the air.

"Whizz!"

"Whizz!"

"Whizz!"

In mid-air, three swift arrows flew on level trajectories, colliding with the descending arrows that had been launched earlier. Instantly, the six arrows began spinning in the air.

To the naked eye, it seemed as though dozens of arrows had appeared out of nowhere, randomly shooting at the three targets.

Before List could even blink, the illusions dissipated, leaving only six arrows that struck the central target. Five of them pierced straight through, but one grazed the target and flew off.

"Still can't fully control the trajectories of six arrows," Marcus said, somewhat disappointed.

However, List clapped his hands. "Teacher Marcus, your archery skills are already astonishing. Let's start practicing quickly. I can hardly wait to try the Multiple Illusion Arrows myself."

In truth, he felt a bit bitter. Marcus's archery was simply mystical. He had thought it would be a simple matter to learn just two or three arrows, without aiming for mastery, just to gain the basics.

But now he realized that without mastering double and triple arrows first, he probably wouldn't be able to learn multiple arrows at all, let alone the ultimate secret, the Multiple Illusion Arrow technique.

"This might be the most challenging Smoke Mission I've ever encountered..."

Half of July had already passed, and he was truly uncertain if he would be able to learn 'Multiple Arrows' by August. Despite the difficulty, he decided to put aside his worries and focus on learning archery. There would come a day when he would master this intricate technique.

As the Earl had said during the Sea Festival, "There's no need to rush. Time is on your side."

He was only sixteen years old.

He still had decades of life ahead of him.

Flower Town was flourishing, and there were no crises it couldn't handle. He could live a relaxed and enjoyable life. His dream of riding a dragon couldn't be fulfilled in a hurry.

...

In the blink of an eye.

August had arrived.

During these past two weeks, Lithur had been crazily practicing archery. He had already successfully mastered the Threefold Arrow and was now working on mastering the Multiple Arrow. Most of the mares in the stable were now pregnant, and the Black Dragon Mare had lost a significant amount of weight from her tireless work. Even with her dragon bloodline, such exertion was unbearable.

"Sir, the alfalfa in the stables has reached its capacity for sustenance. Currently, the town possesses fifteen horses, all grazing there – five stallions and ten mares. Aside from three barren elderly mares, the other seven, including the Fire Dragon Horse, are with foal."

One-Eyed Barton spoke, "With so many pregnant mares, the Black Dragon Horse will also be taxed. Therefore, they require ample nutrition. The hay from the stables won't suffice."

"Tell me what you need for their well-being," Liszt expressed his concern for the horses.

"For their health and nourishment, they'd benefit from better quality fodder, preferably oats, barley, and wheat bran. Peanuts and peas would also be excellent additions," suggested Barton.

This diet was no worse than that of commoners, perhaps even superior – at least in quantity, as a horse's daily ration could feed three adults.

Liszt didn't hesitate to agree, "Very well."

He had the confidence to promise due to the newly opened road to Thorns Ridge, which allowed Flower Town's trading caravans to venture out unimpeded.

Their primary trade was still seafood, with the market gradually expanding. Tulip Castle was the main buyer, visiting every three days to purchase roughly half a gold coin's worth. Coral City's residents were also enjoying the taste of seafood, purchasing half a gold coin's worth every three days.

In addition, there were numerous minor nobles residing in Coral City, along with the nobles and citizens of North Valley City, closest to Flower Town, who together accounted for another half a gold coin's worth every three days.

Consequently, Flower Town's trading caravans could earn two gold coins every three days.

A daily average of 67 silver coins, with the cost of seafood and travel expenses almost negligible – it was all pure profit. Of course, Liszt had yet to see any gold or silver coins. Whenever the caravan made a small profit, he would order the purchase of items the castle needed – salt, sugar, textiles, spices, soap, beer, and so on.

He specifically instructed for pig pancreases to be bought.

He even had the caravan purchase ten piglets to be raised by the serfs in Barley Village for future hog slaughter during the New Year! It was not the right season for chicks and ducklings, so they couldn't be purchased; foals, calves, and lambs were too expensive, beyond his means; for now, livestock had to rely on the town's own production.

"From this trip of the trading caravan…" Carter reported back to Liszt at the castle after settling the payment with old Grandet.

"Mr. Carter, I have a question," Liszt, uninterested in such tedious accounts, held his cup of milk tea with a furrowed brow, deep in thought. "Why does Mrs. Mo Sen manage to make my milk tea taste better each day?"