The upgrade of his 'Bow Proficiency' to Rank E, and the unlocking of 'Aimed Shot', marked another turning point for Kael. The new active ability promised a significant boost in accuracy and critical hit chance, albeit at a stamina cost and requiring a brief aiming period. This was exactly what he needed to make his hunts more reliable and less reliant on risky melee confrontations.
He spent the next few days practicing 'Aimed Shot'. Activating it required a conscious mental command and a moment of intense focus. When he did, a faint targeting reticle, almost like a System overlay, seemed to appear in his vision, wavering slightly as he tried to hold his Crude Shortbow steady. The stamina drain was noticeable, especially with his still-low base CON, but the increased precision was undeniable. His arrows, when loosed with 'Aimed Shot', flew with a purpose and consistency that his normal shots lacked.
[System Notification: 'Aimed Shot' successfully utilized. Stamina moderately drained. 'Bow Proficiency (Rank E)' proficiency increased.]
This notification became a familiar companion. He learned to manage the stamina cost, using 'Aimed Shot' sparingly, reserving it for crucial moments rather than every practice shot.
His relationship with the Shadow Crows continued to evolve. The Alpha Crow, whom he'd privately nicknamed "Corvus" (a nod to the raven genus from his old world), became a regular fixture during his archery practice. It would often perch on a high branch, observing him with its intelligent black eyes. The bartering system for stray arrows continued, with Corvus and its flock proving to be surprisingly efficient (and demanding) retrievers. Kael made sure to always have some smoked meat or a few nuts on hand as payment.
One afternoon, Kael decided to test his 'Aimed Shot' in a more practical scenario than his static target. He needed food, and his supply of smoked venison was dwindling. He set out to hunt, Corvus and a few other crows trailing him from the treetops, their caws softer now, more like expectant murmurs than derisive jeers.
He stalked through the forest, his 'Stealth (Rank E)' and 'Silent Step' abilities making him a whisper in the undergrowth. The Sylphwing Quill, tucked into his tunic, seemed to hum faintly, amplifying his connection to the subtle air currents and sharpening his 'Keen Mind'. He spotted a lone Forest Rabbit nibbling on some clover. It was a small target, and normally he would rely on his traps for such prey. But this was an opportunity to practice 'Aimed Shot' on a live, albeit non-threatening, target.
He found a good position, nocked an arrow, and took a deep breath. "Aimed Shot," he thought. The faint reticle appeared. He focused, leading the rabbit slightly as it twitched its nose. The stamina drain was a familiar pressure. He released.
The arrow flew true, striking the rabbit with a soft thud. A clean kill.
[System Notification: You have successfully hunted 1x Forest Rabbit (Level 0) using 'Aimed Shot'. Critical Hit!]
[XP Gained: 15 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Current XP: 155 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Skill 'Bow Proficiency (Rank E)' proficiency increased. Skill 'Stealth (Rank E)' proficiency increased.]
Fifteen XP for a rabbit, thanks to the critical hit from 'Aimed Shot'. That was significantly more than he usually got. He retrieved the rabbit and the arrow, offering a small piece of the fresh meat to Corvus, who swooped down to accept it with a satisfied caw.
As Kael was resetting, Corvus did something unexpected. It flew to a nearby oak tree, rummaged in a knot-hole for a moment, and then flew back, dropping a small, shiny object at Kael's feet before retreating to its perch.
Kael picked it up. It was a smooth, grey river stone, but embedded in its surface were tiny, glittering flecks of what looked like gold. It was undeniably pretty, though he had no idea if it had any practical value.
"System, analyze object."
[System Analysis: River Stone (Pyrite Flecked). Material: Common Stone, Trace Pyrite (Fool's Gold). Value: Negligible (Aesthetically pleasing to some creatures). Potential minor offering or curiosity item.]
Negligible value to the System, perhaps, but the gesture was significant. Corvus had brought him a gift, an offering. It was a clear sign of a developing, albeit unconventional, alliance.
"Thank you, Corvus," Kael said, looking up at the crow. Corvus preened, ruffling its feathers.
Later that day, Kael decided to try for larger game. He found tracks of another juvenile Forest Deer. This time, instead of a risky melee ambush, he planned to use 'Aimed Shot'. He stalked it carefully, his crow companions providing an unwitting distraction with their occasional caws, which seemed to make the deer more focused on the sounds from above than on the silent hunter approaching from the ground.
He got within thirty paces, a much safer distance than his axe required. He found a stable position, nocked a Sylphwing-fletched arrow, and activated 'Aimed Shot'. He focused on the deer's vital zone, just behind the shoulder. The reticle steadied. He released.
The arrow struck true, sinking deep. The deer leaped, stumbled, and fell, a much quicker and cleaner kill than his previous deer hunts.
[System Notification: You have successfully hunted 1x Forest Deer (Juvenile) (Level 2) using 'Aimed Shot'. Critical Hit! Target incapacitated.]
[XP Gained: 70 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Current XP: 225 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Skill 'Bow Proficiency (Rank E)' proficiency significantly increased. You are approaching the requirements for Rank D.]
Seventy XP! He was now only 25 XP away from Level 4. 'Aimed Shot' was a game-changer. The ability to hunt effectively and relatively safely from a distance opened up a whole new range of possibilities.
As he approached the fallen deer, Corvus landed nearby, not to scavenge, but simply to observe. Kael, remembering the earlier gift, made sure to offer the Alpha Crow a prime piece of the deer's liver once he began butchering.
The forest still held its dangers, and the Whisperwood quest remained a distant goal. But with his growing skills, his new abilities, and his strange alliance with the Shadow Crows, Kael felt more equipped than ever to face whatever came next. He was no longer just surviving; he was beginning to master his small corner of this wild world.