Chapter 25

Luke led Grut to the workshop area, where a few unfinished bows and arrows were lying around. He selected the best of the bunch, handing it to Grut along with a quiver of arrows. "This is your new best friend," he said, demonstrating how to hold the bow and nock an arrow. "Watch and learn."

Grut mimicked Luke's movements, his hands steady despite his excitement. Luke adjusted his grip, showing him how to draw the string and aim. "Keep your eye on the target. Breathe in, breathe out, and release."

The arrow flew through the air, hitting the training dummy square in the chest. Grut's eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. "Lok good."

"Your turn," Luke said, stepping back.

Grut nocked an arrow, his movements fluid and precise. He drew the string, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the target. The arrow flew, embedding itself just below Luke's shot.

Luke watched as Grut nocked another arrow, his movements fluid and precise. The goblin's eyes narrowed in concentration, his breathing steady as he drew the string back. The arrow flew, striking the training dummy square in the chest. Grut lowered the bow, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Not bad," Luke said, nodding approvingly. "But we're just getting started."

Luke had designed a comprehensive training program for Grut, one that would push the goblin to his limits and beyond. It wasn't just about shooting arrows—it was about becoming a master archer, someone who could adapt to any situation and lead the village's archers with skill and confidence.

1. Stationary Targets

The first phase was straightforward. Grut practiced shooting stationary targets from various distances, honing his accuracy and form. Luke adjusted his grip, his posture, and his breathing, ensuring every shot was as precise as possible.

"Focus on consistency," Luke said, watching as Grut loosed another arrow. "Every shot should feel the same. No wasted movement."

Grut nodded, his eyes never leaving the target. "Got it."

2. Moving Targets

Next, Luke introduced moving targets. He rigged up a simple pulley system, using ropes and weights to create targets that swung back and forth. Grut had to time his shots perfectly, accounting for the target's speed and trajectory.

"Lead the target," Luke instructed. "Aim where it's going to be, not where it is."

Grut's first few shots missed, but he quickly adapted, his arrows finding their mark with increasing frequency. "This is harder," he admitted, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I like it."

3. Archer Mobility

Luke then shifted the focus to mobility. Grut had to move while shooting—running, ducking, and weaving as he loosed arrows at stationary targets. The goal was to simulate real combat conditions, where staying still meant becoming a target.

"Keep your feet light," Luke said, demonstrating the technique. "Stay balanced. And always be aware of your surroundings."

Grut struggled at first, his shots going wide as he tried to coordinate his movements. But with practice, he grew more confident, his arrows hitting their mark even as he darted across the training ground.

4. Moving Archer, Moving Target

The next phase combined mobility with moving targets. Grut had to track and shoot targets while on the move, a challenging exercise that tested his agility, perception, and timing.

"This is where the real fun begins," Luke said, grinning as Grut narrowly missed a swinging target. "You've got to think ahead. Anticipate."

Grut gritted his teeth, his focus unwavering. "I'll get it. Just watch."

5. Leading Shots

Luke introduced leading shots, where Grut had to account for the speed and direction of a moving target. He used a makeshift cart pulled by Rok and Zog, who gleefully zigzagged across the training ground.

"Aim ahead of the target," Luke explained. "If it's moving to the right, aim to the right. The faster it's moving, the farther ahead you need to aim."

Grut's first few shots missed by a wide margin, almost hitting Rok and Zog, but he quickly adjusted, his arrows striking the cart with satisfying thuds. "I'm think I'm getting the hang of this," he said, a note of pride in his voice.

6. Camouflage Training

Luke knew that a good archer wasn't just about shooting—it was also about staying hidden. He took Grut into the forest, teaching him how to blend into his surroundings and move silently.

"Use the environment," Luke said, crouching behind a bush. "Stay low. Move slowly. And always be aware of the wind—it can give you away."

Grut nodded, his eyes scanning the forest. "I see. Like hunting, but… smarter."

"Exactly," Luke said. "You're not just an archer. You're a predator."

7. Patience Training

Patience was key. Luke set up long, grueling sessions where Grut had to wait for the perfect shot, sometimes for hours. The goal was to teach him discipline and control.

"Sometimes, the best shot is the one you don't take," Luke said, watching as Grut held his position, his bow drawn and ready. "Wait for the right moment. Don't rush."

Grut's arms trembled with effort, but he held steady, his eyes locked on the target. When he finally released the arrow, it struck true. "I see what you mean," he said, lowering the bow. 

8. Dagger Training

Luke also trained Grut in close-quarters combat, teaching him how to use a dagger as a last resort. "An archer's worst nightmare is getting caught in close combat," Luke explained. "You need to be ready for anything."

Grut practiced parrying, thrusting, and dodging, his movements growing more fluid with each session. "I never thought I'd need this," he admitted, blocking a strike from Luke. "But it makes sense."

9. Vital Shots

Luke emphasized the importance of precision, teaching Grut how to aim for vital points on an enemy. "A well-placed shot can end a fight before it begins," Luke said, pointing to a diagram of a humanoid figure. "Aim for the heart, the head, or major arteries."

Grut studied the diagram, his expression serious. 

10. Wind Shots

Luke introduced wind shots, where Grut had to account for the wind's direction and speed. He used a makeshift wind sock to simulate different conditions, forcing Grut to adjust his aim accordingly.

"Wind can be your friend or your enemy," Luke said, watching as Grut's arrow veered off course. "Learn to read it. Use it."

Grut nodded, his eyes narrowing as he adjusted his aim. His next shot hit the target dead center. "This is tricky," he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

11. Parabolic Shots

Finally, Luke taught Grut how to make parabolic shots, where the arrow arcs high into the air before descending onto the target. "This is for long-range shots," Luke explained. "When you can't see the target directly."

Grut struggled at first, his arrows falling short or overshooting the target. But with practice, he began to master the technique, his arrows arcing gracefully through the air. "This is… tricky," he admitted. 

The training went on for weeks, each day pushing Grut to new heights. His agility, perception, and intelligence made him a quick learner, and his determination was unmatched. By the end of the regimen, Grut had transformed from a skilled hunter into a master archer, his every movement precise and calculated.

Luke crossed his arms, watching as Grut loosed another arrow, this time hitting a moving target with pinpoint accuracy. The goblin's transformation over the past few weeks had been nothing short of remarkable. From a skilled but unrefined hunter, Grut had become a master archer, his movements precise and his mind sharp. Luke couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. He's ready.

"Alright, Grut," Luke said, stepping forward. "You've come a long way. Now it's time to use your skills. continue what you've been doing for now and maybe inspire some goblins. Advertise your skills and for the meantime, I'll process the ores I've mined and design some armor."

Grut lowered his bow, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Yes, I will show them my new skills."