Chapter 104: Unearthly Origins (2/2)

Sera twisted her hands in a mixture of embarrassment and depression, ”This is only the first day! I'll do better tomorrow.”

Mike gathered a few more details, and determined that the more experienced adventurers first tested the Oracle for any latent magical abilities. Failing to find anything useful, they proceeded to try to teach her the basics of fighting, in the hopes that her class had access to some combat skills. Failing to acquire any, although this was not uncommon for only one day's worth of training, they finally decided to try working on her substandard physical abilities, with little in the way of results.

He agreed that they probably needed to start up a regime for her to increase her strength and endurance, but he wondered if they weren't going about it in the wrong way. They had her try a number of weapons initially, but Sera couldn't make use of any them in an effective manner. She seemed to lack the instincts necessary to survive in close combat.

After some deliberation, he offered his opinion. ”Why not try to teach Sera archery or something? At the very least it would allow her to focus on one thing at a time. As it stands now, it sounds like she's getting overwhelmed trying to maintain her stance, defend, and attack all at the same time. Some of that will come if she ever acquires a combat skill, but at least that way she can contribute to the fight from a safe distance.”

Tal and Brenden looked at him as if he was slightly crazy.

The beastman commented first, ”You know that archery requires even more skill than regular fighting, right? It also needs a great deal of strength and natural coordination. I don't think our little Oracle really fits the criteria.”

”No, he might have something there. I vaguely recall my mother telling me about the Oracles of old. I think she mentioned a sect of them that specialized in the bow. Something about their foresight allowing them to place arrows exactly where they needed to go.” Sera broke in excitedly.

Brenden and Tal looked skeptical, or at least Mike assumed so in the elf's case.

”Why don't we let her try? It can't hurt, and its not like we are in any hurry.” Mike suggested.

”Actually, we only have a limited time before her initial request expires, disqualifying her from joining the Guild officially. If we don't get it done by this time next week, it will be a problem.” Brenden countered.

”Let try.” Tal broke in, supporting Mike's suggestion.

”Fine.” The beastman finally relented. ”I think I saw a practice bow in the training yard's supply shed, although I don't know if you'll be strong enough to string it, let alone use it.”

”I'll do my best!” The Oracle responded cheerily.

While smiling at Sera's change of mood, Mike said, ”I'm sure it will be fine. Besides, if you wait until the weekend, I can even go with you.”

The room suddenly froze, as the three of them came together and started whispering in a panicked manner. They were evidently trying to be quiet, but Mike could still hear everything they said.

”Way to go blabbermouth, now we only have until the weekend to get it done!” Sera whispered accusingly at Brenden.

”Me! If you weren't hopeless, we wouldn't be in this mess. Now we'll have to deal with the walking disaster on what should be a simple request.” He countered.

”Must work harder. Finish before then.” Tal contributed.

Eyes spinning with the pressure, Sera replied, ”That's right! I just have to make some kind of progress in the next few days. Maybe if we cut down on our sleep time, we can force my development.”

”Um guys.....” Mike broke in, starting to feel a little off put.

[Its not that bad, is it? I know I got them wrapped up in a few things, like in the dungeon, the city with the demons,...and the whole boat trip...maybe they do have a point.]

Sera laughed nervously, ”Ahaha, just discussing training strategies. Don't worry about it, we'll make sure to have that request taken care of long before the expiration.”

Sighing internally, Mike simply acquiesced with their sentiments.

[Oh well. If Sera truly turns out to be hopeless at fighting, I'll help her finish that request. It should be a simple, easy going mission. Even my luck shouldn't be able to mess with that.]