"Relax your knees."

Dalko rode his horse closer.

"Let your body sway with its rhythm, like... yes, like driftwood in the water!"

Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the horse’s back.

Riding Skill in memory and riding in person were two different things, after all.

It took Roland a long time to adjust and rediscover that delicate sense of balance.

Although his movements were still clumsy, he could finally urge the horse forward.

"Well done, Roland!"

Dalko let out a sharp whistle and flicked his riding crop forward.

"Keep up! I’m taking you somewhere fantastic!"

He deliberately slowed his pace, allowing the novice Roland to keep up with ease.

The horses’ hooves made crisp sounds as they trod upon the manor’s gravel path, and the group gradually moved away from its walls.

"Master Dalko."

Roland gripped the reins tightly, struggling to maintain his balance.

"Where are we going...?"

"Hunting!"

Dalko’s voice bounced with unrestrained excitement. As he turned back, the sunlight fell perfectly on his flowing golden hair.

Roland breathed a sigh of relief at his words.

After all, Dalko’s fanatical passion for hunting was well-known throughout the entire manor.

’It seems this young noble simply wants to get closer to me...’

After this private thought, Roland turned his focus back to controlling the horse beneath him.

In the Golden Valley Kingdom, even the cheapest mule was worth a small fortune, to say nothing of a well-trained warhorse.

The chance to practice his Riding Skill for free was a blessing from the heavens.

Dalko would occasionally turn back to share amusing hunting stories, while Roland split his attention, responding to the young master’s enthusiasm while diligently practicing his Riding Skill.

The two guards remained silent, their vigilant eyes constantly scanning the trees on either side of the path.

The group left the manor, following a small path to the north.

Before long, a dense, lush forest appeared before them.

"You two wait here."

Dalko dismounted nimbly and ordered the two Guards behind him.

"Watch the horses. If anything goes wrong, I’m sure you know what the consequences will be."

"But, Young Master..."

One of the Guards hesitated, pursing his lips, but ultimately took a step forward.

"The Lord Baron ordered..."

"I said..."

Dalko spun around abruptly, the warmth from his earlier conversation with Roland completely gone.

His voice was now as cold and hard as iron, his eyes devoid of any warmth, as if the two men standing before him were nothing more than replaceable tools.

"Wait right here!"

"We’re so close to the manor. What danger could there possibly be?"

"As you command."

The two Guards exchanged a helpless glance and had no choice but to bow their heads and obey.

The moment he turned back, Dalko’s face once again wore its previous enthusiastic smile.

"Roland, do you know how to shoot a bow?"

Seeing Roland’s slight nod, the young noble didn’t wait for an answer, thrusting a Short Bow into his hands.

"Then take it, Roland. I had to beg Mr. Hawke for a long time before he finally made this for me."

Feeling the smooth, warm texture at his fingertips, Roland looked down.

The bow’s body was made of dark yew wood, polished as smooth as a mirror. The Bowstring was woven from high-quality horse tail hair and gleamed with a pearly luster in the Dawn Light.

The tips of the bow’s limbs were inlaid with exquisite copper decorations, carved with the image of a soaring eagle.

"The craftsmanship..."

Roland couldn’t help but murmur in admiration.

The bow’s weight was perfectly distributed. Even a novice like him could feel its natural, innate balance just by holding it.

Compared to the Short Bow John had given him, this one, personally crafted by Hawke, could be called a perfect masterpiece.

"Come on, Roland, let me tell you..."

As he spoke, Dalko grabbed Roland’s arm and headed into the dense forest.

Upon entering the dense forest, Dalko immediately lowered his voice, pointing to tracks in the mud and a broken twig.

"Look at these tracks. A wild rabbit passed through here this morning."

He analyzed confidently, then began to follow the trail.

After a short while, a gray rabbit, busy eating, came into their view.

Dalko licked his lips excitedly and whispered.

"How about it, Roland? Want to take the first shot?"

With that, the young noble pulled an Arrow from his Quiver and handed it over.

Seeing this, Roland could only accept it resignedly.

Recalling the key points John had taught him yesterday and that mysterious feeling, he slowly drew the Bowstring.

With the dull thump of the recoiling Bowstring, the Arrow shot through the air.

The afternoon of hard practice had finally paid off.

Although it didn’t hit the rabbit’s head, the Arrow pierced straight through its body.

"Well done, Roland!"

Dalko couldn’t help but applaud and cheer at the sight.

"I never would have guessed! Not only are you exceptionally talented at forging tools, but your Archery is also this good."

"You’re too kind, Master Dalko."

Roland smiled slightly. His eyes followed Dalko as he went to retrieve the kill, but his focus was on the golden text floating before him.

[You engaged in combat, improving your practical understanding. Basic Archery has gained one experience point.]

’I can get experience from shooting a rabbit?’

Roland wondered.

’The ’Theory and Practice’ Trait is full of surprises... I got three experience points for killing a regular Kobold and six for the Mutant Dogman. It seems the amount of Experience Points I get is directly related to the enemy’s strength...’

While he was lost in thought, Dalko returned, carrying the gray rabbit.

He pulled out the Arrow and said, half-jokingly,

"But your Archery is still a notch below mine. With this kind of prey, it’s best to aim for the head. Otherwise, you’ll damage the fur. I’ll show you what I can do in a bit!"