Island Survival: Starts by chopping a tree-Chapter 33 Making Weapons 2
He then put down the unfinished bow first and took the rope just besides him. He inspected it first to see if it was free from defects or weak points. After a while, he saw that it was good.
The next step would be to split the rope into strands. He gently unwound and separated the rope into individual strands.
This could be done by untwisting the rope, being careful not to break the fibers.
After that, he gathered the individual strands into a bundle. The number of strands would depend on the desired thickness and strength of the bowstring.
More strands would create a stronger bowstring, of course.
When that was done, he made sure the strands were evenly aligned and of equal length. The next step would be to twist the strands together.
He started by twisting two strands together tightly. Twisting them in one direction to create a tight, cohesive twist.
Gradually he incorporates more strands by twisting them into the existing twist, ensuring the tension remains consistent.
Additionally, there is a reverse twist method. Optionally, use this method for extra strength: twist the strands in one direction, then twist the bundle in the opposite direction.
That’s just about it, according to the book about survival guides. The next step would be to tie the ends.
Once the entire length of the bowstring is twisted, he ties a secure knot at each end to prevent it from unraveling. He then forms small loops at each end of the bowstring.
These loops will fit into the notches (nocks) on the ends of the bamboo bow.
"I can also apply some waxing, like beeswax or another natural wax, to the bowstring. But alas, I don’t have it," he sighed, recalling the text from the book in his memories.
It is optional, since if he applied some beeswax or another natural wax to the bowstrings, this would help in protecting the fibers and add strength, of course.
"The last will be attaching the bowstrings to the bow," he stated as he worked on it.
He attached one end of the bowstring to the nock at one end of the bamboo bow by looping it through the notch and securing it.
He then bent the bamboo gently to create the desired curve and attached the other end of the bowstring to the nock on the opposite end.
He then adjusted the tension, where the string should be slightly shorter than the length of the bamboo to ensure proper tension when strung.
"Finally, it’s done!" he said with an amused smile, as sweat slid down his face.
It was tiring, so tiring you could say. As he stood up on the ground and began to pull the string, he felt something was not right.
The bowstring felt loose, lacking the tension needed for a strong shot.
Frowning, he inspected the bow, realizing the knot at one end had slipped slightly, causing the slack. With a few fixes, he untied and retied the bowstring, pulling it tighter and securing it firmly in place.
He stood up once more, an excited gleam in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he drew the string back again.
This time, it held strong and taut, the bamboo bow curving perfectly under the tension. He sighed in relief, knowing the bow was now ready for use.
"Much better," he muttered, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
[You just made a Bow. You have gained 30 experience points, 3 level up points & 4 points]
[90/200 exp. Remains to upgrade the skill]
The notification sounded, seeing that the amount of exp and points he had gotten low.
Level: 1 (99/100)
Seeing that he was close to leveling up, he was very excited. "For the next one is for the arrows,"
When he said that, he didn’t dilly-dally anymore as he went to work. He selected some straight bamboo pieces for the arrow shafts. The length was about three feet.
He then used the knife to sharpen one end of each bamboo piece to create the arrowheads. He didn’t make hard stone arrowheads because the bamboo arrowheads would be sufficient.
For about a few minutes, he made like three arrows made of bamboo, as the system notification sounded again.
[You just made a useless arrow. You have gained 3 experience points]
[You just made a useless arrow. You have gained 3 experience points]
[You just made a useless arrow. You have gained 3 experience points]
...
Seeing the word "useless," he smiled wryly. "This is a bit harsh. I know that it’s not good, but still, it’s still useful,"
Also, he attached some leaves to the other end of the arrows for stability. Flight feathers are also good, but he doesn’t have them. Using some of the ropes, he gradually secured them.
"I should test this tomorrow since it’s already night," Jeff exclaimed, looking at the dark surroundings lit only by his fire and the campfire still burning.
He then carried the spears, bows, and arrows close to his shelter to prepare himself if some wild animals attacked.
Arriving back, he just placed them close to the entrance of his temporary shelter. He could even see all of them were lying in their sleep. He just smiled at this scene as he gradually slept.
In a distant bamboo forest, a boar ran hysterically, gnashing in fear. It sped as if its life hung by a thread.
Behind it, bamboo stalks cracked and fell one by one. The boar glanced back and saw two red eyes staring at it.
Its face turned pale as it increased its speed, but not watching its steps, it got its foot stuck in a small burrow.
He fell and rolled on the ground until a big rock stopped him. His leg was injured and bleeding. He lay there, eyes filled with fear.
His shouts grew louder, scaring nearby wild animals. Suddenly, a creaking sound intensified, as two crimson red eyes approached, growing larger.
Just like that, the boar’s cries were filled with pain, the running animals were unaware of why it was shouting so loudly in the bamboo forest. After a while, the sound vanished, leaving only its blood behind.
Day 6
Waking up so early in the morning, Jeff got out of his shelter, not knowing about the bamboo forest events.
This time, he’s going to practice his technique, Wing Chun, so he can upgrade it. Walking out towards the river, he decided to practice there.
But first, he cleaned the wound, and the cloth that covered his arm, and then reapplied some wounds, earning him some exp.
[You just made a medicine, You have gained 10 experience points]
[20/300 exp. Remains to unlock a skill.]
Taking off his shirt, it perfectly showed his well-toned build. With the soft light of dawn barely breaking through the horizon, Jeff moved to an open space near the river.
The ground was cool and smooth beneath his feet, and the rhythmic sound of the river provided a great motivation for him to practice.
He then again positioned himself, with his feet shoulder-width apart, and began his practice.
His movements were fluid and soft, a testament to his years of dedicated training. Jeff started with the Siu Nim Tao form, the first and most fundamental form in Wing Chun.
His hands moved gracefully through the air, fingers poised and wrists loose, yet every motion carried significant power. Each movement was deliberate, focusing on the structure and the flow of energy through his body.
[You have practiced Wing Chun. You have gained 5 experience points]
[60/1000 exp. Remains to upgrade the skill]
[You have practiced Wing Chun. You have gained 5 experience points]
[65/1000 exp. Remains to upgrade the skill]
[You have practiced Wing Chun. You have gained 5 experience points]
[75/1000 exp. Remains to upgrade the skill]
...
He did this for an hour, with his eyes closed, clearly he was in the zone of his practice. His mind was devoid of anything that could ruin his momentum.
With a thrust, he switched his hand, feeling the flow of energy ripple through his body like the current of the river nearby.
The sound of the flowing water provided a calming backdrop to his movements, enhancing his focus and serenity.
He moved seamlessly through the forms, each one bringing a deeper connection to his surroundings.
The forest seemed to breathe with him, the leaves rustling softly in the breeze as if mirroring his fluidity.
As he transitioned into the next sequence, his movements became more precise and powerful. The branches overhead swayed gently, casting dappled light that danced across his focused face.
Jeff’s breathing was steady, matching the rhythm of the natural world around him.
Finally, he concluded with a powerful strike, his hand cutting through the air with grace and strength. He held the final stance, feeling the culmination of his practice resonate within him.
Sweat glistened on his brow, but he smiled since he increased the bar of upgrading the skill by 6%.
Opening his eyes, he took in the serene beauty of the river and the forest, feeling a profound sense of harmony.
[120/1000 exp. Remains to upgrade the skill]
