Character Quote
Sayaka Hokudo: "I once thought archery depended only on technique. But when I stood in the wind, I realized that what truly shoots forth is a heart that refuses to yield."
[External Exchange · Dragon Tooth Arena] "The next match is between the Dongyun Academy Archery Club's Houdao Saya and Tianzhu Pavilion's Spirit Archer, Yaoi Megumi!" The host's voice echoed through the calm morning of the Dragon Tooth Arena.The audience seats weren't fully occupied yet, but when the name of her opponent, Yaoi Megumi, was announced, many people familiar with the world of archery held their breath. Spirit Archer is a distinctive title of Tianzhu Pavilion that means "resonator of arrows and inspiration." It is said that these competitors can "hear the will of the arrow path" in the wind. Saya must win, not just to vindicate her path of reconstruction, but also to forge a new path for her unresolved memories.
[Pre-Battle Dialogue: Arrows and Beliefs]
"You're the heir of the Houdao family? You certainly have a different aura."
Yaoi Megumi smiled gently, revealing a tenderness not typically seen in competitors.
"However, I won't hold back. I respect everyone who steps onto the archery stage."
Saya said little in response, simply nodding.
At that moment, she wasn't thinking of her father or the worn pages of that old notebook.
Instead, she thought of Yagami Ao's eyes, which once saw through the essence of illusions in "Demon Fist Theory."
"Saya, beyond technique, where do you really want your arrows to fly?"
[Trial Begins·Wind Moves, Arrows Sing] "The first arrow!" Qiansha moved extremely quickly, her entire being seemed to merge with the wind, the arrow sang lightly as it pierced the air. Shaya also drew her bow, turned, and released. The two arrows met in the air, sparking like electricity. "Spirit Arrow Technique·Wind Sound Shock Arrow." Qiansha whispered, the second arrow suddenly veered off course, seemingly missing the target, yet accurately struck the edge of the floor tile beneath Shaya's feet. Dust flew up, obstructing visibility. But Shaya closed her eyes. —To perceive the wind direction, to sense the sound, to feel the heart. "Phoenix Style·Recurve Reconstruction Technique: One Heart, One Arrow." The moment the sound of the wind synchronized with her heartbeat, Shaya released an arrow. The wind lifted her hair, the bow hummed like a dream. The arrow streaked like a meteor across the visual blind spot, hitting the red line at the center of the target! The audience fell silent, then erupted into warm applause. [Resonance After the Trial] Qiansha smiled lightly as she put away her bow and arrows, and walked in front of Shaya, saying softly: "Your arrow is no longer just a skill." Shaya was taken aback. Qiansha extended her hand: "Welcome to the true world of archery, Hou Hall Shaya." Shaya looked at her hand and finally revealed a smile: "Maybe... I am finally beginning to understand how to draw a bow."