589 Focus
Despite the speculation, Klaus knew he needed to focus on the Individual Archery Tournament. He could not let the rumors get to him, for his performance depended on his mind.
As he prepared for the petition, Klaus took a moment to reflect on his journey thus far. He never expected that his actions in Rise Online could blend with his real life in this way, because he created Kaizen as a way to escape all of this, as a way to hide. However, he never hid his face when he didn't have to, so he didn't regret it so much, because the way out of this situation was not to reveal to the world that he played RO, because maybe there was another way.
Anyway, Klaus didn't have much time to think about it. Backstage at the Staples Center, in one of the private rooms with a holographic shooting booth, Klaus was training hard for his next and main challenge of the NIST Tournament.
Klaus was pletely immersed in what he was doing, even repeating the same movements over and over.
Each arrow launched from his bow seemed to find its way into the target on its own, showing Klaus' tireless dedication to honing his skills over the past few months. No wonder his training was meticulous. Klaus worked on his posture, breathing and aim, as every detail was important to achieve perfection and that's what archery was all about, trying to make a lower error rate than your opponent.
As Klaus practiced, a familiar figure approached as the whistle of the thirty targets hit resounded, thus giving Klaus a 5 minute break. It was Isabella Nairn, the Coordinator of the New York Archery Department.
Her attentive and assertive look indicated her authority and experience. "Klaus Park, impressive as always." Isabella said, with a smile. "I am excited to see what you will do today."
Klaus smiled, grateful for the pliment. "Thank you, Coordinator Nairn. I'll do my best."
Isabella nodded. "I'm sure you will. Remember to stay calm and trust in your abilities. You have e so far because of your talent and dedication. Believe in yourself."
Isabella's words resonated with Klaus. In recent times, she had been an important mentor for him, because she pointed out the points where he needed to look and, moreover, she was someone who believed in his potential from the very beginning. Her instructions were like extra fuel for Klaus' natural petitive spirit.
"I will remember that, Coordinator." Klaus replied with determination.
"Don't forget the sense of concentration you are feeling now, because during the trials there will be no silence. You are a talented archer, and your passion for the sport is evident. So, enjoy every moment when you're on the archery range, after all, from what you've told me, you don't want to pursue a career in archery, do you?". For that reason you should give it your all, because this could be your first and last archery petition."
"I will follow your advice," Klaus replied, feeling motivated by Isabella's words. "I promise I'll give it my all."
After exchanging some instructions and tips for the petition, Isabella Nairn said goodbye and walked away, leaving Klaus alone at the shooting stand once more. He took a deep breath, looked at the lone, metal target at the back of the stand, almost a hundred meters away.
One last arrow remained in his quiver. Klaus withdrew it carefully, feeling the weight of it and the iron tip.
The noise of his surroundings faded, leaving only him and the target.
Klaus stood, his hands steady and his mind focused. His heart was beating rhythmically as he placed the arrow on the bowstring.
Silence enveloped the shooting stand for a brief moment. With one fluid motion, Klaus released the arrow. The projectile sliced through the air, tracing a perfect trajectory until it hit the center of the target, precisely on the red dot. The feeling of hitting the target so precisely brought a wave of satisfaction. It was a perfect shot.
Klaus was silent for a moment, and finally he smiled with pride.
Suddenly, the atmosphere around him filled with applause and the sounds of the crowd. That meant one thing: the petition was about to begin. A few moments later, a young man opened the door to the stand room and said:
"Mr. Park, you are ready, aren't you? You need to get into position, because it's time."
Klaus nodded reassuringly, knowing that this was the moment he had prepared so much for. He followed the boy towards a corridor, where there were several other petitors.
Klaus' heart beat faster, adrenaline flowing through his veins as he approached the crucial moment.
The Staples Center was packed, with an electrifying atmosphere. The crowd was buzzing, eager to see the country's best goalkeepers in action. Klaus felt the contagious energy of the crowd, even though he hadn't seen it yet, but at the same time he was focused and determined as ever. All he wanted was not to repeat the same feeling as when he lost the fencing petition.
Then, while everyone is waiting, someone approaches Klaus, a tall boy, taller than Klaus, and apparently thin. His hair is black and his eyes are blue. Klaus looks at him out of the corner of his eye and asks:
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"You're Klaus Park, aren't you? Of course you are, you are the most talked about archer of the tournament so far." The boy smiled sarcastically.
"Of course I am," Klaus replied, keeping his tone calm but with a slight air of defiance. "And who's asking?"
The boy smiled sarcastically. "I'm Ethan Williams. I've heard a lot about you and your supposed skill with the sword. Let's see if you can prove you're as good as when you use a bow."
Klaus was not fazed by Ethan's provocative words. He knew that many petitors would try to get him down, but he was focused.
"Great, I look forward to peting against you," Klaus replied, returning the subtle smile.
Evan seemed surprised by Klaus' confidence, but soon regained his pose of superiority. "We'll see about that. Prepare to be outclassed and humiliated."
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