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It gave him a sense of purpose and allowed him to contribute to the gang in a meaningful way. As he worked, Caleb noticed that his efforts didn't go unnoticed. Several gang members, including Pearson and Hosea, commented on his hard work, praising his willingness to pitch in. Even Miss Grimshaw gave him an approving nod as she passed by, her usual stern expression softened by a hint of a smile.
Once the physical tasks were complete, Caleb turned his attention to the gang's finances. He remembered the contribution box in front of Dutch's tent and decided to donate some of the valuables he had looted from the Ike Skelding boys.
Opening his satchel, he pulled out 2 platinum pocket watches, 1 silver pocket watch, 3 gold plated buckles, and 2 silver plated buckles. He placed them carefully into the contribution box, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he did so, which intrigued him as to why he felt that way, maybe due to him playing the game before which made him feel nostalgic.
Dutch, who had been observing Caleb's efforts from his tent, stood up and approached him with a pleased expression. "That's what I like to see, son," he said, clapping Caleb on the back. "It's not even your first full day in the gang, and you've already contributed your energy around the camp and valuables to the gang funds. That's the kind of attitude we need around here and I hope all man here learned from you."
Caleb smiled, acting like he felt a sense of pride thanks to Dutch words. "It's what I should do, Dutch. I'm part of the gang now, and I want to contribute in any way I can. I feel more at home when I'm helping out, not just lazing around."
Dutch nodded, his approval evident. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Caleb. Keep it up, and you'll go far with us."
As Dutch walked away, Caleb felt a renewed sense of belonging. He had taken another step toward integrating himself into the gang, and the positive reactions from the others reinforced his will to change the fate of the gang.
After contributing to the camp and earning the approval of Dutch and the others, Caleb checked his pocket watch and saw that it was already one in the afternoon. He wondered what he should do next to continue making himself useful.
As he pondered, he noticed Charles walking toward the entrance of the camp. Seeing this as an opportunity, Caleb decided to approach Charles and ask him for archery lessons. Not only would this help him improve his skills, but it would also allow him to build a stronger relationship with Charles, who was one of the most skilled members of the gang.
Caleb quickly made his way toward Charles, calling out to him as he approached. "Mr. Smith! Can I talk to you for a second?"
Charles turned around, his expression calm and composed as always. When he saw it was Caleb, he nodded. "Of course. What's the problem, Caleb? And please, just call me Charles."
Caleb nodded, appreciating Charles's straightforwardness. "Well, Charles, I'd like to learn how to use a bow. Arthur mentioned that you're the best bow user in the gang and that you've taught him how to use one as well."
Charles raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, I've taught Arthur how to use a bow and how to track and hunt animals. Why do you want to learn?"
Caleb's response was earnest and well-reasoned. "In my opinion, bow skills are an essential skill to learn, especially in our way of life. Bows can be used for both hunting and stealth combat. I primarily want to learn so I can help the gang by hunting for food. Using guns to hunt near the camp would attract too much attention, and I don't want to risk that."
Charles studied Caleb for a moment, his instincts telling him that the young man's words were genuine. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright, I can teach you. Do you have a bow and a quiver for arrows?"
Caleb shook his head, a hint of embarrassment in his expression. "Ah, that's the thing. I don't have a bow or a quiver yet. I didn't want to get ahead of myself since I hadn't asked you about lessons yet."
Charles's usually serious demeanor softened, and a small smile appeared on his face. "No problem, Caleb. I have some bows I've made in my free time. You can have one, and I'll lend you a quiver as well. As for arrows, I can give you a few to start, but you'll need to make or buy your own in the future. The general store and gun store in Valentine sell them."
Caleb's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Charles. I really appreciate this. I'll make sure to repay the favor."
Charles waved a hand dismissively. "No need for that. We're brothers now. No need to repay favors."
Caleb, however, insisted. "If we're brothers, then in my mind, I have to repay this favor. It's only right."
Charles chuckled softly, recognizing Caleb's determination. "Alright, if you insist. Let's get you set up."
The two men walked over to Charles's horse, which was grazing near the entrance of the camp. Charles retrieved a bow and a quiver from his saddlebag, handing them to Caleb along with a handful of arrows. "Here you go. This should get you started."
Caleb took the bow and quiver, examining them with a sense of excitement. The bow was well-crafted, its wood smooth and sturdy, and the quiver was filled with arrows that looked sharp and ready for use. "Thank you, Charles. This means a lot to me."
Charles nodded. "No problem. Now, let's head to a good spot for you to practice. Get your horse, and follow me."
Caleb quickly mounted Morgan and followed Charles as they rode out of the camp. They passed through the small forest of trees surrounding Horseshoe Overlook, then turned left and headed north.
Caleb kept an eye on the map function in his mind, noting their route as they traveled. Eventually, they arrived at Caliban's Seat, a rocky area known for its abundance of wildlife. Caleb recognized it from the game as a prime hunting spot, filled with deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
Charles dismounted and hitched his horse to a nearby tree. Caleb followed suit, securing Morgan beside Charles's horse. The two men then walked a short distance to a clearing where Charles began the lesson.
"Alright, Caleb," Charles said, his tone calm but firm. "Using a bow is about precision, patience, and control. It's not like using a gun, where you can rely on speed and firepower. With a bow, you need to focus on your stance, your grip, and your aim."
Caleb listened intently, nodding as Charles explained the basics. Charles demonstrated the proper stance, showing Caleb how to position his feet and hold the bow. "Your feet should be shoulder width apart, and your body should be perpendicular to your target. This gives you stability and balance."
Caleb mimicked Charles's stance, adjusting his posture as Charles guided him. "Like this?"
"Almost," Charles said, stepping closer to adjust Caleb's shoulders. "Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Tension will throw off your aim."
Once Caleb's stance was correct, Charles moved on to the grip. "Hold the bow firmly but not too tightly. Your grip should be steady but flexible, allowing the bow to do the work."
Caleb adjusted his grip, feeling the weight of the bow in his hands. Charles then showed him how to nock an arrow and draw the string. "Pull the string back smoothly, using your back muscles, not just your arms. Keep your elbow high and your aim steady."
Caleb followed Charles's instructions, drawing the string back and aiming at a nearby tree. His first shot missed the mark, the arrow landing a few feet to the left. Charles chuckled softly. "Not bad for a first try. Let's try again."
Over the next hour, Charles patiently guided Caleb through the basics of archery. Caleb's aim improved with each shot, and by the end of the session, he was hitting the tree more consistently. Charles nodded in approval. "You're a quick learner, Caleb. With more practice, you'll be a skilled hunter in no time."
Caleb smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Charles. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Charles clapped him on the shoulder. "You're welcome. Remember, practice is key. The more you use the bow, the better you'll get. And don't forget to track your arrows. You'll need to retrieve them after each practice session."
After Caleb retrieved the arrows from the trees, Charles decided it was time for Caleb to practice on live targets. He gestured for Caleb to follow him, and the two men began to scour the area, crouching low and moving slowly to avoid alerting any nearby animals.
As they moved, Charles shared his knowledge on how to track and hunt animals, pointing out signs like tracks, droppings, and disturbed foliage.
Caleb listened intently, absorbing every bit of information. He knew that tracking was just as important as shooting when it came to hunting, and he was eager to learn from Charles, who was clearly an expert in the field due to his way of life and experience before joining the gang.
As they crept through the underbrush, Charles suddenly held up a hand, signaling Caleb to stop. Ahead of them, a couple of rabbits were hopping across a small clearing.
Charles whispered, "Hold still. This is your chance. Try to shoot one of the rabbits."
Caleb nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He adjusted his stance, crouching low to the ground as he nocked an arrow and drew the bowstring. He took a deep breath, focusing on the rabbit, and aimed carefully. As he exhaled, he released the arrow.
The arrow flew through the air with a soft whoosh, striking one of the rabbits squarely in the head. The other rabbits immediately scattered, disappearing into the brush.
Charles clapped Caleb on the back, a rare smile on his face. "Great shot, Caleb. I think you don't need me guiding and teaching you from the side anymore. You should gain practical experience by hunting down some game. How a bow is used in hunting and combat is the same."
Caleb, however, was momentarily distracted by the loud ding and the sudden appearance of the system window in front of him. The notification read:
Bow (Lvl 2: Intermediate - Competent) acquired!
Description: Due to Charles Smith's expert training and guidance combined with him imparting his knowledge and experience, as well as your dedication and focus, you are now capable of competently using a bow effectively. You understand the core principles of using a bow and can adapt them to various scenarios, both in hunting and combat. Your skill level with the bow has significantly improved.
Caleb was both surprised and ecstatic. He hadn't expected to gain a Level 2 bow skill so quickly, and the notification filled him with a sense of accomplishment. As he inwardly celebrated, Charles noticed his distracted expression and asked, "Hey, Caleb, you okay, man?"
Caleb snapped out of his thoughts and quickly replied, "Huh? Oh, I'm okay, Charles. Just surprised by my own skills. Let's take the rabbit I just shot and maybe hunt a couple more rabbits and two deer as well. What do you think?"
Charles nodded, his expression approving. "That's a good idea. It'll stock Pearson's meat supplies for several days. Do you want me to help you hunt them, or do you want to hunt them yourself to train your bow skills?"
Caleb pondered for a moment before answering. "Let me hunt them myself. I want to gain experience shooting live targets and find a comfortable way to use the bow."
Charles agreed, and the two men set off to track more game. Caleb's decision to hunt alone wasn't just about improving his skills, he also wanted to spend more time with Charles, building their relationship and learning more about him much deeper than what he knew from the game. As they moved through the woods, they talked about various topics, from hunting techniques to life in the gang.
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Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 1)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
Money: 155 dollars and 41 cents
Bank: 40 dollars, 2 gold bars, and a large bag of jewelry