The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 227

“Coming,” Athena called out quickly. She hurried after Xander to the training ground. The training ground was filled with weapons of all kinds.

Xander made a beeline for the table of concealed weapons and said to Athena, “Pick one that catches your eye.”

Athena stared, momentarily overwhelmed by the dazzling array of concealed weapons before her.

She examined them one by one, then nervously picked up a throwing knife and glanced at Xander. “Your Highness, is this one okay?”

“A throwing knife?” He gave it a brief, appraising glance and nodded. “It’s okay.”

Then Xander picked up a throwing knife and said to Athena, “Watch closely.”

Athena quickly widened her eyes as Xander, with a flick of his wrist, sent the knife flying into the wooden stake. It embedded itself all the way to the hilt. The sheer strength and explosive power made Athena’s blood race.

‘I’m really too weak. If I could master hidden weapons like this, maybe I could finally protect myself,‘ she thought.

Xander said to her, “You’re a doctor and a woman. Swordsmanship isn’t for you. It takes too long to master. Hidden weapons suit you better. From now on, you’ll practice here.”

Before Athena could respond, he pointed to the bows. “You’ll need to learn archery as well.”

Athena’s eyes widened as Xander picked up a bow without another word. With a strong pull, he drew the bow and let the arrow fly. It struck dead center.

“Hidden weapons are for close combat. Bows are for distance and for delivering a finishing blow. If your hidden weapon misses, aim an arrow at your enemy’s back,” he instructed.

Whoosh–another arrow flew. This time, it split the previous arrow right at the bullseye.

Athena felt her blood boil with excitement. Xander was teaching her how to protect herself. No one had ever thought of her so completely before.

Seeing the bright light in her eyes, Xander chuckled, “Don’t think it’s that simple. It’ll take at least a year or two to really master it.”

“It’s okay. No matter how tough it is, I want to learn,” Athena replied, her voice ringing with determination.,

She only learned medicine because her master forced her to.

Her master used to say, “Your life is very hard. If you don’t learn some medical skills, you might not survive.”

She gritted her teeth and learned, though it was tough at first. If she couldn’t remember the herbs, her master would rap her on the knuckles. She often cried because of it.

But once she finally got it right, her master would reward her with a piece of candy.

Now, with Xander teaching her hidden weapons and archery, Athena felt this was what she truly loved.

Xander seemed very pleased with her progress. “Same rule as before–come to the manor every three days,” Xander

instructed.

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Chapter 2

Athena felt an indescribable excitement. She understood why Xander set it at three days.

Martial arts required persistence; ideally, she should come every day.

But Xander was busy with official duties, and she didn’t want to trouble him daily. Three days were already more than enough.

Athena nodded emphatically. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Now, I’ll show you how to throw a knife. Watch closely,” Xander said, demonstrating for Athena. “Bend your arm, keep your hand near your chest, and release it with a snap toward the target. Make sure your hand, eyes, and body move as one. Stay

calm.”

With a swift motion, he sent the throwing knife flying–it embedded itself solidly in the wooden stake.

Athena’s eyes went wide. Xander gestured for her to step forward and handed her the knife. “Your turn. Give it a try.”

The throwing knife was about the length of her palm, razor–sharp with a satisfying heft.

Athena replayed his movements in her mind, took a deep breath, and threw the knife. Predictably, the knife veered off and landed on the ground.

She thought Xander would tease her, but instead, he gave her an approving nod. “Good form for a first try. Go again.”

Chapter 228

Chapter 228