Harry Potter: Journey to Godhood

Hearing Alaric's words, Lor'themar nearly burst into laughter.

"Human... archery?" He acted as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke ever. "Do you humans actually think you can compete with us high elves in archery? 

Don't tell me you've brought along some so-called 'greatest human archer' or 'Lordaeron's finest sharpshooter.' 

Forget it, whatever it is, just bring them on. Let me shatter your laughable confidence!"

Lor'themar's mocking tone didn't faze Alaric in the slightest. In fact, his expression remained calm and unchanging as he responded dismissively.

"No, I haven't brought any archers. Or rather, I don't need to bring any human sharpshooters. The truth is, I alone am enough to defeat you in archery."

Alaric's declaration caused an uproar among the rangers. Even Alleria and Sylvanas furrowed their brows in concern.

But the most shocked of all was Lor'themar himself.

"You? Are you joking?" Lor'themar's exaggerated voice carried an edge of indignation.

"You, a mere mage, dare challenge a high elf ranger to an archery contest? Who gave you the courage? Are you trying to insult me?"

"So, are you afraid?" Alaric cast a disdainful glance at Lor'themar, a look that nearly set the high elf aflame with anger.

"Who says I'm afraid... If you insist on humiliating yourself, then so be it!"

At this point, the archery challenge was inevitable. The only ones who could still put a stop to it were the two ranger lords, Alleria and Sylvanas.

However, just as a worried Alleria was about to intervene, Sylvanas stopped her.

"What are you doing, Sylvanas?" Alleria glared at her younger sister. 

"Even if you disapprove of me adopting Sand as a brother, you shouldn't let this happen. Do you want him to embarrass himself in front of everyone?"

"You misunderstand me, sister," Sylvanas said in a low voice. 

"At first, I did think your decision to recognize a human as your brother was rash. But now, I've come to support it—he's quite an impressive guy, and he seems capable too."

"Sand is, of course, capable!" Alleria said proudly, as though sharing her own accomplishments. 

"Despite his youth, his mastery of magic has even earned admiration from the Silvermoon Council's esteemed mages. 

Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so eager to invite him to banquets when he arrived in Silvermoon City..."

"All right, all right, you've said this a dozen times already," Sylvanas said with a hint of exasperation. "So, since he's so capable, you should trust him more, right?"

"Well, that's true..." Alleria thought for a moment, realizing her sister had a point.

"But if something unexpected happens..."

"You're such a worrywart, sister," Sylvanas said with a wry smile. "Stop overthinking it. If things really go south, I'll help you back him up."

Reassured by Sylvanas, Alleria calmed down, while Alaric prepared to face Lor'themar in the contest.

Two training bows were handed to them, along with a quiver containing twenty standard high elf arrows.

The two made their way to the archery training field.

"Since you're a mage, I won't bully you—I'll allow you to use magic," Lor'themar said arrogantly. "As long as it's not large-scale destructive magic, it's fine."

This was typical elven pride: though they habitually looked down on other races, they disdained using unfair means to prove their superiority. They also respected those with genuine strength.

The fact that Lor'themar said this indicated he wasn't inherently a bad person. Most of his disdain for Alaric stemmed from elven arrogance.

However, Alaric declined his offer. "Since it's an archery contest, I won't use magic to hit the targets."

"Very well. If you insist," Lor'themar said, casting a complicated look at the mage. 

"I'll take back some of my earlier words—you may lack self-awareness, but you certainly have courage. Still, don't expect me to go easy on you."

With that, he crouched down and began adjusting his longbow.

"Although real combat scenarios are far more complex than a training ground, since this is a competition, we'll keep it simple," Lor'themar said confidently as he skillfully tuned his bow. 

"We'll use these humanoid targets. Each of us will shoot twenty arrows, and whoever hits the most vital spots in the shortest time wins. How about that?"

"Sounds good," Alaric agreed. "But..."

"What's the matter? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet?" Lor'themar asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not at all," Alaric shook his head. "I just think our contest feels a bit... trivial. There should be some stakes involved."

This piqued Lor'themar's interest.

"I must say, you're the most courageous human I've ever met. If all humans were like you, they'd be somewhat respectable. So, what's your wager? To leave Quel'Thalas immediately?"

"Sure," Alaric replied decisively. "And I'll publicly admit that humans are inferior to high elves. But what about you? What's your wager?"

"Name anything you like. I can't lose," Lor'themar said with supreme confidence.

"Alright, I won't make it hard for you," Alaric said with a faint smile. "If you lose, you'll willingly join the volunteer forces under Alleria's command to support the Alliance. How about that?"

"So that's why you came to Quel'Thalas? I accept!" Lor'themar agreed without hesitation, looking unconcerned.

But Sylvanas, standing nearby, suddenly brightened.

"Your brother Sand is pretty cunning," she whispered to Alleria with a sly smile. "Looks like this was his goal all along. 

He's smart—if Lor'themar, the most stubborn of the lot, willingly joins the volunteers, the other rangers will naturally follow. 

After all, Lor'themar is widely recognized as a capable leader among the rangers. 

Recruiting others will be much easier once he sets the example. He's quite the strategist."

"Yes, now it all depends on whether he wins," Alleria said, clenching her fists nervously.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the group of rangers.

It was Nathanos Marris. Ignoring the strange looks from his peers, he walked straight to Alaric.

"Apologies, Lord Sandor," the human ranger bowed deeply to Alaric. "I'm sorry you've been troubled because of me."

"No, this has nothing to do with you," Alaric said with a shake of his head. "I have my reasons."

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