After lunch, the Boss suggested a game of shooting, a challenge that would test our skills and precision. He had taught me how to shoot in the morning before we left for the hunt, and now he wanted the three of us to come show our skills. Brock was preparing me for the game, making sure my gear was in order, while I knew the others were gearing up as well. The atmosphere was tense, and I could feel the weight of the competition settling in.
As Brock tied up my boots, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "There's no denying that this is as well a test," I said, looking at him with a serious expression. I was trying to gauge his reaction, to see if he would confirm my suspicions.
Brock just looked up at my face, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment, before he looked down and continued with tying up my boots. He didn't say a word, but I knew he understood what I meant. His silence was telling, and I knew he was trying to convey a message without actually saying it.
"Can you teach me a few more skills before the shooting challenge proceeds?" I asked him, feeling a sense of urgency. I knew I needed every advantage I could get, and I was counting on Brock to help me prepare.
Brock looked up at me again, a hint of a smile on his face. "That's my purpose, young master," he said. "Always making sure you get what's needed. I'll teach you a few things I know about shooting that could add up to the experience you already have." His voice was calm and reassuring, and I felt a sense of gratitude towards him.
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. I was ready to learn, ready to do whatever it took to win this challenge. Brock began to explain some advanced shooting techniques, tips on how to handle the gun, and how to aim for the perfect shot. He showed me how to adjust for wind resistance, how to compensate for distance, and how to stay calm under pressure. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge.
As we finished up, I felt more confident, more prepared for the challenge ahead. I knew I still had a lot to learn, but with Brock's help, I felt like I could take on anything. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead, ready to show the others what I was capable of.
"Thanks, Brock," I said, as we headed out to the shooting range. "I owe you one." I meant it, too. Brock had been a lifesaver, a mentor, and a friend.
Brock just smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You don't owe me anything, young master," he said. "Just go out there and show them what you're made of." His words were simple, but they carried a lot of weight. I knew he believed in me, and that gave me the courage to believe in myself.
I couldn't believe how woeful I was doing in the game. Liam was leading with 4 points, Phillips had 2 points, and I had none. I had wasted five shots in the air, not even coming close to hitting the target. It was as if I had forgotten everything Brock had taught me. Phillips' 2 points were random hits, no bullseye, just lucky shots that had somehow found their way to the board. And Liam, Liam was a different story altogether. He had hit one bullseye, which had gotten him a whopping 3 points, and a random hit that had gotten him the other 1 point. He had wasted three other shots, but it didn't matter, he was still in the lead.
As the whistle was blown, signaling the end of the shooting, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. I knew I was the worst performer, and I knew I was going to be eliminated. I had let myself down, and I had let Brock down. I couldn't bear the thought of facing him, of telling him that I had failed.
The Boss began to speak, his voice firm and authoritative. "Y'all have done as well as your experience can take you," he said, "but one of you must be going." His words hung in the air, like a challenge, like a gauntlet thrown down.
I knew it was going to be me. There was no doubt or debate. I had performed the worst, and I was the logical choice to be eliminated. I felt a sense of resignation wash over me, a sense of inevitability. I was going to be eliminated, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
But then the Boss began speaking again, and I was shocked at what he said. "And our contestant leaving the competition will be... Phillips. You're eliminated."
I couldn't believe it. Phillips was being eliminated, not me. I felt a mix of emotions: relief, guilt, and shock. I didn't know what to say or do. I just stood there, frozen in place, as Phillips walked away, his head hung low in defeat.
"What?!" Liam exclaimed. "But I thought for sure Gabriel was going to be eliminated!"
The Boss just shook his head. "Phillips may have gotten lucky with his shots, but he didn't show any skill or strategy. Gabriel, on the other hand, may not have hit any targets, but he showed potential. He just needs to work on his aim."
I was stunned. The Boss had seen something in me that I hadn't even seen in myself. He had seen potential, and he was willing to give me another chance. I felt a surge of gratitude towards him, and I knew I wasn't going to waste this second chance. I was going to work harder than ever, I was going to practice every day, and I was going to make sure that I didn't let him down again.