GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 7.2: Conflict ID-eals

The rhythmic thud of wooden swords clashing echoed in the clearing as Vel tightened his grip and sidestepped Kein's quick lunge. Sweat dripped down his brow, but he gritted his teeth and adjusted his stance. Celia stood nearby, offering tips between sparring rounds, her own practice sword resting against her shoulder.

Vel's focus broke when a familiar voice called out from the edge of the clearing.

"Vel-kun!"

He turned to see Landre approaching, her expression more serious than usual. Her hair was slightly tousled from the brisk walk, and she clutched her worn leather book tightly to her chest.

"Lan-neechan?" Vel lowered his practice sword, stepping toward her. Kein and Celia paused their sparring, glancing at each other before looking back at Landre.

"Dad's back," she began without preamble. "From Lady Halen's meeting." She glanced briefly at Celia and Kein before turning her full attention to Vel. "He wants everyone from Oakhaven to gather at the camp now."

Vel blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "What's it about?" he asked, though he could already sense the weight of whatever news Von carried.

Landre shook her head slightly. "I don't know the details," she admitted, voice steady but edged with tension. "But it sounded important."

Celia stepped forward, concern flashing across her face. "Should I come too? If it's something that affects everyone..."

Landre hesitated before answering. "It's up to you," she said carefully, then looked back at Vel. "But Dad specifically mentioned Oakhaven folks."

Vel nodded quickly, handing his practice sword to Kein without a word. His pulse quickened as thoughts raced through his mind—what could Von have learned? Had something happened during the meeting?

"Let's go," he said simply.

Landre led the way back toward the camp, with Vel close behind. As they neared the tents scattered across practice area, Vel noticed small groups of villagers already moving in the same direction. Whispers filled the air like an undercurrent—murmurs of speculation that only heightened his unease.

Von stood near the center of the camp, arms crossed as he spoke quietly with Mari and Kazar. His commanding presence drew every eye as people began to gather around him in anticipation of whatever news he was about to share.

Landre gave Vel a slight nudge forward. "Dad's waiting," she said softly.

Vel straightened his posture and stepped closer to join the forming crowd, his family by his side.

Von's boots scuffed against the wooden crate he climbed onto, his frame towering over the gathered villagers. He raised a hand, palm outward, commanding silence with a simple gesture. The murmurs of the crowd dwindled into an expectant hush, all eyes locking onto him.

"Everyone," he began, voice steady and carrying over the restless assembly. "I've just returned from Lady Halen's manor."

A ripple of movement passed through the crowd as heads turned and shoulders stiffened. Vel's heart thudded against his ribs. His father rarely spoke with such gravity unless the matter was urgent.

Standing next to Von was Graham, the Vice Headmaster of Elnor's Adventurer's Guild. His arms were folded across his chest, and his sharp gaze flickered across the villagers. Though silent, his presence alone added weight to Von's words.

"I won't draw this out," Von continued, glancing briefly at Mari before returning his focus to everyone gathered. "Lady Halen has sent word that..." he paused briefly, as if gauging their readiness for what came next. "The threat to Oakhaven is gone."