GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 7.2: Conflict ID-eals

The declaration hit like a sudden gust of wind through dry leaves—an explosion of gasps and whispers erupted in response. Vel felt Landre clutch at her book tighter, her knuckles whitening around its edges.

"She believes," Von pressed on firmly above the rising noise, "that staying here like this—living in these conditions—isn't something any of us want. It's time for us to go back."

The weight in those words sank into Vel like a stone dropping into still water. Around him, villagers reacted in waves: some faces lit up with tentative hope while others darkened with doubt or disbelief.

"Is it true?!" someone called from the back.

"How can she be sure?" another voice followed quickly.

Von didn't falter under their questions. His voice cut through their concerns like a blade: "Lady Halen would not have given this directive lightly." He shifted slightly on his makeshift podium, gesturing toward Graham at his side. "Her scouts confirmed it—whatever threat remained has dispersed."

The buzz among the villagers grew louder again—questions overlapping declarations of relief or suspicion alike.

Von raised his hand again, silencing the crowd with a firm, commanding presence. His gaze swept across the villagers, steady and unyielding.

"There's more," he continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs like steel. "Lady Halen has made it clear that the decision lies with us. If you believe life here in Elnor offers you more opportunity, if you've found sustainable work or shelter—then you are free to stay."

The words hung in the air for a moment, heavy with implications. Vel felt a flicker of confusion ripple through him as he glanced at Landre, whose lips pressed into a thin line.

"But understand this," Von added sharply, drawing all attention back to him. "If you choose to stay... there will be no more provision from Lady Halen. No more shelter provided by her generosity." He paused, letting that reality sink in. "You'll be on your own."

The crowd erupted into voices all at once—an overlapping cacophony of questions, protests, and hushed conversations. Vel's stomach twisted uneasily as he watched villagers turning to one another with frantic expressions.

"What does she mean 'on our own'?" someone called out.

"We can't just fend for ourselves here!"

"But what about Oakhaven? What if it's not safe yet?"

The tension in the air thickened as opinions clashed and emotions surged like wildfire through the gathered group.

"Why would anyone want to stay?" a man near Vel spat bitterly. "This isn't our home!"

Across from him, another villager snapped back with equal ferocity: "And Oakhaven is? After what happened? You'd risk going back there?!"

The two men stepped closer to each other, their heated words drawing murmurs from those around them.

Vel shifted uncomfortably as more voices joined the fray.

"Traitors! If you stay here, you're turning your backs on Oakhaven!"

"And if you go back? You're throwing away safety for what—a ruined village?! Are we supposed to rebuild everything from scratch?!"

"You think I'm going to risk my children's lives for a place that nearly killed us all?!" a woman's voice cut through the growing noise. She clutched a young boy and girl close to her, their faces pressed against her skirt as she glared at the villagers around her. "Going back is madness!"