GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 8.1: Missing Variable

The atmosphere felt oppressive, like a held breath. Vel sat on his hard seat, his gaze fixed on the bowl of plain gruel by the fire. Wisps of warmth drifted upwards, offering no comfort against the tightness in his chest.

To his right, Landre's typical cheer was replaced by a mask he couldn't decipher. She pushed at her meal with her spoon, but made no move to eat it. Her ever-present book sat beside her, ignored.

"We're taking Lady Halen's offer."

The statement settled over them like a quiet decree.

Mari paused mid-stir, her expression unreadable. "The house?"

Von nodded. "It's better than staying here. This camp is temporary, but we need something permanent."

Vel glanced at Landre, who was unusually quiet, her spoon barely touching her food.

"And the others?" she asked. "What about the people from Oakhaven?"

Von exhaled, rubbing his temples. "We've done what we could. But we need to take care of ourselves first."

A silence followed, thick and unyielding. The camp was splitting, some people trying to reclaim their old homes, others integrating into Elnor. Their family was choosing to move forward, and yet—something about it felt like leaving something behind.

Von stood abruptly, shaking off the conversation's weight. "I'll handle things with Lady Halen today. Vel—keep up your training. Landre, your duties at the church?"

Landre nodded wordlessly, adjusting the strap on her satchel. She picked up her book but didn't flip through it like usual. Instead, she simply held it, as if grounding herself.

"Vel-kun, don't slack off," she added before slipping away.

Vel nodded, but something about her demeanor felt... off. He couldn't shake the feeling as she walked away.

Instead of heading for practice, Vel found himself wandering toward the training square—toward Celia.

She was seated on a crate, watching the early merchants set up their stalls. When Vel called her name, she looked up with an expectant grin.

"You skipping training?" she teased.

Vel shook his head. "I need your help."

That got her attention. "Oh? With what?"

He hesitated. "Do you know where I can find books?"

Celia blinked. "...Books?"

Her reaction made him shift uncomfortably. "Yeah. History. Magic. Anything useful."

She tilted her head, studying him like he'd just asked where babies came from. "You're... studying?"

Vel rolled his eyes. "Is that so hard to believe?"

Celia smirked. "A little."

She hopped off the crate, hands on her hips. "Well, we have some books at the orphanage. Nothing fancy. Some history, a few adventure stories. Why? You trying to impress... someone?

Vel scoffed. "No, I just think knowing what happened in the past—understanding how things got this way—could be useful someday. You never know when you might need it."

Celia gave him a skeptical look but shrugged. "Alright, bookworm. Follow me."

They walked down the winding streets of Elnor, passing by merchants setting up their morning wares. The cool morning air carried hints of fresh bread and spices.