GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 8.2: Missing Variable

"Excuse me," the man said softly, his voice low and steady, carrying an almost unnatural calm.

Von stopped abruptly, placing a protective arm in front of Vel without looking at him. His eyes narrowed as he studied the figure.

"Who are you?"

The man tilted his head slightly, a polite gesture that didn't quite match the unsettling air about him. "An acolyte," he answered simply, gesturing faintly toward the church behind them. "I overheard your concern for someone... Landre, was it?"

Vel felt a spark of hope amidst his unease. He stepped out from behind Von's arm but kept close. "Do you know where Lan-neechan is?"

The man nodded slowly, almost deliberately. "I believe I do." He paused just long enough for Vel's heart to lurch before continuing. "I saw her earlier today... leaving Elnor's outskirts with Trinon."

Von stiffened at the mention of Trinon's name but didn't interrupt.

"They were collecting herbs," the acolyte explained evenly. "For medicinal purposes. A specific variety grows only beyond the town's edge—rare and delicate." He lifted one hand from beneath his robe to gesture vaguely toward Elnor's eastern side.

Vel felt Von shift beside him, tension radiating from his towering frame like heat from smoldering coals.

"If you're worried," the man added smoothly, folding both hands neatly in front of him again, "I can show you where they likely went. It isn't far... if you follow me."

Von studied him with prolonged silence. Vel glanced between them anxiously but held his tongue, knowing better than to interrupt Von's grave deliberation.

Von placed a firm hand on Vel's shoulder, his voice low but resolute. "Vel, head back to the camp. Wait there with your mother. It's too dangerous for you out here at night."

Vel's stomach twisted in protest, his mouth opening before he could stop himself. "But—"

Von's grip tightened ever so slightly, his eyes locking onto Vel's with an intensity that brooked no argument. "No 'buts.' I'll find Landre and bring her back. Stay where it's safe."

Vel swallowed hard. His father's tone left no room for argument. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Okay... I'll go."

Satisfied, Von gave a short nod before turning to the acolyte. "Lead the way," he commanded.

The two figures disappeared into the darkness.

Vel lingered, the cold air gnawing at his skin. Something felt... off. The acolyte had appeared too conveniently, his demeanor too composed. And more than that—

Vel's breath caught.

Hadn't the church woman said Landre never arrived today?

Vel clenched his fists at his sides, frustration bubbling up alongside that nagging sense of wrongness. He couldn't shake it—something about the whole encounter didn't sit right with him.

Vel paced back and forth in the shadowy street, his mind racing. "I need help," he thought, unable to shake the growing dread in his chest. Going back to camp felt wrong—not when his father could be walking into danger.

His feet carried him toward the orphanage before his mind fully formed the plan. Celia and Kein might know something, might have seen something. More eyes and ears could make the difference.

The orphanage's common room still glowed with lamplight when he arrived. Celia sat near the window, her dark hair falling forward as she read.

"Celia!" Vel called out in a harsh whisper.