GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 10.1: Divergence

The morning light filtered through Vel's thin curtains, casting muted patterns on the wooden floor. He stirred awake, greeted by warmth instead of chaos. No distant shouts, knocks, or cries for help—just silence. Blinking slowly, he felt heavier from yesterday's sparring session; every muscle ached, but it felt earned.

He stretched lazily, relishing the rare luxury of staying in bed. His gaze wandered to the beams above as thoughts unspooled in the quiet. It had been too long since he'd enjoyed a peaceful morning.

Rolling onto his side, he sighed. The inevitable thought arose—he had time now to consider everything ahead and where he fit in. Slowly, he sat up and swung his legs over the bed, his feet brushing cool wooden planks.

With hesitation, he raised his hand, summoning a faint shimmer that materialized into his character status. A window filled with attributes and abilities floated before him, numbers quantifying the unquantifiable.

He stared at it for several heartbeats, unease prickling at him like static. The sight reminded him too much of this world's origin—a game, artificial, crafted by another's hand.

His fingers twitched to dismiss it, but he caught himself with a clenched breath.

This isn't just numbers anymore, he thought grimly. Landre's life depended on this once... Maybe others will too.

Yet, he didn't want to see it this way—this cold, detached view devoid of reality: Mari's warm meals by the fire; Von's steady presence; Landre's laughter during their walks home despite her struggles.

His shoulders slumped briefly before squaring with resolve. If understanding this meant protecting them all, he'd face it head-on—even through gritted teeth.

He dismissed the screen but kept its details firmly in mind as he turned toward what lay ahead: the Academy, a source of knowledge and opportunity. The path was clear, but it now began in a place entirely different from what he had expected—this life redefined by those who mattered most to him.

Vel crept down the stairs, his steps soft against the old wood. The house's silence wasn't eerie, just empty of its usual activity. Mari was probably at the farm or market, Von on guard duty, and Landre—he thought with discomfort—at the church.

The aroma of cooked grains and herbs drifted through the air. A warm plate waited in the kitchen, steam still rising faintly—Mari's thoughtfulness made visible. He eased out a chair, careful to preserve the quiet.

The meal was basic: herb-flecked porridge with crusty bread. As he ate methodically, he found solace in its simplicity. Despite their changing lives, Mari still made time to care for them through food.

I need to take another look at magic, he thought suddenly, setting down his spoon halfway through his meal. The memory of failure—how unstable and unpredictable it had been when he'd tried before—still weighed on him. But so did Landre's newfound strength... If she could unlock her abilities with Shizka's light, surely he could push further too.

He rushed through his remaining meal and cleaned his plate at the basin. Grabbing his cloak, he stepped into Elnor's busy streets.

Vel wound through quiet alleys until the noise faded. He found a secluded clearing where weeds sprouted between cracked stones beneath open sky. Though close to town, it felt private enough.

Among the uneven cobbles and rustling leaves, Vel let out a slow breath.

Vel planted his feet on the uneven stones, fingers flexing. The crisp air crackled as he broke the stillness with his voice.

Status!

The command rang out forcefully, grounding him. A shimmering screen appeared, text cascading into view. He studied each line intently, as the familiar yet unsettling notification blinked above: