GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 10.2: Divergence

Celia's flower petals scattered in the sudden gust. Three heartbeats passed before Kein slumped against the boulder, his anger spent. Below them, Elnor's walls stood unwavering—a fortress suddenly fragile.

Kein exhaled sharply, dragging his sleeve across his face. "My father wants me, but I will not leave Mother alone." His voice was low, trembling with the weight of resignation. "I don't even know his name... but I'll do everything within my power to protect her. And I think it's time to accept it."

Vel took a step forward, his hands clenching at his sides. "Kein-kun, what are you saying?"

Kein straightened, turning to face them both, shoulders squared despite the slight quiver in his lips. "Until I grow up enough to leave on my own..." His breath hitched, just for a second, before he forced his words out. "...we have to live in Lona with him."

Celia's eyes widened as she shook her head violently. "But what about your dreams? What about our promise?" Her voice cracked at the edges, and she reached for Kein's arm as though afraid he'd disappear.

Kein's expression softened as he met her gaze, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. "This won't change anything," he said quietly but firmly. "I'll still practice my swordsmanship every day... and I'll still get into the Academy."

Vel blinked rapidly as confusion swirled inside him like storm clouds. He searched Kein's face for any hint of doubt but found only unwavering resolve.

"You two must be the ones keeping our promise," Kein continued, turning from Celia to Vel with a rare earnestness that sent a pang through Vel's chest. "I want to see you both there—in four years' time."

Vel swallowed hard, unable to form words around the lump rising in his throat.

"Don't make me regret believing in you two," Kein added softly before dropping onto a nearby rock, shoulders slumping under invisible weight.

For once—just this once—Vel found himself speechless as Kein's determination carved itself into something unshakable before their very eyes.

Vel broke the silence, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. "That's right. This won't change our goals. Four years apart doesn't mean anything if we keep our promise."

Celia turned to him, her expression conflicted but hopeful as she clung to his words like a lifeline.

Kein's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Four years... huh? You make it sound like nothing."

Vel grinned faintly, determination glinting in his eyes. "Because it is nothing. When we meet again at the Academy, you'll see that we've all grown stronger." He extended a hand toward Kein. "So let's seal it with one last sparring match today—"

Kein blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden suggestion before a spark of amusement flickered across his face. He stood and brushed dust from his tunic. "A sparring match? You're serious?"

"Why not?" Vel shrugged, his smile widening slightly now that he saw some of the weight lift from Kein's shoulders.

Celia tilted her head thoughtfully before nodding with a small smile of her own. "It sounds like a good idea." Her voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of warmth as she stepped closer to join them.

Kein's gaze flicked between them both before letting out an exaggerated sigh of mock exasperation. "Fine, but don't start crying when I win."

Vel laughed lightly, feeling tension ebb away as they began descending back toward Elnor together.