GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 10.2: Divergence

They gathered in their usual clearing, where grass met dirt worn by years of practice. Sunlight dappled their wooden weapons through the trees above.

Vel weighed his practice sword, its familiar heft reassuring. Beside him, Celia spun her slim training rapier with newfound grace while Kein rested his wooden longsword on one shoulder, head cocked with confidence.

"So," Vel began, tapping the tip of his sword lightly against the ground. "Who's going first?"

Kein rolled his eyes and gestured lazily toward Vel with a half-smirk. "You're always so eager to jump in—why don't you start for once?"

Vel grinned but shook his head. "Nah." He tilted it slightly toward Celia with mock seriousness. "Maybe we should let the lady go first."

Celia narrowed her eyes playfully, lips curving into a faint smile as she stepped forward without hesitation. Her movements were deliberate yet fluid as she squared up and pointed her weapon toward Kein.

"Fine by me," she said, voice calm but edged with quiet determination.

Kein blinked, scoffed, and dropped his hesitation. He gripped his practice sword with both hands and took a stance facing Celia.

"Ready when you are," Kein called out casually but kept steady focus on Celia's form.

The clearing fell silent but for wind-rustled leaves. Vel watched from a fallen log, arms crossed.

Kein and Celia faced off with wooden swords. Though they'd sparred often, today seemed changed.

Kein stood like a fortress, longsword steady, breathing measured.

Celia bounced light-footed, grip loose—but Vel caught the predatory gleam in her eyes. A shadow ready to strike.

Then, in a single breath—they moved.

Kein swung first, a heavy downward strike. Celia sidestepped, twisting out of reach. Her counter came fast—a thrust aimed for his side.

Blocked. Kein barely reacted, his sword flicking downward to parry. He countered immediately, using his sheer strength to push forward, forcing Celia back step by step.

But Celia never stayed in one place for long.

Vel watched as she ducked low, rolled to the side, then flicked her sword forward in a near-invisible blur. Kein jerked back just in time, the wooden blade narrowly missing his ribs.

They separated. A pause.

Then they clashed again—this time, faster.

Vel barely kept track of each exchange. Strength against speed. Precision against instinct. Kein drove forward like a hammer; Celia slipped past him like water.

Neither dominated. Neither yielded.

Then, in a final exchange—a blur of wood, feet shifting, swords colliding—

Both came to a sudden stop, their blades pressed against each other's chests.

"A draw," Vel muttered.

Celia's blade lowered slightly, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she smirked.

"You sound disappointed," she teased, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Vel shrugged. "Just analyzing."

Kein let out a short breath, running a hand through his hair. "Haven't had a match end like that in a while."