GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 11.5: Tested & Trialed

Landre woke before dawn, her fingers tracing the familiar wooden beams above her bed. The morning routine beckoned - a dance of chores she'd performed countless times before. In the kitchen, she found Mari already stoking the hearth's embers.

"Good morning, mother," Landre said, reaching for the porridge pot.

Mari's smile warmed the room more than the fire. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than most nights." Landre paused, noticing movement outside. "Is that Vel already up?"

Through the window, she spotted her brother practicing forms with his wooden sword in the yard's early shadows. Strange - he usually needed several attempts to rouse him.

The family gathered as the porridge bubbled. Von discussed patrol schedules while Mari mended a torn sleeve. Landre watched Vel devour his portion with unusual vigor.

"Someone's hungry today," she teased.

"Training builds appetite," Vel replied between mouthfuls.

A sharp knock interrupted their meal. "Von? Landre here?"

The urgency in the guard's voice sent Landre's heart racing. Von opened the door to reveal one of his men, breathless and clutching a sealed letter bearing the Church's insignia.

"From Father Oswin himself," the guard announced.

Her hands shook as she took the letter. The Church's seal matched her amulet. Inside, elegant handwriting made her catch her breath.

"It's... it's a Consecration invitation," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "They want me to begin the trials."

Mari gasped. Von's face split into a proud grin. Vel leaned forward, eyes bright with interest.

"When?" Mari asked.

"Tomorrow." Landre's fingers traced the golden letterhead. "They say I'm to present myself at the first light."

The reality of what this meant - what she'd worked towards for so long - washed over her like summer rain.

"Can we come?" Vel's voice sparked with hope, his eyes bright with eagerness.

Landre gripped the letter tighter and met his gaze with gentle regret. "It's not that kind of event, Vel. The trials are sacred rituals, not performances. No observers are allowed."

Vel's enthusiasm drained away. His brows furrowed in his familiar way - lips tight, eyes distant - looking less like her young brother and more like a contemplative sage.

Mari reached over to squeeze his shoulder gently, but Vel didn't flinch or acknowledge it; he remained silent for a long moment before muttering under his breath. "But... it's such a big moment."

"It is," Landre said softly, meeting his eyes. She hated seeing him so defeated by something beyond her control. Her heart ached at his exclusion.

"I would love nothing more than to have you there," she whispered.

Vel glanced up, understanding but still visibly disappointed.

Vel straightened, shifting from dejection to a calculating curiosity that Landre couldn't read.

"But," he began, voice steady yet edged with his usual outside-the-box thinking, "what if it could be watched... from somewhere far away? Like the guard tower? Or the top of the wall?"

Everyone turned to him. Mari froze mid-stitch, needle hovering. Von tilted his head, puzzled, as if gauging Vel's sincerity.

Landre blinked at her brother, unsure of his desired answer. "Vel... the trials aren't exactly something you just 'watch' from afar," she said, her tone a mix of gentle amusement and confusion.