GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 12.1: Thread Execution

Wood cracked against wood in a steady rhythm as Vel and Celia circled each other in their usual practice spot. Sweat trickled down Vel's neck while he tracked Celia's movements, analyzing her stance for openings.

Celia lunged forward, her practice sword a blur. Vel ducked under the strike, but before he could counter, cold wood pressed against his ribs. Celia stood over him, a triumphant grin on her face.

"You're too fast for me, Celia. I can barely process what happened." Vel rubbed his side where her sword had touched.

"You are good at analytics, Vel, and even strategy that puts me in a pickle sometimes," Celia lowered her sword, wiping her brow. "But instinct is not your strong point and in real fight, it decides life and death."

They sat in silence, catching their breath. The same thought seemed to cross both their minds - their current practice routine had hit its limit. They needed something more, someone experienced to guide them. Perhaps one of the adventurers could teach them proper techniques. Without fresh perspective, they'd keep repeating the same patterns, unable to grow beyond their current abilities.

Vel traced another pattern in the dirt, his mind racing through possibilities. The adventurers who passed through Elnor had real combat experience - their movements carried weight and purpose that practice alone couldn't teach. If only...

"Maybe we could ask the adventurers passing through to teach us?" Vel voiced his thought.

Celia let out a small laugh. "They wouldn't waste time on kids like us. Most of them are busy with quests or missions."

"Yeah...," Vel nodded. His mind had already reached the same conclusion, but he wanted to hear her perspective. Sometimes talking things through revealed angles he hadn't considered.

The wind rustled through nearby trees as Vel fell silent. A deeper debate warred within him. He'd been carefully maintaining his image as a normal child, enjoying the simple rhythms of daily life. But he possessed something that could change everything - his magic.

The thought of revealing his abilities made his stomach knot. It would complicate things, draw attention he'd been avoiding. Yet the future marched forward regardless of his wishes. The Academy loomed ahead, where hiding his talents would become impossible.

Vel gripped his practice sword tighter. "Celia, I have something to tell you..."

Vel hesitated before setting down his practice sword, watching Celia's face.

"Celia, do you remember the ossuary incident?"

She frowned. "Of course I do. You scared everyone half to death." Her scolding tone was softened by concern.

Vel shifted uneasily, heart pounding. "Something happened after that. While I was unconscious that week."

"What do you mean? You've seemed fine since then."

He stepped back and raised his hand toward a tree. Energy hummed through him like electricity seeking release. His voice took on an otherworldly resonance as he spoke:

"Zetahn Feryis Crystallum."

The words echoed strangely, vibrating the air. A shimmering ice lance materialized and shot into the tree trunk with a crack. Frost spread from the impact in delicate patterns that sparkled in the sun.

Celia stumbled backward, her practice sword hanging loose. She stared at the ice, speechless.

"What... what was that?" she finally managed, eyes darting between him and the frozen spear. "Vel, how did you do that?!"