GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 12.2: Thread Execution

"Dad?" Vel called out, curiosity lacing his tone.

Von paused a few paces away, catching his breath before speaking. "Vel." His voice held a firmness that cut through the lightheartedness of their training.

Vel exchanged glances with Celia. Something was different today; Von's usual gruffness felt overshadowed by an urgency in his demeanor.

"You both need to come with me," Von continued, gesturing toward the path leading back to town.

Celia tilted her head slightly, concern etched on her features. "What's going on?"

Von straightened up, a hint of hesitation flickering across his expression before he continued. "Lady Halen has arranged a test for you, Vel."

Vel's heart raced at the mention of Halen's name. A test? Today? The weight of anticipation settled heavily in his stomach as questions flooded his mind.

"What kind of test?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the growing excitement and nerves.

"A way to prove your worthiness for the scholarship at the Academy," Von explained, eyeing both of them seriously. "It's important."

Vel's mind raced with questions as they followed Von down the path. A test from Lady Halen herself? The opportunity seemed too convenient, yet his father's serious demeanor suggested this was no joke.

"Dad, why would Lady Halen-"

"Save your questions," Von cut him off with a wave. "I'll explain while we walk."

Their footsteps crunched against the dirt path as Von began to elaborate. "Lady Halen is offering a rare scholarship to the Academy. Anyone who passes her test has a chance at it."

Celia perked up beside them. "Really? Just like that?"

"It's not something that happens often," Von continued, his pace steady. "Could be years before another opportunity like this comes around. If you want any shot at the Academy, Vel, you need to pass this test."

The explanation made sense to Vel, though something about it nagged at the back of his mind. Still, a direct path to the Academy... "What kind of test are we talking about?"

Von's shoulders tensed slightly. "The kind that proves you're ready for the entrance exams. Combat skills, knowledge - everything they'd look for in a potential student."

"Combat?" Vel exchanged glances with Celia. Their recent training sessions suddenly felt inadequate compared to what might lie ahead.

"Yes, combat," Von confirmed. "They need to know you can handle yourself. The Academy isn't just about books and studying."

Vel's breath caught as they stepped through the grand entrance of Lady Halen's estate. Shifting from the blazing sun to the cool interior. Sweet floral scents wafted through the air - a mix of fresh flowers and expensive perfumes that spoke of wealth beyond anything in his experience.

His eyes darted around, taking in the polished wooden furniture and ornate decorative pieces. Potted plants lined the corridors, their leaves a vibrant green that put the wild plants outside to shame. Next to him, Celia's eyes were wide as she absorbed the luxury surrounding them.

"Keep up," Von muttered, his footsteps echoing against the marble floor.

They followed Von through a series of hallways, each turn revealing new signs of opulence that made Vel increasingly aware of his dusty training clothes. The manor's grandeur felt almost oppressive - a reminder that this wasn't a place meant for common folk like them.