GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 12.2: Thread Execution

Von led them out through a side door into a garden path. Smooth stone pavers stretched before them, winding between carefully maintained hedges. The nearby buildings cast long shadows across an open courtyard ahead, creating a natural arena sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun.

Vel's heart skipped when he spotted the two figures waiting there. Lady Halen stood with perfect posture, her silver hair catching what little sunlight filtered through. The frilled black headband she wore looked more like a crown in this setting. Beside her was Graham, the Guild's Vice Headmaster, his presence adding another layer of formality to the moment.

"Remember your manners," Von whispered as they approached the pair.

Vel felt a rush of adrenaline as Lady Halen's gaze shifted to Graham, signaling him to take charge. The atmosphere thickened with anticipation.

Graham stepped forward, his demeanor both authoritative and encouraging. "Welcome, Vel and Celia," he began, his voice resonating with confidence. "You've been given an exceptional opportunity today."

Vel's heart raced at the word "opportunity." He exchanged a glance with Celia, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.

"If you both pass this test, you'll be eligible for a scholarship from Lady Halen herself," Graham continued, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Celia gasped softly beside him. Vel's stomach flipped at the thought of competing for such an honor.

"The test is straightforward," Graham explained, gesturing toward the open area behind him. "You'll each face me in combat. I'll evaluate your abilities and determine if you're ready for the Academy."

Vel's mind raced. A fight? Against Graham? He felt a wave of nervousness wash over him but also a flicker of determination igniting within.

Graham nodded, acknowledging her apprehension. "That's what this test is for. To see where you stand and how much potential you have."

Vel swallowed hard, trying to push down his doubts. He had trained with Celia; they had practiced sparring sessions and tactics—but this was different. This was real.

"Are you both ready?" Graham asked, tilting his head slightly as he regarded them both with intensity.

Vel took a deep breath, nodding slowly despite the churning in his stomach.

Celia straightened up beside him, determination shining in her eyes. "I'm ready," she declared firmly.

Graham stepped back to create space between them and assumed a relaxed stance that belied his readiness for action.

"Good," he said evenly. "Remember to focus on your training and let instinct guide you."

Graham strode toward a weapons rack positioned against the courtyard wall. The afternoon sun glinted off polished wood and metal, highlighting an impressive array of training weapons. Vel's eyes followed Graham's movements as the Vice Headmaster selected a practice sword, testing its weight with practiced ease.

The blade caught the light as Graham gave it an experimental swing. Even from this distance, Vel could tell it was perfectly balanced - the kind of quality weapon they'd never had access to during their practice sessions.

"So, who wants to go first?" Graham's question hung in the air between them.

Vel glanced at Celia, catching her eye. Neither spoke, the weight of the moment holding them in place. Their usual eagerness to jump into training seemed to have evaporated in the face of this formal test.