GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 12.2: Thread Execution

Graham's voice cut through their hesitation, gentle but firm. "No need to worry. You'll both have your chance to demonstrate your abilities." He gestured toward the weapon rack. "Pick your weapon. Come on - if your goal is the Academy, hesitation shouldn't be in your book."

Vel felt Celia take a deep breath beside him. She turned to meet his gaze, and in that moment of shared understanding, they both knew. All those hours of training together, learning each other's rhythms and styles, had taught them more than just swordplay. They could read each other's intentions without words.

Celia stepped forward, her shoulders set with determination.

Vel watched intently as Celia settled into her familiar stance, her weight balanced on the balls of her feet. He recognized the posture from their countless practice sessions - she was ready to explode into action at any moment.

Graham's position, however, made Vel uneasy. The Vice Headmaster stood with one foot forward, the other back, his sword held behind him and angled downward. His cloak obscured most of the blade, making it difficult to read his intentions. The stance seemed almost casual, yet Vel sensed a deadly efficiency in how Graham carried himself.

When Graham made no move to attack, Celia took the initiative. She burst forward with the speed that had caught Vel off guard so many times during their sparring matches. Her strikes came in quick succession - each one precise and measured.

But Graham moved with an ease that made Vel's stomach sink. The Vice Headmaster barely seemed to shift as he deflected each of Celia's attacks, his movements minimal and efficient. He wasn't fighting back - just reading her, analyzing each strike as if this were nothing more than a casual observation.

"You're too predictable," Graham's words cut through the sound of clashing metal.

Vel watched in awe as Celia pressed her assault. Her wooden blade whirled through the air, targeting Graham's head with precision. The Vice Headmaster shifted slightly, deflecting the strike with minimal movement. Undeterred, Celia immediately transitioned into a side slash, her footwork fluid and precise.

Graham's blade intercepted each attack with perfect timing. The wooden weapons crashed together, sending sharp echoes across the courtyard. Despite Celia's relentless offense, Graham's defense remained impenetrable, his movements economical and controlled.

Vel recognized the sequence Celia was attempting - one they'd practiced countless times together. She feinted high, then dropped low, aiming for Graham's ribs. The Vice Headmaster didn't fall for the deception, his practice sword already in position to block before Celia's attack fully developed.

"Good combination," Graham commented, parrying another strike. "But your eyes give away your intentions."

Celia sidestepped, trying to create an opening. Her blade whistled through the air as she launched another series of attacks. The sound of wood meeting wood filled the arena, each impact punctuating her determined assault. Graham retreated a few steps, though Vel could tell it was a calculated movement rather than being forced back.

"Keep your guard up," Graham advised as he deflected another of Celia's strikes. "Your attacks are quick, but you leave yourself exposed."

Vel watched intently as Celia adjusted her stance, trying to correct her form while maintaining her assault. Her breathing was becoming more labored with each exchange.

"Your footwork is solid," Graham continued, easily avoiding a thrust aimed at his chest. "But you're telegraphing your moves. A skilled opponent will read you like an open book."