GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 13: New Instance

Everything he had...

The thought stuck like honey to his mind. His best weapon wasn't the wooden sword in his trembling hands. It wasn't his speed or his strength or even his practiced combinations. His true strength lay in his mind - the one area where Graham couldn't possibly know what he faced.

If pure logic had failed him, perhaps it was time to embrace the next best thing.

Graham's practice sword whistled through the air in what was clearly meant to be the finishing blow.

Vel blocked the attack from Graham with a grin, the sudden shift in his expression catching the seasoned warrior off guard. For a fleeting moment, surprise flickered in Graham's eyes as Vel pushed back against the force of the strike.

With a quick step back, Vel created distance between them, his heart racing with adrenaline.

If it's not now, then it's never. The thought surged through him, igniting his resolve. He couldn't hide anymore; this was his moment to prove himself.

Vel charged forward, determination fueling his movements as he gripped the sword tightly in one hand. With his other arm extended toward Graham's leg, he summoned the magic swirling within him—a manifestation of pure intent.

A soft glow began to emanate from his outstretched hand, radiating warmth as the magic took shape. The energy coursed through him, awakening a sense of power that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Graham's brow furrowed as he sensed the shift in Vel's stance, but before he could react, Vel unleashed a spell—a flicker of light spiraling forth like an arrow aimed directly at its target.

"What—" Graham started to say, but Vel's charge cut through any uncertainty.

The Light Arrow spell burst forth, its radiance cutting through the air with precision. Vel had spent last hours perfecting this variant, combining the penetrating force of Ice Lance with Light's amplifying properties. While it wouldn't seriously harm Graham, the impact would certainly leave a mark.

Graham twisted away from the spell's path, but the arrow of light grazed his leg. His eyes widened in recognition—this was no ordinary combat move.

Vel pressed his advantage, charging in with his wooden sword raised. The moment Graham shifted his weight to counter, Vel sprang backward, his lips already forming the words of another incantation.

"Luxetahn Solis!"

Another arrow manifested, forcing Graham to dodge once more. Vel maintained this rhythm—strike, retreat, cast—never allowing Graham time to process or adapt to this unconventional strategy. Each spell kept the warrior at bay, while quick sword strikes prevented him from closing the distance.

Sweat beaded on Vel's forehead as he danced between blade and magic. The drain on his mana felt significant, but manageable. He couldn't afford to slow down now.

Through the intensity of combat, Vel caught glimpses of the spectators. Von's face had transformed into an expression of pure astonishment, his usual stern demeanor completely shattered. Even Lady Halen stood rigid, her composed façade cracking as she watched magic weave between sword strikes.

But Vel couldn't dwell on their reactions. Graham was already adjusting to his pattern, those experienced eyes tracking every movement with growing understanding. Vel had to keep pushing, had to maintain this delicate balance of sword and spell before Graham found a way to counter it.

Vel felt the strain of mana depleting within him, the exhilaration of casting magic now tinged with urgency. He needed to end this duel, and quickly. Graham's movements became increasingly fluid, a testament to his experience as he dodged and parried each of Vel's magical strikes.