GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 13: New Instance

A heavy silence fell around them. Vel felt a pang of sympathy for Celia; he knew how hard she had trained and how much she wanted to succeed.

Von stepped forward, unable to hide his happiness for Vel any longer. "I'm proud of you, son," he said, his voice warm and encouraging.

But then something flickered in Von's eyes—a memory perhaps—causing the smile to pull back slightly as reality sank in.

Celia's disappointment was palpable; Vel could see her hands trembling as she fought against her emotions. She turned away slightly, unwilling to let them see her face.

"But," Graham said, cutting through the tension with an unexpected note of encouragement, "Celia has shown potential." He paused before adding, "You need to continue on this path. Every fighter faces setback."

Celia's head snapped up at those words, hope flickering momentarily in her eyes before Graham continued.

"You see," he said with a hint of seriousness that drew everyone's attention again. "I was the one who assigned Clara the quest to close the portal near Oakhaven." His voice softened slightly as he mentioned Clara's name. "Now that the portal is closed—and she's...nowhere to be found "

Vel's stomach twisted at the mention of Clara; he felt a rush of guilt wash over him.

"So..." Graham declared with fresh determination, "I remain in Clara's debt." His eyes drifted back to Celia. "Should you choose to pursue your studies at the academy, you'll have the full backing of myself and the guild. Think of it as our thanks for what she accomplished."

Vel watched as Celia's expression shifted, hope igniting in her eyes. Her shoulders squared, a spark of determination illuminating her features. The weight of Graham's words hung in the air, filling the space between them with possibility.

He stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You did great out there, Celia. You've got what it takes," he said, warmth spilling into his voice.

Celia turned to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I want to get stronger, Vel. I want to fight beside you at the Academy." Her voice trembled slightly, but beneath that uncertainty lay an unyielding resolve. "And Clara... she always believed in me."

Vel nodded, feeling the weight of their shared dreams pressing down on them both. Clara's absence was a shadow that lingered, but in that moment, he felt as if they could carry her spirit with them.

A brief silence enveloped them as emotions swirled in Celia's gaze—fear, hope, and an unshakeable belief in what they could achieve together.

Lady Halen broke the moment with her authoritative tone cutting through the tension. "Well then," she began, her eyes surveying both Vel and Celia thoughtfully. "We will close our deal today."

Vel's heart raced at her words; this was the opportunity he had yearned for.

Halen continued, "For years from now, Vel will have my scholarship to the Academy." She fixed him with a firm look that made him feel both proud and apprehensive. "But don't you dare change your mind by then."

Vel exchanged glances with Celia; they both understood the significance of this moment. It was more than just an opportunity—it was their chance to forge their paths together amid the chaos that had defined their lives.

He squeezed Celia's shoulder gently, silently assuring her that they would navigate whatever challenges lay ahead side by side.

Lady Halen's presence loomed larger than life as she looked between them once more. The stakes felt high; Vel could sense destiny pulling them forward into something greater than themselves.