GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 13: New Instance

The arena buzzed around them with whispers and excitement as spectators began to digest the implications of this agreement. A new chapter awaited both of them—one filled with promise and potential—and Vel felt an undeniable thrill surging through him at what lay ahead.

Vel sat at the dining table, watching Mari bustle around their small kitchen with renewed energy. The aroma of her cooking filled their home, making his stomach growl in anticipation. The weight of hiding his abilities had lifted, leaving him feeling lighter than he had in weeks.

"I still can't believe you've been practicing magic all this time," Mari said, stirring a pot of soup. Her voice carried a mix of wonder and concern. "You should have told us sooner."

Landre, setting plates on the table, gave him a knowing look. "I had my suspicions. Ever since that incident."

"You knew?" Vel asked, surprised by his sister's perception.

"Not exactly," Landre replied, adjusting her initiate robes. "But I felt something different about your presence after... that night at the Ossuary."

Celia sat beside Vel, her eyes bright with excitement. "Now I understand why you were always so confident about the Academy."

Mari brought over a steaming dish of roasted vegetables and meat. "Well, what matters is that we know now. Though I wish you hadn't kept it secret for so long."

"Sorry, Mom," Vel said, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I wasn't sure how to explain it."

"At least we can properly celebrate now," Landre said, her smile genuine. "Both our achievements - your scholarship and my consecration."

Mari nodded in agreement, finally sitting down with them. "And Celia's opportunity too. It feels right having you here with us."

Celia blushed slightly at the inclusion. "Thank you for having me."

"What about me?" Von crossed his arms, feigning hurt. "Am I not worthy of celebration too? I did negotiate that scholarship after all."

Vel couldn't help but grin at his father's theatrical display. The warmth of seeing his family whole and together, sharing a meal and light conversation, filled his chest with contentment.

"Of course, Dad," Landre said, pulling out the chair next to her. "We saved you the best portion."

"Oh? Now that's what I like to hear." Von's frown melted into a smile as he settled into his seat. "Though I must say, finding out my son's been practicing magic behind my back..." He gave Vel a pointed look, though his eyes sparkled with amusement rather than reproach.

"Sorry," Vel ducked his head, though he knew his father wasn't truly upset. "I wanted to make sure I could control it first."

"Hmph. Well, at least now I know why you've been sneaking off to 'practice sword forms' so often." Von reached for the bread. "Next time, just tell your old man. I may not know magic, but I know a thing or two about discipline and training."

The warmth of family and acceptance wrapped around them as they shared the meal, talking and laughing freely about their future at the Academy. For the first time since arriving in this world, Vel felt truly at home, no longer carrying the burden of his secret.

Vel gazed at his family around the table, their voices fading into background as his mind drifted to that first moment - waking up confused in a child's body, in a world he'd created but barely recognized. The fear, the uncertainty of those early days in Oakhaven felt distant now, like a half-remembered dream.