GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.1: Binding

A shrill wail pierced the thin walls, shattering the night's peace. Vel groaned, dragging a pillow over his face as the faint moonlight bathed his room.

"Again... Lyra?" he muttered, voice muffled.

He tossed the pillow aside, sitting up with a sigh. The baby's room was just down the narrow hallway—previously Landre's room, but she barely stayed here anymore. Saint duties had whisked her away, first to Lona, then all over Iz'mir. Vel couldn't remember the last time she'd stayed for more than a week.

The crying continued, relentless. Vel ruffled his hair in frustration. Lack of sleep had turned his thoughts sluggish, his annoyance growing as he wondered how his parents—at their age—could muster the energy for another child two years ago. Having a toddler for a sibling was so far removed from anything in his past life.

His feet met the cool wooden floor as he shuffled to the door. Stepping into the hallway, he saw dim light escaping through the crack of Lyra's door. It creaked slightly as he pushed it open.

There she was—tiny fists flailing, face scrunched, and flushed cheeks as she kicked in her crib. Vel approached cautiously, feeling out of his depth as her cries grew louder.

"Alright, little monster," he huffed, leaning over the crib. "What's the matter now? Hungry? Lost your favorite blanket? Or just out to ruin my sleep?"

Nothing but wailing in response. Not that he expected an answer.

Vel awkwardly lifted her, with less finesse than he would a sword. Lyra squirmed, her little hands grabbing at his tunic, tears still rolling down her face.

"There, there..." he murmured, rocking her with as much effort as he could muster through his fatigue.

With time—and no small effort—her cries softened to sniffles, then hiccups, until finally her tiny head rested against his shoulder. Vel let out a small laugh.

"You're lucky I'm leaving soon," he whispered, continuing his slow circuit around the room. "Otherwise, you'd have to deal with your big brother's wrath, little one."

Vel looked down at Lyra, her tiny face relaxing against his shoulder. Four years gone by so fast... He had once been a carefree child, lost in the joy of simple things, but now the weight of responsibility began to creep in, much like Giri's past life. The slow march into adulthood all over again.

He shifted Lyra against his shoulder, her soft breath warming his neck. He paced the room gently, listening to the soft sounds of night.

In the past four years, he had taken every opportunity to prepare himself. He practiced his magic daily, expanding his mana pool until it brimmed with energy. He even unlocked a sword art skill, one he dared not reveal to anyone—especially not Celia.

"I can't let her think it's easy for me," he mused. "She's working so hard to improve. I don't want to discourage her."

His special privileges from the Admin status blurred the lines of fairness in this world. The ease with which he learned and acquired skills still baffled him. Why he retained this power was a mystery, yet he often found himself grateful for it.

As he settled deeper into thought, an intrusive notion wormed its way into his mind. If only he could cast a sleep spell, one simple incantation to lull Lyra into a peaceful slumber.

His gaze wandered to the crib, the way Lyra's tiny fists clenched and relaxed, each movement instinctive yet so frustratingly uncoordinated.

"How hard could it be?" he wondered. "Just a little sleep spell... but no, that wouldn't be right. She needs to learn how to soothe herself naturally."