GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 16.1: Breakpoint Behemoth

The scene reminded him of another person who had made the same sacrifice—someone who had given everything to save him and Oakhaven. No. He would not let it happen again. He had been powerless back then, but now he could still do something.

Without hesitation, Vel grabbed a sword from a fallen guard and rushed forward to join her. If only those with combat experience stayed to fight, fewer lives would be needlessly lost.

Mora descended from her vantage point, crossbow at the ready, taking position beside him. Celia circled around, her rapier gleaming as she joined their makeshift line of defense.

They stood together—a four-person party facing the darkness-shrouded behemoth.

Strangely, the creature didn't immediately attack. It stood motionless, its glowing eyes sweeping over them one by one, as if truly seeing them—assessing them. Not as prey, but as worthy opponents.

Vel's thoughts churned as he assessed their small party. Four against a Voidtainted behemoth in its second phase—the odds couldn't be worse. They needed a proper formation, but who could serve as the frontline?

The sergeant stood ready, her sword raised defiantly, but Vel could see the slight tremble in her stance. She was brave, certainly, but nowhere near Clara or Honka's level of combat expertise. She wouldn't last more than a few seconds against the behemoth's enhanced attacks.

His eyes darted to Celia. No—absolutely not. Though skilled with her rapier, her fighting style relied on speed and precision, not absorbing damage. One direct hit from those massive tusks would end her.

Mora was clearly a ranged fighter, her crossbow their best chance at dealing consistent damage from a distance.

Which left...

"I'll take point," Vel announced, stepping forward before doubt could take root. "Everyone, keep your distance. Don't engage directly—look for openings when it focuses on me."

"Are you insane?" Celia hissed. "That thing will tear you apart!"

The sergeant gave him a skeptical look. "Boy, you're no frontline fighter."

But Vel's mind was made up. If things went catastrophically wrong, his Admin status might activate again. The slumber mode, though painful, had saved him before. Better him than anyone else—he had safeguards they didn't.

"Trust me," he said firmly, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "I know what I'm doing."

Before they could argue further, Vel raised his palm to his face, drawing on one of the few defensive spells he'd learned.

"Sanctus Lumire Aeghis," he intoned, feeling the warm rush of light magic flow through him.

A faint golden shimmer enveloped his body—Landre's spell, the Light Blessing. It wouldn't stop physical damage, but against a creature now imbued with dark energy, it offered crucial protection.

Thank you, Lan-neechan, he thought, drawing strength from the memory of his sister's teachings.

Vel wasn't just a mage—Von had trained him well with a sword. He could hold his own, at least long enough for the others to find an opening. With the Light Blessing active, he stood a chance against this darkness-infused monster.

"Stay back!" he called over his shoulder, gripping the borrowed sword tightly. "Wait for the opening!"

Drawing a deep breath, Vel charged forward directly toward the behemoth, sword held high to draw its attention. The creature's glowing eyes locked onto him immediately, exactly as he'd hoped.