GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 16.2: Breakpoint Behemoth

They had done it.

Vel's legs trembled as adrenaline faded. His fingers slipped from the borrowed sword, which clattered to the ground beside the massive carcass. The world tilted, and he stumbled back, landing unceremoniously on his rear.

"Vel!" Celia's voice pierced through the fog of fatigue as she sprinted toward him, her rapier already sheathed.

She dropped to her knees beside him, eyes frantically scanning for wounds. "Are you hurt? Those dark projectiles—they hit you directly."

"I'm fine," Vel managed, though his body disagreed. Every muscle screamed in protest, and the places where the behemoth's projectiles had struck throbbed painfully. "Just... tired."

Mora jogged over, her expression a mixture of concern and amazement. Behind her, the sergeant followed at a brisk pace, still clutching her sword.

"A swordmage."

Mora's eyes widened with recognition. Her professional instincts kicked in, cataloging every detail of what she'd just witnessed.

"I thought they were just guild rumor."

"Spellcasting while maintaining close combat positioning, seamless elemental integration with blade work..."

Her head shook slowly.

"I've heard stories from the old-timers, but I never thought I'd actually see someone attempt such an ambitious combination."

Her gaze sharpened, calculating.

"No wonder Lady Halen gave you special treatment. If you can actually master that..."

The sergeant knelt on his other side, her experienced eyes assessing him with newfound respect. "Who are you, young man?" she asked directly. "You were able to cast magic, to heal, and to fight up close like that. Those aren't skills most people possess, let alone use together."

Vel let himself collapse fully backwards, his back meeting the cool ground. He stared up at the dark sky above, taking comfort in the vastness of the stars as his breathing gradually steadied.

"Velarian Novalance," he replied simply, too exhausted for pretense or embellishment.

Celia settled beside him, a proud smile spreading across her face. She'd known about Vel's potential, his unique ability to wield both magic and sword, but this was the first time she'd actually seen him fight with everything he had.

Around them, soldiers gathered, their voices rising in near-celebration. Some carried bandages and medical supplies, tending to the few who'd sustained injuries. Others approached the fallen behemoth cautiously, as if still not quite believing their victory.

As the commotion continued around him, Vel's mind drifted back to the battle, analyzing each movement and decision. It was an old habit from his previous life—the post-mortem breakdown after overcoming a challenge. He'd done this countless times after releasing game updates, defeating difficult bosses, or even losing PvP matches.

Should I have used Light Javelin earlier? he wondered, replaying the moment when the behemoth had revealed its dark element attacks. The light-based spell would have been effective against the void corruption, but timing was everything in battle.

If I'd cast it sooner, before we weakened it enough... Vel frowned at the thought. A premature light attack might have enraged the creature rather than subduing it. Whoever stood in the front line—likely Celia with her quick movements—would have borne the brunt of that rage.