GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 20.1: Inheritance

"Celia!" he called out.

She turned back, eyebrows raised.

"Remember, power isn't everything," Vel said, catching up to her. "Strategy is just a bigger sparring lesson, with more elements to consider."

Celia's expression shifted, understanding dawning in her eyes. She nodded with determination. "Got it. Thanks, Vel."

"Good luck," he said, watching her continue toward her group.

Tomas appeared beside him, shoulders tense with worry. "I've been dreading this one. The academy always adds something new to the test every cycle."

"What do you mean?" Vel asked, falling into step as they headed toward their designated area.

"Last cycle was field war games, in small groups," Tomas explained, gesturing around them. "Yet... we're here inside a building hall."

"Well, that's strategy for you," Vel remarked. "You never know what your enemies are planning."

Instructors led them through tall doors into another large hall. The space was similar to where they'd taken their knowledge assessment, but instead of desks and quills, stone tables arranged in neat rows dominated the floor.

"Whoa," Tomas breathed, stopping in his tracks.

Each table glowed with magical light, projecting miniature landscapes that seemed almost alive. Tiny trees swayed in an invisible breeze, water flowed through miniature rivers, and small hills cast shadows that shifted as if under a real sun.

"Are those... tiny worlds?" Mira whispered, joining them as she stared wide-eyed at the nearest table.

"Some kind of simulation magic," Vel said, studying the intricate details. "Look, you can see individual leaves on those trees."

"This is way more advanced than anything I've seen," Tomas said, leaning closer to examine a miniature castle perched on a hilltop.

Archmagister Elyssia stood at the center of the hall, her academic robes catching the magical light emanating from the tables.

"Strategy is the final pillar of our assessment," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly through the chamber. "It encompasses not merely knowledge of tactics, but wisdom in their application. Today, you will demonstrate your strategic thinking at the War Tables."

"War Tables?" Mira repeated quietly. "That sounds intimidating."

"You will choose from three force types," Archmagister Elyssia continued. "Royal Forces, Church Forces, or Guild Adventurers. Each has distinct strengths, weaknesses, and rules that those who have studied military history should recognize."

As they were directed toward their assigned table, Vel observed the other teams. Noble-born students gravitated together, their expensive uniforms and confident postures marking them clearly. Near one table, Severin stood with two other elite students, already discussing strategy.

"Naturally, we'll command Royal Forces," one noble student declared loudly. "Superior numbers always win in large engagements."

"Typical noble thinking," Tomas muttered under his breath.

At another table, students wearing subtle Church emblems distributed themselves around their glowing surface. "The magical advantage outweighs mere numbers," one insisted to his teammates.