GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 22.2 - Class Constructor

[Celia's uniform concept art]

"You think so?" She drew her rapier in one fluid motion, the blade gleamed the morning light. "They call it the duelist variant."

She executed a quick series of thrusts, her movements precise and controlled. The asymmetrical design clearly allowed for greater mobility—particularly for her dominant arm.

"I couldn't believe they had specialized versions! The Academy really does think of everything." She sheathed her weapon with practiced ease. "But yours looks good too, even with that... interesting patch."

Her eyes fixed on the emblem marking Vel as an unstable attunement student. There was a hint of concern in her expression, but she masked it quickly behind another smile.

Vel straightened his jacket, meeting her gaze directly. "Different patches for different classifications."

Celia stepped closer, reaching out to touch the cloud emblem with her fingertips. "It's one thing to separate us into different classes, but to mark us like this... It's not fair. They're judging you before they've even given you a chance."

Her fierce loyalty made him smile, but he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Celia. Remember what Instructor Lyvenna said—I could have transferred to the standard classes if I wanted to."

"Then why didn't you?" Celia's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Because I think there's something more to these 'unstable attunements' than the Academy realizes," he said carefully. "And I won't discover what that is by joining the standard classes."

Celia studied him for a moment, her head tilted slightly. "You have a theory, don't you?"

Vel grinned. She knew him too well. "Perhaps."

"And you're not going to tell me what it is," she concluded with a dramatic sigh.

"Not until I'm more certain," Vel admitted.

"I hate that we'll be in different classes," Celia finally said, her voice quieter than usual. "After everything we've been through together, it feels wrong to be split up now."

"We'll still see each other," Vel reassured her. "Different classes doesn't mean we can't spend time together outside of lessons."

Behind them, Hileya quietly busied herself with straightening the already-immaculate bedspread, giving them the illusion of privacy while remaining at her post.

"I know, but..." Celia's hand moved unconsciously to her own shoulder emblem. "I'm worried about how others will treat you."

Her eyes flashed with protective fire as she added, "If anyone says a word against you because of that patch, they'll have me to deal with."

Vel laughed. "I don't doubt it for a second. Poor Lysithea Fairwind already learned that lesson."

Celia winced slightly at the reminder of her confrontation with the noble girl. "That was different. She insulted the orphanage."

Vel watched as she straightened, squaring her shoulders beneath her asymmetrical mantle. The uniform transformation was remarkable—gone was the uncertain orphan girl, replaced by someone who looked like she belonged in the Academy's hallowed halls.

Celia smiled, her hand resting on the rapier's hilt with natural confidence. The weapon seemed to belong there, an extension of her rather than a mere accessory.

"Tomorrow, then," she said, almost to herself. "Everything really begins."

The gravity of those words settled over Vel. Indeed, tomorrow would mark the true beginning of their Academy journey—a path that would lead them through knowledge, challenge, and quite possibly danger. But standing there with Celia, both dressed in their new uniforms despite their different emblems, Vel felt ready to face whatever came next.

"Tomorrow," he echoed in agreement.