GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 23.2: Thread Escalation

"Oh, look, we should have arrived sooner to watch the circus," Thornwood called out. Several students around him chuckled, while others exchanged knowing glances.

Vel ignored the interruption, turning back to Lyvenna. "For this, I might need to research the academy's library, to find anything ever mentioned regarding this element. Historical texts, forgotten spellbooks—anything that might reference Chaos as a recognized force."

Lyvenna gave him a quick nod, her voice dropping to ensure only their small group could hear. "A fascinating theory, Mr. Novalance. Perhaps we should continue this discussion after hours."

Vel watched as Lyvenna's demeanor shifted instantly from engaged mentor to professional instructor. Her shoulders straightened as she turned toward the approaching groups.

"It seems our private session is about to become more crowded," she said quietly to their group. "Remember what we discussed. Practice with purpose."

Instructor Caldwen led his group onto the training yard. Behind him followed students with standard attunement patches—Celia among them, Vel noted with satisfaction. Several other instructors followed with their respective classes, filling the once-peaceful space with chatter and movement.

"Lyvenna," Caldwen called, his voice carrying across the grounds, "continuing the tradition of early morning remedial lessons, I see."

Something in his tone made Vel's skin prickle. Caldwen emphasized "remedial" just enough to sting, though his face remained neutral.

Lyvenna's expression didn't change, though Vel noticed her fingers flex slightly at her sides. "Good morning, Caldwen. Yes, we're making excellent progress."

She turned back to her small group, her voice steady despite the disruption. "For now, let's return to our basic practical spell. I doubt we'll have much peace, but try to focus despite the distractions."

One of the other instructors, a broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard, stepped closer. "Lyvenna, would you mind moving your group to the side a bit? We need space for our practical demonstrations."

Though phrased as a request, his tone made it clear it was an expectation. The elite group apparently took priority over the "unstable" students.

"But we were here first," Tomas muttered, just loud enough for their small circle to hear.

Vel caught the frustration in his classmate's voice, a sentiment clearly shared by the others as they exchanged glances. Enya's hand tightened around her focus crystal while Rohen's jaw clenched visibly.

Vel shook his head slightly. This wasn't a battle worth fighting—not now, at least. There would be time to prove themselves later, when they had more than theories to show.

Lyvenna maintained her composure, though Vel noticed the slight tightening around her eyes. "Of course, Instructor Hust. We'll adjust our formation."

She gestured for her students to move toward the edge of their practice area, deliberately placing herself between them and the elite class.

"Continue with your elemental manifestation exercises," Lyvenna instructed them, her voice deliberately level. "Focus on maintaining stability. Hold the spell as long as possible."

The unstable students formed their revised circle, attempting to concentrate on their spellcasting despite the distractions.

Meanwhile, the other classes spread across the larger portion of the practice area in precise formations. Their spellcasting was notably more dramatic—elemental displays that were brighter, louder, and far more consistent than the unstable group's efforts.