GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 24.1: Hidden Parameters

"So, it's dynamic,"

Vel squinted at the party member list hovering in his vision. The names of Celia and Hileya, present just hours ago, were gone. The system logged them out the moment they were no longer engaged in a shared activity.

Well, at least I won't be intruding on anyone's privacy this way. Still... it could be helpful. Especially now.

He glanced at the time. Hileya was late with dinner, something she had never been before. Knowing her location right now would have been reassuring.

As if summoned by his thoughts, a soft knock came at the door. Hileya entered, balancing a tray laden with steaming dishes.

"My apologies for the delay, Young Master."

"Did something happen?" Vel asked, his eyes catching the slight tremble in her hands as she set the tray down.

"No, nothing at all," she said, her voice a little too bright. She busied herself arranging the plates, her back turned to him. Vel watched her for a moment, deciding not to press the issue.

But his concern lingered. The dagger training was a start, but against the kind of threats that existed outside these walls, it felt inadequate. Magic was the true equalizer in this world. Remembering the affinities his interface had shown for her, he found his opening.

"Hileya," he began, his tone shifting. "Your dagger practice is going well, but have you ever thought about adding magic to your defense?"

She paused, her shoulders tensing. "For someone like me? I wouldn't know where to begin."

"Everyone has potential for attunement," he said gently.

"Most servants don't receive such opportunities," Hileya replied, her voice barely a whisper. "Few masters wish for their servants to be capable of defending themselves... let alone surpassing them."

"But there are exceptions, aren't there?" Vel countered softly. "I've read that in the royal houses, some servants are trained as protectors for the young nobles."

Hileya looked down at her hands, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes. "Me? Protecting Young Master? I... I don't think I would deserve such a responsibility."

"It's not about protecting me, Hileya. It's about helping yourself. Your well-being is important to me," Vel said, his voice earnest. "In a way, you've become part of the people who I could call family."

Hileya froze, her head snapping up. Her blue eyes were wide with shock, and a faint blush spread up her neck, coloring her pale cheeks. She stared at him, speechless, her posture rigid as if bracing for an impact.

Vel gave her a moment before breaking the charged silence. "I'll ask Instructor Lyvenna about it. Perhaps there's a way."

He gestured to the chair across from him. "For now, sit and eat. You can bring Celia her portion afterward."

Hileya gave a small, jerky nod and moved to the chair. She sat down, her gaze fixed on the plate before her, as if the steam rising from the food was the most fascinating thing in the world. The blush still lingered on her cheeks.

The next morning, Vel walked past the usual training grounds, ignoring the clang of practice swords. Today wasn't for sparring or spellcasting. After his conversation with Hileya, one purpose consumed him: finding answers. He needed to understand the chaos element, the primodials, the void—and the grand library was the only place to start.