GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 4.1: Profiling

The dinner table held steaming plates of roasted root vegetables, their earthy aroma filling the home. The family ate quietly around the flickering lamplight, shadows dancing across the walls as an underlying tension settled over the meal.

"So, quite a day, wasn't it, dear?" Mari began, her voice strained but still carrying a hint of warmth.

Landre nodded, her gaze fixed on her plate, pushing the vegetables around with her fork.

Von grunted and took a large bite, his frown deepening as he glanced between Vel and Landre.

"Adventurers," he muttered. "They're all anyone can talk about now."

"What do you think the adventurers are like?" Landre asked, her voice barely above a whisper, curiosity breaking through her silence. "Do you think... they're strong?"

Von snorted, his frown deepening as he set his fork down with a sharp clink.

"They're adventurers," he repeated, his voice dismissive. "All flash and bravado. Probably more trouble than they're worth." He shot another quick glance at Vel and Landre, his tone tinged with irritation.

"Your father's just being grumpy," Mari chided, giving him a playful nudge with her elbow. "I'm sure they're very capable. The Chief wouldn't have brought them here otherwise."

Vel watched his father's scowl. Von's complaints weren't about the adventurers' competence—they were about being overshadowed. His father's jealousy made any assessment worthless. If Vel wanted to know what they were truly capable of, he'd need to see for himself.

Vel finished his meal and excused himself to help his mother with the dishes. As he washed, his mind raced with a plan to get closer to the adventurers, knowing their adventurer's cards held valuable information.

"Mom," Vel said, drying his hands on a rough cloth, "I was thinking... since the adventurers are here to help us, maybe we should offer them some of the leftover food? It's the least we can do to thank them."

Mari's face lit up with a warm smile. "That's a wonderful idea, dear!" she said. "I'm sure they'd appreciate a hot meal after their travels." She began gathering the remaining food and some water skins. "You can take this to them. Just be polite and don't bother them too much. They're probably tired."

"Perfect," Vel thought. This was exactly the opportunity he needed.

He took the basket from his mother and headed out into the cool evening air. The village square was still bustling, though the crowd had thinned somewhat. The adventurers had set up a modest camp near the center, a few bedrolls and packs scattered around a crackling fire.

As he approached, he could hear their conversation.

"So first portal huh, you two silver should watch yourself!" Honka's voice carried across the square, loud and commanding.

"It would be quite the experience to witness the portal first hand." Bestiel's eyes lit up as he adjusted his position by the fire. "I've read and heard so much about them, after all."

Vel slowed his approach, careful not to interrupt their conversation. The basket of food weighed in his hands as he lingered at the edge of their firelight.

Mora sat cross-legged on a bedroll, her fingers working methodically over her hand crossbow. "As long as we stick to the plan, there's nothing to worry about." She pulled a cloth through the mechanism. "Think before we act, and it shouldn't be a problem."