GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 4.1: Profiling

"Still..." Bestiel fidgeted with the edges of his grimoire. "What if something unexpected happens? Portals are known to be unpredictable."

"Relax, you jumpy priest." Honka's laugh echoed across the square. He flexed his muscles, the flames casting deep shadows across his bare chest. "You're always like this before a mission?"

Clara, who had been silently sharpening her greatsword, finally spoke. Her voice was low and even, with a hint of steel in it. "It's wise to be cautious. We don't know what else might come through."

The others fell silent for a moment, the crackling of the fire the only sound.

"The Chief said this one's been active for a few days," Mora said, breaking the silence."That's... not good. Usually, they're contained much faster."

"Perhaps the village doesn't have the resources to deal with it themselves," Bestiel suggested. "That's why they called the Guild, after all."

"Or perhaps," Clara said, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames, "it's more unstable than they're leaving on."

Vel listened from the edge of the camp. So they weren't friends—just a Guild-assembled team. That explained their awkward interactions.

At least they have experience, Vel thought. Portals were common enough that Honka and Clara had dealt with them before—that was a good sign. But Clara's right. The fact that this portal has been active for several days is concerning. It means it's will be more difficult to contain than usual, village has been neglecting it. He needed to know more. He needed to see those cards.

He took a deep breath, clutching the basket a little tighter, and stepped forward, trying to appear as unassuming as possible.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice small but clear. "My mom sent me with some leftover food and water. She said it's a thank you for helping our village."

"Oh, how thoughtful!" Bestiel's face brightened as he jumped to his feet. "Please, come closer to the fire, young one."

Mora set aside her crossbow and made space near her bedroll. "Your mother's kindness is appreciated. The journey here was long."

Clara barely glanced up from her sword, giving only a slight nod of acknowledgment.

"Leftovers?" Honka's jovial expression soured. He crossed his massive arms across his chest. "They feed us scraps? We're risking our lives for this village, and they give us leftovers?"

"It's still warm," Vel said, letting the aroma of his mother's cooking waft from the basket. "Mom made extra portions specially for you all."

Mora shot Honka a sharp look. "Don't be rude. The village is already stretching their resources thin."

"Hmph." Honka's scowl deepened, but he didn't press the issue further.

Mora sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. She turned back to Vel, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't mind him," she said, her tone apologetic. "He's just... always hungry."

Clara's gaze shifted from Vel to Honka, a flicker of disapproval in her eyes. She then looked back at Vel, her expression still neutral. "We appreciate the thought," she said, her voice even and measured.