GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 4.1: Profiling

The real question was the portal itself. What level threat were they actually facing? He was forbidden from investigating personally - the memory of glowing Wulfang eyes and snapping jaws made him shudder. He'd have to trust the adventurers knew what they were doing.

He nodded to the adventurers, thanked them, and headed home. The village was quiet, its people tucked away for the night. Only the distant crackle of their fire and his footsteps on the dirt path broke the silence.

---

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The village was already stirring, the smell of woodsmoke and baking bread filling the air. Vel, having slept soundly despite the previous night's excitement, found his mind already racing with thoughts of the portal and the adventurers.

He sat down at the breakfast table with his family. The usual morning chatter was absent, replaced by a strange tension. Then, Vel spoke, his voice clear and determined.

"I want to learn to read."

A stunned silence fell over the table. His father's grumbling ceased abruptly, his fork clattering against his plate. His mother, Mari, blinked in surprise, her hand pausing mid-air as she reached for a loaf of bread. Landre, who had been quietly eating, looked up, astonishment written across her face.

"Learn to read?" his father finally managed, his voice laced with disbelief, but a hint of something else – pride? – flickered in his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"What on earth for?"

"That's... ambitious."

Mari simply stared at him, her brow furrowed.

"Vel, dear... you know that only those who need to read, learn to read," she said gently.

Landre, however, seemed to understand his desire. A warm smile touched her lips.

"I could help you," she offered, her voice soft but firm. "With the village closed off, I can't go out gathering herbs. I'll have more time to teach you."

Vel's face lit up.

"Really?"

Landre confirmed with a gentle gesture. "But first," she said, tapping a finger thoughtfully against the table, "we need something for you to write on. And something to write with." She paused, considering their options. "An empty book would be ideal, of course. We could also use cloth parchment, if we can find any. As a last resort, we could write on the ground, but... you might not be able to remember the lessons if they're not written down properly."

"Maybe I can ask the elder if they have any unused old books," Landre suggested. "Or..." She paused, a slight frown creasing her brow. "The chapel should definitely have some. It's just..." She trailed off, her expression becoming troubled. "They don't give out things for free without a proper cause. Those books still cost something to be brought into the village."

Then, her eyes brightened. "Or... you can use my book," she offered. "I've been using it, even though there's not much space left for practice. There are still some of my notes and..."

Vel suddenly realized what book she was talking about. It was the worn, leather-bound book she always carried with her, the one she often read from during her quiet moments of prayer. A thought struck him.

That's the book she uses when she prays... Did she copy the prayers into it?

Mari and Von exchanged amused glances, a silent understanding passing between them. As long as the children weren't venturing outside the village walls, there was no harm in letting them pursue this.

Von then hurried through the rest of his breakfast, sudden urgency in his movements.

"I have to report to the Chief and escort the adventurers to the portal today," he announced, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

A wave of worry washed over Mari's face.

"It should be fine," Von reassured her, though his own expression held a hint of concern. "If these adventurers are what they claim to be, there should be no problem." He paused, then added, "I'll be taking turns with the other guards, staying outside the portal while the four of them go inside to try and close it."

Vel's breath caught. He suddenly felt a strong urge to see the adventurers off, to witness their departure for the portal.

"Can I go with you, Father?" he asked, his voice pleading. "I want to see them go."

Von considered for a moment, his gaze softening as he looked at his son's eager face. He knew Vel was fascinated by the adventurers, and he also knew it would be a good opportunity for the boy to see what real responsibility looked like.

"Alright," he finally said, nodding slowly. "But you stay close to me. And you do exactly as I say. Understand?"