GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 29.1: Stack Overflow

"Save it for the tournament, Lady Fairwind," he said, his voice cool but commanding. "We nobles should demonstrate true strength instead of engaging in petty bickering. It reflects poorly on our houses."

Lysithea's smile faltered momentarily, but she quickly recovered with a small curtsy. "Of course, Lord Atherwind. How right you are."

Vel watched as Kein and Lysithea walked away, their forms perfect representations of nobility in motion. Though most wouldn't notice, Vel caught the subtle change in Kein's posture—a slight stiffness in his shoulders, a fractional increase in tension that hadn't been there before his public display.

When they disappeared around the corner, Vel turned back to Celia, whose eyes still lingered in the direction Kein had gone.

"I wasn't expecting that," Vel said quietly, breaking her concentration.

Celia blinked, refocusing on Vel. "What? Him defending me or him recruiting my nemesis?"

"Both, actually." Vel scratched his head. "Every time I think I understand Kein, he does something like this. I've stopped trying to figure out what he's planning."

"How about we find Tomas and actually practice together—you two still barely know how each other fights."

Celia nodded, her expression shifting from distracted to determined. "You're right. The tournament's not far off, and we haven't even run through basic formations yet."

They began walking toward the Academy's central building, leaving behind the whispers and stares that followed in Kein's wake.

"Do you think Kein meant what he said?" Celia asked suddenly. "About nobles demonstrating true strength?"

Vel considered this for a moment. "I think... part of him did. The Kein we knew is still in there somewhere." He paused, watching the direction Kein had gone. "But people adapt to survive. Just like we did in Elnor. Just like we're doing here."

---

Vel approached the administration office with registration form in hand, eager to finalize their tournament team, making it official. As he neared the door, raised voices from within made him pause mid-step.

"The students in my class are already assigned into perfect teams. Why did you have to come in and ruin it?" The sharp tone belonged unmistakably to Instructor Caldwen.

"From what I heard, the girl didn't even have a choice. The tournament regulations clearly state students may form teams of their choosing. I merely facilitated their request." Lyvenna's voice remained measured but firm.

Vel slowed his step and pressed himself against the wall beside the door, concealing himself behind a large ornamental vase. His heart raced as he realized they were arguing about Celia joining his team.

"If you truly cared about the students' welfare, you would deny her petition to enter your team. She has far greater chances of advancement among the regular class."

"The students know what's best for themselves," Lyvenna said. "Strange how it's not Atherwind's decision that troubles you."

"Atherwind is an elite student. How could you possibly equate him with your kind?" Caldwen's words dripped with disdain.

"My kind?!" Lyvenna's voice dropped dangerously low. "I suggest you clarify that statement, Instructor Caldwen."