Vel and Celia approached the arena late in the afternoon, when most students had already finished their scouting. The massive structure loomed before them across the academy courtyard, its ancient stonework bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
The shadow cast by the wall alone stretched far across the academy grounds. Vel paused, taking in the imposing sight.
"It's enormous," Celia whispered beside him, her eyes wide with wonder.
Six statues were placed evenly along the wall, each representing one of the six gods, facing outward. Vel easily identified them—Shizka, Morya, Calyphe, Jules, Tir, and Ignis—the pantheon that had developed over centuries. The road leading to the arena entrance was unusually empty, still within academy grounds but devoid of the typical student bustle.
They entered through the main archway and found themselves in the seating area. The audience seats descended toward the center in a perfect bowl shape, providing clear views from every angle.
"Let's get closer to the battlefield," Vel suggested, leading Celia down the stone steps.
The battlefield itself was moderate in size, clearly designed for duels rather than large-scale battles. Not too cramped but not too expansive either. Perfect for the three-on-three matches they'd be facing.
From the audience seats, Vel noticed another set of stoneworks placed around the arena itself. Each of these structures served as both decoration and support columns, their foundations connected by a continuous stone barrier. The only way to enter the battlefield was through the designated gates.
"These stoneworks..." Vel said, his voice trailing off as he stared at them with growing unease. "There's something about them. I need a closer look."
Celia followed as Vel descended to the arena level and approached one of the stone figures. Upon closer inspection, realization dawned on him. These weren't random decorations—they were Primodials.
Not just any Primodials. The statues displayed were his Primodials in their original form, the very first designs he had created before resurrection cycles had changed their appearances.
"Vel?" Celia's voice seemed distant as he stared at the stone creature before him. "You're staring. What is it?"
Vel stared at the seven statues encircling the arena, each one capturing his attention with extraordinary detail.
A majestic phoenix with feathers so precisely carved they seemed ready to burst into flame.
A serpentine dragon coiled around one of the columns, scales meticulously etched into the stone.
A great bear with mountain-like features across its back stood proudly, as if guarding the arena itself.
His eyes moved to the thunderbird, wings spread wide as if about to unleash a storm.
Beside it, a radiant pegasus with its horn pointing skyward, its mane flowing in an invisible wind.
A shadow wolf crouched in eternal vigilance, its eyes somehow darker than the stone itself.
And finally, a chimeric beast that combined features of multiple creatures in harmonious balance.
Each figure frozen in stone, yet brought to life through masterful artistry.
Vel's heart raced as he circled the statues. Something wasn't adding up.
Vel traced his fingers along the phoenix's wing, feeling a strange connection to the stone creature. "This... makes no sense," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
YOU ARE READING
GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation
FantasyWhen renowned game developer Giri meets his untimely end, he awakens as twelve-year-old Vel in the magical realm of Aeonalus-his own creation. Five hundred years have passed since he crafted the world, and Vel finds himself in the village of Oakhave...
