GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 30.1: Dynamic Binding

Vel arrived at the training ground the next morning, feeling more purposeful than he had in days. The weight of sending his warning to Landre through Voss had lifted some of the anxiety from his shoulders. His steps were lighter, his mind clearer.

Celia jogged over with her practice sword already in hand, her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.

"You look different today," she said, studying his face. "Did something happen after you met with that Voss person yesterday?"

Vel nodded, guiding her toward a quieter corner of the training ground. He explained about the warning he'd sent to Landre through Voss about the creature threatening her mission.

"Will she be okay?" Concern flickered across Celia's face.

"Lan-neechan is stronger than she looks," Vel said, forcing confidence into his voice. "And now she'll be prepared."

He spotted Tomas arriving at the field, fumbling with his wand as usual, the focus crystal at its tip catching the morning light. Something shifted in Vel's perspective as he watched his classmate. Not just a teammate for the tournament, but someone with potential waiting to be unlocked.

"Let's get started," Vel said, gesturing for Tomas to join them. "I want to try something different today."

As Tomas approached, Vel noticed Instructor Lyvenna crossing the field toward them, a small wooden box in her hands.

"Good morning," she called. "I brought the protective charms for your practice duels." She opened the box, revealing several medallions. "They're the same ones used in official duels—they'll prevent any real harm while still allowing you to feel the impact of strikes."

Vel took one, feeling its weight—physical and magical—in his palm. "Perfect timing. Tomas, how about a one-on-one? I want to see how far you've come."

Tomas blinked in surprise. "Me? Against you?"

"Don't worry," Vel said, attaching the charm to his uniform. "I'm not trying to beat you—I'm trying to help you become stronger."

Vel circled Tomas in the practice ring, watching how the other boy held his wand. Sweat beaded on Tomas's forehead as he tried to track Vel's movements.

"When a melee fighter charges at you," Vel called out, suddenly rushing forward with his practice sword, "what's your first instinct?"

Tomas panicked, firing a hasty magma bolt that Vel easily sidestepped.

"Keep distance!" Vel instructed, halting his charge. "And control their movement. Force them to go where you want."

From the sidelines, Celia cupped her hands around her mouth. "Tomas! Watch your footwork! Smaller steps, stay balanced!"

Tomas nodded, adjusting his grip on his wand. "What brought this on? Why the sudden intense training?"

Vel didn't answer immediately, instead circling again. His mind drifted to synchronized villagers with hollow eyes, to Landre facing unknown dangers in distant mountains. "The tournament is just practice," he said finally. "The real world won't wait for us to be ready."