GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 31.2: Perturbation Vector

Landre stood by the inn window. Karth's scenery reminded her of Elnor—the same view she'd had from her own room. But memories of home felt distant after what they'd witnessed.

"Another village gone," Landre spoke quietly.

"There was nothing we could have done," Imelda responded, while reviewing her notes. She continued, "From what we gathered, something from the mine had slowly been infecting the villagers, until that day, they all turned overnight."

They could hear Sarvin's movement right outside the closed door, guarding. Vigilant—a constant reminder of the danger they faced.

"What should we do?" Imelda asked, looking up from her parchment.

Landre walked away from the window and sat on the inn's bed. The mattress creaked beneath her weight. Her shoulders felt heavy with responsibility, with the knowledge of what they'd seen.

"We should report to the nearby church today, asking for help and return to Snowhaven as soon as possible."

"I shall bring the report right away. Sarvin will stay here as usual," Imelda nodded, gathering her materials.

They heard Sarvin's muffled voice from outside the room, he seemed to be asking someone.

"—Whose is it from?"

"A messenger has arrived, carrying a sealed letter. It's from Lona," someone's voice said. "For Saint's eyes only."

Sarvin opened the door with a letter in his hand and entered the room.

He handed over the letter with a small bow. After closing the door, Landre examined the sealed parchment, noticing an unfamiliar insignia pressed into the wax.

"Eliander's house?" Landre murmured, tracing the emblem with her fingertip.

"High Priest Eliander from Morya's sect?" Imelda leaned closer, peering at the seal with narrowed eyes. "Why would they—"

Landre broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, her eyes immediately drawn to the first line. Her breath caught in her throat.

Lan-neechan. I wish I could give you this message in person, but I hope this letter finds you in safety.

Only one person called her that. Vel. Her little brother's handwriting stared back at her, bringing both comfort and concern. How had he known where to find her? And why was he using the Eliander house seal?

I was curious about your assignment regarding the 'strange illness' from the north village. Couldn't help but hear some rumors. It seems that my sister has gotten into another problem bigger than herself.

Landre's fingers tightened around the edges of the parchment. Typical Vel, always worrying about her when she should be the one protecting him. But something in his tone made her heart beat faster—he knew something.

As much as I want to write about many things, I don't want to make the letter too long.

Alukah is the name of the creature. A mythical creature that has only been mentioned in Jules's ancient texts.

Landre felt her blood run cold. The name resonated within her like a distant bell, something she should recognize but couldn't quite place. Jules's ancient texts—those were rare scriptures, accessible only to the highest church scholars. How could Vel possibly know about them?