GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 31.3: Perturbation Vector

Light magic flared above the battlefield, forming the names in glowing script as they faced one another. "The first match will be... Team Halcroft versus Team Valenne!"

The crowd roared as the competitors stepped into the arena.

"From the eastern entrance!" Janos's voice rang out across the arena.

"Marcus Valenne with the sword! Jana Farlight with daggers! And Merin Deyra casting water!" Janos announced, his arm sweeping toward the eastern entrance as each name echoed across the arena.

"Wait. Isn't that your classmate, Celia?" Tomas leaned forward, pointing.

Familiar faces from Celia's past training days. Now, for the first time, she would watch them fight as competitors from the stands.

"And from the western entrance!" Janos continued, his tone rising with theatrical flair.

"Eldon Traft with the sword! Sylwen Wyvell with the bow! And Renn Halcroft casting fire!" His words carried across the arena, each name greeted with cheers from different sections of the crowd.

The two teams now stood revealed on opposite sides of the arena, the crowd buzzing in anticipation for the match to begin.

"Look at that," Vel murmured. "Everyone's learned to balance their teams. Each side has a sword user."

The student carried twin blades, Jana, each shorter than a standard sword but longer than typical throwing knives. They spun the weapons with ease, the metal catching the light as they moved into position.

Vel leaned a little closer. "You're quiet, Celia. Something on your mind?"

Her gaze never left the arena. "Just thinking... it could've been me down there. Replacing Marcus, maybe Jana."

Beside them, Hileya leaned forward, eyes drawn to the dagger user.

Vel offered her a small smile. "Good chance for you to learn too, Hileya." He tapped the empty seat at his side. "Want to come closer?"

Celia's sharp glance made him rethink the invitation. Sweat prickled at his neck.

Hileya only shook her head. "I can see just fine from here, young master."

Tomas shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the tension hanging between them.

Vel cleared his throat and forced his focus back to the arena.

On the left, their formation looked steady and balanced: a sword user holding the line, a caster guarded in the rear, and a bow ready at mid‑range to cover both.

On the right, Celia's classmates arranged themselves with sharper intent. Their sword user who appeared lighter and more mobile than their opponent; one daggers wielder who kept shifting position unpredictably; and one caster who seemed to be preparing a spell even before the match began.

Multiple horns from every angle of the arena blared in unison, as if the players had been waiting for the cue. One blast seemed to come from high above and directly behind Vel's back.

"BEGIN!"

As the match began, the two sword users exploded into action. They charged straight toward each other, meeting in the center with a clash that sent sand spraying around their feet.