GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 32.5A: R & D

Vel's eyes widened as a realization struck him. "Wait, do you know how to do this Relicmaster technique?" he asked Tomas eagerly.

Tomas shook his head apologetically. "Nope. It takes specialized training at the Guild of Artifice in the eastern provinces. My father hired specialists when needed—never learned it myself."

Vel leaned back in his chair, disappointed. The conversation had led to another dead end in his search.

Konomi studied him with curious eyes. "Why the sudden interest in identification magic?"

"Well," Vel hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "I was thinking if I could identify... say, a person's properties. Can't exactly channel mana through a person, can I?"

Konomi raised an eyebrow, but before she could respond, Tomas straightened in his seat.

"Why not use the attunement artifact?" Tomas suggested, his voice brightening.

Vel paused, his mouth slightly open. How had he not thought of that? The crystal used during their entrance ceremony had revealed everyone's elemental affinities with a simple touch.

"You're a genius, Tomas," Vel exclaimed, slapping his palm against the table.

Several nearby students glanced over at the noise, but Vel paid them no mind. His thoughts raced ahead to the possibilities.

"The artifact, that's right," he continued more quietly, "the one the Academy used to identify student attunements."

It had analyzed everyone's magical properties in seconds—exactly what he needed. If he could study it, perhaps even modify its function slightly...

"Where can I get one of those?" Vel asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Konomi and Tomas exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from enthusiasm to something more hesitant.

"Not that easy," Konomi said, lowering her voice. "The artifact is... well, an artifact. It's extremely valuable."

Tomas nodded in agreement. "They keep it well-guarded when not in use. Only certain influential nobles can arrange to use them outside of official Academy functions."

"Like having a private reading before the entrance test," Konomi added, her tone suggesting this was common knowledge among those from prominent families.

Vel's excitement deflated visibly. He slumped back in his chair, a slight pout forming on his lips. So close to a solution, only to be greeted by another problem.

"I'm gonna steal it," Vel declared suddenly, his face completely serious.

Tomas nearly choked on air, his eyes widening to an almost comical degree. Konomi froze mid-page-turn, her gaze darting around to see if anyone had overheard.

"You're joking, right?" Tomas whispered urgently, leaning across the table.

Vel held his serious expression for another moment before breaking into a smile.

"Well, yes, of course I am," he replied, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm not about to risk expulsion over a magical rock, no matter how useful."

The tension visibly drained from his companions' shoulders. Konomi shook her head with a small smile, while Tomas let out a relieved sigh.

Vel tapped his fingers rhythmically against the table, his mind working through alternatives.