GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 35.1: Solution

Vel pushed open the door to his quarters and immediately threw himself onto the bed. The mattress accepted his weight with a soft thump, and he lay there staring at the ceiling's ornate patterns.

Images from the match flickered through his mind. He exhaled.

Too early to sleep. Evening light still filled the window.

He turned his head.

Hileya stood near the doorway, hands folded in front of her. She'd been waiting quietly, as always—attentive but relaxed, not hovering.

"Hileya. Are you free tomorrow?"

Hileya smiled, the question itself amusing.

"Of course, young master. My work is for you."

"Right. Silly me." Sometimes he forgot what their arrangement actually meant.

Vel sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Let's go meet Nema tomorrow."

Hileya's expression brightened slightly, though she kept her composure. "I'll prepare everything we might need."

"Are you going to settle for the day, master?"

Vel paused, considering. His body was tired, but his mind still buzzed with too many thoughts to rest properly.

"Hm... actually, I'll go to Celia's wing."

Hileya tilted her head sideways, her silver braids shifting with the movement. She said nothing, but something in her eyes suggested curiosity.

"I need to see her roommate. Konomi."

"Shall I accompany you?"

"No need. Stay here and rest." Vel stood and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his back from sitting through so many matches. "You've been running around all day gathering information. You deserve a break too."

Hileya bowed her head slightly, accepting his words without argument.

Vel grabbed his jacket from the chair, then paused at his desk. He picked up a piece of parchment with spell diagrams and folded it carefully before heading for the door.

---

The dormitory wing buzzed with more activity than usual as Vel made his way through the corridors. Students had gathered in clusters, discussing the tournament matches. He passed a group huddled near a window, their animated voices debating Team Atherwind's strategy.

Before the tournament, he'd been invisible. Just another student walking through the halls. Now he could feel eyes following him as he passed. Conversations would pause, heads would turn, whispers would start.

It made him uncomfortable. Vel found himself checking—did he have something on his face? Were his clothes wrinkled? Was he walking strangely? The constant awareness of being watched made every step feel deliberate.

Vel climbed the stairs to the west wing where Celia's room was located. The hallway stretched before him, doors lining both sides. He found the familiar number and knocked, his notes clutched in one hand.

After a moment, the door opened and Konomi peered out, her blue hair loosely tied back.

"Oh, Vel," she said. "Celia's right here if you're looking for her."