I Was Reborn, But God's Wants Me Dead

With its tall stone walls covered in tapestries that recounted past triumphs, Darvin Manor's grand hall weighed heavily on history.

Kelvin Darvin, who was five years old, entered with sharp, bright eyes. Like an impending storm, the air was tense and cold. Power emanated from the three men at the head of the room, and their presence made the room feel cramped and almost oppressive.

Lord Edrik Valmore, the leader of the Crown Shield, was pictured on the left. His name carried the weight of a powerful family and the king's trust. His hawk-like, keen eyes did not miss anything. Kelvin's father, Velrik Darvin, sat tall in the middle, his grim face unreadable like a stone chiseled by years of service. Guild stood to the right. This boy, they thought, might one day outshine even Steven, the heir.

"Greetings, Lord Valmore, Guild Master Ironclad," Steven said, bowing smoothly. Kelvin copied him, though his mind raced, unsettled by the heavy mood.

Velrik's voice cut through the quiet. "Let's get to it. Yesterday's explosion killed many, but the real problem is the mana beast that escaped. Steven, what do you know?"

Steven stood straighter, though a flicker of nervousness crossed his face. "Father, this wasn't random. It started when Elriya, the half-elf maid, came to work here. She's the one who set the beast free."

Torren leaned forward, his voice rough like gravel. "So, she caused the blast to cover her tracks?"

"No, Guild Master," Steven said, shaking his head. "She had help. She didn't act alone."

Lord Edrik's sharp gaze pinned Steven. "Who caused the explosion, boy? Give me a name."

"Flank," Steven answered, his voice steady now. "An assassin, once a prisoner. He's gone, and we've lost his trail."

Edrik's eyes narrowed. "A connection, maybe? Could this half-elf have hired him?"

Velrik's brow furrowed, his fingers tapping his chair. "It's not that simple, Edrik. There's more to this; I can feel it."

Torren gave a gruff chuckle. "No need to worry, my lord. We caught that beast once before, didn't we?"

Velrik's face darkened. "That was luck, Torren. Pure luck. Without it, we'd all be dead."

Kelvin listened, his mind spinning. Elriya, the maid who always smiled at him, who snuck him extra sweets when no one was looking—part of this? It didn't make sense.

She wasn't a traitor. His small hands curled into fists, his heart thumping with certainty.

Suddenly, Steven's voice rose, full of confidence. "Father, give me ten days. I'll find Elriya and make her answer for this. I swear it."

The room went quiet. Before anyone could respond, a small but firm voice broke through, clear and sharp. "Elriya didn't do this," Kelvin said, his words cutting the tension like a knife. "She's innocent, Father. You have to believe me."

Velrik's eyes snapped to his youngest son, surprise mixed with irritation. "And how do you know this, Kelvin? Where's your proof?"Kelvin hesitated, his confidence shaking under his father's stare. "I… I don't have proof yet. But I'll find her before Steven does. I'll prove she's innocent."

The room froze. Velrik's aura surged, a wave of anger that made the air feel thick. "A five-year-old boy on a dangerous hunt?

Absurd!"

Steven smirked, his voice dripping with mockery. "Stay out of this, Kelvin. Go play with your balls."

Kelvin's eyes flashed, his small body standing taller. "I'm not a baby, Steven. I'll prove you wrong. In the name of the Darvin family, I'll find her, and you'll see I'm right."Then I will play with your balls as you wish.

Silence fell, heavy and thick. Lord Edrik's lips twitched, almost a smile, while Torren let out a booming laugh. "Big words for a little lad," the Guild Master said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Velrik, though, stayed stone-faced, his gaze locked on Kelvin. "Fine, Kelvin. You get your chance. But hear me: failure is not an option."

"Steven", Velrik's voice boomed, firm but urgent, "do you have proof that Elriya did this?"

Steven stepped forward, his silver armour shining in the faint light. His jaw was tight, his posture full of confidence. "Yes, Father. Several guards saw her. They swear she's the one who freed the Mana Beast." The council were filled with gasps.

A dangerous threat was the Mana Beast, a creature of raw, wild magic that had been imprisoned for centuries in the Forest of Elves. Its escape might cause chaos and reduce their sacred forest to ashes. Velrik's face grew stern, his trust in Steven solid. He stood, his emerald cloak brushing the floor.

"Then it's decided," Velrik said, his voice strong. "Issue the order: capture Elriya alive. But, Steven, tread carefully. The Mana Beast is a force beyond our control. If it rampages, none in the Forest of Elves will survive." He paused, his gaze softening for a moment. "May the Seven Gods guide you."

Kelvin, Velrik's younger son, stood quietly to the side, his brow creased; he didn't have Steven's bold presence, but his quick mind and kind heart made him strong in his way. He looked up at the hall's ceiling, where a bright mural showed the Seven Gods, each giving their chosen heroes a spark of divine power—gifts to heal, fight, or protect.

"Divine blessings", Kelvin thought, his mind racing. "Steven's power comes from the God of Light. He's strong, but… could Elriya have done this?"

Velrik noticed Kelvin's worried look. "Kelvin", he said sharply, "speak if you have something to say about a traitor."

Kelvin stood tall, though his heart raced. He admired Elriya, the gentle elven mage who'd served their family for nine years. She'd taught him to read stars, cast small spells, and never show betrayal. The idea of her freeing the Mana Beast felt wrong, like a story with a missing piece.

"Father, please," Kelvin said, his voice steady despite the knot in his chest. "Elriya is kind and loyal. She's served us faithfully for nearly a decade. She's never hurt anyone. Can we be sure? What if there's more to this?"

The council went quiet, eyes moving between Kelvin and Velrik. Steven's confident look faltered, his brows furrowing as he glanced at his younger brother. Velrik's serious face softened a bit, though his anger still burnt.

"Hmm," Velrik said, rubbing his chin. He valued Kelvin's thoughts, even if they clashed with Steven's certainty. "Very well, Kelvin. If you believe there's more to this, prove it. Go with Steven, find Elriya, and uncover the truth. In the name of Dravins, make me proud, my sons."

Kelvin's heart beat fast. This was his chance—not just to defend Elriya. "Father", Steven said, "I'll lead the hunt, but I'm certain Elriya is guilty. The guards' reports don't lie."

"Then let the truth speak," Velrik replied, his tone final. "Bring her back alive for the council to judge. But beware the Mana Beast. Its power is beyond our reckoning."

As the council left, Kelvin and Steven got ready to go. The Forest of Elves stretched far beyond the hall, its old trees whispering in the breeze. Somewhere out there, Elriya was hiding—or running—with a creature that could destroy their home. He didn't know what they'd find, but he was set on finding the truth.