I Was Reborn, But God's Wants Me Dead

The Darwin brothers, Kelvin and Steven, led their gifted troop of eighteen soldiers towards the mysterious Forest of Elves. After days of challenging travel over rocky cliffs and winding valleys, they reached the forest's edge at dusk. With their ancient branches brimming with a viscous enchantment that made the skin tingle, the enormous trees radiated a strange light. Not because of the cold, but because of the strong magic in the air, even the toughest soldiers shuddered. The forest was full of monsters drawn to the magical energy, and the mages' dimly glowing eyes whispered about its beauty and danger.

It seemed as though the trees swamped the group as they entered the dark forest. Overhead, giant trees loomed, their gnarled branches obstructing the last of the sunlight. Strange noises reverberated: distant roars, the scurrying of unseen beings, and a faint murmur of magic. With their hands on their weapons and their eyes on every move, the soldiers moved with caution. As though the risk of the forest were merely a riddle to be solved, nine-year-old Kelvin wandered placidly while his keen eyes scanned the bushes.

Kelvin's mind was suddenly filled with a robotic, cold voice that said, "Notice: Danger." There's a pack of forest wolves coming. The familiar weight of his dagger balanced him as his hand moved to it. With hungry eyes, twelve wolves emerged from the bushes. They believed that humans were easy targets and uncommon prey in these woods.

But this team was no ordinary group. The trackers, with sharp senses, had already noticed the danger. "Wolves! Twelve, coming fast!" one shouted, voice clear and steady.

The team's leader and older brother, Steven, took prompt action. "Be ready! Front line with me, warriors! Get your long-range spells ready, mages! Stay back and prepare for healing, supporters! He broke the tension with a firm yet calm voice.

The team quickly came together. Steven was one of six warriors who formed a shield wall in front, their steel shining dimly. Five mages raised their hands behind them, chanting while magical symbols flickered. While keeping a close eye on the mages, four supports made mana potions and healing kits. Three trackers spread out, bows ready, guarding the sides. Kelvin stood slightly apart, his small body almost unnoticed, but the wolves' eyes skipped over him, as if they sensed he was dangerous.

The wolves charged, growling, claws ripping the ground. Swords swung cleanly as the warriors confronted them, shields taking the initial blows. The mages used their spells, tearing through the pack with ice shards and fire bolts, dropping eight wolves in a matter of seconds, their bodies frozen or smoking on the ground. The trackers' arrows hit two more, leaving only the pack leader—a huge wolf with black fur and clever eyes—and one other wolf.

The leader was quick, too quick. It dodged the warriors' attacks and a fireball that burnt the ground behind it. It leapt quickly and tore Steven's leather armour as it clawed at his back. With a moan, Steven fell to one knee, his ripped cloak smeared with blood. He tightened his grip on his sword and muttered, "Damn it."

The wolf circled, ready to attack again. Preparing to strike once more. Kelvin sighed as he watched from the sidelines. "Really? 'That's your best move?'" he said softly. He quickly disappeared from view by using his stealth skill. The wolf looked around and froze, but it was too late. Kelvin reappeared behind it, his dagger precisely aimed into its side. The wolf howled, its back leg giving out.

"Now, Steven!" Kelvin shouted, voice sharp but calm.

Steven pushed to his feet, ignoring the pain, and thrust his sword through the wolf's neck in one smooth move. The pack leader fell, its body hitting the ground hard. The last wolf, seeing its leader die, whimpered and ran into the bushes, tail low.

"Stop!" Steven stopped the trackers and gave an order. "Give it up. There are greater threats ahead.

The team regrouped, breathing hard but staying calm. The supports rushed in, their hands glowing with healing magic as they fixed Steven's wound. "Just a scratch," one said, her voice steady as she closed the cut with a soft chant. A few others had small injuries, but the team's skill kept damage low.

Kelvin stood by the dead pack leader, his Predator skill activating. A faint mist flowed from his hand, curling around the wolf's body. The system's voice spoke in his mind: Notice: Do you wish to analyse the skills?

"Obviously", Kelvin muttered, his tone dry.

Notice: New skills learnt. Skill: Hunter acquired. Skill: Menace acquired.

A small smirk crossed his face. "Not bad," he said, putting his dagger away. "I'll test these later."

As night fell, the forest grew darker and more threatening. Steven looked around, his face serious. "We're not going deeper tonight. Find a safe spot to camp."

A tracker pointed to a rocky outcrop nearby, its overhang making a natural cave. "There. It's sheltered, and we can protect it."

The team moved fast, setting up camp in the cave's entrance. The mages cast a protective barrier, its faint blue glow circling the site, keeping out the forest's night creatures. A small fire burned, its light casting shadows on the cave walls.

The soldiers settled down, some cleaning weapons, others eating quietly. Steven sat by the fire, sharpening his sword, glancing at Kelvin. "You're too reckless, kid," he said, his voice rough but caring. "That move with the wolf—you could've died."

Kelvin, sitting near the cave's entrance, twirled his dagger. "It worked, didn't it?" he said lightly, but with confidence. "Besides, you were the one bleeding."

Steven huffed, shaking his head. "Just… don't make me bury my little brother out here, okay?"

Kelvin's smirk softened for a moment. "Not planning on it."