i reincarnated in to my Novel

The alleyways loomed ahead of Dakota's group, their shadows stretching long and eerie under the simulated moonlight. The group moved swiftly, Dakota taking the lead with quiet authority. Emily followed closely, her usual cheerful chatter subdued but her energy still vibrant. Alex and Marie kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, while Michael stayed back slightly, his confident smile never wavering.

Trailing slightly behind was Ethan Hayes, the final member of their group. His sandy blond hair was slightly tousled, and a perpetual grin curved his lips as he adjusted the straps of his backpack. Ethan's confidence was magnetic, and he exuded a natural charisma that seemed to lift the group's spirits despite the tense atmosphere.

Ethan: "Well, this is cozy. Nothing like creeping through dark alleys to bring a team together, huh?"

Emily (smirking): "You're oddly cheerful for someone about to face potential death traps."

Ethan: "What can I say? I thrive under pressure."

Michael glanced at Ethan, chuckling softly.

Michael: "Confidence is good. Just don't let it get us killed."

Dakota: "Focus, everyone. If this simulation is as elaborate as they say, it's not going to be a walk in the park."

Emily (teasing): "Come on, Dakota. Lighten up a little."

Dakota (without looking back): "I'll lighten up once we secure the first relic."

True to Dakota's prediction, the western alleyways were a maze of narrow streets and looming obstacles. It wasn't long before the group encountered their first challenge: a series of collapsible walls that shifted positions every few minutes. The only way through was to time their movements perfectly.

Marie: "Great. A moving labyrinth. Who designs this stuff?"

Alex: "Guess it's time to earn our place here."

Dakota studied the shifting patterns of the walls, his sharp eyes darting from one section to the next.

Dakota: "There's a rhythm to it. Watch the intervals—every 15 seconds, the path lines up for about three seconds. We move in pairs. Ethan, you're with me."

Ethan: "You trust me already? I'm flattered."

Dakota (dryly): "You're fast on your feet. Try to keep up."

As the group moved through the labyrinth, Ethan proved his worth by reacting quickly to Dakota's commands. His easy confidence complemented Dakota's calculated precision, and the pair navigated the shifting walls without issue. Behind them, Emily and Alex worked together, while Marie and Michael brought up the rear.

Ethan (grinning as they cleared the maze): "Told you I thrive under pressure."

Dakota: "Don't get cocky. That was the easy part."

The group emerged into a courtyard surrounded by abandoned buildings. At its center stood a pedestal holding the first relic: a small, glowing orb that pulsed with an otherworldly light.

Michael: "Well, that was quick. Too quick."

Emily: "You're thinking it's a trap, aren't you?"

Dakota: "Of course it's a trap. Spread out and look for triggers. Ethan, check the perimeter. Emily, Alex—cover the exits. Marie, you're with me."

As the group moved into position, Ethan whistled softly, his eyes scanning the rooftops.

Ethan: "No sign of snipers or drones. Yet."

Dakota and Marie approached the pedestal cautiously, their movements deliberate. As Dakota reached out to inspect the orb, the ground beneath them rumbled, and metallic clicks echoed through the courtyard.

Marie: "I knew it!"

The pedestal began to sink into the ground as four mechanical constructs emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes locking onto the group. Each construct resembled a hulking knight, armed with blade-like arms that whirred ominously.

Alex: "So much for a smooth grab-and-go."

Dakota: "Stay calm. They're slow but heavily armored. Aim for their joints."

The constructs lunged forward, their movements methodical but relentless. Ethan dodged the first strike with an almost casual agility, his grin never faltering.

Ethan: "Looks like they don't skip leg day."

Emily and Alex worked together to distract one of the constructs, their coordination keeping it off balance. Marie used her agility to dart around another, while Michael engaged a third with precise strikes aimed at its knees.

Dakota focused on the fourth construct, his movements calculated and efficient.

Dakota (calling out): "Ethan, on me! Go for its left knee when I give the signal."

Ethan: "Got it."

As the construct swung its blade, Dakota sidestepped and struck at its arm joint, causing it to falter.

Dakota: "Now!"

Ethan moved like lightning, his strikes precise and effective. The construct's knee buckled, and it collapsed to the ground.

Ethan (grinning): "We make a good team."

Dakota: "Don't let your guard down."

Within minutes, the group managed to disable the constructs, their teamwork and quick thinking proving effective.

With the constructs defeated, Dakota retrieved the orb from the pedestal, its glow reflecting in his sharp eyes.

Dakota: "One down. Three to go."

Michael approached, his usual smile replaced by a more thoughtful expression.

Michael: "You're full of surprises, Dakota. I wasn't expecting you to take charge like that."

Dakota: "Someone has to."

Michael: "Fair enough. But don't think I'm not paying attention."

As they regrouped, Ethan clapped Dakota on the shoulder, his grin as bright as ever.

Ethan: "If this is how we handle the first challenge, I think we'll be just fine."

Dakota (thinking): "Confidence is good. But this is only the beginning."

Dakota (thinking): ah looks like I didn't forget how to work with this group, in the past nobody could beat us. We we're unbeatable, inseparable... Until that moment happened... A mistake that I made, that made my friends fell like I've betrayed them, and my girlfriend breaking up with me... That moment was my past life downfall.

Dakota (thinking): when it wasn't even my fault, it was all that bitches fault and her mother fucking parents. If I ever see her in this world... I doubt I would be able to keep calm and not rip her apart. She's the reason of my downfall... And my regrets.

The group set off once more, the glow of the relic lighting their way. The challenge was far from over, and Dakota knew that the real tests—both of the simulation and of himself—were still ahead.