i reincarnated in to my Novel

The training grounds fell silent as the sun sank lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the group. The earlier tension lingered, each of them retreating into their thoughts, their sparring sessions fueled by both fear and resolve.

Dakota remained on the outskirts, his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets, watching the others with a pensive expression. Ava's words replayed in his mind like an irritating mantra. Responsibility doesn't mean doing everything alone. She didn't understand the burden he carried—the lives he'd already lost and the secrets he had to protect. And yet, there was truth in her accusation: his isolation wasn't just about responsibility. It was about fear.

A flicker of movement caught his eye. Liam and Jack stood on opposite sides of the field, their postures tense. They had agreed to spar with one another, both eager to prove their mastery of lightning magic after the duel they'd had earlier in the tournament. But something about their stances set Dakota on edge.

---

Jack: (grinning) "Ready to lose again, Liam? You might've won last time, but don't get cocky."

Liam: (smirking) "Oh, don't worry. This time I'll make it quick."

The two raised their hands, electricity crackling at their fingertips. The air between them charged, the faint scent of ozone wafting through the training grounds. Around them, the others paused their own exercises, turning to watch.

Mia: (nervously) "Are they really doing this again? Didn't they almost blow up half the field last time?"

Amelia: (crossing her arms) "Let them. They've got energy to burn, and frankly, I want to see who walks away with their ego intact."

Lucas: (leaning back on a wooden fence) "Place your bets, folks. My money's on Jack this time."

---

With a sharp crack of thunder, the duel began. Jack launched a bolt of lightning, its blinding arc streaking through the air. Liam dodged effortlessly, summoning a barrier of energy that absorbed the blast. His counterattack came swiftly—a whip of blue lightning that lashed toward Jack with precision.

Jack deflected it with a wave of his hand, sending the energy spiraling into the ground. His grin widened as he leapt forward, closing the distance between them. The ground beneath his feet sparked as he channeled raw energy into his movements.

---

Ava: (raising an eyebrow) "This isn't just sparring anymore. They're testing each other."

Mia: (clutching her staff tightly) "Testing? Or trying to prove who's stronger?"

Henry: (gruffly) "Both. And neither of them is holding back."

---

The duel escalated, their lightning magic illuminating the darkening sky. Liam's attacks became more aggressive, his movements calculated yet relentless. Jack countered with raw power, his strikes unpredictable but devastating. The clash of their magic sent ripples through the air, the energy palpable even to those standing on the sidelines.

Dakota's gaze narrowed. He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos.

---

Dakota: (firmly) "Enough."

The command was simple, but it carried the weight of authority. Both Liam and Jack froze mid-attack, their lightning dissipating into harmless sparks. They turned to Dakota, their expressions a mix of frustration and begrudging respect.

Jack: (grinning sheepishly) "Come on, Dakota. We were just having a little fun."

Liam: (rolling his shoulders) "Yeah, no harm done."

Dakota: (sternly) "No harm yet. But if either of you loses control, you'll put everyone here at risk. Save your energy for when it matters."

The group exchanged glances, the gravity in Dakota's tone leaving no room for argument. Liam and Jack nodded reluctantly, stepping away from each other.

---

Luna: (softly) "He's right. We need to focus on preparation, not ego."

Amelia: (sighing) "Fine. But next time, maybe we don't turn the training grounds into a lightning storm."

Lucas: (chuckling) "Speak for yourself. I was enjoying the show."

---

As the group settled down, Dakota turned his gaze to the forest beyond the training grounds. The Witch's warning replayed in his mind like a haunting melody. Allies not being what they seem. What did she mean? Could one of them already be compromised? The thought sent a chill down his spine, but he pushed it aside. He couldn't afford to let paranoia consume him—not now, when they needed unity more than ever.

---

Scene Shift: The Forest's Edge

Later that evening, as the group gathered around a modest fire to eat and rest, Dakota slipped away. The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on him, and the whispers of the forest called to him, promising a moment's reprieve. He walked along the edge of the woods, the cool night air soothing against his skin.

But he wasn't alone.

---

Henry: (gruffly) "You've been quiet all day."

Dakota didn't flinch as Henry emerged from the shadows, his arms crossed. The older man studied him, his expression unreadable.

Dakota: (quietly) "Just thinking."

Henry: (snorting) "You do that too much. It's going to get you killed one day."

Dakota: (smirking faintly) "Maybe. But not today."

Henry stepped closer, his tone lowering.

Henry: "You can't keep carrying this alone, Dakota. Whatever the Witch said, whatever's weighing on you—you've got to trust someone."

Dakota: (after a long pause) "I trust you, Henry. That's why I haven't told the others yet. If they knew what I know… it could destroy us."

Henry: (narrowing his eyes) "Then tell me. If we're going to survive what's coming, we need to stop keeping secrets."

---

Dakota hesitated, the words lingering on the edge of his tongue. But before he could respond, a sudden rustling in the underbrush drew their attention. Both men turned sharply, their instincts honed. Dakota reached for his blade, Henry's hand already on his weapon.

A figure stepped out from the shadows, their silhouette illuminated by the faint moonlight. It was a boy, no older than twelve, his face pale and his eyes wide with terror.

Boy: (whispering) "Help me… she's coming."

Before Dakota or Henry could respond, a bone-chilling laugh echoed through the trees. The temperature plummeted, frost creeping along the ground.

And then, she appeared.

---

The Witch: (smiling coldly) "Ah, how sweet. The King's pawns playing at being heroes. But tell me, Dakota… how long before the truth unravels you all?"

---

The air grew heavy, her presence suffocating. Dakota stepped forward, his blade gleaming in the moonlight.

Dakota: (calmly) "If you wanted to fight, you wouldn't be hiding behind riddles. What do you want?"

The Witch's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with malevolence.

The Witch: (softly) "Only to watch the pieces fall. And when they do… I'll be there to collect what's left."