i reincarnated in to my Novel

The soft hum of magic lingered in the air as the group began to settle back at the training grounds, the aftermath of Liam and Jack's duel still a vibrant memory. The scorched ground bore testimony to the intensity of their clash, and the faint scent of ozone remained. While the others were immersed in lighthearted chatter, Dakota's mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts.

---

Dakota: (leaning against a tree, muttering under his breath) "God of this world… That figure knows too much. But how? And why reveal himself now?"

His gaze wandered to the group of friends who, despite their laughter, carried the weight of their own battles. Liam was resting against a boulder, still catching his breath. Jack, though bruised, wore a grin of satisfaction, his hand resting on his knee. Luna and Mia were talking in hushed tones, their concern for their comrades evident.

Henry, however, hadn't taken his eyes off Dakota since their encounter in the forest. He finally broke the silence, approaching with careful steps.

---

Henry: (voice low, to Dakota) "You're on edge. That encounter in the woods shook you more than you'd admit."

Dakota: (without looking at him) "I'm fine. Just... trying to piece things together."

Henry: (crossing his arms) "That figure didn't just show up for fun. He called you the 'God of this world.' You're not telling us everything, are you?"

Dakota turned to face Henry, his expression guarded but calm. For a moment, the tension between the two was palpable.

Dakota: "There are things better left unsaid, Henry. For your sake, and theirs." (nodding toward the others)

Henry opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it. He knew Dakota well enough to understand that pushing further wouldn't yield answers—at least, not yet.

---

The sound of footsteps approaching broke the moment. Lucas appeared, his usual grin replaced by a more serious expression.

Lucas: (to Dakota and Henry) "We've got company."

The group quickly gathered, their lighthearted mood replaced by alertness. A dozen figures emerged from the shadows of the forest, cloaked in dark robes that seemed to absorb the very light around them. The insignia on their garments marked them unmistakably—members of the notorious organization of dark mages.

Liam: (grimacing, stepping forward) "Dark mages? Here? Looks like they're not waiting for an invitation."

Jack: (smirking, lightning crackling around his fists) "Good. I've got energy to burn."

Dakota: (raising a hand to stop him) "Hold on. Let's see what they want first."

From the group of mages, one stepped forward, his hood pulled back to reveal a sharp-featured face framed by dark hair. His eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating intelligence.

Mage Leader: "So, it's true. The prodigies are all gathered here, and..." (his gaze fixed on Dakota) "the anomaly himself."

Dakota felt the weight of the mage's words but maintained his composure.

Dakota: "Anomaly, huh? Funny, coming from someone whose entire existence revolves around causing chaos. What do you want?"

The mage smirked, raising a hand. A flicker of black fire danced at his fingertips.

Mage Leader: "We're here for one thing: to test the strength of those who claim to protect this world. Show us if you're worthy."

---

Without warning, the dark mages attacked. Spells of shadow and fire erupted from their hands, arcing toward the group. The air buzzed with the clash of magic as Liam and Jack sprang into action, their lightning countering the onslaught.

---

Luna: (chanting quickly, a shimmering barrier forming around the group) "Stay behind me! I'll keep the shields up!"

Mia: (nodding, her hands glowing with golden light) "I'll handle the wounded. Don't overdo it out there!"

Dakota: (stepping forward, his voice calm but firm) "Liam, Jack—focus on the flanks. Henry, with me. Let's end this quickly."

The group moved like a well-oiled machine, each member playing to their strengths. Liam and Jack's combined lightning tore through the mages' ranks, while Henry's swordsmanship kept the more physical attackers at bay. Dakota, however, held back, observing the battle with a critical eye.

---

Dakota: (thinking) "These mages… their tactics are different from what I wrote. They're more coordinated, more ruthless. Someone's guiding them."

A sudden surge of power caught his attention. The mage leader stood at the edge of the battlefield, his hands raised as he chanted in a guttural language. Dark energy swirled around him, condensing into a massive orb of shadow.

Mage Leader: (grinning) "Let's see how you handle despair."

The orb shot toward the group, pulsating with a malevolent force. Dakota moved without hesitation, stepping in front of his friends and raising a hand. A wave of his own magic countered the attack, dissipating it into harmless sparks.

The mage leader's smirk faltered.

Mage Leader: "Interesting. Your power... it's unlike anything I've seen."

---

Before Dakota could respond, Henry lunged at the leader, his sword glowing with magic. The mage deflected the strike with a barrier of shadow, but Henry's relentless attacks forced him to retreat.

Henry: (gritting his teeth) "You're not walking away from this."

The mage leader sneered, summoning more dark flames to his hands. But just as he prepared to strike, Dakota appeared behind him in a blur of motion.

Dakota: (his voice cold) "You underestimated the wrong people."

With a swift gesture, Dakota unleashed a wave of energy that sent the leader sprawling. The remaining mages, seeing their leader overpowered, began to retreat into the shadows.

---

Lucas: (chasing after them) "Cowards! Come back and fight!"

Dakota: (calling out) "Let them go."

Lucas stopped, turning back with a frustrated expression.

Lucas: "Why? We had them on the ropes!"

Dakota: (quietly) "Because this wasn't their real attack. It was a distraction."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Dakota's words hung heavily in the air, a chilling reminder that the dark mages weren't done with them yet.

---

As the group began to regroup and tend to their injuries, Dakota slipped away, his thoughts racing. He made his way to the edge of the forest, where the mysterious figure had appeared earlier.

Dakota: (to himself) "If they're watching us this closely, then something big is coming. I need to be ready."

---

Unbeknownst to Dakota, Henry had followed him.

Henry: (leaning against a tree) "You're planning something, aren't you?"

Dakota turned, his expression unreadable.

Dakota: "I'm always planning. That's how we survive."

Henry stepped closer, his gaze steady.

Henry: "You can't keep carrying everything on your own. Whatever this is—whatever you're hiding—we'll face it together."

For a moment, Dakota considered telling Henry the truth. But the weight of his secrets held him back.

Dakota: (nodding) "I know. Thanks, Henry."

---

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, Dakota's resolve hardened. The future was uncertain, the threats mounting. But one thing was clear: he would do whatever it took to protect his friends and shape the fate of this world—even if it meant confronting the darkest parts of himself.

Dakota: (to himself, a whisper) "I'll change the story. My way."