I Was Reborn, But God's Wants Me Dead

The day after the explosion, the world felt heavy. The chaos of yesterday—screams, destruction, and the news of a monster escaping—remains in Kelvin's mind. His house, though still standing, carried the weight of those memories. Lives had been lost, and the town was shaken. Yet, Kelvin, exhausted from the day, had slept deeply through the night.

A soft, familiar voice broke through his dreams. "Good morning, my dear boy. Rise and shine."

Kelvin whipped, slowly opening his eyes. His mother stood by his bed, her warm smile tinged with something else—sorrow, perhaps. He blinked, surprised. Usually, it was Elriya, the maid, who woke him with her cheerful chatter.

"Good morning, Mom," Kelvin mumbled, rubbing his eyes. He sat up, glancing around the room. "Where's Elriya?

"

His mother's smile faltered, her eyes clouding with pain. She hesitated before speaking, her voice gentle but heavy. "She's gone, Kelvin. Don't worry about it now. Go freshen up and meet me in the dining hall, okay?"

Kelvin frowned, confusion swirling in his chest. "Gone? What do you mean? Is she okay?"

His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch reassuring but firm. "We'll talk later, sweetheart. Just get ready and come downstairs."

"Uh… okay, Mom," Kelvin said, still uneasy. He climbed out of bed, his mind racing with questions. Why was Mom waking him instead of Elriya? And what did "gone" mean? What?.

He pushed the thoughts aside and headed to the bathroom. After splashing cold water on his face and brushing his teeth, he changed into fresh clothes.

The faint smell of breakfast—warm bread and eggs—drifted from the dining hall, grounding him for a moment. But as he walked downstairs, the weight of yesterday and his mother's words grasped him like a shadow.

The dining hall was grand yet quiet, with a long wooden table set with sparkling silverware and fine china. The Darvon family sat in their usual spots, hiding their sadness and doubts behind calm faces. Lord Velrik Darvon sat at the head, his stern look demanding control. Lady Selena, at the other end, cared for Kelvin's younger sisters, her soft words and their faint laughter a brief warmth in the cold silence. Steven, Kelvin's older brother, sat beside him, moving carefully, his face showing the weight of responsibility.

Kelvin took his seat quietly, unnoticed amid the clink of forks and knives. His mind raced—Elriya's absence, the explosion, the escaped mana beast, and whispers of those hurt. It was too much for a fourteen-year-old to sort out, but questions burned inside him. He glanced at the two maids moving quietly through the room, their faces blank, and at the head chef, standing stiffly by the door, his expression hard to read. This is nobility, Kelvin thought, both amazed and uneasy at how they acted as if nothing had changed.

The silence shattered when Velrik's deep voice echoed across the table. "Steven, what's the progress on the investigation?"

Steven put down his spoon, his face tightening. "It's moving forward, Father. The explosion was no accident—likely a trick to free the mana beast. Evidence points to… Elriya, the half-elf maid."

Kelvin's breath stopped, and he was in shock. Then he had a loud cough. The noise drew every eye, and he felt his face grow hot. His mother leaned closer, worried. "Careful, Kelvin. Here, drink this." She pushed a glass of water toward him, her voice kind but her eyes watchful.

Kelvin grabbed the glass, his hands shaking. Elriya? No way. Her warm smile, her gentle care, and the way she hummed elven songs while braiding his sisters' hair didn't match the idea of a traitor. He wanted to argue, but Velrik's voice interrupted.

"Interesting." Velrik's eyes narrowed, his fingers crossed. "Follow every clue, Steven. Meet me in my office after breakfast. We'll talk more."

Kelvin's heart beat faster. Eliya wouldn't do this. She wouldn't leave without a word. A spark of courage grew—he needed answers, not blame. Swallowing his fear, he spoke, his voice stronger than he felt. "Father, may I join you in the meeting?"

Velrik's eyebrow raised, a small smile softening his hard face. "Eager to play detective, are you?" His deep laugh filled the room, though it felt cold. "Fine, Kelvin. Let's see what you think."

Selena's lips tightened, her eyes moving between her husband and son. "He's not a child anymore, Velrik. Let him learn from his brother."

Velrik waved his hand, ending the talk. "Fine. He can come."

Breakfast ended in intense quiet, the sound of plates a hollow echo to Kelvin's racing thoughts. As they stood, Steven signaled for Kelvin to follow, walking quickly through the estate's wide halls. The walls, covered with tapestries of Darwin's victories, felt taller today, their shadows darker.

Steven's voice broke the silence, low and angry. "I knew that half-elf was trouble. I warned Father—elves can't be trusted, half or not. Mother's kindness kept her here, and now we're paying for it. If I find her, then i will kill—"

A sudden heavy feeling filled the air, sharp and electric, like before a storm. Steven stopped, his words cut off. The feeling was clear—a burst of Aura( raw mana), strong and wild, pressing against him. He turned, expecting danger, but saw only Kelvin, walking behind with a far-off, almost innocent look, his steps light on the stone floor.

That power… Steven's heart raced. It felt like something only an Awakened could have, but Kelvin's mana core was still unawakened, untested. Impossible. He shook his head, blaming it on stress. "Hurry up," he growled, walking again.

They reached Velrik's study, a huge room guarded by two soldiers in glowing armor, their shields shining. "Lord Steven, Lord Kelvin," one said, bowing. "Your father is waiting."

The heavy oak doors creaked open, showing Velrik seated behind a large desk carved with protective runes. The room was filled with Darwin's history—swords of old heroes, crests of past allies, and books of secret magic lined the walls. But Kelvin's eyes caught two strangers sitting near his father.

"Sit," Velrik ordered, pointing to the chairs by his desk. His voice allowed no delay. "We have much to discuss."

Kelvin sat, his heart pounding. Elriya's name lingered, a ghost of doubt and betrayal. Whatever truths were hidden—about the explosion, the mana beast, or the maid who vanished—he promised himself he'd find them, even if they led to his family's deepest secrets.