Today was the day of the raid. The day everything could spiral into chaos and ruin. Daniel lay in his bed, his small frame still beneath the coarse wool blanket, his mind a storm of relentless thought.
Every moment of his training flashed before him: the grueling hours spent honing his swordsmanship, the sweat-soaked days forcing his five-year-old body to adapt to techniques from a past life, the quiet nights refining what little mana he could muster despite the curses binding him. All of it had been for this moment. This single, pivotal day. The weight of it pressed against his chest, heavier than any blade he had ever wielded. Failure was not an option. Not again.
Elira's voice drifted up from downstairs, soft and melodic, carrying the fragile warmth of an angel's song. "Danny, come down! Breakfast is ready!"
Her call snapped him from the depths of his reverie. Morning light filtered through the narrow window, casting pale streaks across the wooden floor. If the timeline of his past life held true, and nothing had shifted too drastically, the bandit raid would strike at noon. A few hours remained to prepare, to ensure his family's safety. His heart clenched at the thought of his mother and Elira, their faces vivid in his memory—smiling, alive, unaware of the horror that had once claimed them. He would not let that future repeat itself.
I have to keep Elira and Mom safe, he thought, his resolve hardening like steel in a forge. I'll protect them with my life. I can't bear to watch them die again.
A sharp sting pricked his eyes. Two tears traced silent paths down his cheeks, warm against his cool skin. He pressed his palms against his face, willing the grief to subside, but the memories of his past life surged unbidden: his mother's gentle hands, Elira's laughter, both snuffed out in a haze of blood and fire. The pain was raw, as if no time had passed at all.
The creak of the door broke his thoughts. Elira stepped into the room, her silver hair catching the morning light, her pearl-blue eyes bright with innocent cheer. She moved with a peaceful grace, oblivious to the storm raging within her brother.
"Danny, you're still in bed?" she teased, her smile radiant. "Come on, Mom's made your favorite: honey bread and eggs!"
Daniel swiftly wiped his tears with the back of his hand, the motion quick and practiced. He forced a faint smile, hoping she hadn't noticed the redness in his eyes.
"I'm coming," he said, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest.
He rose, grabbing his toothbrush from the small wooden stand by the basin. Elira lingered for a moment, her head tilted, as if sensing something amiss, but her cheerful nature won out. She gave a playful huff and turned to leave, her footsteps light on the creaking floorboards.
He stood before the basin, brushing his teeth with mechanical precision, the minty paste sharp on his tongue. As he spat and rinsed, he caught his reflection in the small, cracked mirror above the basin. His blond hair was tousled, his blue eyes stared back with an intensity that belied his young age. The boy in the mirror was no child, not truly.
His gaze pierced through the surface, cutting into the soul beneath. The tears were gone, replaced by a steely determination that hardened his features.
He leaned closer, his breath fogging the glass. "You have to protect them at all costs," he whispered, his voice low and fierce. "No matter what. You can't let it happen again. Not this time."
The words were a vow, etched into his very being. He straightened, his small hands clenching into fists. The weight of his past life, the knowledge of what was coming, fueled his resolve. He would not falter. Not today.
Daniel dressed quickly, pulling on a simple tunic and trousers, his movements efficient. The golden-hilted sword rested in its black sheath by his bedside. He hesitated, his fingers brushing the hilt.
Its faint hum of power resonated through his palm, a reminder of the strength he wielded, but also of his limitations. With only five mana points, summoning the blade's full potential was impossible. Still, its presence grounded him, a symbol of his purpose. He strapped it to his waist, the weight familiar and reassuring.
He descended the narrow staircase, the wooden steps groaning under his light steps. The scent of warm honey bread and sizzling eggs greeted him, mingling with the earthy aroma of brewed tea. The kitchen was small but cozy, its walls adorned with dried herbs and a single woven tapestry depicting a serene meadow. Sunlight streamed through the open window, illuminating the worn wooden table where his family waited.
His mother, Lila, stood by the stove, her dark hair tied back in a loose braid. She hummed softly, a tune Daniel remembered from his childhood—both this life and the last. Her hands moved with practiced grace, flipping a slice of bread in the skillet. Elira sat at the table, her legs swinging beneath her chair, a half-eaten piece of honey bread already in her hands. Her eyes lit up as Daniel entered.
"There you are!" Elira said, her voice bright. "I was about to eat your share!"
Lila turned, a warm smile softening her features. "Don't tease your brother, Elira," she said, though her tone held no real reproach. She set a plate of golden eggs and honey-drizzled bread before Daniel's seat. "Sit, Danny. You look like you've been up all night thinking."
Daniel managed a small chuckle, sliding into his chair. "Just... a lot on my mind," he said, keeping his voice light. He avoided his mother's gaze, afraid she might see the truth in his eyes. Lila had always been perceptive, even in his past life. She could sense when something troubled him, though she rarely pressed unless he offered.
Elira leaned forward, her elbows on the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Is it about Klav? You two are always training in the woods. What's he like? Is he as shy as everyone says?"
Daniel took a bite of the honey bread, the sweet warmth spreading across his tongue. It was a taste he hadn't savored in years, not since before the raid in his past life. He chewed slowly, buying time to answer. "Klav's... quiet, but he's strong. Stronger than he knows. He just needs someone to believe in him."
Lila sat across from him, her own plate modest: a single egg and a slice of plain bread. She sipped her tea, her eyes studying Daniel over the rim of her cup.
"You've been spending a lot of time with him," she said gently. "It's good to see you making friends, Danny. After... well, after everything."
She didn't elaborate, but Daniel knew what she meant. In this timeline, he had been a lonely child, bullied for his inability to wield mana or aura, isolated until Klav entered his life. The memory of Daren's cruelty, the taunts and shoves, flickered in his mind, but he pushed it aside. Daren was gone for now, and the real threat loomed closer.
"Yeah," Daniel said, forcing a smile. "Klav's a good friend."
Elira grinned, popping a piece of egg into her mouth. "He's so nervous all the time! I saw him at the market yesterday, and he practically jumped when someone dropped a basket. But he's nice. I like him."
Lila's smile widened, though her eyes lingered on Daniel, searching. "You've changed, Danny," she said softly. "You're... more serious lately. Is everything all right?"
Daniel's fork paused midway to his mouth. He set it down, his mind racing. He couldn't tell her the truth—not about his regression, not about the raid, not about the blood and death he was fighting to prevent. But he couldn't lie to her either, not fully.
"I'm just... trying to be stronger," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "For you. For Elira. For everyone."
Elira tilted her head, her playful demeanor fading. "Stronger? You're already super strong, Danny! You beat up Daren like it was nothing!"
Lila's brow furrowed, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Daniel, you don't need to carry the world on your shoulders. You're only five. There's time to grow, to learn. You don't have to rush."
Her words struck deeper than she could know. Time was the one thing he didn't have—not enough of it, anyway. The raid was hours away, and beyond that, the Demon King's shadow loomed over the future.
But he couldn't burden her with that knowledge. Instead, he nodded, his expression softening. "I know, Mom. I just... want to be ready."
Lila reached across the table, her hand resting on his. Her touch was warm, grounding, a reminder of why he fought. "You're already more than enough," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Don't forget that."
Daniel swallowed hard, the lump in his throat threatening to choke him. He squeezed her hand briefly before pulling back, focusing on his plate. The eggs were fluffy, the bread perfectly crisp, but each bite felt like a countdown. Noon was coming, and with it, the bandits.
Elira, sensing the shift in mood, changed the subject. "So, what's the plan today? Are you and Klav gonna train again? Or are you finally gonna show me how to use a sword?" She puffed out her chest, mimicking a warrior's stance, and nearly knocked over her tea.
Daniel chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Maybe one day, Elira. But today, I need to meet Klav. We've got... things to do."
Lila raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Just be careful, both of you. And don't stay out too late. I want you home for dinner."
"Promise," Daniel said, though the word felt heavy. He wasn't sure he could keep that promise, not if the raid unfolded as it had before. But he would try. He had to.
I'll make sure that I'm home for dinner, with you and Elira safe and sound, without a single scratch on you. I promise.
The family ate in companionable silence for a few moments, the clink of forks and the soft hum of Lila's tune filling the space. Daniel savored the warmth of the moment, knowing it might be the last peaceful breakfast they shared for a while. He memorized the details: Elira's crumbs on her chin, Lila's gentle smile, the way the sunlight danced across the table. These were the things he fought for, the fragile pieces of a life he refused to lose again.
When the plates were nearly empty, Daniel pushed his chair back. "I should go," he said, standing. "Klav's probably waiting."
Elira pouted. "Already? You didn't even finish your eggs!"
"I'm full," he lied, ruffling her hair as he passed. She swatted at his hand, giggling. Lila watched him go, her expression unreadable, but she nodded.
"Take care, Danny," she said. "And look out for Klav. He's lucky to have you."
Daniel paused at the door, his hand on the frame. "I will," he said, his voice firm. He glanced back at them, burning the image into his memory: his mother's quiet strength, his sister's infectious joy. Then he stepped outside, the cool morning air hitting his face like a slap.
The village was waking, its cobblestone paths bustling with early risers. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoed through the air. Daniel's boots crunched against the dirt as he made his way toward the forest clearing where he and Klav trained. The Absolute Lightblade swayed at his hip, its faint hum a constant reminder of his purpose. His heart beat steadily, but beneath it, a current of urgency pulsed. The raid was coming, and he needed Klav by his side.
The path to the clearing wound through the village outskirts, past modest homes and small gardens. Children played in the streets, their laughter a stark contrast to the dread coiling in Daniel's chest. He passed the market square, where vendors were setting up their stalls, their voices calling out to early customers. The scent of fresh bread and roasted nuts lingered, but Daniel barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the raid from his past life: the screams, the fire, the bandits' cruel laughter as they cut down anyone in their path.
He shook his head, forcing the memories away. This time would be different. He was different. He had trained, planned, and prepared. He had Klav, whose Chrono Severance could turn the tide. He had the Absolute Lightblade, a weapon no bandit could match. And he had knowledge of what was coming. That was his greatest weapon.
The forest loomed ahead, its trees tall and dense, their leaves whispering in the breeze. Daniel quickened his pace, his breath visible in the crisp air. The clearing was just beyond the first line of trees, a secluded spot where he and Klav had spent countless hours sparring and refining their skills. As he approached, he scanned the area, his senses sharp. The raid wasn't due for hours, but he couldn't afford to be careless.
The clearing came into view, bathed in dappled sunlight. Klav was already there, sitting cross-legged on the moss-covered boulder at the center. His eyes were closed, his hands resting on his knees, the faint glow of mana pulsing around him.
The air shimmered slightly, a sign of his meditation. Klav's progress had been remarkable, his mana pool had grown, his control over Chrono Severance sharper with each passing day. But Daniel knew the boy's stamina was still a weakness, one they couldn't afford today.
Daniel stepped into the clearing, his boots silent on the soft earth. Klav's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Daniel's. There was no fear in his expression, only a quiet determination that mirrored Daniel's own. The boy had changed since their first meeting, his timidity giving way to a budding confidence forged through their training.
"You're early," Klav said, a small smile tugging at his lips. He slid off the boulder, brushing dirt from his robes. "Couldn't sleep?"
Daniel shook his head, his expression serious. "Today's the day, Klav. The raid. It's happening at noon."
Klav's smile faded, his eyes widening slightly. "The raid? You mean... the one you've been talking about? The one from... before?"
Daniel nodded, his jaw tight. "Yeah. The bandits hit the village at noon. They come from the eastern woods, armed with swords, axes, and some basic magic. They're not elite, but there's a lot of them. In my last life, they burned half the village and killed..." His voice caught, but he forced himself to continue. "They killed my mom and Elira. I won't let that happen again."
Klav's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. "What do we do? How do we stop them?"
Daniel stepped closer, his voice low and steady. "We prepare. We've got a few hours to set up. The village doesn't know what's coming, and we can't warn them without proof, they won't believe a couple of kids. So we need to be ready to fight. You and me, Klav. We can take them."
Klav swallowed hard, but he nodded. "Okay. I'm with you. What's the plan?"
Daniel's mind raced, drawing on memories of the raid and the terrain around the village. The bandits had come from the east, using the dense forest as cover. They had struck fast, overwhelming the village's meager defenses. But this time, Daniel knew their approach. He could use that.
"We'll set traps in the eastern woods," he said, his eyes scanning the clearing as if mapping it out. "Simple ones: pitfalls, tripwires, anything to slow them down. We'll use the terrain to our advantage. The clearing here is a good spot for a stand; it's open, so we can see them coming, but it's close enough to the village to retreat if we need to. Your Chrono Severance can lock down groups of them, give us time to thin their numbers. I'll handle the frontline with the Lightblade."
Klav's brow furrowed. "But... my stamina. You know I can't keep Chrono Severance up for long. And you... your mana's so low. Can you even use the Lightblade?"
Daniel's lips pressed into a thin line. Klav was right—his mana was a problem. The Absolute Lightblade required 10,000 MP to summon fully, far beyond his current five points. Even its passive drain of 100 MP per minute was impossible. But he didn't need its full power, not yet. The blade's physical form, even without its divine mana, was sharper than any mortal weapon. It would be enough.
"I'll manage," Daniel said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "And you've been training your stamina. You can hold Chrono Severance longer than before. We don't need to win outright, Klav. We just need to hold them off until help arrives. Saint Torren showed up in my last life, too late to save my family. This time, we'll make sure he gets here sooner."
Klav nodded, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "What if... what if we're not enough?"
Daniel placed a hand on Klav's shoulder, his grip firm. "We are enough. You're not the scared kid Daren used to bully. You're Klav Jofin, the one who drank a Unique-tier potion and lived. The one who's going to be a Grand Mage someday. And I'm not letting you face this alone. We're in this together."
Klav's eyes glistened, but he blinked the tears away, standing taller. "Together," he echoed, his voice stronger.
Daniel gave a sharp nod, then turned to the edge of the clearing. "Let's start with the traps. We'll need vines, branches, and anything sharp we can find. We've got three hours to make the eastern woods a nightmare for those bastards."
The two boys set to work, their movements swift and purposeful. Daniel led the way into the eastern woods, his eyes scanning the underbrush for suitable spots. The forest was dense, its trees towering, their roots twisting through the earth like ancient veins. The air was cool, heavy with the scent of moss and pine. Birds chirped overhead, oblivious to the danger that would soon descend.
Daniel pointed to a narrow path, barely visible beneath a carpet of leaves. "Here. They'll come through this way—it's the fastest route to the village. We'll dig a pitfall, cover it with branches and leaves. If we're lucky, we'll catch a few of them."
Klav nodded, dropping to his knees and using a sturdy stick to start digging. Daniel joined him, his hands tearing through the soft earth. The work was grueling, their small bodies straining with each scoop of dirt, but neither complained. The stakes were too high.
As they worked, Daniel explained the rest of the plan. "We'll set tripwires along the path, tie them to branches with rocks. When they trip, the rocks fall, maybe knock a few out, or at least slow them down. We'll sharpen some stakes, plant them in the pit. Not enough to kill, but enough to hurt."
Klav's hands paused, his expression uneasy. "Stakes? That's... kind of brutal, isn't it?"
Daniel met his gaze, his eyes hard. "These bandits won't hesitate to kill us, Klav. They didn't in my last life. They slaughtered women, children, anyone who got in their way. If we don't stop them here, they'll reach the village. They'll reach Elira. My mom. Your friends at the orphanage. We can't hold back."
Klav's jaw tightened, and he nodded. "Okay. I get it. Let's do this."
They dug in silence for a while, the only sounds the scrape of wood against earth and their steady breaths. When the pit was deep enough—about three feet—they lined the bottom with sharpened sticks, their tips glistening with sap. Daniel carefully arranged branches and leaves over the top, blending it seamlessly with the forest floor. From above, it was invisible.
They moved on to the tripwires, using vines scavenged from nearby trees. Daniel showed Klav how to tie them low, just above the ground, securing them to heavy rocks balanced in the branches above. A single misstep would send the rocks crashing down. It wasn't much, but it would create chaos, and chaos was their ally.
By the time they finished, the sun was climbing higher, its light piercing the canopy in golden shafts. Daniel wiped sweat from his brow, his hands caked with dirt. Klav looked equally exhausted, his robes stained and his hair plastered to his forehead. But there was a fire in his eyes, a resolve that hadn't been there before.
"We did good," Daniel said, surveying their work. The path was now a gauntlet of traps, a maze of hidden dangers. "This'll slow them down. Now we need to get back to the clearing and prepare ourselves."
Klav nodded, brushing dirt from his hands. "What about weapons? I've got my magic, but... do you think I should carry a dagger or something?"
Daniel considered it. Klav's Chrono Severance was his greatest asset, but if his stamina ran out, he'd be vulnerable. "Yeah. We'll grab you a dagger from my house. It's not much, but it's better than nothing."
They made their way back to the clearing, the forest quiet around them. Daniel's mind was a whirl of calculations: the bandits' numbers, their weapons, their tactics. In his past life, there had been at least thirty, maybe more, led by a C-rank warrior with a knack for fire magic. The rest were D- and E-rank thugs, dangerous in a group but sloppy individually. With Klav's magic and his own swordsmanship, they could handle a small group, but the full force would be overwhelming without help.
As they reached the clearing, Daniel stopped, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Klav, listen. If things go south, if there's too many of them, you run. Get to the village, find Saint Torren. He's our best shot."
Klav's eyes widened. "Run? No way. I'm not leaving you!"
Daniel's voice hardened. "This isn't about pride. It's about survival. If we both go down, no one warns the village. No one saves Elira or my mom. You're faster than me now. You can make it."
Klav's lips trembled, but he nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But only if there's no other way."
Daniel gave a curt nod, satisfied. "Good. Now let's check your status. I need to know where you're at."
Klav closed his eyes, summoning his system window with a thought. The translucent screen flickered into view, its text glowing faintly in the morning light.
------
[Character Status]:
Name: Klav Jofin
Race: Human
Age: 5
Rank: D+
[Attribute]:
-> Strength: 8
-> Speed: 16
-> Durability: 12
-> MP: 1,240
-> INT: 24
-> MP Regen: +10%
[Passive Trait]:
Mana Vein Stabilization:
-> Reduce all spell MP cost by 10%
-> Slight increases spellcasting speed
[Skills]:
Chrono Severance (S+-tier Awakened | Power: D+-tier):
Allows the user to freeze a target in time. All attacks on the target during the freeze will be applied simultaneously after the time freeze.
MP: 50
------
He definitely progressed, though it isn't anything major. But progress is progress.
"You're in good shape," Daniel said, clapping Klav on the shoulder. "Keep your mana focused. Don't overuse Chrono Severance—save it for when we need it most."
Klav nodded, dismissing the window. "What about you? Your status?"
Daniel's jaw tightened. He hadn't checked his status since the market, and he wasn't eager to. The curses Saint Torren had warned him about were still there, stifling his growth, keeping his mana at a pitiful five points. But Klav deserved to know.
He summoned his window, the familiar text appearing before him.
------
[Character Status]:
Name: Daniel Vaelwyn
Race: Human
Age: 5
Rank: D+
[Attribute]:
-> Strength: 22
-> Speed: 17
-> Durability: 20
-> MP: 5
-> INT: 20
-> MP Regen: +10%
[Skills]:
Absolute Lightblade (ZZZ-tier Awakened | Power: F-tier)
Allows the user to summon the True Blade of Light, crafted by Goddess of Light. The blade is made up of mana, which cannot be dispelled. The blade pierces all darkness, nullifies corrupted energy, and strikes with divine precision.
MP: 10,000
Passive Drain: 100 MP/min while active
------
Klav's eyes widened. "Five MP? Still? After all that training?"
Daniel shrugged, though the frustration burned in his chest. "Curses. They're holding me back. But it doesn't matter. I don't need mana to swing a sword. And the Lightblade's sharp enough without its full power."
Klav frowned, unconvinced. "There's got to be a way to break those curses. Maybe the Library of Enersia—"
"Later," Daniel cut him off. "We deal with the raid first. Then we'll figure out the curses."
Klav hesitated but nodded. "Okay. But I'm not letting you fight alone. We're a team."
Daniel's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Yeah. A team."
The sun was higher now, its warmth cutting through the morning chill. The clearing felt alive, the forest humming with quiet energy. But beneath it, Daniel sensed the ticking of time, each second bringing the raid closer. He tightened his grip on the Lightblade's hilt, its hum steadying his nerves.
"Let's head to my house," he said. "We'll grab you a dagger and go over the plan one more time. Then we wait."
Klav fell into step beside him, his expression resolute. The two boys left the clearing, their shadows stretching long across the grass. The village lay ahead, peaceful and unaware, its fate resting on the shoulders of two children who carried the weight of a past and future intertwined.
They walked in silence, the gravity of the day settling over them. Daniel's mind was a fortress, his thoughts locked on the task ahead. Klav's presence beside him was a quiet strength, a reminder that he wasn't alone. Not this time.
As they neared the village, the sounds of life grew louder: the chatter of vendors, the laughter of children, the clatter of carts. But to Daniel, it was all distant noise. His focus was singular, his heart set on one goal: protect his family, protect the village, and change the course of history.