Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

If anything could've stood in the way of Alex being chosen for the trials, it would've been the rulers of the four realms.

Austin had strong ties with the Monarch of the Blood Domain and the four human kings, so on that front, there was nothing to worry about.

But the other two domains? That was a different story.

He had never spoken with the elven chiefs, never seen their faces, never heard their true intentions. For all he knew, they could be prideful, arrogant beings who had already handpicked their champions—warriors they believed worthy of carrying their hopes into the trials. Or worse, they might see Alex as an outsider, someone beneath their legacy.

Then there was the Beast Realm.

After his recent clash with one of their Elders, it was hard to believe they'd look at him without suspicion. He could feel it already—people watching from the shadows, judging, whispering, preparing to undermine him. Maybe some of them were already moving behind the scenes.

But even in all his caution, he never expected this.

The gods were involved.

A god, specifically—one who had begun manipulating key figures in both the Elven and Beast Realms. Whispering lies. Planting fear. Twisting reality until respected chiefs and tribal leaders genuinely believed that Alex was a danger to the world itself.

An evil force that must never be allowed to enter a contest that would shape the future of all realms.

"At this rate, they might as well issue another Decree declaring Alex the enemy of the world," Rebecca muttered, her voice sharp with frustration. The others didn't take the news any better—expressions darkened, silence heavy.

It was one thing to face your enemy head-on. But this? Twisting minds, spreading falsehoods, painting Alex as a villain without lifting a blade—it was the cowardice of the highest order.

"Has Solaris fallen so low that he's now using mortals to keep me chained?" the Curse snarled, brows furrowed in disdain. But he was mistaken.

"It's not him… Eldorin did this."

At that name, the Curse's expression darkened further. "The God of Wisdom? He's the one pulling the strings now?" There was a trace of disbelief in his voice. "I thought he stayed out of our war. I thought he didn't care."

Until now, the Goddess of Darkness and Death and the God of Wisdom had remained distant—watchers, not players. That's what made this revelation all the more unsettling.

"He's siding with Solaris," the Goddess said quietly. "Trying to earn his trust."

The Curse didn't respond immediately. He couldn't fathom Eldorin's reasons. The god had always been calculating, yes, but detached. What had changed?

He didn't voice his confusion. Instead, he turned to the Goddess and asked, "Why are you telling me this? Are you trying to gain my trust?"

"Yes." The answer came swiftly, without hesitation.

Her fists trembled as she added, "Once Father finds out what's been done to you… once he realizes we lied about your death—he won't stop to ask questions. He'll erase all of us. No mercy. No forgiveness."

It was a sight Natasha knew she would never forget. A Goddess—trembling. Not from pain or injury, but from sheer fear. And that fear wasn't directed at some tyrant or enemy, but at the one who created the world, who shaped the upper realm, who birthed the deities themselves.

The Allfather.

The Curse grinned, leaning back slightly as if savoring the power shift. "So, you want me to protect you from the Allfather? Hah… You do realize I could betray you the moment it suits me, right?"

The Goddess didn't flinch. She didn't waver or show a hint of doubt. Her voice was steady, soft, and clear.

"I'll accept that as my fate."

Her glowing lines dimmed. Whatever divine energy she had been sustaining began to recede. Alex stepped forward without hesitation and caught her just before she could collapse.

The Curse's mark flickered and faded from her skin, dissolving like mist under moonlight.

Alex silently lifted Sarah in his arms and brought her into the house. No one said a word. They simply followed.

Inside, Alex gently laid her on the bed, tucked her in beneath the duvet, and checked her condition. Her breathing was calm. Her body wasn't feverish or cold—just… exhausted. Like someone who had fought too many battles in silence.

Satisfied she was fine, Alex turned back to the others and sat down in a chair.

"You heard them," he said, voice low but steady. "There are people who'll try to block my way into the trials."

Natasha sank into the chair across from him, cradling Alice in her lap. Her brow was furrowed in thought. "Dad just met the elven chief not long ago. He didn't mention anything that suggests they're against you."

Alex gave a half-shrug. "Then either they're good at hiding it… or the influence hasn't reached deep enough yet." He didn't sound paranoid—just realistic. He had no evidence. But the seeds of doubt had already been planted.

"What can we do now? Should we fight the rulers when the selection begins?" Rebecca asked, her voice laced with concern. Even as she spoke, the idea sounded absurd in her own ears.

"Opposing a single person is one thing," Alex said, his tone heavy. "But this… this would mean standing against two entire races."

He didn't need to elaborate. Everyone there understood what he meant. The elves and beasts revered their leaders almost religiously. Their loyalty bordered on fanaticism, and with a divine voice echoing in their minds, that devotion would become gospel—unchallengeable and absolute.

Convincing them otherwise? It felt impossible.

A heavy silence settled over the room—until Celestria broke it.

"What if," she said slowly, "we give them a reason before the selection. A reason so strong that no one dares to oppose it?"

All eyes turned to the blonde princess. Her voice wasn't loud, but her words struck with clarity.

"We show them," she continued, "that Alex is the kind of warrior the world simply cannot afford to leave behind."

Rebecca tilted her head. "And… how exactly do we do that?"

Celestria hesitated. Her fingers clenched nervously, but Alex, without saying a word, reached over and held her hand. That single gesture seemed to calm her storm.

She took a breath. "Soulless summoning. We summon a Soulless… and Alex defeats it—on his own. In front of the world." Rebecca took a sharp breath upon hearing that.

Jullie's brows rose. It was dangerous, yes. Risky. But brilliant.

If people witnessed Alex protecting them—risking everything for them—before their leaders could sow doubt, the tide of public faith would shift in his favor. It wouldn't matter what their rulers said later. The people wouldn't betray a savior.

"But where could we possibly do something like that?" Natasha asked, rocking Alice gently in her lap. "We need a platform big enough. A moment when everyone is gathered."

Jullie's eyes lit up in realization. "A month from now… Sarah invited all the world's leaders to a conference. The Cathedral will be packed with dignitaries, soldiers, scholars, and commoners—everyone hoping to see the Supreme Saintess. That might be our best chance."

"That's perfect," Celestria nodded, her excitement growing. "If Alex stops a Soulless right then and there… the story would spread like wildfire. His strength would become a legend. And once they realize how important he is, no schemer would dare to speak against him."

She turned to Alex, hope burning in her eyes. "What do you think?"

No one raised any questions and watched him in silence, waiting for the answer that would set everything in motion.

Alex heaved a sigh as he leaned back in his seat. Even after thinking for a few minutes, he couldn't come up with a better plan, that's why he said, "It will risk a lot of lives....but what you suggested, Cela, is the best possible way to avoid the situation we fear."

If possible, Alex didn't want to fight two different races just to qualify for the trials. That's why, this method, despite being dangerous, was more acceptable.

He has enough confidence in himself to say that he would handle the Soulless without allowing any sacrifices.

Natasha got up from her seat and said, "Okay then, next month, at the Cathedral." Alice had fallen asleep at some point that's why she didn't want to stay here for long.

Alex nodded before the silver head and the Professor walked out of the room.

Celestria and Rebecca were staying in a different room so they also decided to leave.

"Are we still going to hunt tomorrow?" Rebecca asked in a slightly timid tone.

Alex responded without hesitation, "Of course, we are. Why should we let them ruin our plans?" He gave her a hug of comfort and kissed the top of her head.

Celestria also hugged him as she said, "Let's have a lot of fun starting tomorrow."

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.

And also, should I keep uploading pictures now and then?