On the training ground, groups of employees from the trading company were undergoing training. They were mostly orphans or refugees who had signed indenture contracts, their lives and deaths now determined by Lin Yi, ensuring their loyalty.
Despite her young age, Mikasa had clearly become the focus of the training ground. Her extraordinary talent surpassed even that of some adults, making her an unmatched opponent.
"Bang!"
At this moment, Mikasa was engaged in close combat with a middle-aged man. Both were using wooden swords, and the middle-aged man was a retired veteran hired by Lin Yi.
They were demonstrating military combat techniques.
Although Mikasa's strength didn't match that of an adult, her agility was remarkable. After dodging several attacks from the man, she swiftly turned and positioned her wooden sword at his neck.
"Wow, Mikasa is amazing; even the instructor lost!"
Cheers erupted on the training ground.
Mikasa's terrifying appearance contrasted with her usual docility. She willingly assisted others, forming strong relationships with the people here.
"Well done."
Upon hearing this familiar voice, everyone immediately stopped their laughter and respectfully bowed to Lin Yi.
Lin Yi waved his hand, indicating that they should continue their training.
Mikasa obediently followed him.
"The training here is no longer of much use to you. Starting tomorrow, come to my place every afternoon for a new course."
Lin Yi instructed.
Mikasa's talent, as in the original story, had already been displayed early on. Whether in combat skills, fighting techniques, or a keen perception of enemies, she exceeded the capabilities of most individuals.
As Mikasa grew a bit older, her strength, speed, and reflexes would continue to improve.
Lin Yi estimated that Mikasa would at least have the abilities of a Special Investigator.
"Understood."
Mikasa happily agreed. She preferred Lin Yi's personal guidance over training here.
"This can be considered your graduation gift. However, you cannot use it in front of others without my permission."
They both boarded a carriage, and Lin Yi placed a white suitcase in front of Mikasa.
For Mikasa's next phase of training, it would naturally involve the use of the Quinque.
"This is..."
Mikasa paused, looking at the unfamiliar white suitcase. It was made from a material she had never seen in the Shiganshina District.
Lin Yi lightly pressed a button, and the suitcase instantly opened. Glowing particles in brilliant hues twirled and converged in the air, forming the hilt of a blade made from Kagune, a blade that was about as thin as a normal sword but with a half-transparent blade and a faint blue luminescence, resembling a beautiful ice crystal.
"It's so beautiful."
Mikasa murmured unconsciously.
Taking the blade, she didn't fully grasp the significance of this weapon in the world of Titans.
Lin Yi squinted. This blade, the Quinque, had its origins from an SS-rank Ghoul captured by Cochlea, and was sentenced to death early on. Due to the uniqueness of its ability, it was among the top-ranking SS-class Quinque.
"Put it away. You'll learn how to use the Quinque under my guidance."
With Lin Yi's instruction, Mikasa pressed a mechanism, and the ice-blue blade transformed back into the suitcase.
"Quinque, is that the name of this weapon?"
"Yes."
Lin Yi nodded.
The carriage came to a stop. Mikasa didn't live with Lin Yi, but he had arranged a comfortable place for her and her mother with his help. It wasn't far from the trading company.
Under Lin Yi's guidance, Mikasa's mother's embroidery had become a luxury brand with good sales in wealthy circles.
So, Mikasa's current situation and income were quite satisfactory.
As Mikasa reluctantly got off the carriage, Lin Yi rubbed his forehead. He didn't have any particular preferences, but this girl was too young now.
Perhaps, in his darkest hours, he had brought light to himself, and now he had become her emotional support.
"Sir."
Right after seeing Mikasa off, Herys rushed over.
"Eren is missing, but we found this in his room."
Herys handed over a small piece of paper. It was covered in strange, intricate symbols that were difficult to decipher.
"Has Grisha finally lost his patience?"
Lin Yi took the paper, studied it for a moment, and finally understood Eren's intention. The paper depicted a map.
Eren was still new to the Rose District and unfamiliar with its terrain. The only area he knew was the vicinity of the refugee camp.
"He must be going to the forest behind the refugee camp."
Lin Yi stepped out of the carriage, just as the sky suddenly darkened and raindrops began to fall.
Herys hurriedly fetched an umbrella from the carriage to follow, but Lin Yi stopped him.
"No need to follow me. Go calm Carla down. Tell her... tell her that I'm taking Eren to see Mikasa."
"Understood, sir."
With a respectful nod, Herys handed the umbrella to Lin Yi and drove the carriage away.
"Pitter-patter~"
The rain intensified.
In the forest behind the refugee camp, the sounds of struggling and yelling mixed with the rain.
"Father, where are you taking me?"
"Mother is injured. Aren't you going to see her? What exactly are you planning? Where have you been all this time?"
Eren desperately struggled, but he couldn't break free from Grisha's grip. Grisha held his wrist, dragging him along forcefully.
After the conversation with Lin Yi, Eren had grown wary of his Father and his motives.
He desperately wanted an explanation, but Grisha was more concerned about revealing his actions. He could only force Eren to follow him.
"Father, my hand hurts. Let go of me. What are you doing?"
"Sorry, Eren. There's no time. You'll understand later. I'm doing this for your own good."
Deep within the forest, Grisha finally spoke. He pulled Eren in front of him, his eyes wide and filled with intensity.
Drenched by the heavy rain, Grisha's disheveled appearance made him appear somewhat sinister.
"Father..."
Eren was taken aback by Grisha's expression, struggling to find words.
But in the next moment, Grisha retrieved a syringe from his medical kit. The syringe contained a peculiar, murky liquid with visible particles resembling parasites floating within. It was nauseating.
"I don't want it! Father, you've lost your mind! You're not the same as before. Let go of me! I want to go back! Let go!"
Realizing what he was about to face, Eren's struggles grew even more intense.
Grisha attempted to administer the syringe with one hand, but despite his efforts, he couldn't fully restrain Eren.