The summer sun blazed high above, casting its relentless heat over the endless stretch of field. The light seemed to dance off every blade of grass, creating a shimmering, almost surreal haze that blanketed the scene.
The cadets advanced, horses trotting rhythmically as they carried their riders forward through the open plain. Eren rode at the head of the group, his gaze steely as he observed his surroundings.
Beside him, Marco Bodt sat upright on his own horse, clipboard in hand, dutifully recording details for the day's exercise. Eren glanced sideways, taking in the expressions of Connie and Sasha, both visibly fatigued yet managing to press on.
"Connie Springer and Sasha Blouse," Eren assessed quietly. "Both of them—reckless, but they've got some raw talent in odm gear. Though... combat skills still need work. Neither of them could handle a Titan alone right now." His face remained stoic, his thoughts running analytically as he inspected his squad.
Eren's gaze flickered to the trio riding alongside him: Porco Galliard, Marcel and Pieck Finger. Each one had missing records in the cadet files, and they all seemed equally suspicious in their own way.
Porco, a hot-headed kid with a hair-trigger temper, wasn't known for his patience. Eren had witnessed him squaring off with Reiner Braun more than once, and it seemed like there was more to it than just personality clashes—maybe a grudge that ran deep.
Next to Porco rode Marcel. A strong and muscular guy who rarely smiled, loyal to both his brother Porco and Pieck. He kept his distance from everyone and Eren himself wasn't that interested in him.
As the oldest amongat the trio, he seemed to carry herself with an air of quiet wisdom and caution, almost as if he was always calculating his next move.
Finally, there was Pieck Finger. Renowned for her beauty, Pieck was the subject of more than a few cadets' infatuations, with some even daydreaming of romantic or lewd possibilities. But she didn't seem overly interested in fighting or drawing attention.
To Eren's surprise, he'd noticed a subtle fondness in her toward him, a soft spot that went beyond the usual camaraderie. Pieck was his friend—perhaps his closest among the trio—and she had her secrets too, though Eren had yet to uncover what they were.
Further back, Reiner Braun and Annie Leonhart rode in tandem, their faces betraying nothing as they exchanged the occasional nod. "Good fighters," Eren noted inwardly.
"Reiner Braun and Annie Leonhart. Combat prowess? Just fine. But... irregularities in their records. Missing entries. And they always seem to avoid each other during the day while secretly meet at night with Hoover" His eyes narrowed, suspicious, though he kept his face blank, using his peripheral vision to study them.
Then, he turned his attention to Mina, Thomas, and Samuel. Eren doubted they'd rank in the top ten by the time training concluded, but he admired their resolve. "Confident enough to keep up... though barely."
Eren exhaled, eyes turning back to the road ahead. This exercise felt pointless. Horses could cover the entire journey with minimal effort from the cadets, yet they were expected to stay overnight in the forest, only to continue through the same routine tomorrow. His gaze drifted to the horizon, where blue skies stretched endlessly, clouds drifting in soft wisps.
"View stats," Eren muttered, and with a faint hum, a translucent blue screen blinked to life before his eyes, casting a subtle glow that contrasted sharply with the dry, sunlit field surrounding him.
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Name: Eren Yeager
Age: 15
Status: Titan Slayer (Level 9)
Kill Count: 892
Attributes:
Strength: 112
Speed: 139
Intelligence: 142
Agility: 125
Health: 156/157
Endurance: 260/275
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A voice pierced through his thoughts, grounding him. "Eren… so we eating or what?" Reiner asked, his tone hopeful. But Marco, ever practical, interrupted, "No, not yet. We're nearly to the forest. We'll eat and set up camp there for the next two days."
From behind, Sasha and Connie, both visibly weary and struggling to keep their hunger in check, chimed in, "C'mon, Marco… it's not like it really matters… I'm starving," Sasha grumbled.
Eren's eyes flicked to her, his expression unwavering. "Marco, minus one for Blouse," he stated flatly, and Sasha fell silent, a slight pout on her face as he refocused on the screen hovering in his vision.
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Skills:
One Hit (1/1)— 3-month recharge
Weapon Mastery Level MAX
Master Thrower Level 5— Range (0/37m)
Master Healer Level 7— Restore 50 HP
ODM Gear Mastery: Level 9
Blade Mastery Level 7
Royal Blessing
Hand-To-Hand Master Level MAX
Tactical Awareness Level 4
Chameleon Level 4
Fire Surge Level 5
Clone (3/3)— 3 days recharge
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Eren closed the screen with a sigh, as they approached the forest. Towering trees stretched skyward, their dark green branches creating a dense, shaded canopy that blanketed the forest floor in dim light.
The cool shadows were a welcome reprieve from the relentless summer sun, casting a tranquil, almost somber atmosphere over the group as they finally dismounted and began preparing to set up camp.
While most of the cadets fumbled with their equipment, Eren went through the motions, silent and efficient, his mind elsewhere. Within minutes, his tent was ready, standing neatly while others wrestled with tangled ropes and slipping stakes.
Observing the chaotic scene briefly, he announced, "I'll gather firewood. Leonhart, Blouse, and Springer, collect dry stones for ignition." His tone was low, almost distracted, and without waiting for a response, he turned and walked into the shade of the trees.
Away from the clamor, Eren felt a sense of ease settle over him. The forest was quiet, the stillness broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird.
He walked deeper, savoring the solitude, each step drawing him further from the noise of camp and the responsibilities pressing on his shoulders. Here, in the quiet wilderness, he could breathe, the weight of his title and duties momentarily forgotten.
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Abilities Completion: (1/9)
Special Abilities:
The Attack Titan
Powers:
Titan Hardening — Creates hardened structures for offense and defense.
Berserk Mode — Potential Unlocked
Abilities: Strength Boost 10x.
God Mode — Full Potential (Locked)
Abilities: Unknown.
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"God Mode, huh?" Eren murmured, gripping a bundle of dry wood that would catch fire easily. "I haven't even used Berserk Mode yet since I'm not eligible… wonder what it takes to unlock God Mode."
His thoughts drifted as he gathered more wood, picturing Christa in his mind, a flicker of concern for her surfacing. "Well, as long as Ymir's with her, she'll be fine," he assured himself before turning back toward camp. A notification suddenly appeared before him.
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System Notifications:
Daily Quest: Strength Training
1. Pushups (0/200)
2. Squats (17/200)
3. Sprints (1.2/5 km)
4. Planks (0/600s)
5. Sit-ups (0/200)
Failure to complete the quest by midnight will result in an appropriate punishment.
Time Remaining: 09:07:43
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He sighed, only for another alert to flash.
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Main Mission:
Finish The 104th Cadet Scouting Exercise
Completion: (0/1)
Status: Pending
Rewards:
Fire Surge Level 6
Chameleon Level 5
Tactical Awareness Level 5
50 System Points (10 points per attribute)
Failure to complete the mission will lead to immediate death.
——————————
Eren's expression was same as ever. The rewards felt stingy though— just 50 points, meaning he'll be to increase only 5. But the cost of failure kept him on task.
"Hey, Eren! What took you so long? Everyone's waiting back at camp." Reiner's voice broke into his thoughts, and Eren simply nodded, walking back with him. At camp, a fire pit was ready, circled by stones and layered with dried leaves, while cadets waited with bread and vegetables to cook.
Eren took charge, "Check your tents again. I'll light the fire." His tone was firm, and despite a few annoyed glances, they listened, stepping aside as he worked.
With practiced ease, Eren struck the fire, igniting it faster than anyone expected — leaving some in silent awe. While they prepared their meals, Eren grabbed four pieces of dry bread, nodding at Marco.
"I'm taking the night duty... I'll rest till then," he instructed. "Marco's in charge till I'm up." he added, his voice unwavering. "Marco, increase everyone's points by two."
Without waiting for responses, he turned away, heading to his tent and settling in. Soon, Eren was asleep, the quiet forest and distant crackle of the fire setting the scene as his thoughts faded.
Moonlight wrapped the forest in a soft, silvery haze, filtering through the thick canopy and casting eerie, elongated shadows across the cadets who lay scattered.
It had been a tedious day — a whole afternoon of inactivity, with nothing to do but wait while Eren took his turn resting. The mood was thick with exhaustion and faint irritation.
Soon While Eren rested,"The heck is he doing isn't he supposed to be awake till now...." Connie sighed waiting for Eren to get up so they could rest but none wanted to wake him up knowing the end result.
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Meanwhile....
"Tch… They're fast. Too fast. What the hell's up with these titans?" Eren muttered, his gaze locking onto the five titans barreling toward him.
They had hardened jaws and razor-like, pointed hands; though they were small, barely reaching the meter-class, their speed was overwhelming as they darted with lightning agility across the desolate terrain.
"Whatever… let's end this quickly." Eren glanced at his health bar, his body battered and bruised from earlier punishments. He'd been forced to fight off twenty abnormals, only to be rewarded with the challenge of these Titans at the end.
[Warning: Low Health… HP: 21/157]
"Heal," he muttered.
[Health Restored Successfully]
Without hesitation, he bit down hard on his hand, the taste of blood sharp in his mouth as he activated his Titan powers.
[Activating Special Ability: The Attack Titan]
A bolt of lightning shot from above, striking Eren as his Titan form materialized in a blinding flash. His massive figure hit the sandy, barren ground with a thud, sand shifting underfoot, making it harder to gain traction. Still, he steadied himself, bracing for the fight.
"Come on…" Eren took a deep breath.
[Strength Restored Successfully]
As thick, glimmering crystals solidified over his Titan's hands, a harsh roar split the silence. One of the Titan lunged forward, maw gaping, only to find itself impaled straight through the throat as Eren's hardened arm pierced through its mouth and out its nape.
Without missing a beat, Eren threw himself at the others. Though they were some really fast Titans, their mindless aggression made them easy targets. His hardened fists crushed through their defenses with brutal precision.
Two titans attacked from opposite directions, one charging at him head-on while the other lunged from behind. Eren dodged, catching one by the nape and clamping his jaws onto its neck with a sickening crunch, his iron grip squeezing until the life left its form.
When the other Titan came at him, Eren clenched its jaws in his hardened fists, ripping its mouth wide open before crushing its nape.
"Two left…" he thought, preparing himself. But as they advanced, Eren abandoned his Titan form for a risky strategy. One Titan leaped, expecting him to still be in Titan form. Instead, Eren used his ODM gear, dodging through the shadows to slash its nape, the blade cutting cleanly.
The final Titan caught him off guard, charging at him with an open mouth. "Damn it," Eren hissed, eyes widening as he gauged its advance, its monstrous form cast in the haunting glow of the moon. Its gaping jaws loomed closer, nearly swallowing him whole.
[Activating Special Ability: The Attack Titan]
In the final second, Eren transformed mid-air, erupting inside the Titan's mouth, ripping it apart from the inside. He tore through its jaws, his heart still pounding as he registered the close call.
His last move had been more instinct than strategy; instead of maneuvering out of the creature's mouth, he'd moved forward, betting everything on the transformation to tear it apart from within.
With a heavy sigh, he stood among the wreckage, the corpses of the Titans strewn across the sand, the silence heavy as he finally let himself breathe. A grin taking its place on his face as he realized it had been a while ever since he found something that made his heart flutter...
"That... That was fun..." He clenched his fists as blood dripped from his bruised lips his gaze fixed at his knuckles.
[Punishment Complete....]
"Eh?" Eren thought before another notification popped out.
[Now returning to the real world....]