Niikaz opened her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. The dim light of early morning crept through a cracked window nearby. She sat up slowly, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. Did it actually work?
She looked around. The room was plain, with several wooden cots lined up in rows. A few other kids were starting to wake up too, stretching and yawning. The faded walls, the chilly air—this definitely wasn't her world anymore. She was in an orphanage.
Niikaz felt a small spark of excitement. She'd actually done it. She'd brought herself into the world of Attack on Titan. She'd come here with one big goal: change the ending. The story she knew had ended in heartbreak and tragedy, but she wasn't going to let that happen. Not this time.
Before she could dive into her mission, though, she needed to know the exact date.
Swinging her legs off the bed, she quickly got up and made her way outside, ignoring the kids who were busy with their own morning routines. Once she stepped into the sunlight, she glanced around the street, looking for anyone in uniform who might be able to help. She had to confirm that she was in the right year.
It didn't take long to spot a few soldiers lounging around a street corner. Among them, leaning against a low wall with a mug in his hand, was Captain Hannes. He looked just as she remembered—laid-back, a bit scruffy, and more focused on his drink than anything else.
Niikaz approached him, trying to look casual. The soldiers noticed her and paused their chat, looking at her with mild curiosity.
"Hey, can you tell me what year it is?" she asked.
Hannes looked at her, clearly a bit puzzled. "The year?" he repeated, scratching his head. "It's 845. Why do you ask, kid?"
Niikaz felt a wave of relief. Perfect. She'd arrived right before things started to go wrong in this world.
"Oh, no reason," she replied quickly. "Thanks, Captain Hannes!"
"Wait… how do you know my name?" he asked, giving her a curious look.
Niikaz waved him off with a grin. "Everyone knows the great Captain Hannes!" she called back as she walked away, hoping he'd just laugh it off.
Once she was out of their sight, she took a deep breath. This was it. She was here, in the year 845, just as everything was about to kick off. She had a lot of work ahead of her if she wanted to change the ending of this story.
As she walked back toward the orphanage, her mind started racing with ideas. She'd need allies. She'd have to be smart and careful. But one thing was clear—she was ready to dive headfirst into this world and make a difference.
In the distance, she heard the faint sound of bells ringing from the town square. It was a normal, quiet morning for the people here, but Niikaz knew the truth. This world was anything but safe, and she was about to change everything.