The words hung in the air like a weight. Levi's frown deepened, and Hange looked at Niikaz with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
"A soul contract?" Erwin repeated, his voice calm but tinged with disbelief. "What are you talking about?"
Niikaz's expression hardened. "I'm offering you information that could change the future. But in exchange, I need something in return. A soul contract that binds us. If any of you betray me, or try to leak what I've told you, it will kill you. Instantly."
Levi snorted, clearly skeptical. "A death clause? Are you serious?"
Niikaz remained unmoved. "I'm serious. This is the only way I can ensure that what I reveal stays between us. If you agree to it, I'll share everything I know. If not, I walk away. Simple as that."
Erwin stood tall, considering the proposition. The soul contract was a dangerous one—perhaps even beyond dangerous. But it was clear Niikaz wasn't joking. She had information that was worth far more than they could have imagined, and if they didn't accept her terms, they might lose it forever.
"You claim to know when the Wall will be breached—and other important dates about the Titans." His intense gaze scrutinized her, trying to gauge her intentions. "That's valuable information. But why share it with us? And why demand a contract?"
Niikaz took a deep breath. "I'm willing to share what I know, but only under one condition: you must agree to a soul contract. I also need to protect myself and my knowledge. This contract is to ensure our trust remains intact."
Levi frowned, folding his arms. "A twelve-year-old with conditions and a death clause? Seems a bit theatrical, don't you think?"
Niikaz met his gaze. "This information isn't just about dates. It includes my abilities, my potential, and knowledge that could turn the tide in the Scouts' fight against the Titans. But only if you agree to these terms."
Levi's eyes narrowed. He was skeptical, as always, but Erwin saw the value in this girl's proposal. A contract like this was unheard of, almost mystical, but something about her convinced him that she wasn't bluffing.
Hange, who had been silently watching with an intrigued glint in her eye, finally spoke up. "And this… 'soul contract,' as you call it—what does it involve exactly?"
"It's a bond that ties the agreement to your very soul," Niikaz explained. "It's a form of internal energy, one that ensures secrecy. Any violation, even the smallest intention of betrayal, will trigger the contract and—well, you'll feel the price immediately."
Erwin considered her words, weighing the risk against the potential knowledge she could offer. He looked at Levi, who look at her emotionless. If this girl was willing to make such a high-stakes offer, there had to be a reason, and Erwin was willing to take that chance.
"Fine," Erwin said, his voice resolute. "I agree to your terms."
Levi sighed but nodded in agreement. "If Erwin's in, then so am I."
Hange's eyes widened. "You're both actually agreeing to this?"
Erwin looked at her with a steady gaze. "This might be the breakthrough we've been waiting for, Hange. Sometimes, trust requires risk."
After a moment's hesitation, Hange took a deep breath. "All right… if you both believe it's worth it, I'm in."
Niikaz's face softened as she saw them accept. "Good," she said, relieved. "Let's begin."
She motioned for them to form a circle, and they gathered, each extending their right hand into the center. Niikaz placed her hand on top of theirs, her expression solemn.
"Close your eyes," she instructed, "and brace yourselves. This may be uncomfortable. The process will connect our minds and souls for the duration of the contract. You may feel… pressure, memories, and visions. But it will pass."
The three Scouts closed their eyes, and Niikaz followed, focusing deeply. A faint, glowing light began to emanate from the center of their joined hands, growing brighter and brighter until it filled the entire room. The air grew thick, almost humming with energy, and a strange sensation washed over them—a mix of warmth and weight, as though something powerful was pressing down on them.
Suddenly, Erwin, Levi, and Hange felt a surge of images and memories racing through their minds. Erwin's brow furrowed, sweat forming on his face, as he glimpsed flashes of people, events, battles he hadn't experienced—visions that defied the natural flow of time. His breathing grew shallow as the strain mounted.
Levi clenched his teeth, his face tense as scenes of destruction, battles, and unimaginable horrors flooded his mind. He could feel every detail as though he were living it, absorbing the pain and the fear.
Hange gasped, her hands trembling slightly as the visions continued. She saw an endless series of faces—some she recognized, others she didn't—each one filling her mind with stories, histories, and emotions that seemed both familiar and alien.
The visions came in waves: countless lives, epic battles, the cycle of hope and despair. And above it all, a shadowy figure—a presence that seemed to be observing them, watching them as if their entire world was just a story. This figure remained distant, like a faint memory, but its gaze was chilling.
The final image shifted to reveal Niikaz's true form, her abilities laid bare before them. Knowledge of her skills, her potential, and her mysterious origins flowed into their minds, and with each piece of information, the weight of the soul contract deepened, tying them closer together.
As the last of the visions faded, the light dimmed, and they felt themselves returning to reality. The air in the room was thick with tension, and all three were visibly affected, their breathing ragged and sweat glistening on their brows.
Erwin was the first to speak, his voice strained but steady. "I… I didn't expect that."
Levi took a deep, steadying breath, his face still pale. "I've seen a lot of things, but that…" He trailed off, glancing at Niikaz with a new, guarded respect.
Hange, still recovering, looked at Niikaz with a mix of awe and curiosity. "You're… not just a twelve-year-old girl, are you?"
Niikaz smiled faintly. "Not in the way you're used to, no. But my intentions are true. I'm here to help, and now, we're bound by a contract of trust. You know the stakes now, and you know what's coming."
Erwin straightened, nodding slowly. "Then we have a lot to prepare for. And I assume you'll be guiding us through it?"
Niikaz nodded. "Yes. Together, we can make a difference. We have a week to prepare before the Wall is breached. But after that, there are more threats ahead. I'll help you navigate them, as long as we honor this contract."
Hange's face lit up, excitement replacing her earlier apprehension. "With your knowledge, we might actually stand a chance. There's so much we could learn from you."
Levi gave a small nod. "Then let's make sure we're ready."
Erwin looked at Niikaz, his expression determined. "This changes everything, but I believe it's the best path forward. Welcome to the Scouts, Niikaz."
The soul contract had been forged, and now, for better or worse, their fates were bound together. With Niikaz's guidance, humanity's fight against the Titans had a new glimmer of hope—but it was only the beginning.