Chapter 5: Meeting Christa

A few weeks had passed since Adam promised to take responsibility for Mikasa. Their lives were starting to stabilize-they were working odd jobs, practicing every day, and occasionally visiting the Yeager family.

However, Adam realized that the money they were getting from their jobs in the Shiganshina District was still limited.

"If I want more money, I need to find a job somewhere else, too."

After asking a few people, he found out that there was additional work in a small village not far from Shiganshina. The village was famous for its fields and always needed extra labor.

So, Adam decided to go there.

"Wait here, Mikasa. I won't be long," he said, patting Mikasa's head before leaving.

Mikasa frowned. "I can come help you."

Adam laughed. "Don't worry, it's not hard work. I'll be back soon."

Mikasa paused, then nodded reluctantly.

After making sure Mikasa was safe, Adam left for the village.

--- The village wasn't very big, but it was bustling with farmers and workers. Adam set to work, helping lift sacks of grain and cleaning stables.

During a break, he walked along a small road and saw a group of children gathered near an old barn.

At first, Adam didn't really care - until he heard a small, frightened-sounding voice.

"Stop... please don't-"

Adam stopped his steps and turned around.

In the center of the group of children, a small blonde-haired girl stood with a trembling body. Her eyes were bright blue, but were currently filled with fear.

The children around her laughed.

"Haha! What's wrong with you, you weird kid!"

"Why don't you just leave? You're not one of us!"

Adam let out a long breath. "Seriously? There's bullying in this world too?"

He walked over casually.

"Hoi, hoi, what are you guys doing?" he said in a lazy tone.

The boys turned around and looked at Adam in confusion.

"Who are you?" one of them asked.

Adam grinned. "Me? I'm just a freelancer who happened to be out for a walk and suddenly saw a bunch of kids doing something stupid."

The boys looked annoyed. "It's none of your business!"

Adam shrugged. "Maybe, but if I didn't intervene, I'd feel guilty for letting kids like you bully a little girl for no reason."

The blonde girl stared at Adam with wide eyes, as if she couldn't believe someone was defending her.

One of the boys came forward with an angry expression. "Who do you think you are?"

Adam smiled casually. "Me? I'm the one who's going to beat you up if you don't stop right now."

The boys exchanged glances, hesitating.

Adam wasn't big for his age, but there was something in his eyes that scared them.

Finally, the children chuckled and left grumbling.

Christa still stood still, looking confused and a little scared.

Adam turned to her and smiled. "Hey, are you okay?"

The girl lowered her head slightly. "Y-yeah... thanks."

Adam looked at her for a while.

(Hmm, she looks familiar. I think I know who she is)

"What's your name?" asked Adam finally.

The girl looked at him hesitantly before answering in a low voice.

"Historia... but everyone calls me Christa."

Adam smiled. (So, this is Christa)

"Shouldn't you be fighting them?" he asked as he sat down on the wooden fence.

Christa shook her head quickly. "I don't want to hurt them..."

Adam sighed. "You're too kind."

Christa smiled a little. "I just want everyone to be happy."

Adam looked at her with concern. Christa was nice, but she also looked lonely.

He smiled. "If you need a friend, I'm here."

Krista's eyes widened slightly, as if she wasn't used to hearing those words.

"Thank you..." she said softly.

Adam stood up and ruffled her hair. "There, let's get out of here. I don't want you to get bullied again."

Christa smiled and nodded.