Threads of Fate

"You have gained +3 Intelligence for devising a strategic countermeasure!"

The system notification popped up as I crouched behind a stack of crates, my mind working overtime to process the sheer chaos unfolding before me.

Trost was burning. Titans roamed the streets, their massive forms looming like harbingers of death. And amidst it all, something impossible was happening—one Titan was fighting the others.

Eren.

I knew this moment was coming, but watching it in real-time was something else. My ADHD-fueled brain hyper-focused on every detail—the way steam rose from his Titan's nape, the raw, unfiltered brutality in his movements, the overwhelming power radiating from every strike. This was our first real shift in momentum.

"What the hell is that?!" Jean's voice cut through the mayhem, his face contorted in shock as he pointed at the rampaging Titan.

Armin, still pale from the horrors he'd witnessed, stared in disbelief. "It's... fighting them? A Titan killing other Titans? That's not possible."

"Unless…" I murmured under my breath. My voice barely carried over the distant screams and the crashing of buildings.

This wasn't just a moment in history—it was a battlefield where every decision carried weight. Watching from the sidelines wasn't an option.

I opened my quest log.

[Main Quest: Defend Trost]

Objective: Assist in the recapture of Trost without exposing knowledge of future events.

Bonus: Ensure the survival of at least 20 comrades.

Reward: +1 Skill Upgrade, +500 System Coins

Failure: Expulsion from the Corps (and probable death).

Twenty comrades…

I scanned the battlefield. Many of my squad members were still standing, but some were on the brink of collapse.

Jean, Marco, Connie, Sasha… They had barely survived in canon. If I didn't step in, that might change.

I inhaled sharply, steeling myself. Screw it. Time to play hero.

Tactical Play

I grabbed Jean by the shoulder, forcing him to focus. "If that thing's taking out Titans, then we have an opening. We regroup and push forward. You lead the vanguard. I'll cover you."

"Why the hell should I listen to you?!" Jean snapped, frustration and fear flashing in his eyes.

"Because you're good at leading people," I shot back. "And I'm good at keeping them alive. Now move!"

For a second, he hesitated. But Jean was no coward—he gritted his teeth and barked out orders. Slowly, the scattered remnants of our squad began to reform.

Armin still looked torn, his logical mind struggling to process what was happening. Mikasa, however, moved with frightening precision, her focus locked solely on Eren.

I launched myself into the air with my ODM gear, the tension in my body melting into motion. Weeks of grinding system-assigned exercises had paid off—not enough to make me overpowered, but enough to push my survival odds above zero.

Then, another notification appeared.

[New Passive Unlocked: Adaptive Reflexes]

Your body naturally adjusts to high-stress combat scenarios. +10% reaction speed in battle.

A grin tugged at my lips. Hell yes.

I pivoted midair, my blades slicing cleanly through a Titan's nape. The creature let out a gurgled roar before collapsing, steam and blood rising in the aftermath.

"One down," I muttered.

Jean and the others pushed toward the supply depot, cutting down Titans along the way. Eren's rampage had drawn many of them away—this was our best shot.

And then—

A Titan lunged from the alleyway below.

"Shit—!"

System Intervention

"Ding! You have activated [Luck Factor]!"

A blur of movement.

The Titan that had nearly grabbed me jerked suddenly, its nape sliced clean through.

I barely had time to process before my gaze snapped upward—Mikasa.

"Focus, Akira," she called down, irritation edging her normally composed tone.

I exhaled sharply. "Yeah, yeah, you saved my ass. I owe you one."

She didn't reply, already moving, her blades flashing as she cut down another Titan.

I need to focus.

We pushed forward, carving a path through the battlefield. Eren's presence had tilted the scales in our favor, but victory wasn't guaranteed.

Then—

A chilling notification flashed across my vision.

"Warning: An Abnormal Titan has entered the area!"

My eyes snapped toward the eastern gate.

It was fast. Unnaturally fast.

Armin paled. "That's—"

"Move!" I barked, cutting him off.

The Titan crashed into the street, sending debris flying. Its erratic gaze locked onto us, its movements unpredictable.

This is bad.

Fight or Flight

Panic rippled through our ranks.

Jean barely dodged a sweeping hand. Connie and Sasha scrambled onto a rooftop. Mikasa was already repositioning, her mind working three steps ahead.

I gritted my teeth.

I knew this Titan from the manga. But knowing and experiencing were two very different things.

I could run.

Or—I could take the risk.

The system pinged again.

[Optional Quest: Eliminate the Abnormal Titan]

Reward: ???

A mystery reward.

Tempting.

But more than that—

I wasn't about to let my squad die.

"Jean, take command!" I shouted. "Get everyone back to the supply depot! I'll handle this."

"Are you insane?!" Jean yelled back.

"Absolutely! Now move!"

I dove toward the Titan, ODM gear engaging at full power.

The world sharpened. My ADHD hyper-focus kicked in, breaking the Titan's movements down into frame-by-frame analysis.

It lunged—too fast. I twisted midair, barely avoiding its grasp.

My heart pounded.

A slow grin spread across my face.

"Come on, then," I muttered. "Let's dance."