Shifting the Threads of Fate

The plan was set. Erwin's strategy was to lure the Female Titan into a trap within the capital's underground tunnels. It was a solid plan—one that had worked in the original timeline to some extent.

But I wasn't here to let history repeat itself.

Annie Leonhart—the one inside that Titan—was dangerous, but she wasn't evil. Just another pawn in a war she didn't even understand. If things played out the same way, she would be captured, only to end up in that hardened crystal prison. A wasted existence, stuck in stasis for years.

I had no intention of playing the hero. I wasn't here to "save" anyone. But if I could nudge things in a direction where people didn't get screwed over as badly? I'd call that a win.

And for me, every step forward meant growth—stronger enemies, more experience, and better loot.

The Calm Before the Storm

The sun barely peeked over the rooftops of Stohess District as the Survey Corps prepared for the operation. Civilians had been cleared from the area, under the guise of a training exercise. I watched the soldiers around me, tightening their gear, whispering words of encouragement or prayer.

Mikasa was sharpening her blades. Armin was deep in thought, his usual expression of nervous focus. Jean and Connie exchanged uneasy glances, both clearly aware that this wasn't just another Titan-slaying mission.

Historia stood nearby, fidgeting with the strap of her ODM gear. I caught her staring at me, eyes uncertain.

"You nervous?" I asked, stepping beside her.

She hesitated. "A little. It feels… different this time."

"That's because it is," I said. "Something big is coming. You feel it, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah. And you? You don't seem worried."

"I don't do worry," I said with a smirk. "I do preparation."

She studied me for a moment before sighing. "I don't get you sometimes, Akira."

"Good. That means I'm doing my job right."

She rolled her eyes but smiled slightly.

Setting the Trap

The operation moved swiftly. We had Annie cornered—or at least, that's what Erwin and the others believed.

I stayed in the background, keeping an eye on her. She hadn't transformed yet. She was still hesitating, like in the manga. Even now, she was hoping for a way out of this without violence.

Eren, Armin, and Mikasa led her towards the underground tunnel, trying to play things naturally. But the moment she refused to go down, the tension snapped.

She laughed—dry and knowing. Then, with a swift movement, she bit down on her thumb.

A blinding blue explosion erupted as her Titan form burst forth, sending shockwaves through the streets.

The Battle Begins

[Enemy Identified: Female Titan – Level 55]

[Threat Level: Extremely High]

[EXP Reward: 10,000]

[Possible Drops: ???]

I watched as the Survey Corps scrambled into action, ODM gear firing as soldiers engaged from all sides. Levi's squad moved with ruthless precision, but Annie had improved since Trost. She crushed soldiers mid-air, dodged attacks with terrifying agility, and countered with brutal efficiency.

Erwin barked orders, directing the flow of battle, while Mikasa and Eren led the charge.

I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders. Time to get to work.

[Activating Reiatsu Augmentation (B-Rank)]

[Strength, Speed, and Endurance Increased Temporarily]

I dashed forward, Shunpo launching me onto a rooftop. From here, I could see the entire battlefield. I could let them handle this… but where was the fun in that?

I drew my knife and dove into the chaos.

The Dance of Blades and Claws

I zipped between falling rubble and flailing limbs, my instincts guiding my movements. Annie's Titan hand slammed down, barely missing me as I Shunpo'd onto her wrist.

[Attack Opportunity Detected!]

I slashed at her hand, aiming for the tendons.

[Direct Hit!]

[Damage Dealt: 450]

She recoiled, swinging wildly, but I had already moved. Landing on a nearby building, I saw the others struggling. Mikasa was trying to slice into Annie's nape, but the hardened Titan skin blocked her blades.

I scanned my skills.

[Reiatsu Pressure (C-Rank) Activated]

An invisible force crashed down upon the battlefield, slowing Annie's movements slightly. She stiffened, sensing something was off. It wasn't enough to stop her, but it gave Mikasa an opening.

Her blades flashed. A deep gash formed on Annie's shoulder.

[Enemy HP: 87%]

Not enough.

I needed to push harder.

Loot and Leveling Up

I spotted one of Annie's crushed victims—a Survey Corps member, already dead. A shimmering icon appeared over the body.

[Loot Available]

[You have obtained: 120 System Coins, 1x Healing Potion, 1x ODM Gas Refill]

Not bad. But I wasn't here for scraps.

Annie roared, sending a shockwave that flung several soldiers off balance. I dodged, flipping mid-air before landing on a rooftop.

Then I saw it—her escape attempt.

Just like in the manga, she was making her way toward the wall, trying to climb and flee. If she got away, it'd be a mess to track her down again.

"Not happening."

I Shunpo'd directly into her path, landing on a crumbling building.

She saw me. Even in Titan form, her eyes narrowed slightly.

I smirked. "Going somewhere?"

I raised my blade, Reiatsu crackling around me.

[New Skill Activated: Reiatsu Blade (B-Rank)]

[A temporary enhancement that allows weapons to cut through tougher materials]

I launched forward.

My blade struck her ankle just as she leaped—cutting deep, severing muscle.

She faltered. And that was all it took.

Mikasa and Levi struck in tandem, their blades finding purchase in her exposed nape. With a final roar, Annie collapsed.

[Critical Hit!]

[Enemy HP: 10%]

But before we could finish it, her body began to harden.

[Enemy Using Titan Crystalization]

A moment later, she was sealed inside an unbreakable crystal. Just like in the manga.

The battle was over.

Aftermath

The battlefield fell silent. Smoke rose from the wreckage, bodies littered the streets, and the weight of victory felt… incomplete.

Annie was captured, but just like before, it came at a cost.

Eren panted heavily, staring at her crystalized form with clenched fists. Mikasa sheathed her blades, face unreadable. Erwin stood firm, already calculating the next move.

And me?

I checked my notifications.

[Battle Complete!]

[EXP Gained: 12,500]

[Level Up!]

[New Level: 20]

[Skill Upgrade: Reiatsu Augmentation → Advanced Reiatsu Augmentation (A-Rank)]

I exhaled, feeling the rush of strength from the level-up.

Annie was out of the game—for now. But this wasn't the ending I wanted for her.

I'd have to find a way to change that.

For now, though, I had grown stronger. And that was enough.