NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Something is coming
Levi wiped his hands clean, though the cloth barely removed the blood. Reiner sat slumped forward in the chair, unconscious, with blood dripping onto the ground. The tent smelled heavily of iron.
"Well, we got some information," Levi said, tossing the stained cloth onto a table nearby. His voice was calm but carried a hint of irritation. "But it's not enough. We'll need to get the rest from Zeke. These kids aren't giving us much."
Erwin sat close by, his hand resting on his chin as he thought. He glanced at Reiner, his eyes serious. Levi walked over to him, boots scraping softly on the dirt floor.
"It's fine," Levi added. "We'll just need to prepare for Zeke when the time comes."
Erwin nodded and stood up. Together, they stepped outside. Levi turned to one of the soldiers waiting by the tent. "Take him back," he ordered, motioning toward Reiner. "Make sure he's tied up like before and watched closely."
The soldier nodded and went into the tent to carry out the orders. Levi and Erwin made their way across the camp to another tent where Hange and Niikaz were waiting.
As they entered, Erwin said, "We didn't get much about the Marleyans. If we want to learn more, we'll have to track down Zeke and get the answers from him."
The group fell silent, each thinking about the situation. A few moments later, Captain Mike came to the entrance and pushed the tent flap open. "Commander," he said urgently. "There's someone named Grisha Yeager here to see you."
Erwin's eyes widened slightly. The name was familiar. Hange laughed suddenly. "Of course! How did we forget about him?"
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In the camp's main tent, larger than the others, Erwin, Levi, Hange, and Grisha sat around a small table. The air was tense. Niikaz wasn't present-Erwin had made sure of that. He didn't want her involved directly, preferring to keep her hidden from the nobles and other authorities. Her abilities were too important to risk being exposed.
"First of all," Grisha began, his voice steady, "thank you for protecting our home..."
well let's cut off this part. -author-
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Niikaz wandered through the quiet streets, her figure blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Thanks to her unique powers, she remained unnoticed by everyone around her. It was as if she didn't exist unless she spoke or came across someone with exceptional perception, like Levi. She had cloaked herself upon entering this world, ensuring that only those with sharp eyes or heightened awareness could sense her presence.
After absorbing the Titan's power, Niikaz found she could not use a fraction of her original ability of 95%, currently her ability to be exact-roughly equivalent to an adult's capabilities, she need time to adapt and combine the titan power to her original power and this takes time. Still, it was enough for her current objectives. Stopping in front of a modest home, she glanced at the map in her hand and confirmed her destination. "This must be Eren's house," she muttered. It was neither grand nor shabby, just an average home.
She climbed the creaking stairs and pushed open the door. Inside, the space felt eerily familiar. The furniture, the layout-everything matched the images from the anime and manga she loved so much. A thrill of excitement washed over her.
"This is why I love being part of the story," she whispered, a faint smile on her lips.
Moving through the rooms, she inspected every corner, her fascination growing with each step. Then she noticed the basement door. Her curiosity peaked as she tried the handle, but it was locked. She pressed her palm against the door near the lock, and a faint glow emitted from her hand. With a soft click, the lock gave way.
Niikaz descended the stairs into a small, dimly lit room. The basement was cramped, containing a desk, a chair, and shelves filled with books and bottles of medicine. Her eyes lingered on the desk.
"This is it," she said softly.
According to the original story, there was a hidden drawer in the desk, unlocked by a key Grisha had carried and later passed to Eren before his death. Inside the drawer was a false bottom hiding three books and a photograph-proof of Grisha's past and the truth about humanity. The books were preserved with peppermint oil and charcoal to protect them from moisture and insects.
Niikaz knelt beside the desk, her fingers tracing its edges. She already knew the story behind these items, but experiencing this moment firsthand gave her a strange sense of fulfillment.
"Heh, I really am inside the world of Attack on Titan, huh?" she chuckled, her excitement bubbling over.
Suddenly, the sound of voices reached her ears. Footsteps approached the basement door. Startled, she quickly stood. Moments later, the door opened, and Erwin, Levi, Hange, and Grisha entered. Grisha froze when he saw Niikaz, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.
"Don't worry about her," Erwin said calmly, placing a hand on Grisha's shoulder. "She's with us."
Grisha hesitated but chose not to ask questions. Instead, he turned to the group, his voice heavy with concern. "I've seen the future... but this... this isn't how it was supposed to go. Everything is different now."
The others exchanged glances, and Grisha began to explain. "Soon, Eren will inherit both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan powers. That was my plan. I was supposed to confront the Reiss family and take the Founding Titan from Frieda. I expected to die after that. But now... now Levi and his squad have appeared in Shiganshina, and everything has changed."
Niikaz listened quietly, her expression thoughtful. Then she spoke, her tone firm. "I'll take over the Attack Titan's power. The Founding Titan won't sense it, not until the time is right. Grisha, you need to pass it on to me instead."
Grisha's eyes widened in disbelief. "To you? But that's not what I saw in the future..."
"Exactly," Erwin interjected, his voice steady. "We've also seen fragments of the future, and we know the truth. Niikaz is the key to changing everything for the better."
Grisha's hesitation lingered, but Erwin's words carried weight. He glanced at Niikaz, then back at the group. Levi and Hange nodded in agreement. Grisha's hands trembled slightly as he took a deep breath. "If this is the way forward... then I'll do it."
Erwin cast a quick glance at Niikaz, silently seeking her permission to reveal the truth. Bound by their soul contract, they couldn't share sensitive information without her consent. Niikaz nodded subtly, giving him the go-ahead.
Grisha's shoulders relaxed, and a look of gratitude crossed his face. "Thank you," he said softly. "I'll trust you with this power."
Before they could proceed, a sudden commotion erupted upstairs. Soldiers shouted, their voices urgent.
"Something's wrong," Levi muttered, his eyes narrowing.
Without wasting a moment, the group rushed out of the basement to face the unfolding chaos.