NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Annie's Harmless Meal
As a result, the moment she saw the first page, Annie's pupils suddenly contracted.
"This is... the world inside the walls of Paradis Island? And this... is Eren and Mikasa?"
She stared at the vividly drawn manga content on the manuscript paper.
Annie widened her eyes.
Flipping through a few more pages quickly, she confirmed the authenticity of the manga. It completely depicted events that had actually happened on Paradis Island.
Bertholdt transformed into the Colossal Titan and kicked down the wall, then Reiner broke through the inner wall. The manga unfolded from Eren's perspective, recording the fall of Wall Maria.
As one of the main culprits behind this incident, Annie was not only shocked but also felt a deep sense of pain.
It was her and Reiner who breached the walls, allowing countless people inside to be devoured. The people who were eaten weren't so-called devils.
They were just ordinary people with families and friends.
Annie took a deep breath, suppressing the pain rising in her heart.
As she continued flipping through the manuscript pages—
Soon, she saw herself appear.
Her past self, as a cadet of the 104th Training Corps. The training and selection process was exactly as she had experienced.
Her hand stopped turning the pages.
Because the events she remembered ended there, yet there were still many more pages left.
Her hands trembled slightly. After hesitating, she turned to the next page.
As she expected, the manuscript depicted the "future."
Page by page, she continued flipping.
Until she reached the final page. Annie put down the manuscript and looked at Haruto.
The manuscript ended at the moment when Annie encased herself in crystal. Although she didn't want to admit it, when she put herself in that situation—
She knew she would most likely make the same choices as depicted.
Attacking her comrades, showing a moment of hesitation due to her emotions, and then struggling desperately until she had no way out.
So, was this manuscript truly the "future"?
That was... quite a tragic fate.
Seeing Annie remain silent after putting down the manuscript, Haruto spoke up:
"There are connections between worlds. Sometimes, events in one world get transmitted to another. Some people receive these transmissions and call them inspiration, then turn them into various types of works that spread.
But that's not the point. The point is you, Annie. You possess power beyond ordinary humans. This world has many anomalies that threaten human survival. I want to protect humanity.
Annie, will you lend me your strength to contain these anomalies and protect mankind?"
Annie listened to his words and looked up to meet Haruto's gaze.
At that moment, her mind was in complete turmoil.
Traveling between worlds, an apparent predetermined future—everything made her feel lost.
And now, she was being asked to save humanity?
Annie shook her head.
"I just want to go back."
Hearing this, Haruto sighed.
"Alright, I won't force you. It's getting late, and you must be hungry. I'll go prepare some food. Let's eat first and then talk."
With that, he got up and headed for the kitchen. Just then, the doorbell rang. Annie instinctively became alert. Haruto simply waved his hand, signaling her to relax.
"It's probably just a delivery. Like when you order something, and the shopkeeper sends it to you."
Annie hesitated but then nodded.
Haruto went to the door and raised his voice to ask, "Who is it?"
A reply came from outside, "Delivery service. The package is computer parts. Please sign for it."
Hearing this exchange, Annie finally relaxed.
Haruto opened the door and brought in the "computer parts."
Then, he went into the kitchen, took ingredients from the fridge, and started cooking.
Soon, two servings of egg fried rice were freshly prepared.
After setting the plates on the table, Haruto took out a bottle of cola from the fridge and grabbed a cup for Annie.
The fried rice looked great.
After living alone for three years, Haruto's cooking skills had reached a high level.
Sitting across from Annie, he took a bite of the fried rice.
Mmm, it was really good.
"Eat," Haruto urged Annie.
"Can I have yours instead?"
Annie asked in a low voice.
Even though she believed Haruto's explanation, she still wasn't letting her guard down.
Haruto sighed helplessly and switched plates with her.
"Thanks," Annie said sincerely.
Then, she started eating quickly. On Paradis Island, even having cold bread was considered decent. Compared to that, this egg fried rice was a gourmet meal. And she was extremely hungry.
However, soon after eating too fast, Annie started choking. Haruto pointed at the cola.
"This is a drink called cola. It tastes great, give it a try."
Annie shook her head and instead picked up the water jug on the table, pouring herself a glass.
After taking a sip, she frowned.
There was a strange taste.
Was the water quality bad?
As this thought surfaced, her vision began to blur.
A spinning sensation overwhelmed her.
'Damn it!'
Annie immediately realized something was wrong. As she struggled to stay conscious, she reached for her special ring.
A hidden metal spike popped out from the ring.
Blood splattered.
The last thing Annie saw before losing consciousness was Haruto grabbing her hand and completely covering the ring.
"Sleep,"
His voice echoed in her ears as she fell into complete darkness.