NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Combat Training, Reiner's Cunning Moves
Explaining Earth wasn't something that could be done in a short time.
Even though Annie had already lived on Earth for a month, there were still many things she didn't understand and many objects she wasn't familiar with. Not to mention Historia and Ymir, who could only listen to Haruto's descriptions without experiencing them firsthand.
However, just hearing about it was enough to fascinate them.
As the days passed and they listened to his stories, the two gradually developed a sense of realism toward Earth. At first, they didn't believe it at all and just treated it like a story. But before they realized it, their attitudes had changed.
During every break between training sessions, Historia and Ymir would gather around Haruto.
Listening to his stories had become the highlight of their day.
Another day of training arrived.
"Today's training is hand-to-hand combat. One person will act as a criminal holding a wooden knife, while the other must subdue them and seize the weapon!"
Keith announced the day's training objective.
The recruits of the 104th Cadet Corps looked unenthusiastic.
In this world, humanity had a common enemy—the Titans.
Many of them thought, What's the point of hand-to-hand combat?
So, they had little motivation for this training.
After making the announcement, Keith left immediately.
His attitude made it seem like he was allowing them to slack off.
If even the instructor was indifferent, they couldn't be blamed for being lazy.
Aside from a few fools, most of them were barely putting in any effort.
Ymir, being the most blatant, directly pulled Historia along, ready to find Haruto for another story session.
However, today, the usually quiet Haruto was approached by someone.
"Yo, Haruto, let's spar."
Haruto turned toward the voice.
Reiner stood there with a wooden knife in hand, smiling at him. He looked just like the dependable big brother type.
"Sure."
Although he sighed in resignation, he agreed. But deep down, Haruto was puzzled.
Why would Reiner come to him?
He had barely interacted with Reiner since joining the cadets.
Haruto had always been a fringe figure.
Otherwise, Ymir wouldn't have nicknamed him Gloomy Guy. After the snow mountain training, he mostly stuck with Historia and Ymir. Other than them, the only people he talked to were the three main protagonists.
He had little contact with anyone else.
Ymir clicked her tongue when she saw Haruto getting into a stance.
Historia noticed as well.
Since she was the obedient type, she tugged at Ymir's sleeve.
"Ymir, let's go practice. We shouldn't cause trouble for Haruto."
But Ymir just patted Historia's head.
"What's the point of this training? It doesn't count toward our final score. Let's just stay here and enjoy the show."
Historia couldn't argue with her and could only stand by and watch the duel.
Reiner took his stance and charged forward with his short wooden blade.
He was fast.
And from his movements, it was clear; he was well-trained, definitely not a beginner.
Haruto narrowed his eyes slightly.
In the original timeline, Reiner had chosen to spar with Eren at this moment. And he had let Eren win.
Reiner was a Marley-trained soldier. Although he wasn't the best, he could easily dominate rookies.
So why was he going all out now?
As Haruto pondered, Reiner was already upon him. Haruto swiftly grabbed Reiner's wrist and twisted his body, seamlessly applying a joint lock.
Reiner was startled and tried to break free.
But the next second, Haruto kicked his lower leg, making him lose his balance. With his wrist pinned behind his back, Reiner was effortlessly subdued and pressed to the ground.
Reiner: !?
Haruto took the wooden knife and let go.
Reiner really was weak.
Haruto hadn't even used his enhanced strength or speed; just slightly above-average reaction speed.
A simple grappling move was enough to finish it.
No wonder Reiner, even in his Armored Titan form, got beaten by Eren's Attack Titan.
If Reiner's hand-to-hand combat skills were even a third of Annie's, he wouldn't have been that bad.
Reiner lay there for a while before getting up.
"Tch, you're strong."
He rubbed his sore arm and sighed.
Haruto shook his head.
"Just picked up some street-fighting skills back when I lived underground."
Classic nonsense.
Historia and Ymir walked over at that moment.
Reiner patted Haruto heavily on the shoulder.
"I'll leave Historia to you. Take good care of her!"
Hearing this, Historia's face instantly turned red. Ymir, on the other hand, snorted and retorted,
"Hah! So you guys are fighting over my cute Historia. Give it up, she's mine!"
(T/N: Begone Gey!!!)
Haruto didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So this was why Marley's Shield had challenged him, to test him for Historia?
And here he was, overthinking some elaborate conspiracy.
Reiner awkwardly chuckled at Ymir's words.
At that moment, a loud thud echoed in the distance.
Everyone turned to look.
Eren was sprawled on the ground in a miserable state.
The culprit, Annie, acted as if nothing had happened and casually tried to sneak away and slack off.
Seeing this, Haruto couldn't help but sigh.
The inertia of the plot was really strong. Eren still ended up getting beaten up by Annie.
Hilarious.
Just then, Reiner slung an arm around Haruto's shoulders.
"She's trying to slack off again. Haruto, since you're so strong, go teach her the duty of a soldier."
Haruto: Uh, what?
Did he just tell him to fight Annie?
Haruto was about to refuse but Ymir egged him on from the side:
"Yeah, Gloomy Guy, an opportunity to spar with an ice-cold beauty like her doesn't come often. Don't waste it."
Hearing this, Haruto looked at Ymir.
"Come on, sharp-tongued girl, haven't you always wanted a duel to the death with me? I agree to fight you. As a sign of respect, I will go all out!"
Upon hearing this, Ymir's face darkened, and she rolled her eyes.
"Get lost. Who would want to duel a monster like you?"
These words were said casually, but the listeners took them to heart. Reiner, standing nearby, maintained a neutral expression, but he made a note of it in his mind.
"Let's go. That kind of unserious attitude can't be allowed to continue," Reiner said with a smile.
Haruto had no choice but to follow Reiner as they walked toward Annie.
When they reached Annie, Reiner looked down at her with an extremely infuriating expression and spoke arrogantly,
"Hey, you wouldn't want to experience the instructor's headbutt, would you? If you don't want to end up even shorter, then remember the reason you came here in the first place and train properly!"