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16.12% Attack on Titan: Salvation / Chapter 5: Reward

Chapter 5: Reward

As the rays of a particularly early dawn peered through the walls of the Shinganshina district, a certain sound echoed through the empty streets.

With the exception of that rhythmic sound, the surroundings were fairly quiet, for it was a bit early for the people to be awake.

Even then, there were always certain early birds, who simply enjoyed the fresh air of the morning or had to go to work. And, they were the only few who knew the true origin of that sound.

One such person was Mark Hussel, who was busy setting up shop by the entrance of the district. He sat in his chair, daydreaming, as if he were waiting for something.

Tap. Tap.

And, once he heard that sound today as well, he smiled and turned towards the dark streets.

At the right end of his view, he could see a silhouette of a person a fair distance away. As the shadow got nearer, sounds of huffing were added to the rhythmic tapping.

And finally, as the shadow was bathed by sunlight, it was revealed to be a young child, with clear grey eyes and dark black hair. Looking like a drenched cat, he made his way towards the shop and stopped to catch his breath as Mark called out to him.

"Oi, Karl! Why'dya stop? Keep at em' !" With a little encouragement, the panting child cursed under his breath as he, once again, began running.

Huff...! Huff...!

Looking at this young child working so hard, Mark couldn't help but smile. He reminisced his own youth, filled with joy and vigor.

Karl reminded him of his younger self, filled with a certain adventurous spirit that would someday freely soar the skies. And so, he just felt like supporting the boy in his journey.

'Just an Old man's whim...' he thought as his eyes followed the tired child.

Once again, the rhythmic running resumed along with Karl's daily torture session.

<<Karl POV>>

Torture! This is pure torture!

If I had a chance to go back and smack my two year old self in the back, I'd even add a few broken bones as free service!

Like, I knew it would be difficult, but this?! I had no f*cking idea!!!

<+>

[Quests ;]

[Training]

[Type: Daily]

[Summary: Push-Ups (40/40) , Sit-Ups (40/40) , Squats (40/40) , Running (3196/4000 m)]

[Progress: 94.975%]

[Rewards: 4 Gene Points]

[Penalty: Death(?)]

<+>

Considering the fact that I've just become a seven year old last month, with such a regimen, I would have already, straight up, died if not for my System. (Although I'm dying because of the System...)

Just look at the amount of exercise I've had to do! Just because I foolishly made a setting that, "For every year, increase the amount of training by base amount."

Meaning, for the first year i had 10 push ups and for the second i would have 20, so on and so forth.

Then, for the first few months, I simply stuck to the plan. It was quite difficult, but still doable considering my mentality as an 18 year old, who died a painful death.

But, one day, I unexpectedly lost track of time and was unable to complete my 1 km running.

To my surprise, I still got 3 Gene Points, due to partial completion of the quest. Honestly, it was quite stupid of me to not check if getting the partial rewards were available, but what's done is done.

Since then, I became increasingly lazy and, due to my constant muscle aches, I slowly started to skimp on my training. Sometimes skipping Sit Ups or running, I just let myself relax.

And finally, one day, I decided to take a week long break from training, you know, enjoy life a little bit, maybe sleep in the fields or play around that tree shown in the first episode of AoT.

Definitely one of the worst decisions of my new life.

And the result of that, you ask? I'm not sure if you've noticed, but look at the damned penalty. Death! F*cking Death!!

Well, not literal death, but that night, when I fell asleep without completing it, the skin on my arms peeled and healed faster than I could blink, again and again, causing me to jump off my bed and scream in literal agony, until my parents arrived.

Luckily, I was able to play it off as a nightmare and later, I got a warning from Isa as well.

[Host's primary command "I could die if i don't stick to this." has been activated. Host advised to fully complete given Quests from tomorrow without fail.]

'That wasn't a command! It was just a random monologue that I had for a second!' I tried to reason, but, that damn Isa wouldn't listen at all!

All of this suffering is just because of this f*cking A.I. ! And, whenever I asked to reduce the amount of training, i would get an answer like,

[Limits were set by Host's Self Improvement Plan.]

It just wouldn't budge! Like, I know I was the one who made the plan, then would it at least let me make an edit? No! And now, I have no choice but to suffer...

And so, with each passing year, the amount of training also kept increasing along with my mental fatigue. Somehow, I was able to use my [Mental Defense] skill to keep myself sane.

But still, this is just blatant abuse! I demand my rights!

And now, four years later, here I am, sweating like a donkey from head to toe, suffering from an unbearable amount of pain all over my body, yet still, having no other choice but to run.

As I ran increasingly further into the fields outside of Shiganshina, being certain that I was alone, I shouted at my System

"Just... How... Much... Longer...?!! Isa... You son of.... A bastard!!!"

[Custom A.I. was created by Host. Hence, you are the father.]

"Did... I... Stutter?!!!!"

[Host's self hate behavioral pattern being recorded to Database for further analysis.]

"F*CK!!" I screamed the loudest I could, venting all my frustrations.

[Answer to Host's question; Host will need to run to the Tree and circle around it twice. With that, host's regimen should be complete.]

Letting out my emotions gave me some relief as I worked hard to follow the instructions. A few minutes later, completing the damn [Training], i collapsed in the shade of the tree.

Huff...!! Huff...!!

"Isa... Activate the... [Mental Defense]... Now..." I said with deep breaths and a groggy mind. The amount of fatigue I had built up was too much to even think of anything else.

[Very Well.]

With that, the numbing pain coursing through my body was slowly being lessened, as I partially regained reason. Finally, I was able to think straight.

With my leftover energy, I was about to open the [Status Window], when I heard someone call for me.

"Big bro! Just what would it take for you to slow down?"

Turning towards that voice, I could see Eren running in my direction. I would have waved if I had the energy to do so and if I weren't panting like a junkie.

He seemed relatively fine as he quickly arrived and sat by me. After a few deep breaths, he turned turned to me and said,

"You look like you could use a bath." He said with an obvious sneer.

'Just where did he learn to make a face like that?' Was all that my tired mind could think.

"Will you just sit like this?"

I answered with a simple nod, consuming the last of my energy. Overwhelmed by fatigue, I found peace in the arms of Mother Nature.

Closing my eyes, I felt a calming breeze making it's way around my throbbing body, as if it were a soft blanket wrapping itself around me.

I could hear the leaves rustling as tiny rays of light made their way to my face, through the thick foliage. Enjoying the fairly peaceful atmosphere, I felt my mind drifting away.

Just like that, I fell asleep by the trunk of the tree.

...

...

"..ro! Big bro! Wake up!"

I slowly opened my eyes as Eren voice rang in my head. Leaning against the tree, i saw a child who looked like me.

"Eren?"

"Ya big bro you've been asleep for almost an hour. Mom wou...?" He suddenly stopped as he saw my face, looking quite confused.

"Why are you crying?"

"Huh?" I touched my cheeks as they felt wet. Quickly wiping them, I realized something.

'This is bad. This is really bad! What have I done?!'

There's no way, I coincidentally start crying after waking up at this exact spot! This is exactly what happened in the canon!

'Did I fail? Or maybe I died? Think. Think!!' Various emotions engulfed me as I tried to recollect any odd memories I had. There had to be something, right?!

For the first time since i was reborn, I felt fear and helplessness. This was definitely the worst day of my life...

I was so engrossed by my thoughts that I didn't realize one simple thing.

Looking at all the faces I made, Eren burst out laughing. I stared at him blankly until i realized that my "tears" were all over my face, pouring down from my hair to be specific. Well, looking at the bottle in Eren's hands, it wasn't hard to guess.

"That's what you get for eating my dessert! I'm gonna tell mom that you're a crybaby! Hehe!" He stuck out his tongue as he began running.

"Why you little...!!" I shouted as I chased after him. This damn kid just gave me a freaking existential crisis! Just wait till I eat all his snacks and...

And so, I began thinking of devious and terrifying plans to teach him a lesson. I'll make him pay for this disgrace!!!

Blood for the Blood God!!!


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
King_Admiral_ King_Admiral_

Hello there, my dear readers! We've just crossed 100 collections!

Yay! Thanks for the support!

And, as much as I'd like to write more, I unfortunately have exams... Still, I promise to release atleast 4 chaps/week.

And, as always,

Like it ? Add to library!

Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

Do drop some of those sweet power stones ;)

Ciao.

P.S. I read all comments, to don't be shy to type one ;)

next chapter

Chapter 6: Status

Although my mind had recovered, my body was still in a bad shape. So, all I could do was glare at the brat running from me as I struggled to catch up.

"Catch me if you can~." He taunted with a smug grin on his face.

'Just you wait, you damn FSP.' I swore to myself that I would make him cry.

In the end, I just gave up on chasing him. My body might collapse if I overexert myself and trust me, that's the last thing I want.

Anyway, the custom skills I acquired began fixing my body, albeit slowly as I made my way home, to the Yeager household. Surely enough, I was greeted by Carla right at the doorstep.

She stood right before me, with her hands folded and a frown on her face. The little prat was hiding behind her, as if she were his greatest shield. This kid sure got brains.

"Karl, where have you been?" She asked in a worried tone, in contrast to her expression. Well, I've been gone for almost an hour, so of course she'd be worried.

Time for damage control.

"I fell asleep by the tree, because I was just feeling tired. Eren was with me, so I was fine."

Her frown slowly dispersed at those words, after which, she noticed my condition. Certainly, the smell coming from my body coupled with the stickiness of my hair and clothes definitely didn't give it away, right?

"Karl? Why do look like this?!" She leaned closer and began inspecting my body. She was about to examine my chest, as I quickly interrupted her.

"I'm fine mom, I just need a bath." I tried to reason, but to no avail.

Only after stretching a bit and hiding my pain was I able to convince her that I was fine.

"Fine, then. Now go and get cleaned up, young man. Breakfast will soon be ready." She sighed as she spoke. Was it really that obvious?

At her words, I rushed to the bathroom to prepare for a comfy clean-up. Following my routine check-up, I observed the state of my tired body.

My feet and calves were, as usual, a deep shade of red, covered with dry sweat and an occasional purple dot. Even my face was no exception, with a red nose and similarly dyed ears.

My shoulders and abs were a bit swollen (definitely not fat!) and bruised with my wrists feeling a bit numb.

If it weren't for Mental Defense, I'm sure that I would've been overwhelmed by so much pain, that I wouldn't even be able to move right now. So, in a way, it's a really OP skill.

Slowly entering the tub, I was assaulted by a feeling of absolute liberation. The soft warmth of the water permeated my battered body as I sunk deeper and deeper into that serene ecstasy.

And, as if on cue, I felt [Reinforced Anatomy] pick up a notch.

My muscles squirmed as they became increasingly firm. I felt as if I had been freed from shackles I never knew I had, in turn, gaining greater control over my body.

<+>

[Reinforced Anatomy]

[Type: Special Passive]

[Summary: Increases regeneration rate and boosts metabolism of the human body.]

[Proficiency: 27.84%]

[*This skill has a registered Unique Ability]

<+>

Truly, the second best skill I possessed. At least, my two year old self did something right.

And so, scrubbing all the grime off my body, I quickly finished my bath. Draining the tub, I reached out to my towel and began drying myself. And, with that, it was time for the best part after every bath.

With a towel wrapped around my waist, my bare chested body was in full view in the mirror.

Looking at my body, with no excess fat, perfectly designed muscles that looked like they had been sculpted rather than trained coupled with the perfect proportions, I just couldn't help but marvel. All that pain and hard work were truly showing exceptional results!

I might just be the most handsome kid in this world!

And, all those who fantasized about me now are undoubtedly pedophiles. Sure, I may be perfect, but I'm still seven and expect to be treated like one. So, do yourselves a favor by visiting the nearest police stations...

Anyway, quickly dressing up, I made my way to the dining table and found my family waiting for me. With a quick prayer, we dug into Carla's legendary cooking.

Eating with quick bites, I made sure to follow the bare minimum of table manners. Otherwise, Carla would… well, let's just leave it at that.

Suddenly, Carla turned towards me with a sharp glint in her eyes. Realizing that I was deep shit, I thought about all my most recent transgressions.

Of course, the only problem was that there were too many, and those were just the ones at the top of my mind.

'Let's just apologize first.' I thought as Carla asked a completely unexpected question.

"Karl, how long has it been since you started your morning training?" She spoke in an angry tone, but, I could feel some worry in it.

"I'm sor-Huh? Well, a month, I guess?"

Well, I'm not lying. I 'officially' started exercising during the morning hours only after my 7th birthday.

"That's right. For an entire month, you've been doing it without fail."

"And…?" A compliment? That can't be good.

"So, I think you should take a break. Not to mention you're still too young for that kind of heavy training." She said, dropping the bomb.

"But mom, I ha-" Was all I could say as I felt a chill down my spine. Just how does she stare like that?!

"Listen to your mother, Karl." Grisha tried to mediate. It was obvious that the last thing he'd want was to make his wife mad.

Well, its not like I can't do it sneakily, like I did for the last four years.

'I'll just do the same as before, then.' I thought as I gave up. At most, it would just take up some extra time.

"Fine, I will try to tone it down."

"Good." She said as she smiled and continued eating.

I could even see Grisha letting out a small sigh, looking quite relieved. This guy... You were supposed to be a supportive father, weren't you?

Well, in the end, it's all in Isa's hands… And, no matter what anyone says, I'm sure that damn A.I. is sentient and sadistic as hell.

Just as I was lamenting for my pitiful life, a mechanical beep rang in my head. The next second, a red box appeared in my vision with the following words.

[System Alert: Hidden Quest Conditions Fulfilled.]

<+>

[Quests ;]

[Mother Knows Best]

[Type: Hidden]

[Summary: A Mother's word is Law. Following her words can lead to plentiful rewards. To do so, achieve zero progress for the Quest, [Training] for a single week.]

[Progress: 0%]

[Rewards: 250 Gene Points]

[Penalty: Carla's Special Punishment Series]

<+>

I just stared like an idiot at my screen. A rare Hidden Quest! All these years, I had gotten only one, and that too gave me 200 Gene Points! But, my excitement died as I read the Quest Summary.

Oh, the Summary was quite simple alright. I just need to skip my [Training] quest. But, there was only one problem.

I need to skip that damned [Training]?!

What in Ymir's name is this?! Does this mean I have to go through the accursed "Death(?)" penalty again?! Nooo!

The rewards might be plenty, but so would the pain!

'Oi, Isa, are you seeing this?' I called out to my shitty A.I. and, lo and behold, a blue box popped up, along with a voice in my head.

[Yes Host. Conditions of Hidden Quest oppose that of Daily Quest. Confirming order of precedence…]

[Daily Quest "Training" has been disabled. Hosts' Hidden Quest "Mother Knows Best" has been activated.]

'…'

Once again, I couldn't help but stare at my screen.

Truly, my Mom is, was and will be the greatest there is in this world. And that's a fact.

***

"Big bro, how much longer will it take?"

Walking down the fairly crowded streets, I just ignored the prat's question. Instead, I looked around for any special shops.

'I still need to make him cry, right?' I thought as I grinned.

Even as Eren shook me, shouted in my ears or stood against me, I continued to act as if he didn't exist. It might seem a bit childish, but its really effective against kids. Well, sort of.

And, the fact that we've been walking for the last half hour seemed to bore him quite a bit. An unintended side effect, but a welcome one.

Usually, I would sneak out while playing with Eren or take him with me to finish my Daily Quests, but I don't have to worry about them for another week. Therefore, I began my other pending jobs.

Anyway, after exploring this particular alley, I was quite disappointed. Not only was I unable find any candy shops, I couldn't even complete my primary goal. Looks like my revenge will have to wait a bit.

'Another dead end.' I couldn't help but sigh as I turned back with the prat in tow.

Finding new ways to reach the docks can be really exhausting. But, right now, that is one of my main goals.

Since, I wasn't sure of the day the walls would be broken, I had no choice but to be prepared for it at moment's notice. And, exploring Shinganshina was the best way to do it.

Only then, will I be able to evacuate Carla and the others in the quickest way possible, when Bertbitch shows up to break the walls. Ensuring my family's safety was, right now, my utmost priority and farming Gene Points was second.

About that, I haven't been able to check my [Status Window] for a while now. Might as well do it, then.

'Isa, open my [Status Window].'

[Very Well.]

And, just a quick look at my Gene Points brought a wide smile to my face. Hard work pays off, bros!


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
King_Admiral_ King_Admiral_

Naughty cliff has found a way,

To trap the word count at 1.6K.

Hehehe!

Imagine my surprise, when I received my first 50 power stones! Thx guys!

Also, I'll be releasing another chapter later explaining the System Leveling Concept later today. So, look forward to it!

And as always,

Like it ? Add to library!

Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

Do drop some of those sweet and juicy power stones!

Ciao.

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