Chapter 4 Time Flies
AN: Gonna change "Bladed Weapon (Chopping Weapons) Application" skill to "Bladed Weapon (Swinging Type) Application" since the latter sounded much better
Earth
"Hmm? What's going on? Did the livestream suddenly cut off?"
Inside a luxurious mansion, the man sitting in front of the computer slapped his thigh and began to grumble angrily:
"I wanted to see the scene where Eren was dragged into the small grove by his old man! What's going on here?"
Why did the signal cut off when Reiner hit the wall?
Is he hitting a wall or a fiber optic network!
【The livestream has ended. Please enter the livestream channel again later.】
"Tsk..."
No matter how the man clicked on the mysterious 'livestream' software on the computer, he couldn't access the previous livestream page.
"...Wait, why can you see people entering the anime world in the livestream?"
Feeling quite magical about his experience, the man quickly opened the forum and began searching for other viewers of the livestream—
However, when the man tried to upload the automatically downloaded application on his computer, he found that it couldn't be transferred at all!
But the replies that came out under the post immediately started flooding the screen:
【Is this a scam? Am I haven't woken up from the dream? Livestream showing people crossing into the anime world? How could something that magical happened in reality?】
【It can't be true, right? Can't believe there are people who would believe in this kind of software. Download it and get into it, it's definitely some explicit content, and then they'll ask you to register and pay.】
【But why is the TS all talk and no action? Haven't seen any upload of the software?】
【Trying to scam people? Only idiots would believe this stuff. At a glance, it's fake. Identified as a scam. Just advertising.】
【TS is trolling. Die already, you damn troll.】
"..."
Forget it!
Even after saying all this, those guys don't believe it. He clearly gave the streamer a tip, and the money was deducted transparently!
He flopped onto the bed, not caring about what others thought.
Now he's just curious... the streamer wouldn't really have died in the world of titans, right?
What a great electronic pet, it can even interfere with the original storyline of the AoT world...
Even if all of this is artificially created, he's willing to watch!
Not to mention, all of this is too real... it's as if that guy is really livestreaming in the AoT world...
"I hope the streamer didn't die... So he could give me more entertainment, hehe."
With satisfaction and a little concern, the man quickly entered into a dream.
And then it was — waking up — lunch — casually dealing with work amidst the flattery of others — going home.
Quickly opening the livestreaming app, this time, he wasn't disappointed.
"Ha! It's live!"
...
Paradis
Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, it was a year.
One year since the breach of Wall Maria, during which many significant events occurred.
"The recapture battle of Wall Maria declared a failure, with 250,000 residents, 20% of the total population, dead in this war."
Alex really hadn't expected that the high-level officials of this country would make such a decision.
A large number of civilians inside Wall Maria became refugees, plunging the entire Eldia into a state of famine.
And even sending those large populations to explore new lands — it was just a drop in the bucket, unable to change the situation.
Then... came the 'war' called 'cleaning up refugees'.
No, he hadn't not thought about it... he just, accustomed to a peaceful life, had never considered it!
In this cruel country, the rules were completely different from the civilized world he was once familiar with!
Watching Armin squatting and sobbing upon hearing the news, Alex's eyes darkened, and his fists clenched.
"Armin, that kid, I'll leave him to you, Alex..."
"You've always been a reliable brother... so..."
Recalling the last words of the old man before being forced into battle, the scattered memories inherited made the young man's nose tingle.
Armin's only remaining family, all gone...
No matter how frivolous the chat was, no matter what direction this world was heading.
He is still Alex.
It's the same, a transmigrator reborn into another body... Innately, he owed the life of the old man who adopted him!
Although he never considered himself some capable big shot, at the very least, he had a clear sense of gratitude and grudges, and he would repay them if there were any!
"As long as I'm still alive... I will never let Armin get into trouble!"
That was Alex's response, and also a man's promise to another man!
And in this one year, he certainly didn't waste any time!
【Bladed Weapon (Swinging Type) Application — Mastery: 3056/30,000 (Next Stage: Proficiency)】
In about a year's time, he practiced almost every day, and at the same time, he roughly figured out the growth rate of this skill.
A whole hour of effort could only make this point increase a little...
Moreover, the maximum points he could gain in a day were no more than ten points!
Not because of rule restrictions, but because he had to rest well, coupled with eating enough, to practice at a speed of one point per hour with full mental alertness.
Once too exhausted, he couldn't gain skill points!
And in this whole year.
One hundred hours to get started, a thousand hours to proficiency, three thousand hours finally allowed him to reach mastery!
But... over three thousand hours of practice made the current Alex adept at using the long blade, a chopping weapon, and the gains were considerable.
If it were now, he should have gained some strength...
【Livestream Started】
【The Joker: I'm going crazy! The livestream is finally on! Did Eren eat his dad?】
【The Joker, Dark Flame Master... and other viewers to the livestream】
【Kafka Slave: Huh? Why does the host look a lot more grown-up? He has a pretty strong body】
The lively chat continued to flood in, and Alex also felt pleased.
The livestream system had been silent for a year, and he was worried about it before.
"..."
The silent boy held the only relic of his grandfather, tears uncontrollably streaming down.
"Don't be sad, Armin!"
Upon learning the news of his dear friend's grandfather's death, Eren's eyes once again revealed intense hatred.
"It's all the fault of those Titans!"
"Whether it's the breach of Wall Maria or the failure to recover the wall in the battle, it's all because of the Titans!"
"I've decided! I will join the Survey Corps and drive out all the Titans!"
"Next year is the recruitment time for the 104th Training Corps! That's the best opportunity!"
【Ganyu My Waifu: What's going on with the plot?】
【Kafka Slave: Has it been a year already? I thought it was just one day on my end?】
【Dark Flame Master: Hehe, yes, yes, it's all the Titans' fault. Sending civilians to their deaths has nothing to do with the higher-ups~ No relation with those pig-like noble royalty~ It's all Marley's fault~ Just aim the spear at the outsiders, that's right, too correct~】
"Eren..."
Watching his comrade fall into hatred once again, Mikasa appeared particularly worried.
If it's the Survey Corps... she didn't know if she could continue to protect him.
"I will follow you!"
All his family died on the battlefield... Armin no longer had any blood relatives!
With brimming anger, the blond boy also stood up strongly, his will resolute.
First, join the three-year Training Corps to become stronger, and then qualify to join the Survey Corps!
"Me too."
Mikasa's lips moved slightly, showing no emotion on her face.
Eren had long admired the world beyond the walls, and she was somewhat prepared for this day.
"What about Alex?"
Having instantly gained the support of two companions for his proposal, Eren looked expectantly at the boy holding a wooden sword.
"Alex has been practicing swordsmanship all along, just to be able to kill those Titans one day!"
"Grandpa passed away... Nii-san must also hate those Titans, right?"
Although that's true...
But you're being a bit too extreme...
Facing Eren's almost contorted expression of hatred, Alex simply nodded lightly:
"...I'll join too."
But not to hunt Titans.
Just to survive.
It was to survive for himself and for the people he cared about—nothing more.
In this past year, apart from the wooden sword he exchanged for two points, Alex spent points only on essential food, being extremely frugal.
The livestream system that had been silent for a year was now open again...
【Lazy Man: It seems like, without a plot, the livestream won't start?】
【Great Anthony: Probably】
【Dark Flame Master: And the time flow is also off, it seems like the host has really lived a solid year】
【Ganyu My Waifu: Maybe it's one day in the sky and one year on the ground】
【Thanks to 'The Joker' for the 10,000-point donation】
'?'
Long time no see, and Alex had just chatted with the chat for a moment when he received another large tip!
【The Joker: Don't die, my electronic pet. I'm counting on you to show us more fun stuff】
The abrupt interruption of the last livestream really worried this entertainer.
Their times were asynchronous, and if there were no tips for a year and a half, this electronic pet would starve, and everyone would miss out on the fun!
Now, the world of the Titans is still in famine! If it really starves, that's normal!
【Kafka Slave: Right! Streamer, remember to take care of Mikasa diet! Feed her delicious food on time! I still want to see Mikasa eight-pack abs, so remember to show us in the future!】
【Thanks to 'Kafka Slave' for the 10,000-point donation】
"..."
"No, were there so many wealthy viewers in his livestream?"
Alex looked at the surging point numbers and was truly shocked.
This adds up to $200!
It's almost one-third of his monthly salary back when he was a company employee!
These are freely given.
Just for watching Mikasa's abs...
Wouldn't that be considered creepy...
'Alright, I'll take care of Mikasa diet.'
With a sudden influx of twenty thousand points, even though the livestream system had been silent for a year, this was enough for Alex to live comfortably.
Although the activity level is huge, he's only eleven years old now, so he doesn't eat much.
Another year or two, and that's when the appetite will be exaggerated.
"Yes, that's right!"
. . .
Earth
The livestream finally stabilized, and the man sitting in front of the computer nodded.
But his joy couldn't even last for a second, as the screen suddenly disappeared!
【Livestream disconnected, please refresh and try again】
"F***! I just gave a donation! Did the host close it and run away?"
...
Paradis
【Livestream ended!】
"Huh?"
The livestream system that automatically turned off left Alex somewhat puzzled.
For something completely beyond his control, he really had no way.
"Alright! It's decided! Alex, if you have time, teach us how to use a knife!"
With the direction to become stronger clear, Eren began placing his hopes on his most reliable elder brother.
During this period of wandering, almost everything, from food to shelter, was found by Alex and Mikasa.
It wasn't that Eren and Armin were slacking off, but whenever they tried to help, they were persuaded to step back by Mikasa and Alex with various reasons.
And not only did Alex resolve the food issue, but he also took the time to learn some knife skills from Mr. Hannes!
Since they had decided to join the Survey Corps, the application of weapons must also be prioritized!
"This..."
Originally not wanting to add more trouble to himself, but seeing the hopeful eyes of Armin and even Mikasa, Alex could only nod:
"Alright..."
The seasons change, time flies.
When a person is focused on something, time always passes quickly...
【Bladed Weapon (Swinging Type) Application—Mastery: 6560/30,000 (Next stage: Proficiency)】
Apart from the increasingly proficient skills and the continuous strengthening of the physique, there were no other gains in this year.
The livestream system remained silent, switching on and off at its own will. In the absence of any fluctuations in daily life, it simply wouldn't activate.
"Thanks for your hard work, Alex."
Taking the food from the boy's hands once again, Mikasa's calm and resolute eyes gradually began to show genuine concern for this companion.
"This meal..."
"Yeah, the shredded meat inside is a mix of chicken, beef, and various other meats."
"Just to avoid raising suspicions from Eren and Armin?"
"Just to keep them from worrying."
Relying solely on the so-called 'refugee relief,' even though they were only children in their teens, they couldn't get any additional attention.
Three rough black bread rolls, each the size of a fist, were the entire daily rations for a refugee.
That food, not much bigger than a fist, was clearly not enough for growing children during their growth period.
Without the explanation from the almighty viewers, Alex wouldn't know how these children managed to grow up.
But since the almighty viewers had rewarded points to take care of the children's diet, he would naturally not break his promise.
Setting up a small stove, it only took a few points to buy enough rice and various meats and vegetables needed.
Then, he tried to cook as randomly as possible, making it look unappetizing—disguised as charity from other well-intentioned people.
"... If obtaining these is really dangerous..."
Worriedly looking at this older brother who has always taken care of them, Mikasa didn't know what to say.
Any words about taking care of them over these years would be pale.
Mikasa didn't know where these precious foods came from, but she had a vague guess.
In the Wall Maria that had long been filled with Titans...
Alex, could it be...
"Huh? Is today's portion not enough?"
Seeing the girl biting her lip and hesitating to deliver meals to the other two children, Alex asked in confusion.
"No, it's just..."
"If you need help, please be sure to call me!"
The girl's gaze was extremely determined, containing emotions and determination that even surpassed Eren's hatred for Titans!
She didn't want to lose anyone else important to her...
"Don't worry, I won't die easily."
"Yeah!"
...
"Hmmph!"
With his mouth full, Eren worked hard to finish his lunch... Although it looked messy, this time, the rice mixed with a lot of meat obviously opened up the boy's appetite!
Quickly finishing dinner, Eren wiped the corners of his mouth and immediately stood up, using all his strength to start hacking at the improvised wooden figure.
As for Armin next to him, he carefully chewed every bite of rice in the box, keeping his head down...
"Is today's food also prepared by Nii-san?"
"Yeah..." replied Mikasa with a nasal sound, also chewing carefully.
"Every time Alex prepares food, we always encounter kind-hearted people..."
Looking at the 'brother' in the distance, who was swinging his blade in contemplation, Armin's expression seemed a bit lonely.
I'm just too powerless...
Shouldn't I have noticed earlier?
Even if it's messy... no one would discard food with meat in it...
"Don't think too much, just eat."
Since he couldn't help, Armin decided not to worry or ask too much. Letting the reliable elder brother have less explanation to deal with was also a way to reduce trouble, right?
Mikasa focused on finishing her own meal, as if any delay would be a great insult.
"Yeah..."
Instead of worrying aimlessly, it was more important now to grow up and not become a burden to anyone.
Armin's expression recovered from the loneliness, and he clenched his teeth.
It's okay, it will be soon!
The Training Corps will start recruiting soon.
As long as they pass the test, the Corps will take care of their food in the future!
Alex nii-san won't have to bear such great pressure anymore!