Shinzou wo Sasageyo Ayanokouji

?23: ???

I took the coat and went back to my room I shut my door and looked outside to find nothing but streets painted red and smoking buildings. A truly apocalyptic sight, a similar one to the White room. I glanced at my coat once again. This was my memoir and my only connection to that world. While I am uncertain if I can ever go back to that world.

This coat had the red of both brushes, one of survival in that world and the other of the price of freedom in this world.

I collapsed on my bed as I heard the scream to go ahead to Wall Rose. Left was a supposedly injured me. I thought of something, that memory back there. That angel-like voice whispering after I lost consciousness had just one saying

'Keep at it, one day....I will let you peek at the world of the past.'

I was quite certain that it was probably just hallucinations yet it wasn't 100%. There was a 10% chance it wasn't just anything medical, but rather as fantastical as the world I am in now. But the question was that was it worth the trouble of continuing with this flow of time, which if predicted would end in the demise of humans. Of course, whether the Ackermans were humans, was a debate I wasn't willing to get into. After meeting that man in the training camp, I realised quite quickly that the world I am in had humans that simply were genetically better, in terms of base skillset. But....

'Hardwork beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.'

I grabbed my ODM gear and tore off a small piece of the already ripped coat and tied it around my hand. I looked outside once more, this time this red wasn't a massacre, but rather a motivation to give it my all to gain that slight chance.

"Hey Kiyotaka, what are you doing? And why are you staring at the distance? Brat doesn't get cocky thinking you are some anime protagonist and hurry your ass to Commander Erwin's chamber." I looked in Levi's direction after that unnecessary jab and spoke, "Most definitely. And sir, you look quite charming with that scarf on your shirt. Are you perhaps going to lunch later?" His eyes has an uncharacteristic glare in them as I quietly followed him after that. I reached Erwin's office as he was staring outside as well. Without turning at me he spoke, "Hello Levi and Kiyotaka. Also, Levi and everyone else may leave." He immediately asked for privacy as I was there standing alone. He finally turned back and looked at me, trying to judge something. He then asked, "Are you alright Kiyotaka?"

I nodded and said, "My physical condition has been entirely recovered." He disappointedly sighed and repeated, "I asked, are you okay?" I realised the meaning of his question and said, "When was I not sir? Please can I depart considering Wall Rose has just collapsed?" He sat at his chair and ushered me to take a seat, "Tell me Kiyotaka. What do you think we should do with the vegetative state of that traitor?" He didn't want to refer to her I imagine. I responded, "Given that it's a treasure trove of information, it would be worth bartering with it for information." I played cards as the pieces kept clicking. He nodded and queried, "Isn't it in our complete control? Why not consider other forceful means?" I had a response prepared for that, "It is not any other person. It's Annie Leonhart. She isn't someone to budge unless something she holds dear is in her grasp. She is nothing but a greedy sloth." I let my thoughts out as he asked, "What do you expect us to barter with her then? Honestly, I don't like the sound of it one bit."

I said, "If so, you have to barter with me then. I can guarantee that I will get the information out to her, within 48 hours of her returning from her vegetative state. But in return, I get to use any means necessary. Not just that, in time, I want the authority to make my squad. " Commander Erwin's eyes popped open as he heard that proposal, "How do I have a guarantee that whatever the information you give me is going to be truly worth the hefty bargain you are placing?" I laid my final card," Has my word, ever been futile or proven wrong before? Not just that, if I don't succeed. I will become your puppet just like Levi did. Does that sound fair? But unlike Levi, you won't have to manipulate me."

"So it seems you have encountered him. Haven't you?" His expression darkened as he said those words. It seemed he was giving me a glimpse of his true self, I returned the favour to just enough extent to rival his,

"Maybe so. Hence, do you accept the deal?"

"Are you sure it's a deal? I would call it a devil's contract. But, it's not as if I have another option." He said that as we shook hands on it.

That paves the path for me to acquire my own set of tools in its entirety.

Author's Note

Dear Readers,

Hope that the slightly emotional Kouji wouldn't be OOC. After all, he did have at least this many emotions, when he made Kei his girlfriend. (He hoped for a better life with her.)

Anyways, it sets the direction of the new arc.

Do vote and comment, also visit my other books:

1. Fakekouji (Updated)

2. Love? War? (Updated)

Thank you_