Yukito opened his eyes, momentarily blinded by the morning sun piercing through the gaps in the curtains. He blinked for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dawn's brightness. He turned to his side.
Mahiru's side of the bed was already empty, the sheets a little disheveled, indicating she had been up for some time, likely preparing breakfast. This morning felt peaceful. Yukito got out of bed, sat beside it, and opened the Group Chat screen.
---
[Kambe Yukito]:
"Hello everyone. I hope you all saw what I sent last night."
A few seconds passed without a reply, then messages began to pop up one by one.
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"H-how could you! How could you sleep soundly after sending something like that?! I couldn't sleep at all!"
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"I... I couldn't sleep at all. It's all... too much to process."
[Levi Ackerman]:
"Yes, I saw it, Yukito."
[Gojo Satoru]:
"Yeah, me too."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"There's a lot that doesn't make sense, but after seeing that light novel... The events of me meeting Veldora and everything else are indeed true."
[Gojo Satoru]:
"So, what is this? Are we supposed to follow a predetermined 'storyline'?"
[Kambe Yukito]:
"No, that's entirely your right. You're free to do whatever you want. But... keep in mind, with the knowledge you now possess, all the stories I sent will definitely change. The butterfly effect will work; no matter how small a change you make, it will create huge waves in the future."
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"Butterfly effect? You mean if I do something differently, my entire future will change?"
[Gojo Satoru]:
"So, if I know what's going to happen in the future, I can prevent bad things from happening, or take advantage of opportunities. Interesting..."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"Does this mean we can avoid tragedies that were supposed to happen? Or save people who were supposed to...?"
[Levi Ackerman]:
"If that's the case, then there's a lot to fix."
[Kambe Yukito]:
"That potential exists. But remember, every change can bring unexpected consequences. We don't know if the changes will always lead to something better."
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"But at least we have a chance, right? A chance to change it!"
Suddenly, the group chat screen flickered, and a bright red notification appeared, filling the screen.
New Mission!
Location:
Trost District, Attack on Titan World
Description:
Assist Levi Ackerman in the upcoming Battle of Trost, three days from now. A critical situation will soon unfold against a Titan invasion.
Departure Time: 18 Hours
Select candidates to join: 2 People
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"What is this?! A mission?! In Levi's world?!"
[Kambe Yukito]:
"Battle of Trost, huh."
[Levi Ackerman]:
"Damn. This isn't good. That means one day after the new cadets graduate."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"18 hours... and only two people. This is a very important mission. Who feels most ready to go?"
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"Me! I can help! I'm fast and I can fight!"
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"I can also go. With my power, I can kill all of them."
[Gojo Satoru]:
"Don't forget me, kids. Who's better at handling chaotic situations than me? I can clear out Titans in an instant."
[Levi Ackerman]:
"You don't know what you're up against. Titans aren't like the enemies you usually face. And you need to be able to adapt to 3D maneuvering gear. Gojo, I've seen your manga, and your power might be too conspicuous. Rimuru, your slime form might attract unwanted attention."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"I can change forms, Levi. And I can use magic."
[Gojo Satoru]:
"And 'conspicuous' is my specialty, Levi. That's exactly what's needed to divert attention."
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"My expertise with firearms will definitely be useful."
[Kambe Yukito]:
"Hold on everyone. Let Levi decide. He knows best what's needed in his world."
The group fell silent again, waiting for Levi's decision. A moment later, Levi typed.
[Levi Ackerman]:
"Alright. I've thought about it. I'm taking Rimuru and Yukito."
A long silence followed that message.
[Kambe Yukito]:
"Huh?! M-me?!"
---
Yukito massaged his throbbing forehead. He couldn't believe it. From merely an observer of stories, he now had to become part of that terrifying plot. It felt like a nightmare, yet it was reality.
---
[Kambe Yukito]:
"You shorty! Why me?! I don't even have superpowers like you guys!"
[Levi Ackerman]:
"Shut up, Yukito. Don't call me shorty."
[Kambe Yukito]:
"I'm not going to your world! No thanks!"
[Levi Ackerman]:
"I chose you because you know the storyline of my world. You know what will happen, who will die, and what the crucial points are. Your knowledge is your greatest strength there. And Rimuru will be your guardian."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"That's right, Yukito! Don't worry, I'll protect you with all my heart! I can protect from close range and long range. I'll make sure no Titan can touch you."
----
Yukito was still sulking, but hearing Rimuru's assurance, his anger subsided a little, replaced by anxiety. He knew Rimuru wasn't messing around with their promise.
---
[Nishikigi Chisato]:
"Are you sure, Rimuru? That world... it's very dangerous."
[Rimuru Tempest]:
"I've faced dangerous things before, Chisato. And this is a chance to help our friend, Levi. I won't let him fight alone if we can change it."
[Gojo Satoru]:
"Alright, looks like it's decided. Rimuru, make sure this kid doesn't run away when he sees a Titan."
Selected Candidates:
* Rimuru Tempest
* Kambe Yukito
[Levi Ackerman]:
"That's enough. I have business to attend to."
[Kambe Yukito]:
"Alright, alright... This is absolutely crazy."
---
Yukito sighed in resignation, shaking his head at how quickly his life had changed. It felt absurd, yet all the evidence was before him. Rather than dwelling on it and letting anxiety take over, he decided to take a shower to clear his head.
After finishing his shower and putting on his neat office clothes, Yukito took a deep breath. He walked out of his bedroom, his steps leading him toward the dining room.
Upon arriving, he saw Mahiru already sitting at the table, waiting for him. The aroma of omelets calmed him slightly.
"Good morning, Yukito-kun," Mahiru greeted softly.
Yukito approached Mahiru, bent down, and gently kissed her forehead. "Good morning, Mahiru. The breakfast you made smells delicious."
Mahiru blushed at Yukito's words, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Thank you, Yukito-kun. Hurry, eat it while it's warm."
Yukito nodded, then sat beside Mahiru. He picked up a spoon and began to enjoy his omelet. The savory, rich, and soft texture of the eggs felt so comforting.