Ethan Walters had been in this world for three years.
During that time, he not only excelled academically, earning a place at Sobu High School, but also took on other ventures.
For instance, he became a copywriter. After all, one needs to earn a living.
After careful consideration, Ethan decided to pursue manga creation.
Light novels and manga are bestsellers in Sakura Country, but light novels weren't his forte.
He rarely read them and found most difficult to enjoy. Anime and manga were his true passions.
So, he focused on creating comics.
After two and a half years of practice, Ethan produced his debut work.
It was a series about giants.
Fate, it seemed, had a sense of humor.
Under Annie's puzzled gaze, Ethan handed her a stack of manuscripts he had drawn.
Annie took them, unsure of what to expect.
She glanced suspiciously at Ethan, ensuring he wasn't up to anything else before examining the manuscripts.
The moment she saw the first page, her eyes widened in shock.
"This is... the world inside the walls of Paradis Island? This... is Eren and Mikasa."
As she looked at the detailed comic panels, Annie's eyes grew even wider.
Flipping through a few pages, she confirmed the authenticity of the manga.
It depicted events leading up to Paradis Island.
Bertholdt transforming into the Colossal Titan and kicking down the wall, Reiner breaching the inner wall.
The comic unfolded from Eren's perspective, chronicling the fall of Wall Maria.
As one of the instigators of the incident, Annie felt a mix of shock and pain.
She and Reiner had broken through the wall, causing countless people inside to be devoured.
These weren't demons; they were ordinary people with families and friends.
Annie took a deep breath, suppressing her painful emotions, and continued flipping through the pages.
Soon, she came across herself in the story.
As a member of the 104th Cadet Corps.
The training and selection process mirrored her own experiences.
Her hand paused, but there was still a thick stack of pages left.
With trembling hands, she reluctantly turned to the next page.
As she expected, the 'future' appeared on the pages.
Page after page, she read until she reached the last one.
Annie put down the manuscript and looked at Ethan.
In the original manuscript, Ethan had drawn the part where Annie crystallized herself.
As much as she hated to admit it, Annie realized she would likely make the same choices as depicted.
Betraying her comrades, revealing her vulnerability due to a soft heart, then fighting desperately until cornered.
So, was this really her 'future'?
It was... grim.
Seeing Annie put down the manuscript and fall silent, Ethan spoke:
"There are connections between worlds. Sometimes, events from one world are transmitted to another."
"Some people receive that information, call it inspiration, and create various works from it."
"But that's not the point. The point is you, Annie. You possess power beyond ordinary humans."
"There are anomalies in this world that threaten humanity's survival. I want to protect them."
"Annie, can you help me contain these anomalies and protect humanity?"
Hearing this, Annie looked up at Ethan.
At that moment, she was in a state of confusion.
Traveling through worlds, facing an uncertain future—it was overwhelming.
And now she was being asked to save humanity?
Annie shook her head. "I just want to go back."
Ethan sighed. "Well, if that's the case, I won't force you. It's getting late; you must be hungry."
"I'm going to prepare some food. Let's talk after we eat."
With that, Ethan got up to head to the kitchen.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Annie instinctively tensed.
Ethan waved a hand, signaling her to relax.
"It should be a delivery. Just something I ordered, the store owner sent it over."
Annie nodded, still a bit suspicious.
Ethan went to the door and called out, "What's the matter?"
A voice replied from outside, "Delivery, the express items are computer accessories. Please check."
Annie, overhearing the conversation, finally felt more at ease.
Ethan opened the door and brought in the 'computer accessories.'
Then he walked into the kitchen, took out ingredients from the fridge, and started cooking.
Soon, two servings of fried rice with eggs were ready.
After setting the table, Ethan retrieved a bottle of cola from the fridge and poured Annie a glass as well.
The fried rice was well-prepared.
Living alone for three years had honed Ethan's cooking skills to a high level.
Sitting across from Annie, Ethan scooped up a spoonful of fried rice and tasted it.
The level was commendable.
"Eat," Ethan encouraged Annie.
"Can I have your share?" Annie asked softly.
Though she trusted Ethan, she remained cautious.
Ethan nodded, smiling helplessly, and switched their plates of fried rice.
"Thanks," Annie said sincerely.
Then she began eating heartily.
Back on Paradis Island, she'd been grateful for even cold bread.
By comparison, fried rice with eggs was a gourmet delight.
Plus, Annie was famished.
But soon, she choked from eating too quickly.
Ethan pointed to the cola. "This is a drink called cola. It's delicious. Try it."
Annie shook her head, poured herself a glass of water from the kettle on the table, and drank it.
But she frowned afterward.
The water had an odd taste.
Was the quality poor?
As this thought crossed her mind, her vision began to blur.
A wave of dizziness washed over her.
'Damn it!'
Annie realized something was wrong, and while she still had control, she reached for her special ring.
Metal barbs sprang out from the ring.
Blood spattered.
The last thing Annie saw before losing consciousness was Ethan reaching out, grabbing her palm, and covering the ring.
"Go to sleep."
His voice echoed in her ears, and then everything went dark.