Adrian ran at the front, Levi close behind.
Even though Levi was only seven years old, the blood of the Ackerman clan surged within him, giving him a natural strength and endurance that far surpassed ordinary children. If not for Adrian's newly strengthened physique, it would have been impossible for him to keep ahead of Levi.
Half an hour passed.
Levi's eyes narrowed in surprise.
Big brother's speed hasn't dropped at all.
At this point in the past, Adrian would have already been gasping for breath, lagging behind. Levi still remembered the countless times they had stolen food to survive. Each time, it was always him pulling Adrian along by the hand as they fled.
But today was different. Adrian's steps were steady, his back tall and unyielding.
Levi's heart thudded. Has he been holding back all this time? Was he letting me win before?
The thought sent a strange warmth through him. He quickened his pace, determined not to be left behind.
Five thin silhouettes darted through the twisting alleys, their shadows stretching long as the dim sunlight above the grates began to fade.
Night fell quickly in the Underground. Darkness came sooner here than above, heavy and suffocating.
…
"Strange sounds again."
"Quick, close the shutters. Could be thieves."
The few residents who heard footsteps outside shut their windows without hesitation. In the Underground, night belonged to gangs and cutthroats. With no Military Police patrolling, the streets became lawless after dark.
No one wanted to get involved. Even if someone were cut down right outside their door, they would stay inside, silent, pretending not to hear.
For survival, that was the only rule.
…
Soon, only Adrian and Levi were still running. The other three had long since fallen behind, collapsed somewhere along the route.
Levi's body ached, his legs heavy as stone. Sweat poured down his face, soaking his shirt. His pace slowed, his vision blurred. But he clenched his teeth and pushed on.
Because Adrian was still running.
At the front, Adrian's face was slick with sweat, his breath steady. His muscles burned, his legs throbbed, but he pressed forward.
A low growl rumbled from his stomach. The food he had eaten was being consumed at a rapid pace, fueling his movements. And with each step, he felt something stirring.
He opened his system panel.
---
Host: Adrian Leonhart
World: Attack on Titan
Constitution: 1.3
Points: 0 (10%)
Skills: Cooking LV0, Fighting LV0, Forging LV0...
---
Adrian's lips curved faintly. His point progress had risen to 10%—a massive jump from the 1.5% he had seen earlier.
Exercising not only trained his body but also accelerated the system's growth.
…
By the time they finished the circuit, the Underground was shrouded in pitch-black darkness. Only faint candlelight glowed from behind locked doors and shuttered windows.
Adrian was the first to return to their stronghold, collapsing onto the step outside. Sweat trickled down his fair face as the salty, stale air clung to his skin.
The Underground was vast—an entire abandoned city built long ago as a refuge from Titans. Though forgotten, its size was immense. Running one full lap was no simple feat.
Eventually, Levi stumbled back, followed by the others. They collapsed onto the stone steps, panting like dogs, too drained to move.
Adrian looked at them and exhaled. They still have a long way to go.
…
"Boss, a towel," Isabel's soft voice said.
She emerged from the room, holding a steaming cloth with both hands.
Adrian accepted it with a nod, wiping the sweat from his face. His gaze flicked to Isabel—clean now, her hair washed, dressed in spare clothes.
Fran had reported on her earlier, and her behavior had raised no alarms. Adrian's guarded expression eased slightly, his coldness thawing by a fraction.
Seeing this, Isabel's lips curved into a faint smile.
Clean and refreshed, she looked like a delicate porcelain doll. Though malnourished, her features hinted at the beauty she might one day become.
And in her eyes, Adrian—despite his fierce demeanor—was not frightening. He was a source of stability, the one who brought warmth and safety to this fragile group.
For the first time in a long while, Isabel felt she belonged.
---