Chapter 6: The First Encounter with the Goddess of Mikasa

"Who's in there? Is that you, Xu?"

Just as Sikong Xu was basking in his own delight at possessing the "Infinite Martial Cultivation," a soft voice rang out from outside the kitchen. The voice was melodious, like a lark’s song, though tinged with a hint of coldness.

"Who is it?" Sikong Xu recalled some of the information about his identity in the world of "Attack on Titan" that had been provided in his imprint.

According to what was described in the imprint, his relationship with his fellow cadets of the 104th class was fairly ordinary—not especially close, nor particularly distant. Aside from the trio who had been his childhood friends, Sikong Xu couldn’t think of anyone who would call his name so late at night.

"It must be Mikasa outside," Sikong Xu concluded, and he opened the door.

Indeed, standing at the threshold was a young woman whose beauty was both refined and serene. Her long, black hair flowed to her shoulders, and even the bulky uniform of a cadet could not conceal her slender figure. This was none other than Mikasa Ackerman, the heroine of "Attack on Titan."

"Mikasa, it’s late. Is something the matter?" Sikong Xu smiled at her.

Although the imprint provided him with information about his identity, it could not transmit the emotions of interpersonal relationships. Thus, in Mikasa’s eyes, they were close acquaintances, but to Sikong Xu, she was little more than a stranger he was meeting for the first time.

Even though Sikong Xu had admired Mikasa from afar before his transmigration, meeting her in person now made him both excited and a little awkward.

"Xu, are you feeling alright?" Mikasa suddenly stood on tiptoe, reaching up to place her hand on Sikong Xu’s forehead—he was a head taller than her—and murmured, "At least you don’t have a fever."

My God! Is this really the aloof Mikasa I know? She’s so gentle right now, I can hardly contain myself.

Unable to suppress his excitement at Mikasa’s unexpected tenderness—after all, this was his first real encounter with a goddess from the two-dimensional world—Sikong Xu nonetheless quickly composed himself, thanks to his "Infinite Martial Cultivation," and appeared perfectly calm.

"It’s nothing. I just can’t sleep, thinking about how we’re graduating tomorrow. Eren, Armin, and you are all among the top ten, and can join the Military Police to enjoy life. But as for me, I’m in a sorry state."

Sikong Xu sighed helplessly. It was bad enough being at the bottom in the real world, but did he have to be last among the 104th cadets here as well? Sikong Xu felt it was deeply unfair.

"Wherever you go, I’ll go too. Hm... together with Eren," Mikasa replied expressionlessly, her feelings conveyed more in her words than on her face.

Hearing this, Sikong Xu nearly forgot that the imprint had also informed him that not only was he childhood friends with Mikasa, Eren, and the others, but he had also been one of Mikasa’s saviors when she was abducted by traffickers—together with Eren, of course.

"Eren wants to join the Survey Corps, doesn’t he? Will you go with him?" Sikong Xu asked.

"It’s dangerous... but probably, yes..." At the mention of Eren’s desire to join the Survey Corps, Mikasa frowned. In the original story, she had opposed Eren’s decision, but ultimately failed and was drawn in herself.

"And if I don’t want to join the Survey Corps? Would you stay with me?" Sikong Xu’s gaze flickered.

Look at that! I’m openly flirting with Mikasa! How many otaku have dreamed of this moment, and here I am living it!

"I..." For the first time, Mikasa’s cool expression wavered. If Eren had been the only one in her life, she would have followed him without hesitation. But now, with Sikong Xu in the mix, things were more complicated.

Even Mikasa herself couldn’t quite define her feelings for Sikong Xu and Eren.

Her relationship with Eren was a bit simpler—like an elder sister caring for her younger brother. But with Sikong Xu, she was uncertain...

"Haha, I’m just teasing. If Eren’s joining the Survey Corps, of course I’ll go with him too. Don’t worry, I won’t make things difficult for you," Sikong Xu said with a laugh, though he felt a pang inside. The first step of his plan to win over the goddess Mikasa—failed!

"Get some rest. Tomorrow is graduation day," he added.

"Mm."

With Sikong Xu’s words, the awkwardness between them eased.

Though the first step of his "Conquer Mikasa Goddess Plan" had failed, Sikong Xu wasn’t discouraged. If winning her over were that easy, she wouldn’t be a goddess of the two-dimensional world.

To successfully form a bond with a goddess like her would take time and effort.

After a good night’s sleep, Sikong Xu felt energized the next morning.

"Xu, you look lively today. Is it because of graduation?" As the group gathered for training, Armin Arlert couldn’t help but ask when he saw Sikong Xu’s bright expression.

"Haha, of course! After years of hellish training with the Cadet Corps, we’re finally free. Who wouldn’t be in a good mood?" Eren, hearing their conversation, threw an arm affectionately around Sikong Xu, making him feel a bit awkward.

If Sikong Xu didn’t know Eren Yeager so well, he might have suspected something.

During the day, Sikong Xu participated in the final training session with the rest of the cadets. To put it simply, he was exhausted. The intensity was far beyond what his rather frail constitution could handle. Though his "Infinite Martial Cultivation" allowed him complete control over his body, it didn’t make up for his physical weakness; thus, he couldn’t reap its benefits during such grueling drills, and the terrifying bald instructor, Keith Shadis, scolded him mercilessly.

Night fell, signaling the true graduation ceremony for the 104th Cadet Corps.

"Dedicate your hearts!" roared the bald and intimidating instructor, Keith Shadis, standing at the front.

The cadets raised their right hands to their hearts and responded in unison, "Yes!"

After surveying the cadets, the instructor nodded with satisfaction. Then, a man who appeared to be the commander of the Cadet Corps announced, "From this day forward, you have three choices as graduates!"

"Join the Garrison Regiment, devoted to fortifying the walls and protecting the towns."

"Join the Survey Corps, who, with resolve to sacrifice, venture beyond the walls to challenge the Titans."

"Join the Military Police, who serve near the king, governing and maintaining order. Of course, only those in the top ten may apply to the Military Police."

"Next, it will be up to us to devour the Titans entirely!" Standing at the back, Sikong Xu watched Eren, who was ranked among the top ten, and couldn’t help but joke to himself: Am I stealing your lines?

After the ceremony, at the graduation party, everyone discussed their plans for the future. Most decided to join the Garrison Regiment, while the top ten cadets leaned toward the Military Police.

It was undeniable that the Military Police were highly coveted—no fighting Titans, lives greatly protected, and the government provided generous material benefits. The front lines were far more perilous, with one’s life constantly at risk from the Titans. Given this, most new recruits yearned for the Military Police.

But when Eren was asked, he surprised everyone.

He chose not the comfortable life of the Military Police, but instead wanted to join the Survey Corps, where every day was a gamble for survival. Everyone was stunned.

Yet, none of this was Sikong Xu's concern. All that mattered to him was the coming battle against the Titans.