The next morning—
"Lock! You're back!" Armin arrived early, his face glowing with excitement as he spotted Lock training in the yard, steam rising from his shoulders in the cold morning air.
Lock paused, smiling as he ruffled Armin's hair. "You're here to see Eren and Mikasa?"
Although he was only a few years older than they, the difference in temperament was immense. After countless battles beyond the Walls, his maturity and calm made him seem far older. To Eren and the others, Lock's quiet strength had long made him someone to look up to—almost like an older brother they all trusted instinctively.
"Yeah! We promised each other that once we're old enough, we'll enlist and join the Survey Corps—just like you!" Armin said seriously, his small fists clenched with conviction.
Lock smiled faintly. "That's a good ambition. The world outside… It's dangerous—but also beautiful. Worth seeing with your own eyes."
Armin's expression brightened with pride.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the house. Eren burst through the doorway, Mikasa close behind, both dressed neatly for the day.
"Armin! You sneak! You came to talk to Lock before us?" Eren protested, jealousy clear in his tone.
Mikasa muttered softly, almost to herself, "So sneaky…"
Armin flailed his hands in panic. "I didn't! I just got here!"
Lock chuckled, cutting through their bickering. "Enough, all of you. Since you're all up, how about coming with me to the garrison for a bit of training?"
"Really?!" All three pairs of eyes widened, sparkling with anticipation.
Lock nodded. "Of course. It's about time you saw what real training looks like. There's even someone new I want you to meet."
The children exchanged excited looks as they followed Lock toward the Survey Corps' training base.
Normally, civilians—especially children—weren't permitted entry, but Lock's authority was unquestioned now. As a squad leader on par with Commander Erwin in influence and responsibility, no one dared deny him access.
When they entered the training yard, the kids froze in awe.
"Whoa…" Eren whispered.
In the field, dozens of soldiers were sprinting through the snow, steam rising from their bodies as they trained relentlessly.
"In weather like this… and they're shirtless?!" Armin said, eyes wide.
"They're amazing," Mikasa murmured, admiration flickering in her usually calm voice.
Lock led them to the sidelines where Petra Rall was overseeing the drills. "You've been working hard," he said warmly. "Once Oluo and the others return, you can rest."
Petra glanced at him, hands on her hips. "Since you know how hard I've been working, you could've come earlier."
The teasing slipped out before she realized it, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She quickly turned away. "Forget it. Since you're here, I might as well take a break."
Lock smiled. "Now that you're awake, don't run off just yet. I need a favor."
Petra followed his gaze and noticed the three children peeking curiously from behind him. "And who are these little ones?"
"They're my family," Lock replied simply.
Something softened in Petra's expression. "Your family, huh…" She knelt and smiled kindly at them. "Then that makes them family to all of us. Don't worry, Lock—I'll take good care of them."
"It's not care they need—it's training," Lock said lightly.
"Training?" Petra blinked in surprise.
Before she could respond, Eren stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "Don't underestimate us! We'll join the Survey Corps someday, fight the Titans, and follow Lock's example! We'll dedicate our hearts to humanity's freedom!"
Mikasa and Armin nodded firmly behind him.
Petra blinked, speechless for a moment, then looked at Lock. "You didn't tell them?"
Lock rubbed the back of his neck. "Tell them what?"
"That the Titans inside Wall Maria have already been wiped out. The Walls are safe again."
The three children froze.
"Wait… what?!" Eren shouted.
Lock shrugged, feigning innocence. "Didn't I mention it last night?"
All three shouted in unison, "No!"
"Ah. Must've slipped my mind. It's not that big a deal anyway," Lock said casually.
Petra gaped at him. "Not a big deal?! You're unbelievable!"
The explanation that followed left the children stunned. Wall Maria retaken. Humanity reclaiming land. Titans were nearly eradicated from within the Walls. The Survey Corps emerges as heroes.
Eren's hands clenched tighter with every word, a mixture of excitement and frustration burning in his eyes. "Then I'll just have to get stronger! Even if the Titans inside are gone, there are still more out there, right?"
Lock smiled faintly. "Exactly."
Leaving Petra in charge, Lock joined the ongoing drills. The children watched from the sidelines as he moved—fluid, sharp, efficient. His ODM gear sang through the cold air, every spin precise, every landing silent. He trained harder than anyone else on the field.
Petra noticed the children's stunned faces and couldn't help smiling with pride.
"I know how you feel," she said softly. "Even for us, watching him fight never gets old."
The trio didn't respond. They were too focused on Lock's movements—too awed by the sheer speed and strength on display.
"The number of Titans he's slain personally stands at fifty-eight," Petra continued. "And with assists? Seventy-three. He's the top scorer in the entire Corps. He even commands his own special unit."
Eren's eyes widened. "That's insane…"
Mikasa said quietly, "I didn't realize… he's that strong."
Armin whispered, "I feel like I'll never catch up…"
Lock finished his last maneuver and landed lightly in the snow, breathing steady. The recruits cheered as Petra called for a break.
Watching him from the sidelines, the children's admiration turned into a deep, burning motivation.
"Someday," Eren said under his breath, "I'll be like him."
The morning passed swiftly under the biting cold.
Ding.
The host has trained diligently in winter conditions. Willpower +1. Endurance +1.
The system's calm voice echoed in Lock's mind. He didn't react outwardly. With his current strength, such small gains barely made a difference anymore. He exhaled slowly, watching his breath fade into the cold air.
"Still," he murmured to himself, "it's better than standing still."
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