Lets save the World of Hell

After leaving the bar, Adam walked through the city's narrow alleys, his mind occupied with thoughts.

He was searching for a better place to stay or even a job that could help them both survive.

"I need to make sure Mikasa doesn't just survive, but also lives comfortably. I already promised to take responsibility."

As he walked, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

Adam stopped.

The alley was dark and empty. He turned around but saw no one.

However, his instincts told him he was being watched.

"Tch, don't tell me another thug wants to pick a fight with me?" he thought.

But this time, it felt different. The footsteps were light, almost silent—this wasn't an ordinary person.

Adam casually walked into a narrow passage, pretending not to notice that someone was following him.

Once he reached the end of the alley, he suddenly stopped and leaned against the wall.

"That's enough following me. Why not come out already?"

Silence.

Then, from the shadows of the alley, a blonde-haired girl with a blank expression emerged.

Her bluish-gray eyes held a mysterious calmness.

Annie Leonhart.

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Wow, I wasn't expecting to meet someone like this."

Annie stared at him expressionlessly. "You're too aware of your surroundings for someone your age."

Adam smirked. "I just have good instincts. Besides, I don't like being watched from the shadows."

Annie didn't respond immediately. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, as if evaluating him.

"…What are you doing here?" she finally asked.

Adam crossed his arms. "Shouldn't I be asking that? You're the one following me, aren't you?"

Annie let out a short sigh and leaned against the wall as if she didn't care.

"I just happened to see a street kid who looks too smart for his own good. It made me curious."

Adam chuckled. "Oh? So I caught the attention of a beautiful girl? That's a surprise."

Annie gave him a blank stare.

"…I could break your leg right now."

Adam shrugged. "And I could scream for help like a scared little kid."

Annie stared at him for a while longer.

Adam met her gaze without fear.

Silence filled the air between them.

Then, something unexpected happened.

Annie gave a small smile.

It was brief, almost unnoticeable—but Adam caught it.

He leaned back against the wall, gazing at the night sky. "So, you were really just curious?" he finally asked.

Annie crossed her arms. "I just wanted to know who you really are."

Adam thought for a moment, then turned to her with a smile.

"I'm just someone trying to survive."

Annie studied him carefully. "You're not like most people here."

Adam chuckled. "Neither are you."

Annie remained silent, as if unable to deny it.

After a while, she finally said, "You were looking for information about someone, weren't you?"

Adam glanced at her, slightly surprised. "You were watching me that whole time?"

Annie shrugged. "Maybe."

Adam sighed. "I just wanted to know if there's a way for someone to have a better life without relying on charity."

Annie was quiet for a moment before finally speaking, her voice softer.

"…A better life, huh?"

Adam turned to her, sensing something strange in her tone.

But before he could ask anything, Annie took a step back.

"Don't stand out too much, Adam."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "You know my name?"

Annie simply gave a faint smile before turning around and walking away.

Before disappearing into the darkness of the alley, she spoke without looking back.

"I'm sure we'll meet again."

Adam watched her leave with a curious expression.

Then, he smirked.

"Interesting girl."