That time I got reincarnated into Attack on Titan with a level up system

5. Joining the Cadet Corps.

NOTICE
You have completed the daily quest!

You have received three rewards!
1. Status Recovery
2. A pair of leather boots
3. Black hoodie

"Well, that was disappointing," I muttered under my breath. I had been hoping for something more substantial-a rare item or an instance dungeon key like yesterday, or at the very least, some stats points. But instead, the system gave me the usual: a few pieces of gear and a basic Status Recovery. I sighed and stared at the system's glowing window, the words hovering in front of me, waiting for me to accept the rewards. Despite the underwhelming offerings, I reached out and took them anyway. Complaining wouldn't change anything.

Afterward, I found a quiet spot away from the bustle of the refugee camp. The distant murmurs and occasional cries of the displaced people were a constant reminder of the world I was now a part of. The world of Attack on Titan was harsh and unforgiving, a far cry from the mundane reality I once knew. It was still surreal at times, but I had learned to adapt-or at least, to survive.

I changed into the new black hoodie, appreciating the soft fabric against my skin. It was a small comfort in an otherwise chaotic existence. I kept my trousers on, though-they were still in good condition, and the system hadn't seen fit to give me a new pair. I pulled the hood up over my head and merged back into the crowd, blending in with the refugees who milled about, all of us just trying to find some semblance of normalcy in the aftermath of destruction.

As I walked through the camp, my thoughts drifted back to my arrival in this world. At first, I had been content with staying under the radar, living as a normal civilian. But that had changed when I discovered the system. It was as if I had been given a second chance, a way to level up and grow stronger in a world where strength meant survival. The more I understood how the system worked, the more determined I became to use it to my advantage.

I had made up my mind. In the next two years, I would join the Cadet Corps. It was a dangerous path, but I knew it was the right one for me. I couldn't remain passive, watching from the sidelines as others fought for their lives. I had to do something, to make a difference, even if it meant risking my own life in the process. And if I timed it right, I might even join with the main trio-Eren, Mikasa, and Armin.

As if on cue, I spotted them. They were unmistakable, even in the crowded camp. Eren's usual fiery determination was dimmed, his eyes distant and haunted, still reeling from the loss of his mother. Armin stood close to him, his expression troubled, while Mikasa's eyes scanned the area, alert and protective. Our gazes met, and I felt a strange twist of fate pulling me toward them.

I hesitated. Should I talk to them? Part of me wanted to remain in the background, to avoid making any ripples in the story. But another part of me knew that this was a rare opportunity-a chance to meet characters who were more than just fictional to me now. But what if my presence changed something? What if I caused a butterfly effect that altered the course of events?

Screw it.

I took a deep breath and walked toward them. As I approached, Mikasa was the first to notice me, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. Eren barely reacted, his shoulders slumped, while Armin looked at me with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Uh, hey," I began, my voice awkward and uncertain. "Are you guys also survivors of Shiganshina?"

It was a dumb question, I knew that. But I needed some kind of opening, something to start the conversation. They didn't know me, after all, and I had only briefly interacted with Mikasa when I first arrived.

"Y-yeah," Armin stuttered, his voice shaky. The trauma of the recent events was still fresh for him, for all of them.

Eren remained silent, his gaze fixed on something far away, while Mikasa tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied me.