"Mm, I won't forget" Byakuya said with a small smile and a nod.
"That's more like it" Eto replied coolly.
Then, with a thought, Byakuya accessed his inventory and pulled out the two vials of RC Cell Concentrate he had just purchased from the system.
"This stuff is called RC Cell Concentrate. Drink it and not only will it replenish your RC levels — it'll actually enhance them" he explained.
He'd only bought two bottles for now because he wasn't entirely sure how effective they would be. One for himself, one for Eto — just to test it out.
"There's something like that? Then I definitely have to try it" Eto said with interest.
As for Byakuya materializing items out of nowhere, she was already used to it. She'd seen him pull things out through his eye more than once. Though this time, he hadn't used his eyes ability, Eto didn't seem to notice the difference.
Both of them downed a vial.
[RC Cell Count: 500 (Reserve: +3100)]
Byakuya quickly opened his system panel to check. Sure enough, his RC count had gone up by exactly 100 points. No surprises, but it confirmed the effect. One vial cost 100 attribute points and gave 100 RC — precise, reliable.
It might seem inefficient, but the key was that it could be used on others. Giving these to Eto was definitely worthwhile.
"How do you feel?" Byakuya asked.
"Not bad. I can definitely feel a surge in RC inside me" Eto responded.
"Good" he nodded. Seemed like it worked the same for her.
A shame he didn't have more points to buy additional vials for her. But with the operation to retake Wall Maria starting tomorrow, he'd have plenty of chances to farm points—those mindless Titans were good for something, after all.
...
That night.
Byakuya and Eto didn't seek out any luxurious accommodations—instead, they stayed with the Yaeger family.
Besides the Yaegers, Armin was also there. Of course, as Eren and Mikasa's best friend, he came looking for them after ensuring his own family's safety.
"Brother Byakuya, this is my best friend, Armin!" Eren beamed as he introduced him.
His best — and only —friend, really. Eren's fiery personality didn't leave much room for many friendships. Mikasa, of course, was family.
"Nice to meet you, Armin" Byakuya said politely.
He didn't exactly like Armin, but he didn't dislike him either. He was… a complicated figure.
"Nice to meet you too! Eren and the others told me you saved them. I'm really grateful — thank you" Armin said earnestly, offering thanks to both Byakuya and Eto.
As the group chatted, Byakuya and Eto didn't mention anything about tomorrow's military operation, but Eren and Armin brought it up themselves.
"Eren, did you hear? They're launching the mission to retake Wall Maria tomorrow! It's going to be a joint operation between all three branches of the military!" Armin exclaimed.
"For real? All three? That means the Scout Regiment's in on it too?" Eren's eyes lit up.
"Of course! The three divisions — the Garrison, the Military Police, and the Scouts. I wonder who's leading the whole thing? Maybe a commander?"
Only Armin would be so animated discussing military logistics with Eren. His influence was a big part of why Eren dreamed of freedom and venturing beyond the Walls.
"I wonder if we'll get to see them. Will they depart through the Trost gate?" Eren asked.
"I heard they're moving out from all four outer districts at once—north, south, east, and west. So yeah, we'll definitely see one of the teams pass through here"
Armin replied.
"Though… I don't get why they're splitting up. Titans aren't exactly easy to deal with."
He furrowed his brows. Wouldn't it be better to concentrate forces in one spot?
Since the military kept the details under wraps, civilians didn't know the plan — only that troops would deploy from all sides.
"Titans are hard to kill, sure… but humanity will win" Eren said with conviction.
"With that attitude, you'd get eaten in your first battle" Mikasa suddenly interjected from the side.
"What? Mikasa! Are you mocking me?" Eren shot back.
"I'm just stating the obvious" she said flatly.
Mikasa didn't want Eren to fight, not because she doubted him—but because she knew all too well how hopeless the battlefield could be. She just wanted to keep him safe.
"But if you insist on going… then I'll go with you…"
"You are mocking me!" Eren cut her off mid-sentence and got up to find Byakuya.
Mikasa's cheeks flushed. She'd tried to say something heartfelt—but Eren hadn't even noticed. He was already striding toward Byakuya.
"Brother Byakuya" Eren said, frustration on his face. "Mikasa thinks I'm weak. I mean… yeah, I am weaker than a Titan, but humans can still win, right?"
"Of course" Byakuya replied. "Once tomorrow's operation begins, you'll understand."
He didn't mention the fact that he was the one leading the whole operation.
"Yeah! I believe the three military branches will win and take Wall Maria back. We're taking back what's ours!" Eren said passionately, already forgetting his earlier mood—and Mikasa.
"…"
Mikasa stood silently, watching him. Her face blank, but her heart clearly upset.
Armin noticed and gave a nervous, awkward smile. He understood exactly what had just happened.
Eren really is such a blockhead sometimes…