Grisha Yeager, Eren's father, Mikasa Ackerman's adoptive father, and the current Attack Titan, bore a heavy burden. The price of obtaining the power of the Titan and gaining terrifying power was a drastically shortened lifespan — only 13 years.
As an Eldian born outside Paradis Island, specifically in the Liberio internment zone of Marley, Grisha entered Paradis Island with a mission: to rebel against Marley and free the Eldians.
His true goal? To seize the power of the Founding Titan from the royal family hidden inside the walls.
According to the later development of events, Ronan could confirm that although Grisha had spent many years within the walls, remarried, and even had children, he had never let go of his true purpose.
"On one side is the bond of family, and on the other side is the burden of an entire people's freedom. You can't even open your heart to your dearest family. You must be very tired, right?" Ronan thought.
At this moment, he had already left Eren's house. Carla ultimately disagreed with his decision to join the Survey Corps. After all, she was not his biological mother, and there was only so much she could do.
Grisha, on the other hand, expressed his respect for Ronan's choice.
As for Eren, who had the same idea, he was immediately denied by both Carla and Mikasa — a double blow. For the time being, he didn't dare mention joining the Survey Corps again.
Without lingering long at their door, Ronan sprinted at full speed toward the blacksmith shop.
Sweat streamed down his back by the time he arrived, but the system prompt that rang in his ears — [Explosive Power +1] — made everything worth it.
In the past few days, through constant experimentation and training, Ronan had come to understand the golden finger he possessed.
As long as he used different training methods and pushed himself to his limits, his stats would grow.
The same training could only provide a boost once a day, but would refresh by the next. It was a loophole that gave Ronan great confidence. With more than three months before the conscription meeting, he believed he could raise his physical fitness to terrifying levels.
Of course, the stronger he became, the harder it would be to trigger improvements — and the growth rate would slow over time. But that was a problem for the future.
Right now, Ronan focused on his daily improvement.
As soon as he arrived at the blacksmith shop, Aunt Martha greeted him with breakfast.
"Ronan, don't come so early next time. Your Uncle Harry hasn't even woken up yet," she said, raising the food in her hand with a smile. "You haven't eaten, right? Come, try my cooking."
"Okay~"
Even though he had already eaten at Eren's house, Ronan couldn't resist Aunt Martha's expectant eyes. He devoured the food happily.
Soon after, Uncle Harry entered the shop. Seeing the half-eaten breakfast, he glanced at Ronan — who was already hammering away — then silently ate the leftovers.
Dingding~ding~~~
The rhythmic sound of hammering filled the shop. Sweat poured from Ronan's lean, muscular frame like rain. The furnace's glow cast his silhouette in bronze.
Uncle Harry, watching Ronan, couldn't help but recall the day Ronan first applied.
He had initially rejected the boy. At thirteen, Ronan was small and skinny. Even for an apprentice, some physical requirements had to be met — and Ronan didn't seem to qualify. He didn't look like someone who would grow strong.
But reality had proven Harry wrong.
Though Ronan still looked young, his strength was already that of a grown man. Most importantly, he had an indomitable will and could maintain unwavering focus during repetitive, exhausting tasks.
Ronan had all the qualities of a true blacksmith.
Yesterday, Harry had finally acknowledged this. Today, he made a decision.
He walked over and said, "Boy, do you want to learn blacksmithing from me?"
Ronan blinked. "Am I not already learning?"
"Brat, what you're doing now can be done by any strong adult. I'm talking about real training — to take things to the next level!"
Ronan's expression turned serious. He hadn't come here to become a blacksmith. He simply wanted to use the job as a platform to strengthen himself for the upcoming conscription and eventually join the Training Corps.
Looking at Harry's expectant expression, Ronan hesitated. He felt sorry, but knew he had to refuse. Just as he was about to speak, the familiar system chime echoed in his mind...
Ding! Random Achievement Triggered: [I am a Little Blacksmith]...
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