Chapter 34: Another Hidden Quest Completed?

The operation to reclaim the Trost District had already begun, but Sikong Xu did not stay by Eren’s side. Instead, he moved toward the area below the wall. After all, most of the Titans in the town had already been drawn to the base of the wall, and the elite soldiers with Eren were more than enough to guarantee his safety. Even Mikasa had joined them, just in case. Although in the original events Eren had transformed into a Titan and gone berserk, even attacking Mikasa, he ultimately managed to block the breach with a giant boulder. Sikong Xu, therefore, had no need to worry. He had more important business—earning credits!

According to the bonus rewards for the main quest, Sikong Xu would receive five credits for every normal Titan he killed, and ten credits for every Abnormal. Now that most of the Titans had been lured to the wall, how could Sikong Xu pass up such a golden opportunity to make a fortune?

Credits were of immense value in the Dimensional Academy!

But hidden beneath these generous rewards was a grave danger. This time, the Titans were clustered together in groups, unlike before when they had been scattered. Thus, the risks Sikong Xu faced were much greater than usual.

With a swish and a whoosh, Sikong Xu darted through the town using his maneuvering gear. He chose not to attack directly from atop the wall, but instead opted to strike from behind the Titans. The former approach was far too dangerous, while the latter was relatively safer. This way, should anything unexpected happen, Sikong Xu could immediately retreat into the town and use the buildings for cover.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from behind. Sikong Xu recognized it instantly—it was the voice of Eren in Titan form. It seemed Eren had already transformed, which meant Sikong Xu needed to pick up the pace.

His eyes narrowed as he spotted the silhouette of a Titan ahead. The foremost Titan was sprawled across the wall, trying in vain to snatch the soldiers clinging to the wall with their maneuvering gear, but the soldiers were too high up for it to reach. The Titans behind pressed forward relentlessly, so only those at the very back could move freely, but even they were fixated on the humans atop the wall, continuously surging forward.

None of the Titans realized that behind them, the reaper of death had arrived!

“Ha! Credits, here I come!” Sikong Xu fired his grappling claws at the nape of the nearest Titan, then surged forward on a gust of wind. With a deft cross of his twin blades, he sliced off a chunk of the creature’s nape.

“Normal Titan killed. Award: 5 credits.”

Five credits easily in hand, Sikong Xu immediately turned to another Titan…

In an instant, blood splattered everywhere. Sikong Xu’s blades, after slicing through so many Titan napes, had become chipped and dented, their once keen edges now dulled. There was nothing for it; he had to land on a nearby rooftop and swap in fresh blades.

“Fortunately, I was prepared and brought enough blades. Still, it feels a bit slow,” Sikong Xu mused, gazing at the Titans not far away.

The Titans continued to mindlessly press toward the wall, oblivious to Sikong Xu behind them.

In ten minutes, Sikong Xu had slain ten normal Titans, earning fifty credits—a pace that seemed swift enough, but he was not satisfied.

The Titans’ sense for human presence was terrifyingly acute. Whenever Sikong Xu approached a target, the surrounding Titans would notice and converge. If not for his nimbleness, he would have been blocked and likely killed already.

So, after each kill, Sikong Xu had to retreat at once. Only when the Titans’ attention returned to the soldiers on the wall did he dare hunt his next target.

“It’s indeed a bit slow, but there’s no helping it.” He glanced behind him. If events followed the original timeline, Eren should now be berserk and attacking Mikasa. He looked up at the wall—Armin was nowhere to be seen; he must have gone to join Eren.

“I should make the most of this opportunity. However many credits I can earn, I’ll take.” Taking a deep breath, Sikong Xu dashed once more into the horde.

The slaughter continued. Even though the work was almost routine, Sikong Xu was nearing his limit; only the cold, mechanical notifications in his mind kept him from losing patience.

“Whew… I’ve changed blades three times now, and must have killed around forty Titans—earned about two hundred credits. Counting earlier kills, once I reach fifty, I’ll head back. Otherwise, my supply of blades and gas won’t hold out.” Back on a rooftop, Sikong Xu slapped his cheeks, fixed his gaze on another Titan, and shot forward.

Swish—

Another Titan fell!

The same icy prompt sounded in his mind, though this time, something was different.

“Cadet Sikong Xu has completed the hidden quest: [Titan Slayer].”

“Quest Difficulty: Three Stars.”

“Quest Objective: Kill 50/50 Titans.”

“Quest Reward: C-Rank Skill ‘Titanic Regeneration (Pseudo)’.”

…

Titanic Regeneration (Pseudo)
Type: Passive Skill
Rank: C
Description: Titans possess an extraordinary regenerative ability. Unless the nape is destroyed, they can even regrow lost heads. This skill is a weakened version of that power, allowing rapid recovery of injuries and stamina. (Note: This skill cannot restore mental energy, lost limbs, or fatal wounds.)

…

He hadn’t expected to stumble upon another hidden quest! Sikong Xu grinned. Fortunately, he’d seized this chance to kill fifty Titans; otherwise, this hidden quest might have been impossible to complete.

“Titanic Regeneration (Pseudo)” seemed tailor-made for him. Though it couldn’t heal fatal wounds, the ability to swiftly recover stamina made it invaluable!

Now, Sikong Xu stood once more atop the familiar rooftop. With his new skill, the exhaustion from the slaughter seemed to melt away, and in another minute or two, he would be ready to fight at full strength again.

“Heh, what a great skill. Even if this hidden quest didn’t grant credits, the C-Rank skill alone is worth it!” Sikong Xu chuckled to himself.

At the Dimensional Academy, all abilities and personal talents were ranked from E, D, C, B, A, to S. “Titanic Regeneration (Pseudo)” was C-Rank—not low by any means. If the imprint could assess ability, Sikong Xu’s own “Infinite Martial Mastery” would likely be rated S-Rank or above.

“That’s enough credits for now. Eren and the others should have finished their mission. Time to head back.” Casting a final glance at the legions of “credits” ahead, Sikong Xu felt no regret and turned away without hesitation.