Chapter 237 236

"Bang—bang—bang!"

Dull, heavy impacts echoed through the enclosed space, each collision sounding like fists striking solid stone.

Two figures clashed again and again, their movements fast enough to blur at the edges. Every exchange ended in a violent recoil, only for the distance between them to vanish once more in the blink of an eye.

Each time they collided, the air itself seemed to compress.

The onlookers standing around the perimeter couldn't help but gasp.

They were all hardened fighters—men who had survived underground conflicts, assassinations, and purges within Marley itself. Yet watching this battle left them instinctively unsettled.

It wasn't just strength.

It was the speed.

The rhythm.

The terrifying precision.

If any of them were to step into that exchange, even for a moment, none believed they could last three moves.

"Unbelievable…"

"I always thought the captain was the strongest," someone whispered. "But this guy—he's actually holding on."

"Not just holding on," another corrected, eyes wide. "It looks like the young one has the upper hand."

"That's insane…"

"Did you notice?" a quieter voice added. "From beginning to end, he's been defending. He hasn't really attacked yet."

The realization sent a chill through the group.

"…Which means he's still holding back."

A murmur rippled through the gathered members.

"No wonder the captain acknowledges him."

"No wonder he admits inferiority."

Across from them, standing silently near the edge of the space, Ymir watched without blinking.

She ignored the murmured commentary entirely.

Her eyes were fixed on the two figures colliding at the center—Lock and Kenny Ackerman.

Her expression remained calm, but inside, shock surged uncontrollably.

"How…?" she thought, disbelief tightening her chest.

"How can he be this strong?"

This wasn't just ian mprovement.

This was evolution.

Compared to before, Lock had crossed another invisible boundary. His movements were sharper, his timing more refined, and his body responded as if instinct itself had been rewritten.

"This doesn't feel human anymore," Ymir realized.

"Bang—!"

Another violent clash rang out.

Lock twisted mid-motion, narrowly slipping past Kenny's sweeping kick. Instead of retreating, he surged forward, his foot biting into the ground as he closed the gap instantly.

His fist shot forward.

The air cracked.

Kenny's eyes sharpened.

"Tch—!"

He abandoned the idea of trading blows head-on and leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the strike aimed straight at his face.

Lock didn't pursue.

He stopped where he was, straightened slowly, and looked at Kenny with calm eyes.

"Do you want to keep going?"

Kenny exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulder where the impact from earlier still lingered.

"No," he said bluntly. "You're a damn monster."

He looked at Lock as if staring at something unnatural.

"It's only been a few months. I'm already no match for you."

Lock shrugged slightly.

"You're not bad yourself," he replied. "You managed to establish a firm foothold in Marley. And from the looks of it, you've even made a name for yourself."

Kenny snorted.

"Sheriff," he said with clear disdain.

"No matter where you go, people are greedy. I still don't understand why so many idiots cling to rules like they're sacred."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the surrounding members of the organization.

Several people shifted awkwardly.

They hadn't really questioned it before—but now that Kenny said it out loud, the thought lingered.

Kenny waved his hand dismissively.

"Forget it."

Then his lips curled into a grin.

"You actually came here in person," he said, eyes gleaming. "You really live up to being my adopted kid. That takes guts."

The smile faded as his expression turned serious.

"I didn't come here just to admire Marley's development. I came to make sure they stop paying attention to Paradis Island."

His eyes darkened.

"To put it simply—"

"I want to cause chaos."

"You came at the perfect time," Kenny said, smiling again.

Truth be told, he was restless.

During this period, aside from integrating two anti-Marley factions, his biggest achievement had been bribing his way into the position of sheriff of the Eldian internment zone.

It gave him authority.

It gave him leverage.

But it didn't satisfy him.

Now that Lock had arrived personally—and made it clear he intended to stir the hornet's nest—Kenny felt something he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Excitement.

Lock raised an eyebrow.

"How do you know now is the right moment?"

Kenny's smile deepened.

With a sharp glance, he signaled the surrounding members.

Immediately, the area was cleared. Most dispersed outward, taking up concealed guard positions. Only two core members remained at the entrance, standing watch.

Lock chuckled softly.

"Being this cautious doesn't sound like you."

Kenny's expression hardened.

"You can't afford carelessness here," he replied. "Marley is rotten to the core—corruption, discrimination, class conflict. But when it comes to Eldians and Paradis Island, they never let their guard down."

His eyes narrowed.

"One mistake, and not just the organization—I could be erased."

Lock nodded.

"You've changed."

Kenny exhaled.

"Once you see the world outside, change is inevitable."

He glanced at Lock.

"Honestly, I should thank you. You're the reason I got this chance."

Then, with a familiar hint of wickedness, he added:

"But don't think that means I'll be loyal to you. If I ever get the chance to surpass you—"

"I'll take it."

"There won't be such a day," Lock replied calmly.

Kenny froze for a fraction of a second.

Lock noticed it immediately.

The fleeting sadness in his eyes.

Time.

Relentless and merciless.

Lock was only sixteen—his growth had barely begun. Every year ahead of him was potential.

Kenny, on the other hand, was already in his forties.

He had reached his peak.

And even with Ackerman's blood flowing through his veins, decline was inevitable.

Once, Kenny had placed his hopes in Titan power.

Immortality.

Transcendence.

But reality had proven cruel.

He was not like Lock.

He could not inherit Titan power.

He could not even become a Pure Titan.

With immortality denied, fear of death no longer held much sway over him.

To accomplish something unforgettable within his remaining years—that was all he wanted now.

And that was exactly what he was doing.

"Enough," Kenny said suddenly, cutting off the unspoken thoughts.

"Let's talk business."

He took a deep breath and looked Lock directly in the eyes.

"I just received confirmed information. Marley and the Middle Eastern Coalition have temporarily ceased hostilities."

Lock's gaze sharpened.

"Soon," Kenny continued, "representatives from the coalition will arrive to negotiate."

A thin smile spread across his face.

"I think this is our opportunity."

Lock nodded slowly.

"Agreed. What we lack right now is contact with the outside world."

Interest sparked in his eyes.

"Then we move."

"When the time comes," Lock continued, "Ymir and I will act independently. You lead the organization and provide support."

"No problem," Kenny replied easily.

Then his gaze shifted toward Ymir, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"As for this little girl—"

Ymir frowned.

"You don't need to worry about me," she said coldly. "If necessary, I'll activate the power of the Titans."

Kenny blinked.

"…Right."

He laughed softly.

"I forgot. That really is enviable."

"Hmph."

Ymir turned away, her expression unreadable.

She had never liked Kenny.

And she probably never would.

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