Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

A/N: As Many Of You're Criticising On How The Story Is Going So Slow Paced And You're Getting Bored, So I Have Decided To Increase My Updating Stability To 5Chp/Day So, You Can Just Skip Some Chapters To Keep Ingage In Reading Where You Find it Lil bit Slow...

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With the bridge complete, the journey ahead became much smoother. The snow-covered terrain was less treacherous, and the team of five managed to place road signs without further incident.

"Alright, everyone can cross now," Ryo instructed firmly. "But go one at a time. Follow the road signs carefully, and don't stray from the path to avoid danger."

The earlier avalanche had cost them over two hours, pushing Ryo's schedule back. Still, he calculated they could reach the camp before nightfall if they pressed on.

As the others began crossing the bridge one by one, Ryo returned to Krista.

"Well, I told you I'd come back safely, didn't I?" he said with a gentle smile.

But Krista's tears continued to fall.

Ryo's heart ached as he pulled her into an embrace, softly stroking her back. "Don't cry, little fool. I'm fine. If you keep crying, you'll turn into a—well, let's just say no one will want a yellow-faced woman anymore!"

Krista pushed him away with mock anger, hands on her hips. "Hmph! You're the one who'd turn into a yellow-faced woman! And you're quick to insult me—are you interested in Sasha now?"

Ryo burst into laughter. "Sasha? I couldn't afford her—she'd eat me into poverty! No, I'd much rather stick with our little angel. You're like a tiny pig—cute, easy to take care of, and my favorite."

"You're the pig!" Krista retorted, raising a fist as if to strike him. But seeing the snow and leaves clinging to his clothes from earlier, her anger softened.

---

Nearby, Instructor Keith lowered his binoculars, having observed Ryo and the team's progress from a distance.

"These recruits built a bridge to cross. They didn't even need their 3D maneuvering gear," he remarked, visibly impressed.

The image of Ryo lifting a massive tree trunk with one hand replayed in his mind, leaving him awestruck. "Smart, courageous, a natural leader with excellent teamwork and unmatched strength. In the history of the training corps, we've never seen someone like him."

Keith took out his notebook and added another note to Ryo's record. The column dedicated to him was already densely packed, filled with observations and praise. In stark contrast, most other recruits' notes were sparse or blank.

---

Meanwhile, Reiner, Mikasa, Eren, and others who had arrived at the camp earlier sat discussing the day's events around a fire.

"They won't make it today," Reiner predicted confidently. "The avalanche blocked their path. Even if they try to find another route, it'll take too long."

"Taking a detour is out of the question," Eren said, frowning. "It's too far, and they'd lose even more time."

Armin, sipping his hot water, added, "Even if they manage to clear the path, they won't arrive until tomorrow at the earliest."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. To their astonishment, the group they had doubted would make it arrived at the camp in a neat and orderly line.

"Thank you, Ryo! Without your leadership, we never would've made it through," one of the team captains said, his voice full of gratitude.

Ryo waved off their thanks with a modest smile. "It's nothing. We've all been walking all day. Let's rest now—we'll need our strength tomorrow."

He led Krista into the camp, leaving the others stunned.

"Ryo, did you actually bring all those people through?" Eren asked, still struggling to believe what he'd just witnessed.

"They followed me on their own," Ryo replied nonchalantly. "I just helped guide them along. It wasn't all me."

Eren and the others watched as Ryo sat beside the fire with Krista. Removing his wet boots, he placed them near the flames to dry.

"Krista, your scarf is wet, too," Ryo said, gesturing to her. "Take it off and dry it. You'll need it tomorrow."

"Okay!" Krista responded cheerfully, removing her scarf and setting it near the fire.

The rest of the recruits looked on with a mix of envy and awe.

"Great, he's showing off again," one muttered, though their admiration for Ryo's calm leadership grew with each passing moment.