Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three!"

The sound of Ryo's strikes echoed through the dense forest, each blow carrying a thunderous intensity. He wasn't content with merely cutting the back of the neck—every strike cleaved through the entire target, leaving no doubt about his strength. The crashing sound of the giant targets hitting the ground resonated loudly, keeping the onlookers riveted.

"Four!"

"Five!"

"Six!"

The crowd's excitement grew as they continued counting each strike, realizing Ryo was taking down every target, not just the required three.

When the final "Ten!" rang out, Ryo burst from the forest like a gust of wind, landing smoothly beyond the red finish line. His execution was flawless, and the spectators erupted into cheers as they turned their eyes toward the Survey Corps' timekeeper.

The timekeeper, visibly shaken, stammered as he checked his watch. "One minute and forty-two seconds... 11 seconds faster than Captain Levi's record!"

The announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy. Soldiers and onlookers alike shouted Ryo's name, their chants swelling into a powerful roar.

"Ryo!"

"Ryo!"

"Ryo!"

Ryo waved casually to the crowd before striding toward the Survey Corps soldier who had administered the test.

"Hehe, sorry," Ryo said, his tone calm but sharp. "I ended up destroying all the targets. It seems my companion won't get a chance to train today. What's your verdict on her assessment?"

The soldier, pale-faced and thoroughly humbled, could only nod silently.

Ryo, satisfied, motioned for Mikasa to follow him.

---

The quarters assigned to Ryo and Mikasa were modest but functional. The room was small but well-lit, with two separate beds. However, Ryo couldn't help but frown at the arrangement.

"Why are we sharing a room?" he muttered, inspecting the damp quilt issued to him.

Mikasa noticed his hesitation and, with her usual pragmatism, replied, "It's fine. As long as you don't move around at night, I don't mind."

Ryo chuckled softly, surprised by her nonchalant attitude. "Don't worry, I'll behave. We're not sharing the same bed, after all."

He took the quilt outside to dry, ensuring they wouldn't have to endure the damp chill of the night.

---

By the time the garrison and Military Police Corps finished their lengthy registration processes, the morning had passed. In the afternoon, the recruits gathered on the parade ground for a briefing from Captain Erwin.

Erwin's stern voice carried across the assembled soldiers as he outlined the importance of the upcoming 52nd Wall Survey. The Survey Corps was preparing for a critical mission to retake Wall Maria, following the incomplete success of the 51st expedition.

"The breach in Wall Maria must be sealed to cut off the flow of Titans," Erwin explained. "Once we've secured the wall, we'll move to eliminate the Titans between Wall Maria and Wall Rose. Our current estimates suggest there are 6,000 to 8,000 Titans in this area."

Gasps rippled through the crowd as they processed the staggering number.

"With conventional strategies, achieving complete elimination would cost us 90,000 soldiers," Erwin continued. "But through careful planning and improved tactics, we aim to minimize these losses. The 52nd Survey will be our testing ground for these new strategies."

As the crowd dispersed after the briefing, Ryo stood silently, reflecting on Erwin's words. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but the chance to contribute to humanity's survival ignited a steely resolve within him. This mission would be his proving ground.