Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Don't miss it! Fresh pheasants, wild boars, and sika deer—straight from the wild! Low prices! Take a look! You won't regret it!"

Ryo stood in a bustling square, his voice cutting through the hum of the crowd as he displayed his catch. His table was laden with fresh game, a rare sight within the Rose Wall where food shortages were common after the fall of the Maria Wall.

The scarcity of meat had driven prices sky-high, making Ryo's offerings irresistible to the gathering onlookers. It didn't take long before his wares were sold out, and Ryo walked away with a pocket full of cash.

He quickly made his way to a jewelry store, his eyes scanning the sparkling collection. After some deliberation, he purchased a gold ring with a brilliant gemstone—a token of his promise to Krista.

As he carefully pocketed the ring, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

"I thought you were up to something important, but all this just for a ring?"

Ryo turned to see Levi standing behind him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"This ring *is* important," Ryo replied earnestly. "Not just to me, but to someone who means everything to me. It's my engagement ring for her."

Levi raised an eyebrow, watching as Ryo gently secured the ring in his pocket.

"A silly girl," Ryo continued, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I promised her I'd return alive to marry her. This is a reminder for her—and for me—that I haven't forgotten."

Levi studied him for a moment, his sharp gaze softening slightly. "And you don't have the money for the other ring?"

Ryo laughed awkwardly. "Unfortunately, no. I'd hoped to catch more game, but luck wasn't on my side today."

"Boss," Levi said abruptly, addressing the shopkeeper. "Pack up the matching ring as well."

Ryo blinked, surprised. "Captain, are you serious? I can't pay you back anytime soon, and what if I don't make it back from the next mission? That'd be a waste of your money."

Levi handed over the payment, taking the second ring and placing it in Ryo's hand.

"If I thought you wouldn't make it back, I wouldn't bother," Levi said coolly. His piercing gaze locked with Ryo's. "If a soldier has unresolved attachments, it makes them dangerous—not just to themselves but to their comrades. But a strong will to survive, driven by those attachments, can turn the tide. Remember that."

Ryo stood silent, humbled by Levi's words.

"The camp will close soon," Levi added as he turned to leave. "If you don't return in time, you'll be labeled a deserter."

As Levi walked away, Ryo looked down at the second ring in his hand, a warmth spreading through him.

"The captain sure knows how to motivate people," he murmured, a faint smile on his lips.

---

The next morning, Ryo carefully wrapped the gifts he had purchased for Krista, including the ring, and handed them to a trusted courier from the Survey Corps.

"Make sure these reach her safely and on time," he instructed, watching as the courier nodded and secured the package.

Krista would likely receive the gifts in about ten days, around the same time the Survey Corps would leave for the Fifty-Second Expedition outside the walls.

The thought of the upcoming mission sent a surge of adrenaline through Ryo. The idea of facing hundreds of Titans filled him with equal parts excitement and dread.

"Live as a hero, die as a ghost hero," he muttered to himself, his blood thrumming with anticipation.