Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

Ryo rode alongside Levi's squad, the two-horse formation ensuring speed as they raced across the flat terrain. The giants they encountered on the road were ignored. On open ground, as long as they maintained their pace, no giant could catch up.

Even as they moved, Ryo's thoughts drifted. He had just slain two giants, earning himself 200 experience points. Now at level 9, he only needed one more kill to reach level 10. The prospect filled him with determination—he was eager to join the next battle and secure his upgrade.

"Ryo, when we reach the forest, show me your sword," Levi's voice cut through his thoughts, commanding yet calm.

Ryo looked up, startled. His sword? Why would Levi want to inspect it? Though curious, he nodded. "Understood."

He considered opening his gear to check the weapon now but quickly decided against it. It was impractical to inspect it while riding. Levi wouldn't have made the request without reason, but Ryo could only speculate for now.

---

Soon, they caught up with the main Survey Corps formation.

"All resolved?" Erwin asked, offering Levi a canteen of water.

Levi took the canteen, sipping sparingly before handing it back. "All resolved."

Ryo noticed how particular Levi was about cleanliness. It made sense now why Levi handed off his personal belongings before battles—he despised anything unclean, especially the filth of the giants. Even though Levi's position wasn't the safest in the formation, it was among the least likely to engage in direct combat.

"How did the new recruits perform?" Erwin asked, his sharp gaze flickering briefly to Ryo and Mikasa.

"Very well," Levi replied simply. "Of the five giants encountered, three were taken down by them."

Erwin nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. If Levi praised someone, it was no small feat. Erwin trusted Levi's judgment, and now his confidence in these two recruits grew.

---

Ahead, a vast forest loomed, the towering trees visible even from their distance. Erwin gestured toward it.

"That forest is an unusual terrain. We haven't fully explored it, but it could serve as an excellent supply station or refuge in the future," Erwin said, his tone thoughtful.

Levi's sharp eyes narrowed at the sight. The trees were enormous, some towering hundreds of meters into the sky. Their sheer size and density made the forest a rare and ideal location.

Ryo's gaze followed Levi's. The forest was mesmerizing and imposing. Such a terrain could indeed change the dynamic of battle, especially for the Survey Corps.

"The terrain here is perfect," Levi murmured. "It gives us options we've never had before."

Erwin nodded. "Exactly. Fighting in the open plains often limits us, as we lack proper anchoring points for mobility. The giants have size and strength, but with these trees, we can regain the advantage."

Ryo absorbed every word. He had already experienced the limitations of fighting in open fields. Without the proper terrain, even the Survey Corps' most skilled soldiers struggled. But this forest offered opportunities—a chance to level the playing field against the relentless giants.

---

As they continued toward the forest, Erwin explained their strategy. The Survey Corps' long-distance search formation wasn't designed for constant combat. It prioritized evasion, reconnaissance, and strategic positioning. Giants were often avoided rather than confronted head-on, but the drawback was clear: giants tended to pursue relentlessly.

Ryo thought back to the earlier encounter. Strange species, in particular, were even more troublesome. Faster and more unpredictable, they were almost impossible to shake off once they caught a scent of human prey.

"This forest might solve that problem," Ryo murmured to himself.

Levi overheard and glanced back at him, his eyes sharp but approving. "Exactly."

With the forest now within reach, the squad prepared themselves. The giants following the formation had to be dealt with, and the forest might be the best place to face them head-on.

"Stay sharp," Levi ordered. "We're not out of this yet."

Ryo tightened his grip on his reins, his resolve hardening. The forest ahead wasn't just a potential refuge—it was their next battlefield.