Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"We've never set out from this area before, so we didn't know there was such a forest here. It seems we need to mark this on our map!"

The leader of the Survey Corps took out his map, marking the current location and adding an icon of the forest. He noted its strategic potential for future operations.

"We didn't notice it before because our research has always been outside Wall Maria," Levi remarked, his tone flat.

The captain frowned, recognizing the truth in Levi's words. For years, the Survey Corps had conducted investigations beyond Wall Maria—the outermost of the three walls. But now, with Wall Maria fallen, they were confined between it and Wall Rose. The once symbolically free Survey Corps had lost much of its freedom. They were essentially conducting missions "outside the wall" within the remnants of their own territory.

Erwin sighed. "If we don't put in the effort now, the situation will only deteriorate faster."

He urged his horse forward, spurring the animal into a gallop as his subordinates followed closely.

---

"This forest is larger than I expected," Petra observed as they cautiously entered. She led the group in Erwin's absence, scanning the area for any signs of danger.

Though majestic, the towering trees created an unsettling atmosphere. Unlike open terrain, where the giants' immense size made them easier to spot, the dense canopy and shadows in the forest could conceal dangers until it was too late.

"Be on high alert," Petra warned, her voice firm.

Ryo couldn't help but feel a strange unease. He recognized the forest from his memories and knew its ominous reputation.

Eld chimed in, his tone light in contrast to the tension. "We've never explored this area before because we used to deploy from different cities. Back then, our focus was beyond Wall Maria. Funny how we know more about what's outside than what's within."

Petra's expression softened as she reminisced. "There's a beautiful lake beyond Wall Maria. The water is so clear, and the grasslands around it are breathtaking."

Ryo caught the slight blush on her face and couldn't resist nudging Oluo for details. "What's with Sister Pei? She looks… sentimental."

Oluo smirked, leaning closer. "Well, there was this one time at the lake—someone was bathing and—ouch!"

He bit his tongue mid-sentence, earning a glare from Petra, who clearly suspected she was the topic of discussion.

"Oluo, if you're gossiping about me, you deserve to bite your tongue!" she snapped, her eyes narrowing.

"…%￥*…" Oluo tried to respond, but his words were incomprehensible through the pain.

---

The vast forest seemed eerily devoid of giants, an anomaly given their usual prevalence. Ryo found it hard to relax, knowing giants could still be lurking, drawn to the Survey Corps' movement like moths to a flame.

After several hours, a green flare soared into the sky, signaling that the front units had cleared the forest. Petra quickly responded with her own green flare, acknowledging receipt of the message. Moments later, orders came from the central command:

"The entire unit will rest on-site. Maintain vigilance."

At last, the soldiers could breathe. They found sturdy branches to rest on, distributing themselves across the towering trees.

Ryo sat on a branch, taking out his rationed bread and water. As he ate, he couldn't shake the strange feeling the forest gave him. Beneath its beauty and potential lay something far more sinister—a hidden danger that seemed to whisper in the silence.

For now, all he could do was remain alert and wait for what came next.