Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Are we going to set off?"

As the flares from the command team signaled their next move, Ryo and his group quickly collected the water plants and handed them back to the supply team.

"All members of Levi's squad, listen up! Mount your horses immediately and set off!" Petra's clear voice rang out. She raised her signal gun, firing a green flare into the sky, signaling her squad to move at full speed and leave the woods.

The cavalry of the Survey Corps surged forward like a torrent, pouring out from the narrow forest path. The urgency of their departure was palpable; their scent would have undoubtedly drawn giants to their location. Delaying here could mean being cut off by approaching giants.

"A giant is approaching the team!"

Three red flares shot into the sky ahead. Petra wasted no time, quickly replacing her bullets and relaying the warning to those behind her. The support team, in turn, fired two additional flares to pass the message down the chain.

"Is it just an ordinary giant? What a shame we just left the woods. If they had entered the forest, we could've taken them down!" Oruo grumbled, clearly frustrated. His competitive streak burned bright, and he was still eager to bolster his record after Ryo's impressive performance during the last battle.

"Stop talking nonsense!" Elder snapped. "This is open ground, and it puts us at a severe disadvantage. Besides, giants can't ever truly be wiped out, can they?"

Ryo listened, feeling the weight of Elder's words. Giants couldn't truly be eradicated. While they could be killed one by one, their essence—Eldians transformed into mindless titans—meant their numbers could always be replenished. The Marleyans across the sea ensured a steady supply of these creatures, creating an unending cycle.

Oruo scoffed but grumbled, "Fine. But if that blind giant charges, I'm not holding back!"

Suddenly, three more flares rose on their left—this time black.

"Strange Species!" Petra exclaimed, her face grim.

The sight of black flares struck a chord of dread within the team. Strange Species were far more dangerous than regular titans. They displayed erratic behavior and unique abilities, making them unpredictable and deadly. Some moved at incredible speed, others could leap long distances, and a few had even been reported climbing or flying. They were a rare but lethal presence, demanding immediate caution.

"Petra, should we move to support the left wing?" Oruo asked, practically vibrating with anticipation.

"Don't act rashly!" Petra ordered sharply. Her disciplined tone left no room for argument. Replacing her flare with a black one, she fired it into the sky to alert the command team. Then she turned to her squad. "Prepare for battle! But our target may not be the left wing—it's likely the vanguard squad!"

The squad followed Petra's gaze, and what they saw made their blood run cold. Ahead of them, a swarm of at least twenty giants loomed in the distance.

"How did such a large group of titans appear here?" Ryo murmured, stunned.

Their disbelief was shared by all. These giants had seemingly materialized out of nowhere. Why hadn't they appeared when the Corps rested in the forest—an ideal battleground? Why now, as they moved across the open plain, where their maneuverability was compromised?

Petra's jaw tightened as she assessed the situation. "If we continue in this direction, we'll be surrounded!"

Elder's voice cut through the tension. "We have to turn the team around, or at least halt our advance! Moving forward is suicide!"

Petra nodded sharply, determination in her eyes. "Everyone, prepare for evasive maneuvers! Wait for orders from the command team and stay alert!"

As the tension mounted, the threat of Strange Species and the encroaching horde of giants loomed heavily over them. Survival hinged on their unity and swift action, and Ryo couldn't shake the sinking feeling that the worst was yet to come.