NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Chapter 14
A distance of one thousand meters might seem daunting, but with the three-dimensional maneuvering device, it was surprisingly manageable. For new recruits like Ryo Akira and his fellow trainees, the goal wasn't speed but safety and control. Mastering the mechanics of the device was the priority, and completing the course without incident would mark success.
As the session began, Ryo deliberately held back, positioning himself a few spots behind Krista. His intent was clear: observe her progress and step in if she needed help.
*"This thing is impressive, but it has its flaws,"* Ryo mused, adjusting the straps around his waist. The design of the three-dimensional maneuvering device was remarkable, especially given the technological limitations of the world within the Walls. However, its drawbacks were hard to ignore.
The weight of the equipment was the first issue. With gas canisters, blade sheaths, and the harness itself, the device added over thirty pounds to the user. The strain it placed on the body, especially during prolonged use, was significant. Yet, given the towering giants they faced, it was a necessary burden.
*"If only there were a way to fight without relying on this gear,"* Ryo thought, envisioning techniques from the Navy Six Styles he had read about in another life. Moves like **Moonwalk** and **Shave** could enable swift, agile combat without the need for bulky equipment.
Ryo sighed, his thoughts turning to the system embedded within him. He called out mentally: **"System, is there a skill I can unlock to fight giants without relying on this?"**
The system responded with its usual cold tone:
**"Flight-based combat skills can be unlocked after the host achieves the rank of official soldier. Currently, the host is unqualified."**
Ryo rolled his eyes at the system's bluntness but didn't let it discourage him. He was still a recruit and had time to grow. Plus, he had recently discovered that training itself granted him experience points. The realization was a game-changer, offering a clear path to leveling up even without completing missions.
By his calculations, with consistent training and task completions, he could reach the rank of an official soldier within two or three years. Once he unlocked higher-tier abilities, the possibilities for battling giants would expand dramatically.
Lost in thought, Ryo barely noticed the other recruits maneuvering ahead. His focus shifted back to Krista, who was maintaining a steady pace despite her inexperience.
*"She's doing well, but I'll stay close just in case,"* he decided.
Suddenly, a scream snapped him back to reality. Krista lost her balance mid-air, her equipment misfiring, and she plummeted.
"Krista!" Ryo shouted, his instincts kicking in. Without hesitation, he shot his hooks toward her falling form, retracting them with precision to reach her in time.
Grabbing her tightly mid-air, he ensured their landing was as soft as possible. They tumbled onto the forest floor, Ryo absorbing most of the impact.
"Are you okay?" he asked, scanning her for injuries. A small bruise on her forehead caught his attention.
"I-I'm fine," Krista stammered, her voice trembling. Then, her eyes widened in fear as she pointed behind him.
"There's… a Titan!"
A deafening roar echoed through the forest, sending chills down Ryo's spine. Turning, he saw it—a towering giant with a grotesque grin, staring directly at them.
The training session had just turned into a fight for survival.