Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer [Rewrite]

"Oluo, are you jealous? If you are, go find someone yourself, if you have the ability!"

Elder teased Oluo mercilessly. It might be inappropriate for Ryo Akira and the "little angel" to flaunt their affection publicly, but for Oluo—a senior in the Survey Corps—to openly express envy and jealousy of the younger generation? That was a level of immaturity hard to overlook.

"Tsk, jealous? Me? Do I look like someone who needs to go looking? With my charm and track record, all I have to do is stand on the street, and beauties will flock to me. Take Petra, for instance—she's been secretly in love with me for ages. Isn't that right, Petra? Don't bother denying it. I know everything!"

Oluo's cocky grin only added to the absurdity, but everyone present knew the truth: Petra had no interest in him. Her heart belonged entirely to the captain.

"Don't flatter yourself. Watch out, or you'll bite your tongue again with all this bragging," Petra retorted, rolling her eyes. Her disdain was clear; she didn't have the patience for his antics.

"Me? Bite my tongue? Impossible! I'm a warrior, a veteran who's slain dozens of Titans. My skills are impeccable! There's no—"

*Crunch!*

Before Oluo could finish, his horse stumbled over a rock, jolting him hard enough to clatter his teeth together. Sure enough, his tongue was bleeding again.

Ryo Akira, watching the scene, shook his head. "This guy really doesn't learn. He'll probably be biting his tongue even on his deathbed."

As Ryo was preparing to leave, he noticed two figures approaching—the unmistakable presences of Captain Erwin and Sergeant Levi.

"You?"

Captain Erwin's sharp eyes scanned Ryo with mild surprise. Though he was aware the Garrison Corps had been called in to assist, he hadn't expected to encounter Ryo Akira here.

"Who's that?" Erwin asked, noticing Levi had stopped walking.

Levi tilted his head toward Ryo. "The recruit I mentioned before."

Erwin raised an eyebrow, studying Ryo. "Ah, the promising one. Tell me, recruit, are you interested in joining the Survey Corps after graduation?"

Ryo rolled his eyes slightly. "Captain, is this how you recruit people? Offering them nothing in return?"

Despite his initial irritation, Ryo considered the proposal. His system's missions required killing Titans, and the Survey Corps was the best opportunity for that. He sighed inwardly and said, "I'll think about it. Let's see how things play out when the time comes."

The answer was deliberately noncommittal. Ryo's decision would ultimately depend on the little angel's choice. If she didn't join the Survey Corps, there was a good chance he wouldn't either. After all, the Garrison Corps also faced Titan battles, like the intense defense of Trost District, which would come soon after their graduation.

"Fair enough," Erwin said, nodding slightly. "Let's move, Levi."

As Levi walked past Ryo, he gave him a fleeting glance, his expression unreadable. Ryo shrugged it off. There was still time before graduation; no need to overthink it now.

---

After assisting the Survey Corps with loading supplies, the recruits returned to the training camp. The instructors, now less tense as the situation cooled, dismissed them for the evening.

Life had settled into a calm rhythm, reminiscent of the time before the Titans' resurgence. The recruits had mostly completed their basic courses, and the upcoming lessons would focus on teamwork and combat theory. For now, the instructors, many of whom had the laid-back tendencies of the Military Police, were enjoying the reduced workload.

The relaxed atmosphere was a double-edged sword for the trainees. While they enjoyed more free time, the lack of rigorous oversight meant they risked falling behind in their training—something that could prove fatal on the battlefield.

---

Ryo, drenched in sweat, returned to the dormitory and grabbed his towel and soap, intending to shower. However, when he reached the bathroom, he found a long line of recruits waiting their turn.

With over 200 trainees in the 104th batch—more than 160 of them male—the imbalance in numbers often made basic tasks, like showering, a challenge.

Ryo wrinkled his nose at the overwhelming stench wafting from the packed bathroom. He wasn't about to waste his time in that mess.

"Armin, Eren," he called, spotting the duo at the back of the line. "Don't bother waiting. I'll take you to a better spot."

The two exchanged confused glances but, trusting Ryo's judgment, followed him hesitantly.

Ryo led them stealthily through the camp, careful to avoid the instructors, who were likely preoccupied with card games. After confirming the coast was clear, he crouched down and gestured for the others to follow.

"Quick, this way! Be quiet and stay low. We don't want to get caught."

The three slipped past the camp's boundaries, heading toward the secluded lake in the back mountain.