NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: Chapter 35
After hearing Mikasa's heartfelt words, the mood among the group turned somber.
Krista wanted to comfort her but found herself at a loss for words. How could anyone persuade Eren not to join the Survey Corps? His hatred for Titans ran far too deep, and she knew he would never abandon his goal. Joining the Survey Corps meant facing the constant risk of death, and Krista couldn't imagine the pain Mikasa would endure if something happened to him.
"Where are you planning to go, Krista?" Ymir asked casually, but there was a hint of genuine concern beneath her usual teasing tone.
Krista hesitated. "Brother Ryo suggested I join the Military Police Corps since it's safer there. But… that means going behind Wall Sina, far away from all of you. And honestly, I'm not even sure I'll make it into the top ten. If I don't, my only choices are the Garrison or the Survey Corps."
At the mention of the Survey Corps, Ymir tensed. Her protective instincts flared, but she forced herself to remain calm. Krista wasn't strong enough to secure a spot in the Military Police Corps, but Ymir doubted Ryo would ever let her join the Survey Corps.
"Well, wherever you go, I'll be there too," Ymir said nonchalantly, leaning back against a rock. "After all, someone's got to keep you safe. And who knows? Maybe someday you'll decide to settle for a happy life with me instead of that oblivious Ryo of yours."
Krista blushed furiously and laughed nervously. "Ymir, stop teasing me!"
But Ymir only grinned mischievously and leaned closer, her hands playfully brushing Krista's sides.
"Ah! Stop it—hahaha—it tickles!" Krista laughed, her voice ringing across the lake as she squirmed away.
From his hidden spot behind the reeds, Ryo Akira watched the scene unfold, biting his lip to keep from gasping aloud. His face was beet red, and a trickle of blood dripped from his nose.
Why do I always end up in situations like this? Ryo thought, his heart racing. It wasn't his fault that he'd stumbled across the girls' bathing spot—or that the scene before him was... well, overwhelming.
"Hey, what's that red stuff in the water?" Mikasa's sharp voice cut through the air, her eyes narrowing as she pointed toward a streak of crimson floating toward the group.
"Blood," Sasha said immediately, her hunter's instincts kicking in. She sniffed the air, confirming her suspicion. "It's definitely blood. But… where is it coming from?"
Krista gasped, noticing the trail. "It's leading from over there!"
Oh no. Ryo froze as all their eyes turned toward his hiding spot. His nosebleed was giving him away, and his cover was blown.
Ani's piercing gaze locked onto him. "Someone's there," she said, her voice cold and steady.
Before Ryo could react, Mikasa's eyes sharpened, a deadly glint flashing across her face. "Who's there?" she demanded, her tone icy.
Panic surged through Ryo as several of the girls—Mikasa and Ani leading the charge—splashed toward him, determined to catch the intruder. Without hesitation, Ryo dove back underwater and swam as fast as he could.
Thankfully, he was faster than they were. By the time the girls reached his previous hiding spot, he was long gone, slipping through the reeds and disappearing into the lake's deeper shadows.
Ryo surfaced far away, gasping for air and grinning despite himself. The thrill of nearly being caught had his heart pounding.
"That was way too close," he muttered, wiping the blood from his face. "But… totally worth it."
Just as he started to calm down, Ryo heard voices calling his name.
"Ryo! Where are you?"
It was Armin and Eren. They must've come looking for him after noticing his absence.
Ryo groaned, slapping a hand to his forehead. "Great. Just what I needed."