NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Chapter 23
The garrison immediately mobilized a significant amount of manpower and resources to repair the water gate.
Today, a twelve-meter-level titan had slipped through. If this breach wasn't sealed promptly, tomorrow it could be several, or even dozens, of titans. Should the water gate be fully compromised, it would pose a dire threat to the residents within Rose Wall.
The Rose Wall was humanity's second line of defense. If it fell, the entire human race would have only the Sina Wall left, and any hope of defeating the titans would vanish.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, the garrison worked tirelessly, repairing the water gate and thoroughly inspecting the others across the wall. Every potential vulnerability was addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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A Special Candidate
"Keith, is your report accurate?"
Within the Military Police Regiment headquarters, an officer in charge of the training corps flipped through a detailed report submitted by Instructor Keith. His tone was casual, but his eyes betrayed a sharp scrutiny.
"Absolutely, sir. Hundreds of trainees witnessed the events firsthand," Keith replied, standing at attention with unwavering respect.
"Do you believe this individual is the right candidate?" the officer asked, turning to the final page of the report. One name stood out boldly—Ryo Akira.
"Yes, sir. I believe Ryo Akira is an exceptional candidate," Keith declared firmly.
The officer nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. Advance his training and assign him to a special program. It's been years since we've seen such potential among the recruits."
"Understood, sir!" Keith saluted sharply, his voice brimming with conviction.
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Moments of Normalcy
"Open your mouth!"
Ryo Akira carefully scooped up a spoonful of soup, blew on it to cool it down, and held it out toward the blushing girl sitting beside him.
"My leg is injured, not my hands! I can eat by myself," Krista protested, her face bright red. The attention from Ryo, especially in front of others, made her feel both embarrassed and flustered.
"It's fine! Who else am I going to spoil if not you?" Ryo replied smoothly, his casual tone causing Krista's blush to deepen.
Sasha and Connie, seated nearby, exchanged a glance. Connie groaned dramatically. "Sasha, let's move. I can't handle all this lovey-dovey nonsense anymore."
Sasha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they're feeding us so much emotional dog food, I'm already full!"
"Go, go! The sooner, the better!" Ryo waved them off without looking, entirely focused on Krista.
As Sasha and Connie left, Ryo noticed Mikasa and Eren entering the dining hall. He waved at them enthusiastically. "Hey, Mikasa! Eren! Come sit here!"
The duo exchanged puzzled looks. Why had Ryo called out to them specifically? Didn't he just shoo away Sasha and Connie?
Eren walked over, curious but direct. "What's going on, Ryo? Did you need something?"
"Not really," Ryo replied with a grin. "It's just that I don't know France and Hannah very well."
Both Mikasa and Eren frowned in confusion. "What do France and Hannah have to do with this?" Mikasa asked.
"Well, they're a couple, just like Krista and me. Couples sitting together feel more natural, you know? And aren't you two a couple too?" Ryo teased, his smile widening.
Eren and Mikasa froze, their expressions a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
"Mikasa and I aren't—" Eren began, only to falter under Ryo's amused gaze.
"Not a couple, huh? Well, if that's true, you wouldn't mind someone else pursuing Mikasa, would you?" Ryo said slyly, his tone casual but probing.
Eren's face darkened, his usual straightforwardness replaced by hesitation. "I… That's not—"
Ryo chuckled softly. "See? You do care. Just think about it, Eren. Don't let your stubbornness ruin something important."
Mikasa remained silent, her expression unreadable, though a faint blush tinged her cheeks. She glanced at Eren, who seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed firmly on the table.
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Eren's Inner Struggle
Eren's mind churned with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he couldn't deny his feelings for Mikasa, but on the other, his overwhelming desire for revenge against the titans consumed him. The memory of his mother's death haunted him daily, driving his every action.
To him, Mikasa represented stability and comfort, but he felt unworthy of such a life. His heart burned with a singular purpose—freedom for humanity and vengeance against the titans.
Mikasa, for her part, watched Eren carefully. She knew his heart was burdened by grief and anger, but she hoped that one day he would understand her feelings and accept her unwavering support.
As Ryo fed Krista another spoonful of soup, he glanced at the silent pair and smirked. Sometimes, all it took was a little push to nudge people in the right direction.