Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Finally, an answer?"

A slight smile formed on Erwin's lips as he opened the letter. He had been waiting for this response for days. Logically, it should have arrived sooner, but for some reason, it had been delayed. Now, the question was whether his plan could still proceed as expected.

As he read through the contents, Erwin confirmed that the sender was his old superior. After the incident with the congressman years ago, the former commander had gradually entrusted the Survey Corps to him. Under his leadership, the Corps had slowly found its footing, yet the old commander had chosen to step away, taking on the role of an instructor in the Training Corps.

Officially, he had claimed he wanted to train future talent for the Survey Corps, but his methods were notoriously harsh. His extensive knowledge of titans had been drilled into recruits so intensely that many became too terrified to face them. The result? The number of recruits opting for the Survey Corps had actually decreased instead of increasing—an ironic outcome.

However, despite this drawback, his improvements to the Training Corps' regimen had undeniably strengthened the quality of new soldiers. Though fewer in number, their combat skills and survival rates had significantly improved, indirectly benefiting the Survey Corps by reducing casualties.

Erwin's eyes settled on the name in the letter—Ryo Carter.

As expected, someone had arranged for him to leave. If Ryo couldn't be retained, then the next best option was Mikasa Ackerman. Her combat skills were promising, and her connection to Levi made her a worthwhile asset. Erwin set the letter aside, his decision made.

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At sunrise, Ryo and Mikasa finished packing their belongings. Before leaving, they made sure to bid farewell properly—it would have been rude to disappear without a word.

"Dear seniors, thank you for looking after us. Sorry for the trouble we've caused," Ryo said sincerely.

"So, you're really leaving?" Eld asked, reluctant to see them go. "Ryo, are you sure? Staying in the Survey Corps isn't such a bad idea."

Oluo and the others had also gathered, sharing the same sentiment. Strong, reliable, and easygoing comrades weren't easy to come by. Compared to Oluo's arrogance, Ryo was far more pleasant to work with. If they could trade, they might have sent Oluo back to the Training Corps and kept Ryo instead.

Ryo chuckled. "My time here has been unforgettable, but I have other commitments. If I return after graduation, let's meet again as comrades."

He flashed them a bright, confident smile. Parting words should always leave the best impression—so that when others remembered you, they'd think of your finest moments.

"Well, if that's the case, we won't force you," Eld sighed, understanding Ryo's resolve.

Turning to Levi, Ryo gave a small bow. "Captain, thank you for everything. Please take care."

"Tch, if you're going, then go. No need for all this sentimental nonsense," Levi scoffed, waving him off. He turned away and left without another word.

Ryo wasn't offended. That was just how Levi was.

"Haha, Captain Levi is like that," Hanji said, stepping forward. "But me? I'm much more enthusiastic! Right, Ryo?"

Before he could react, she lunged at him, wrapping him in a crushing bear hug.

"Ack—Captain Hanji—wait—I can't—breathe—!" Ryo gasped, struggling in her grasp.

"Oops, sorry!" Hanji grinned sheepishly, releasing him. "I got carried away. But remember my enthusiasm, okay? Or should I give you another hug just in case?"

"Please, no!" Ryo backed away, hands raised in surrender.

"You have to come back, brat! I need your help catching titans! These guys refuse to help me!" Hanji pouted, gesturing at the rest of Levi's squad.

Oluo immediately retorted, "Captain Hanji, have you forgotten that you nearly got me killed? If Captain Levi hadn't saved me, I'd have been titan food!"

"Hmph! And because of you, that titan died! A talking titan, no less! If it were still alive, we could have learned so much!" Hanji argued.

The two quickly descended into a heated argument, with Hanji being the more aggressive one. Oluo was no match for her in a verbal or physical fight.

Watching the ridiculous scene unfold, Ryo sighed and turned to Mikasa.

"Mikasa, let's go home."

She nodded, but as they walked away, she couldn't help but glance back. This past mission had been an incredible experience, and a part of her had grown attached to the Survey Corps. But her mind soon drifted to thoughts of seeing Eren again.

Even so… she had to admit, the person beside her had given her a sense of security she hadn't felt before. It was a feeling she wasn't quite ready to let go of.

With that, they set off toward the Training Corps, leaving the Survey Corps—and their memories of this mission—behind.

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