Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

Ever since Ryo and Mikasa left, the atmosphere within the Training Corps had changed drastically.

The two best soldiers among them had been sent to the most dangerous battlefield—accompanying the Survey Corps on an expedition beyond the walls. Everyone understood what that meant. The casualty rate for the Survey Corps was notoriously high, which was precisely why most recruits never even considered joining.

The Military Police offered safety, comfort, and prestige. It was no wonder so many aspired to join. Even if that path was out of reach, the Garrison provided a much safer alternative. But now, a new fear had taken hold.

If someone performed too well, would they be forcibly transferred to the Survey Corps before they even had the chance to enlist in the Military Police?

That terrifying thought began to spread through the ranks. Training sessions grew sluggish, and a heavy sense of defeat hung over the recruits. Their once fierce competition for the top ten had dulled into quiet resignation.

The instructors, puzzled by this unexpected shift, had no choice but to hold a meeting.

---

"It seems our previous rule was the right choice after all," one instructor commented.

Everyone knew exactly what he was referring to.

Only the top ten trainees were eligible to join the Military Police. This rule had always been in place to ensure discipline and high performance. It fostered intense competition, driving recruits to push themselves beyond their limits. Even those who failed to make the cut ended up as strong candidates for either the Garrison or Survey Corps.

Yet, this system was now backfiring.

The top two recruits had been taken by the Survey Corps, making everyone rethink their ambitions. If excelling meant being drafted into a near-suicidal mission, then perhaps it was better to stay unnoticed.

"Well, that's true, but this was a special case," another instructor argued optimistically. "The Survey Corps won't be recruiting from us again anytime soon. If we just spread the word, the issue should resolve itself."

"That may be true," a third instructor interjected, "but what if they do come back? What do we do then?"

Before they could continue debating, a soldier entered the room and saluted. "Instructor Keith, you have a letter."

Keith took it, his expression neutral. "Bring it here."

It was from the Supreme Command.

As he read it, his lips curled into a rare smile. "Well, well… Looks like those two have done us proud."

The letter was an official commendation, recognizing the Training Corps for producing such outstanding soldiers in the recent Survey Corps operation. Ryo and Mikasa's performance had not only earned them individual accolades but had also reflected positively on the entire corps.

"This is excellent news! I told you, those two wouldn't die so easily!"

"Not only did they survive, but they achieved something great. That's a win for us, isn't it?"

"We should give them a proper welcome when they return," Keith said firmly. "They deserve it."

The instructors exchanged nods of agreement. A plan was set in motion.

---

Meanwhile, on the training grounds, the recruits found themselves assigned an unusual task.

"Eren, do you have any idea why we're building this thing?" Armin asked as he adjusted a wooden beam.

Training had been abruptly halted, and now, under the instructors' orders, they were constructing a platform in the middle of the grounds.

"I'm not sure," Eren admitted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But it looks like someone important is coming."

"If an important guest is arriving… does that mean there'll be extra food in the mess hall?" Sasha perked up at the thought, her stomach already grumbling.

Armin chuckled, but Krista shook her head. "That might not happen. Supplies have been tight lately. If they serve a feast, it'll probably be just for the officers."

Sasha groaned dramatically. "That's so unfair…"

Ymir smirked. "If you're that desperate for food, why not just go hunting?"

Sasha blinked. "Huh?"

"Ryo did it before, didn't he? And you're a hunter. Shouldn't this be easy for you?"

The conversation continued, but one thing was clear—something big was about to happen in the Training Corps.