Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

After waiting outside for a while, Krista emerged in her new clothes, a bright smile on her face.

Ryo's heart skipped a beat the moment he saw her. It felt as though something had struck him hard, leaving him momentarily stunned.

She was breathtaking.

Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight, and the white, pristine coat highlighted her delicate features. Her smooth, tender skin and petite figure radiated an angelic glow, as if she were a heavenly being descended to earth. At that moment, Krista appeared like a true angel, stealing Ryo's breath away.

"Ryo, what's wrong? Does this outfit look bad on me?" Krista asked softly, tilting her head in concern.

Snapping out of his daze, Ryo shook his head quickly. "No, no! You look amazing! This is by far the most beautiful outfit I've ever seen—no, *you're* the most beautiful person I've ever seen!"

With a flourish, he pulled out a small flower from his coat, kneeling theatrically before her. "My dear lady, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight? Or better yet, will you marry me someday?"

Krista giggled, her cheeks glowing with warmth. "Ryo, we're still minors. Marriage isn't an option yet! But I wouldn't mind going on a date with you."

Ryo stood and embraced her, gently planting a kiss on her forehead. "If not now, then someday in the future, my little angel," he whispered.

Blushing furiously, Krista buried her face in his chest to hide her embarrassment, her voice a barely audible murmur. "...Okay."

---

Not long after, the recruits gathered for their next challenge.

"Listen carefully, you bunch of giant bait and useless gluttons! You've been in the Training Corps for over a year now!" Instructor Keith bellowed, his voice echoing across the training grounds.

"Even a pig would have learned something by now! The next assessment will test your willpower. You're going to cross that snow mountain. Only those who make it to the camp on the other side will prove they have the resolve to survive. Fail, and you're out!"

The recruits stiffened, tension gripping the air.

"If you can't even manage this, then you're nothing but useless bait! You'll be fodder when faced with the Titans!"

Keith's words were harsh, but they resonated deeply. No one wanted to be eliminated after enduring more than a year of grueling training. Failure meant losing their chance at stability, safety, and survival.

As the starting signal echoed, the recruits set off, their steps steady but determined.

Keith stood watching, his critical gaze scanning the crowd. A frown crossed his face. "Where's Ryo?"

Ryo had earned Keith's recognition as the most exceptional cadet in this cohort. His relentless training and extraordinary performance had caught the attention of even the Military Police, who had tried to recruit him—though he had refused.

Ryo's discipline was unparalleled. He was always the first to arrive at the training grounds and the last to leave. His dedication was reflected in the state of the equipment: five broken maneuvering devices and over a hundred shattered blades stood testament to his rigorous practice.

Keith couldn't help but compare him to Levi, humanity's strongest soldier. While Levi had an unmatched reputation, Ryo's potential was undeniable. At just fourteen years old, his strength and determination hinted at a future that could rival—or surpass—Levi's.

Finally, Keith spotted him at the back of the group, walking at an unhurried pace.

"What is this?" Keith muttered, squinting.

Ryo and Krista, clad in their matching snow-white coats, strolled leisurely. Their demeanor contrasted sharply with the urgency of the others. The pair looked almost serene, as if they were on a casual outing rather than a grueling assessment.

Keith's lips twitched in disbelief. "That kid…"

Even in the face of adversity, Ryo managed to stand out.