Reincarnated In Attack On Titan World As Nobody

"Wait a minute."

The cool voice cut through the bustle of the assessment ground like a blade.

Shin turned on his heel, only to find Levi standing a few meters behind him, arms crossed and his expression unreadable. Those sharp, penetrating eyes focused directly on Shin, scrutinizing him with silent intensity.

Shin blinked. "Yes? Is there something you need?"

Levi didn't waste time. "Join the Survey Corps."

No buildup. No elaboration. Just that.

Shin raised an eyebrow but didn't hesitate. "Alright."

A pause.

"…Oh."

That was all Levi managed in response before turning on his heel and walking off without another word.

Shin stood in place, lips twitching slightly as he watched the man's retreating figure. Is it really necessary to be that cool?

What Shin didn't know was that Levi, now striding briskly away, looked vaguely… flustered. Not that anyone could tell from his stoic exterior.

Damn it, Levi thought. Why'd he agree so easily?

He'd expected resistance. Indecision. Maybe even a "Let me think about it." Instead, the kid had agreed like it was the most natural thing in the world. Levi had no idea how to respond to that level of confidence.

Tch. Whatever. I made contact. He's Erwin's problem now.

Mission complete.

Levi quickened his pace.

Back at the gate, Shin chuckled softly and shook his head before jogging to catch up with the other successful candidates.

The final phase was routine: identity review and background checks. For Shin, it was straightforward. In this life, he was born in Shiganshina with a clean record and a modest but reputable family background. No red flags. No hidden crimes. Nothing to investigate.

After nearly thirty minutes of paperwork and dull questioning, Shin stepped out of the administrative room into the open air again.

Waiting for him outside were two young men around his age—or rather, older than his current body. One of them, tall and wiry with sandy hair, stepped forward and extended a hand.

"Hey! Nice to meet you. I'm Ellis. This guy here is Livington. We're both from the Shiganshina District like you. Figured we'd stick together once we enter the Training Corps."

Shin smiled and accepted the handshake. "Shin. Good to meet you."

The atmosphere eased immediately.

The two older boys relaxed visibly. With the competition over and no reason for rivalry, friendliness came easily. They weren't exactly close yet, but the foundation was laid.

As they talked, Shin learned that Ellis was twenty, and Livington was nineteen. They'd grown up together and had always planned to enlist. Their goal wasn't glory or battle—it was to earn a stable posting in the Military Police and bring their families to the relative safety and comfort of the interior.

Shin didn't judge them for that. He understood all too well that not everyone wanted to be a hero. Most people just wanted to survive.

He simply nodded and respected their choice.

When Ellis invited him to a celebratory dinner, Shin politely declined. "I've got people waiting for me. Maybe another time."

The pair didn't press him. As Shin turned and walked away, Livington leaned in and whispered, "So… why are we trying to befriend this kid again?"

Ellis gave him a deadpan look. "Are you dense?"

Livington shrugged. "He's younger than us. Doesn't seem like the chatty type."

"Yeah, and he just blew through the trials like it was child's play," Ellis hissed. "Did you not see Levi—Levi—talk to him? One-on-one? You know how rare that is?"

Livington still looked unconvinced, so Ellis continued, more bluntly this time. "Look. Better to have him as a friend than a rival. If he ends up going places—and I've got a good feeling he will—having a connection like that can only help us."

"…Oh." Livington nodded slowly. Whether he actually understood was another question.

Meanwhile, Shin was already halfway across the yard, heading for the base entrance where a small group stood waiting—his family, and more importantly, the trio he had grown closest to in this world: Eren, Armin, and Mikasa.

"Shin!!" Eren shouted, running forward like an excited puppy. "You did it! You ran on a rope! That was insane!"

Armin followed close behind, practically glowing with excitement. "Everyone was talking about you! Some people said you weren't even human!"

Shin smiled modestly. "That's a bit much."

Eren grinned. "Can we train together in the Corps? Please?"

"You're gonna have to keep up, Eren," Shin teased lightly.

From behind them, Mikasa approached quietly. She didn't say anything at first, just stared at him, head tilted slightly. Her expression was unreadable.

But her eyes—those clear, calculating eyes—betrayed something like confusion. Maybe even discomfort.

In the past, Shin had never stood out. Older, sure, but physically? Mikasa had always been stronger. Faster. Better.

Now, she wasn't so sure.

She had watched Shin on the rope. Watched him move like a predator—calm, smooth, terrifyingly balanced. It unsettled her, not because she disliked it, but because for the first time in her life…

She didn't know if she could beat him.

A strange, sour feeling stirred in her chest. I used to be the strongest. Eren looked at me like that… now he's looking at him.

She quickly pushed the thought away.

—

Further behind, Carla and Aunt Martha watched the scene with stiff expressions. Despite the celebration, neither of them looked particularly thrilled.

Even now, with everything decided, Carla still wanted to persuade Shin to reconsider joining the Survey Corps. It was too dangerous. Too reckless. But the look in Shin's eyes—calm, unwavering—told her it was useless.

Martha gave her a gentle nudge and shook her head.

They couldn't stop this.

Grisha and Harry, meanwhile, were more pragmatic. Both men had come to accept Shin's choice, though not without concern.

Grisha stepped forward and patted Shin's shoulder. "We're proud of you. But remember, talent draws attention. Don't let it go to your head. Stay humble."

Harry added, "And be careful in the Training Corps. You'll be meeting kids from all over—some of them with noble blood or political connections. Tread carefully."

Shin nodded respectfully. "Understood."

His calm, collected demeanor reassured both men. At least he wasn't a hothead.

Then they glanced at Eren, who was busy making punching motions with Armin, reenacting Shin's rope run with exaggerated flair.

Grisha sighed deeply. "We'll have to keep an eye on that one."

Carla looked on, her concern not fading.

Eren: "Huh? What'd I do?"

---

A/N: I'm working on advanced chapters of this fanfic, they will be uploaded by tomorrow, so if you're interested, please check it out.

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