Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"What, what?"

The Survey Corps soldier was caught off guard by Ryo's question, clearly not expecting it. He blinked in confusion before stammering, "The shortest record? Why would you even ask that?"

Ryo, already equipped and ready, merely smiled and repeated, "I'm asking, what's the shortest record for this training exercise?"

The soldier scoffed. "Hmph, you? Worry about breaking three minutes first. You're dreaming if you think you can beat Captain Levi's record."

Despite his disdain, Ryo's unwavering gaze made the soldier uneasy. Reluctantly, he muttered, "One minute and fifty-three seconds. Captain Levi didn't just complete the course; he also eliminated all ten targets."

The pride in his voice was unmistakable, as if he were responsible for the record himself.

Ryo nodded with a faint smile. "Impressive. He's worthy of his reputation."

Without another word, he vanished into the training field. The spectators were stunned by his speed.

"He's not using the maneuvering gear yet! How is he that fast?"

"Wait—was he running on foot? That's insane!"

The soldier, now fully invested despite himself, muttered, "What's his deal? Is he really that good?"

The crowd murmured in awe as Ryo darted into the dense forest, his speed so blinding that the wind trailed behind him.

---

The forest was the perfect replica of a battlefield, with towering trees, uneven terrain, and limited visibility. To break Levi's record, Ryo had to navigate over 1,000 meters, eliminate three of the ten targets, and reach the finish line—all within a time frame that seemed impossible for recruits.

But Ryo had no intention of settling for "just enough." He wanted to shatter the record, to prove his worth not only to others but to himself.

As he entered the forest, he slowed down momentarily, his senses heightened. Titans—or their replicas—were massive, making them difficult to hide completely. By observing subtle shifts in air currents, the rustling of leaves, and faint echoes, Ryo pinpointed all ten targets within moments.

A plan crystallized in his mind. He wouldn't just break the record; he'd redefine it.

---

When Ryo moved again, it was with calculated precision. Using the three-dimensional maneuvering gear, he soared through the trees, his movements seamless and fluid. He used minimal gas, conserving his resources for bursts of speed when it truly mattered.

The first target loomed ahead, a large dummy shaped like a Titan. With a deft twist, Ryo closed the distance and sliced through its nape with one clean stroke.

"One down."

He didn't pause. He veered to the left, weaving through the dense branches like a shadow. The second target fell just as swiftly as the first, his blade cutting through the air like lightning.

The crowd was in stunned silence, their eyes glued to the figure darting through the forest with unparalleled agility.

---

From the observation platform, Erwin watched with keen interest. "He's good. Very good."

Levi, standing beside him, remained silent, his sharp eyes tracking every movement. He could see the efficiency in Ryo's actions, the calculated risks, and the discipline in his technique.

"This one's different," Levi murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

Erwin smiled. "It seems someone is gunning for your record."

Levi didn't respond. For him, records were meaningless. But he couldn't deny the intrigue he felt watching Ryo.

---

In less than two minutes, Ryo reached the final target. His movements were so precise that even the smallest mistakes seemed impossible. The last Titan dummy fell, its nape sliced cleanly.

Ryo didn't slow down. He sped toward the finish line, his body a blur against the backdrop of trees.

---

When he emerged, the entire training field was silent. The Survey Corps soldier, who had mocked him earlier, stared in disbelief.

The final time: **1 minute, 51 seconds.**

Ryo landed gracefully, his breathing steady. Without looking at the stunned crowd, he removed his gear and walked over to Mikasa, who had been watching silently.

"Your turn," he said with a calm smile.

Mikasa nodded, but the admiration in her eyes was unmistakable.

---

From the observation platform, Erwin turned to Levi. "What do you think?"

Levi's expression remained unreadable. "He's rough, but there's potential."

Erwin chuckled. "Potential? He just broke your record."

Levi glanced at Ryo, now speaking casually with Mikasa. "Let's see if he can do it when it matters."

But even Levi couldn't deny it—this recruit was something else.