A loud creak echoed through the mess hall — the unmistakable sound of the door opening with tension. The argument between Jean and Eren must have drawn the instructor's attention.
Even through the narrow slit in the door, the look in his eyes sent a chill down our spines. Eren and Jean, sensing the danger, quickly retook their seats like nothing had happened.
"I thought I heard a loud crash just now…"
Instructor Keith stepped inside, his voice calm but sharp as a blade.
"Can anyone explain that for me?"
His boots struck the floor with increasing weight as he approached. The room tensed with every step.
Then, Mikasa — completely composed — raised her hand without hesitation.
Was she going to report Eren and Jean? Or take the blame herself?
Her answer was unexpected.
"That was the sound of Sasha farting."
The entire room froze.
A collective silence blanketed the dining hall… before waves of stifled laughter rippled through the air. Even I, with my normally stone-cold expression, couldn't hold it in. A rare laugh burst through my lips.
Poor Sasha, sitting to my right, looked absolutely horrified. She gaped, her spoon mid-air, completely unprepared for the public accusation.
Instructor Keith, grimacing and holding his nose, didn't investigate further. "You again? Watch yourself," he muttered before walking off.
Mikasa's face remained stoic, as if she hadn't just dropped the most ridiculous excuse of the week. Sasha, nearly in tears, whined at Mikasa, while the rest of the cadets continued to giggle at her expense.
Mikasa eventually tossed Sasha a roll of bread. The moment food was involved, all was forgiven — Sasha's smile bloomed instantly.
The moon hung above the 104th Training Corps.
After enduring countless trials, 218 cadets stood tall in formation — their long-awaited graduation ceremony had begun.
I had received my final evaluation that morning:
Sandra Gant: Agile and quick to react. Tends to favor defense over offense, and contemplates before engaging. Since recovering from a major illness, she has grown sharper and more decisive. Hand-to-hand: 10, Mobility: 8, Tactical Mind: 10, Coordination: 6, Judgment: 9. Instructor Grade: A+
Instructor Keith raised his voice under the pale light.
"Dedicate your hearts!"
In perfect unison, we raised our right fists to our chests.
This was the moment we'd all been training for.
"Today, you stand at a crossroads. Three paths now lie before you."
"The Garrison Regiment: tasked with fortifying the walls and defending the cities. The Scout Regiment: who dare confront the Titans beyond the walls, knowing many won't return. And the Military Police: who maintain order and protect the royal capital — open only to the top ten graduates."
The top ten names were posted.
1. Mikasa Ackerman
2. Reiner Braun
3. Bertholdt Hoover
4. Annie Leonhart
5. Sandra Gant
6. Eren Yeager
7. Jean Kirstein
8. Marco Bott
9. Connie Springer
10. Sasha Blouse
After the ceremony, the dining hall erupted in celebration. Cadets clinked mugs, shouted with laughter, and indulged in dreams of the future. Connie and Sasha looked particularly thrilled — the Military Police meant safety, status, and, most importantly, endless food.
But I wasn't in the mess hall.
I sat alone on the empty stone steps outside, staring into the moonlit training ground. My thoughts drifted in silence.
I had graduated. That much was clear.
But now… I had to choose.
As a top ten cadet, I had the privilege of joining the Military Police — the safest option.
Or I could join the Garrison.
Or… the Scouts.
The path to the Scouts meant facing the Titans head-on. It meant going back to Shiganshina. To the place it all began.
Thud!
The cafeteria door slammed open.
Eren stepped out, eyes red and glistening with tears.
Behind him came Mikasa and Armin.
They spotted me instantly. Eren walked over and sat beside me. Mikasa took a seat behind me. Armin sat a few steps down.
Eren wiped his face with the back of his hand, sniffling.
"Eren… what you said just now," Armin murmured, recalling the speech Eren had given in the mess hall just moments ago.
"That dream was never mine to begin with," Eren said. "It was yours. I just stole it. But I'm going to make it real. Not inside these walls… I want to break out of them."
He clenched his fists.
"I'm joining the Scouts."
Armin looked up, eyes widening.
"Eren… are you serious? You scored high in theory. You could serve anywhere."
"I'd rather die than be dead weight," Armin said firmly.
I stared at the two of them — my childhood friends — and the decision became clear.
"I'm joining the Scouts too," I said softly.
Eren blinked. "You…?"
"I'm going too," Mikasa added without pause.
"What?! Are you two insane?! One of you is the top graduate! The other's ranked higher than me! Just go to the Military Police!"
Eren's voice cracked. There was fear in it — not for himself, but for us.
I turned back to Mikasa. We shared a look. A silent understanding passed between us.
"I want to go back to Shiganshina with my own two feet. Even if it costs me my life," I said.
"I'm going because you two idiots would die without me," Mikasa replied.
"Ugh… I never asked you to—"
Eren sighed in defeat.
"…I just don't want to lose family again," Mikasa said quietly, staring at Eren… and me.
Her gaze lingered.
Longer than usual.
She waited for me to turn around — but I didn't.
My eyes were fixed on the ground, lost in memories.
Memories of the Yeager home. Of Carla's gentle smile.
And then… something clicked.
I puffed out my cheeks in protest, turned slowly to Mikasa's deadpan face, and muttered—
"…I'm not an idiot, okay?"
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