After two months of riding training, the soldiers could at least ride properly.
At the end of the month of the year 848, a very important test began that would give a special simulation for the experience of all soldiers.
Instructor Keith stood on the high platform in the large general yard of the base, pointed to a map of a special route behind him on a sign and said, "The riding training has come to an end for the time being, this time there will be a test of a march in a wasteland and the content of this training is very simple, so simple that any of you with your tiny abilities can easily pass."
Everyone was now familiar with the bald instructor to such an extent that they have no resentment in their heart and even some in this situation want to laugh a little.
The test of a wilderness marching simulation is the last evaluation before the next month's days off, and although it is not included in the final score, it is also something very important for all the graduating soldiers to learn from.
There are now only about 250 soldiers in the training corps, some people in the riding tests were eliminated and some more in the climbing training. There are some currently injured, but as long as they are not serious injuries, they can continue in the training corps.
The soldiers of the training corps in this test will be divided into two groups, each group with an experienced instructor and another with the role of analyzing the development, setting off on two different courses. Around the forest in front of the base, both groups will march two routes rolling the forest, after that the squads should meet at the destination, exchange information about the march route and return to the corps base by the other squad's route which is more or less a different route.
The total distance is about 50 kilometers. Riding on horseback, the soldiers should carry their three-dimensional maneuvering equipment. They should not ride too fast. They should spend at least one night outdoors before returning to base.
Takashi knew that this type of test was done so that the soldiers would be familiar with important deployments, no matter what corps they ultimately go to, everyone at some point will have to fight for this world and it is something that many of the commanders now and before knew.
Instructor Keith standing on the high platform, continued to spit words into the lecture and with a different tone of voice said, "Listen to me, even in normal times, you are all soldiers, you must maintain vigilance and the will to fight at all times, no matter what the situation is, you cannot survive without a developed sense of crisis, be patient with this training and learn all you need to, this test is about increasing your sense of crisis and becoming familiar with this experience."
"Everyone will be in two different groups according to the list created, with 123 people in each group, the first squad leader of this group is Horatio Nelson, the analyst will be Armin Arlert, the second squad leader of the second group is Takashi Ackerman, the analyst will be Mikasa Ackerman."
With the roles of squad leader and analyst, the two groups were ready to embark on their journey. These roles were to also simulate the roles of the instructors on the trip, each person was selected according to their capabilities. Therefore, instructor Keith gave an order and everyone must act immediately.
Takashi quickly put on the three-dimensional maneuvering equipment, lightly touched Babas' head and mounted his horse. Seeing that many were still preparing, he took the map in his hand and looked at it carefully. On this trip there was no hurry, if he rode at full speed, the forty kilometers were not far at all. However, since it was a simulation, basically everyone should be alert and travel with caution.
Mikasa prepared a notebook and pen to record what happened along the way and at any time.
As the squad leader of group two, Takashi carefully planned the route under the supervision of the two instructors. After all, there was no set path and the route they set will be followed by the other group. Mikasa at this point should be very careful to note down in detail the path they will take and the performance of all the soldiers in their group.
If the four instructors discover that each other's marching route and landmark records are incorrect, then the whole group will have to have points deducted, and Takashi will naturally not dare to be careless, otherwise it will be bad if his skills are called into question and he would not be the only one affected by his mistakes.
Of course, they must also be on the lookout for any dangers that might arise on the march. Everything was subject to change and how each group performed.
This training is just as instructor Keith said it would be. Normally, it is not a difficult test, as long as care is taken, there is nothing wrong with the results.
The question Takashi asks himself is, will there really be no accidents? With the characteristics he already knew about Exploration Corps expeditions, everything is always subject to change.
Takashi looked at his group that was ready, and the other group were also ready.
The instructors had not spoken so far, everyone remained silent, watching all the development that the recruits were doing. Once the instructions were given, the selected leaders should order accordingly.
Takashi and Mikasa were at the front of the group, looking at everyone seriously, Takashi said: "Alright, we will start the trip now, we will start with a medium speed and after half an hour the speed will drop to half. Remember to form groups of ten, don't get separated and keep a safe distance. The groups on the sides and in front should keep their eyes open, this test is subject to change so we must be prepared."
After giving the order, Takashi turned the reins of the horse and started to ride, everyone else followed with a surprised look.
The instructors put on a surprised look, there was no recruit with Takashi's experience that would fit his role naturally, one only needed to look at Nelson on the other side of the group to know that it was not an easy role. However, within moments recruit Takashi adapted to his role and commanded accordingly naturally.
Mikasa on her side began to jot down Takashi's orders and the pace of speed, she also took it upon herself to pre-sign the initial route Takashi proposed.
Initially, Takashi had placed the people he knew the most at the front of the group, to have an easier time ordering when mentioning their names.
As in the original series, Takashi had seen and observed expeditions with experienced commanders, he knew how to order and what could happen along the way. Although it is a test, if it is a simulation, changes should happen.
The long lines of horses rode forward.
...
At the same time, Nelson, on the other side, set off with his entire group.
Besides Takashi and Mikasa, Reiner, Bertholdt, Annie, Ymir and Thomas were in the second group.
As for Nelson and Armin from class one, Eren, Jean, Sasha, Christa, Connie and Mina among others were in class 1. It could be said that both groups were very balanced.
Takashi was riding on Babas' back, admiring the natural scenery of the wasteland and, to be honest, it still felt unreal.
After passing a rocky slope two hours later, Takashi turned around, dismounted and ordered, "Okay, stop and rest for half an hour."
Takashi was sitting on a rock and the route was about to extend into the forest in the afternoon, which also meant spending the night in the forest, which was never a safe place.
He took a sip of water and waved for the small squadron leaders to come, "Come here."
"Is there a meeting?"
Mikasa, Reiner, Ymir and the others approached after hearing the words.
Taakahsi did not hesitate and said seriously, and it was rare for him to be serious, "We have to enter the forest at about 3:00 in the afternoon, and according to the schedule, we have to spend the night in the forest."
Reiner frowned, "It's not a good option to spend the night in the forest."
Ymir said, "There are many beasts in the forest, do you want to organize a group to keep the safe?"
Thomas knew more about Takashi: "What did you think of?"
Takashi's expression was a bit serious, "The beasts in the forest are the second things we should worry about."
He unfolded the map in front of everyone and said, "According to the normal speed, we have to spend the night in this area. There is only a small road that goes through the edge of the forest and connects the two nearby villages, which means there may be people in the forest. If it's an ordinary person, that's it. However, you can't rule out that there are thieves hiding here, after all, this place is too far away from the villages, and after stealing, you can hide in the forest. The same is true on Nelson's side, the two roads go through the forest and connect the two villages."
Mikasa's expression was a bit worried, not worried for herself, but for Eren's safety.
"Little devils, we have a three dimensional three dimensional maneuvering team, so we don't need to fear common bandits." Ymir said with a mischievous tongue.
The relationship between Takashi and Ymir was becoming normal, after that conversation they had.
Takashi opens his hands, "Who can guarantee that they don't have guns?"
Although there are muskets in this world, it would be hard to survive a gunshot. However, even though it might be difficult to have a gun, those possibilities should not be ruled out.
Berthold said, "Can we spend the night outside the forest?"
Reiner shook his head, "I'm afraid not, getting to this point the horses in the forest can be better maintained, otherwise if we spend the night out of the forest it will delay the change of routes."
Takashi continued, "Do not worry too much, the presence of bandits is just a guess, but be careful, not everyone can be too far away from the main force, it is better not to take off the three-dimensional equipment and even if it is removed, they should be responsible to keep it in sight, if they see something suspicious no matter how small they can comment on it without worry. If the situation is worrisome, you can subdue the enemy on the spot, if there is no chance of subduing them, do what is necessary to maintain your safety even if you have to take lives."
Everyone looked at Takashi with some surprise. Even though they were all soldiers in training, it was still unacceptable to kill someone. Killing a human and killing a titan were two different things.
Thomas swallowed saliva, "Killing, even if it's a thief, can be a very complicated thing, right?"
"This is the real situation, if you want to choose between subduing the enemy with the possibility of getting hurt, go ahead." Takashi said with a sigh.
Everyone looked at Takashi, as if they had met him again. He is not usually very rude, and he did not expect to be so resolute at a critical moment.
After finishing the conversation, the instructors walked away along with the other soldiers. They had all been briefed, so they were prepared.
Half an hour later, Takashi's group left again. In the afternoon, they gradually moved deeper into the forest. By this time, everyone was much more alert. As Takashi said, traveling a distance ahead, there was a path on the right side of the forest, connecting two small villages in the distance. This place would be too ideal to raid.
If the forest really is harboring robbers, it would be good to be prepared to face them.
Class 1 on the other side was much more animated than Class 2, since Eren and Jean were fighting again.