The devastating breach of Wall Maria and Shiganshina's downfall had catastrophic consequences. Thousands of families were torn apart, and the once-thriving farmlands shrunk to a mere 20% of their former productivity. The nobles of Wall Maria, once symbols of pride and opulence, saw their fortunes ravaged. Their lavish attire, adorned with precious ornaments, gave way to tattered, worn-out garments.
Witnessing the refugees' plight, Keith Shadis, the 12th Commander of the Scout Regiment, was moved to action. He sold his entire estate, including his grand mansion, to provide for the displaced. Now, as Commander of the Cadet Corps, Shadis led a diverse group of young recruits. Each had their own motivations: some sought vengeance for lost loved ones, while others yearned for a peaceful life within the Interior.
These cadets, driven by varied purposes, would forge the future of humanity's resistance.
Year 847
"Straighten your spines pissheads!" Commander Keith Shadis's thunderous voice echoed across the vast training field, sending a ripple through the ranks of teenagers clad in leather jackets adorned with the Cadet Core insignia – two crossed swords.
The recruits stiffened, eyes locked onto their commander. Shadis's piercing gaze swept the field, his voice unwavering. "The 104th Cadet Cores boot camp starts now. Allow me to introduce my self. I'm Keith Shadis and you will grow to hate me." His gaze shifted at the determined faces who stood ahead," Training will be a right knuckle through hell. If I've done my job you'll be waking up in a cold sweat from memories of this place every night for the rest of your miserable lives."
The cadets stood determined their gazes fixed at the menace who stood in front a shadow of his former self," Right now your nothing but over the next three soul crushing years you'll learn to take down your own Goliath. Remember this moment when you come face to face with them. Cuz here's what you ask yourself. Am I a fighter or am I feed. Am I going to be ground up to a pulpy human grease between boulder sized incisors or am I going to be the one to bite!!"
Commander Keith Shadis's words struck like a spark, igniting determination within the cadets. As they stood taller, he shifted gears, introducing the next phase of training. "Hey, moptop..." Keith's voice boomed, his gaze locking onto Armin Arlet, who stood at attention.
"Sir!" Armin responded swiftly, fist clenched and pressed to his chest.
"What do they call you, maggot?" Keith asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Armin Arlet from Shiganshina, sir!" Armin replied, voice firm.
Keith sneered, "Wow, huh? Why would your parents curse you with such a dumb name?"
Armin stood his ground, "It was my grandfather's, sir!"
Keith's face inches from Armin's, their gazes clashed. Keith's piercing eyes bore into Armin's sapphire-like irises.
"Arlet, why is a runt like you here?" Keith growled.
Armin gulped, a flicker of fear dancing across his face, before responding, "To help humanity overcome the Titans, sir!"
Keith's voice rose to a mocking shout, "That's the best to hear! You'll be a light snack for 'em..."
As Keith moved on, his gaze swept the ranks, humiliation his tool of choice. Through relentless stress and denigration, he aimed to break the cadets, reducing them to blank slates. From there, he would rebuild them, bit by bit, into formidable soldiers.
Keith's piercing gaze swept across the cadets, his eyes lingering on each face like a predator sizing up prey.
"What do we have here?" Keith bellowed, halting before a light, ash-brown-haired cadet with equine features.
"Jean Kirstein, sir, from Trost District!" Jean replied, his voice trembling.
Keith's eyes narrowed. "And why are you here?"
Jean's hesitant response was the last thing Keith wanted to hear. "To join the Military Police and live in the Interior, sir!"
Keith's disdain was palpable followed by a head-butt making Jean grunt in pain,"No one told you to lie down, cadet. If you can't handle this, forget the Military Police."
Keith continued his daunting evaluation, surveying the cadets with an unyielding gaze. He paused briefly at Connie Springer, dubbed "Cue Ball" due to his rounded features, before moving on to Sasha Braus.
Sasha, soon to be infamous as "Potato Girl," had brazenly eaten a boiled potato during her interview, earning her a punishing 10-lap run around the Cadet Core. Unfazed by the physical exertion, Sasha stood tall, her spirit unbroken.
However, when faced with the additional penalty of a week-long ration of dry bread and soup, her composure crumbled. The prospect of bland, monotonous meals shattered her resolve, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability beneath her bold exterior. Keith's relentless inspection continued, leaving no cadet unscathed.
As dusk fell, the cadets retreated to the mess hall, weary from Keith's grueling inspection. Mikasa and Armin sat together, engaged in hushed conversation, while others cast curious glances their way.
"Join the Scouts?" a cadet whispered. "Is she nuts?" The cadets' gazes converged on Mikasa, their faces etched with skepticism and concern. During her trial with Keith Shadis, she had revealed her motivation to join the Scouts and fight the Titans:
"I want to avenge my mother, and fulfill a promise to a friend."
Their initial admiration gave way to incredulity . "Does she have a death wish?" they whispered among themselves
Their expressions reflected a mix of confusion and alarm. Some thought her bravery bordered on recklessness, while others wondered if she was driven by blind vengeance.
"Joining the Scouts is suicidal," one cadet whispered.
"Doesn't she care about her own life?" another asked.
Marco Bodt intervened, his tone sharp but empathetic. "Leave her be. You heard her reasons. Losing a mother is unbearable. We can't fathom what she's gone through."
A nearby cadet asked, " But what did she mean by 'promise to her friend'?"
Another cadet speculated, "Maybe it's the blonde guy beside her?"
Mina Carolina, a girl with pigtails, shook her head. "No, it's not him. She mentioned someone named... Eren Yeager."
Marco's expression turned thoughtful suddenly his eyes widened,"Eren Yeager... Wait.... By any chance does she mean The Titan Slayer?"
Mina's confusion was palpable. "Titan Slayer? But that's just an urban legend – a kid slaughtering hundreds of Titans, then dying to save three women. I thought it was a myth."
Jean Kirstein approached, his intelligent eyes scanning the group. "You can't seriously believe that nonsense? A kid butchering Titans? That's fairy tale material."
Armin, having listened intently, spoke up, his voice laced with conviction. "It's not a myth... Eren Yeager was titled as the Titan Slayer for his bravery. Unfortunately he died saving Mikasa and her family. Even as a child, his strength was extraordinary."
Mikasa, seated beside Armin, her long hair veiling her lowered face, remained silent.
A cadet whispered, "I've heard he was the disciple of Captain Levi, humanity's strongest soldier."
Armin nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Yes, that's true. He shared stories of their expeditions..." Armin's voice trembled, conveying the depth of his emotions. The cadets instinctively refrained from probing further, sensing the painful memories.
As the conversation shifted, Jean and Marco discovered shared ambitions, forging an unlikely bond. Mikasa suddenly rose, her long hair fluttering as she passed Marco and Jean. Jean's gaze followed, captivated by her elegance. Suddenly Jean's voice halted Mikasa . "Um, excuse me" Mikasa's gaze shifted to Jean," Umm it's just.... I'm sorry... It's that I've never seen someone like you before. I'm sorry it's just that you have really beautiful black hair."
Jean stuttered, flustered, as Mikasa departed for her training with a soft "Thank you." Marco shook him repeatedly, trying to break the spell, but Jean's thoughts lingered elsewhere, a faint smile spreading across his face. "Hey Marco, I'll get into the Military Police whatever it takes" he said, his eyes still fixed on the door through which Mikasa had left. Marco's face filled with understanding, replied, "Good luck then." Jean's gaze remained distant, lost in thought, as Marco's words barely registered.
Time lapse...
Year 847
Keith's words were put into action as the cadets underwent gruesome training, shattering their limits from dusk till dawn. The focus was on building physical strength and maintaining balance to manuver the odm gear. Relentless drills pushed them to their breaking points. By year's end, some had failed and were forced to leave, consigned to a life of labor in the fields. The remaining cadets, however, showed remarkable improvement. Their physiques transformed, abs defined, and overall strength skyrocketed.
Year 848
The next year focused on mastering the ODM gear. Cadets endured harsh winter conditions in a forest, training relentlessly. They hunted for food, gathered water from rivers, and built shelters – essential skills for survival outside the walls. This simulated expedition environment prepared them for the worst-case scenarios.
Year 849
The final year was crucial, determining who would join the elite Military Police – only the top 10 cadets would qualify. The rest would choose between the Scouts or Garrison. Academics, previously neglected, took center stage. The top three cadets – Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlet, and Marco Bodt – excelled. The year also emphasized hand-to-hand combat, final ODM gear drills, and within-wall expeditions.
The three grueling years had taken a devastating toll on the cadets' bodies, but their unwavering dedication finally yielded results. Out of 541 aspiring recruits, only 78 cadets emerged victorious, graduating from the esteemed academy. The rest had fallen by the wayside, unable to endure the relentless training.
Graduation day arrived, and the surviving cadets erupted in jubilation, relieved to have weathered the inferno of trials. Yet, their hardships paled in comparison to the unfathomable struggles of Eren Yeager. Code Name: The Owl a title inherited from his own father. Kill Count 831 Titans, 274 Abberants with 0 Assists. Beside his legend, these cadets seemed mere novice.
The moon cast its silvery glow over the parade ground, illuminating the sea of eager faces. Keith Shadis's voice boomed, echoing off the walls.
"Do you have heart?!"
The cadets responded in perfect unison, their salutes crisp and precise. "Yes sir!"
Keith's commanding presence seemed to grow as he began, "As of this moment, you have three options open to you. Choose wisely! The Garrison Regiment, whose job is to reinforce the walls. The Scout Regiment, who rides out to the Titan continent to take back the land what once was ours. The MP Regiment, maintaining law and order under orders from His Royal Majesty."
Keith's piercing gaze swept across the battalion, settling on the front row. "Those cadets eligible for the MP have already been named. The rest of you, take a look – these are the top of your class!!"
The Top Ten Cadets stepped forward, their names echoing through the night air: Krista Lenz, Ymir Fritz, Sasha Blouse, Connie Springer, Marco Bodt, Jean Kirstein, Annie Leonhart, Bertholdt Hoover, Reiner Braun and finally the top of the class : Mikasa Ackerman.
As the graduation ceremony concluded, the cadets retired to the mess hall erupted into cheers and tears, their relief and joy palpable. The hall became a hub of celebration, farewells, and anxious deliberation. The crucial decision loomed – which regiment to join?
Marco and Jean had long since made up their minds to join the Military Police, but shockwaves ran through their circle when Annie Leonhart, Sasha Blouse, and Connie Springer revealed their identical intentions. The night air vibrated with uncertainty, as friendships and futures hung in the balance.
The celebration in the mess hall spilled into the night, the warm glow of lanterns casting a festive ambiance. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but Jean's focus was elsewhere. For three years, he'd tried to form a bridge between himself and Mikasa, and tonight was his last chance to express his feelings. Marco, his trusted confidant, had encouraged him to take the leap.
Armin, beaming with pride, mingled with their fellow cadets, while Mikasa sat aloof, her expression unreadable despite being top of their class. Jean's gaze lingered on her, his determination growing.
As Mikasa slipped outside, alone, Jean seized the opportunity. The cool night air enveloped him as he followed her into the darkness. The sound of crickets and distant laughter filled the silence between them.
"Mikasa, can I talk to you for a moment?" Jean asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Mikasa nodded, her long, silky hair dancing in the gentle breeze. Jean's heart skipped a beat as he fell into step beside her.
They walked in silence, the only sound their footsteps on the gravel path. Jean broke the silence, his words tentative.
"Congratulations on being top of the class. You deserved it." Mikasa's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, her voice soft. "Thanks."
Jean hesitated, unsure how to proceed. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on Mikasa's face, making her seem untouchable. "I couldn't help but overhear... you're joining the Scouts?" Jean said, his tone cautious.
Mikasa's pace slowed, her eyes narrowing. "What about it?" Jean's words tumbled out, his emotions raw. "It's just... It's just that why even think of joining the scouts on the first place. I know you've lost your mother but that's just being reckless with your own self. Why even throw your life for something that can't be achieved."
Jean's words continued to spill out, oblivious to Mikasa's growing unease. "What's past is in the past. Join the MPs and live a peaceful life in the interior. Plus, your mom wouldn't even want you to fight Titans for her sake." Jean's intentions were extremely selfish trying to crumble Mikasa's dreams under his own.
Mikasa's gaze remained fixed on the ground, her expression shifting from calm to simmering anger. Her voice barely above a whisper, she lashed out, "What makes you think you know a damn thing about me?" For a moment Jean thought he misheard," Eh?" Jean thought but Mikasa's words pierced through his heart," No one... No one makes decisions for me. Mind your own business!"
The night air vibrated with tension as Jean realized he'd overstepped. He attempted to apologize, but Mikasa didn't linger. With a swift turn, she vanished into the darkness, leaving Jean standing alone in the dust. Marco and Armin initially spying on them approached Jean patting his shoulder as he tried to comprehend what just happened.
Tears streamed down Mikasa's face as she sprinted towards her room, slamming the door shut behind her. The darkness enveloped her like a shroud. She grasped the framed drawing Armin had crafted years ago – a poignant reminder of happier times – depicting her and Eren sleeping together under a tree.
Mikasa's whispered words trembled, "Eren... I'm so... so lonely without you..." Her lips brushed against the crimson scarf wrapped around her neck, its faint scent still redolent of Eren's presence. The memories washed over her, and she let the darkness consume her. "I want to see you again... Eren..."