After hearing Mikasa's words, the atmosphere among the group grew tense.
Krista wanted to comfort her but didn't know what to say. She couldn't possibly dissuade Eren from joining the Survey Corps, especially with his deep hatred for the Titans. If he couldn't be convinced otherwise, Eren would undoubtedly join, and the Survey Corps' dangerous missions outside the walls carried a high mortality rate. The thought of Eren facing such danger weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
"Krista, where are you planning to go after graduation?" Ymir asked, breaking the silence.
Ymir wasn't particularly concerned about Mikasa and Eren. To her, Mikasa was too fixated on Eren, who, while capable, was stubborn and oblivious to her feelings. Mikasa's unreciprocated devotion to someone so dense annoyed Ymir.
By contrast, she held a grudging respect for Ryo. While she didn't like him much either, he was far more tolerable than Eren. Ryo was thoughtful, skillful, and considerate—especially toward Krista. His care for her left Ymir feeling a mix of jealousy and helplessness.
"I don't know," Krista replied softly. "Ryo told me to aim for the Military Police—it's safer there. But the Military Police Corps is stationed behind the Wall of Sina. If I go there, I might not get to see any of you again. Besides, I'm not skilled enough to make it into the top ten. I'll probably end up in the Survey Corps or the Garrison Corps."
Hearing Krista mention the Survey Corps caused Ymir's heart to clench, though she masked it well. Fortunately, Krista added the possibility of joining the Garrison Corps, which eased her tension slightly.
True, Krista didn't have the strength to make it into the top ten, so she wouldn't qualify for the Military Police Corps. But Ryo would never allow her to join the Survey Corps, leaving the Garrison Corps as the most likely option.
If that happened, Ymir was determined to follow Krista. No matter where Krista went, she'd find a way to stay by her side and protect her. Ryo might be strong, but he couldn't always be there—his skills would keep him busy on missions against the Titans. Protecting Krista would be Ymir's responsibility.
"What about you, Ymir?" Krista asked, her genuine concern shining through.
"As for me..." Ymir's smirk returned as she leaned closer. "I'll stick with you, of course. Someone has to keep you safe. And, who knows? Maybe one day you'll change your mind and decide a happy lesbian relationship with me isn't such a bad idea!"
She playfully reached out, her hands moving mischievously toward Krista.
"Ah! Stop it! It's ticklish! Haha! Stop, Ymir!" Krista giggled uncontrollably, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
Hidden among the water plants, Ryo seethed internally. **Let go of Krista! That's my job!** But he knew better than to reveal himself now. If the girls caught him spying, he'd be lucky to escape with his life.
Suddenly, Mikasa's sharp gaze shifted. "Huh? Why is the water red?"
The others followed her gaze, spotting a crimson trail floating on the surface.
"Yes, what is that?" Krista asked curiously.
"It smells like blood," Sasha said, her hunter's instincts kicking in.
The trail of blood stretched toward the water plants.
Ryo paled. **Damn it, my nosebleed gave me away!**
Realizing his mistake, he quickly dove deeper, hoping to escape undetected.
"There's someone over there!" Annie's voice was cold and sharp as her eyes locked onto the disturbance.
"Who's there?" Mikasa demanded, her tone icy as her killer instinct flared.
The girls immediately sprang into action, determined to catch the intruder. Mikasa and Annie led the charge, but Ryo's quick reflexes and underwater agility gave him an advantage. By the time they reached his last position, he was already long gone.
**That was close!** Ryo thought as he swam to safety, exhilarated by his narrow escape. Despite the risk and humiliation, he couldn't help but revel in the thrill.
Meanwhile, back at the training camp, Eren and Armin were growing concerned.
"Ryo's been gone for a while," Armin said, scanning the area.
"Yeah, let's go check near the lake," Eren suggested.
The two friends set off, unknowingly heading straight toward the chaos Ryo had just escaped.