Man, Jj Abrego Thank You So Much Man For Joining the "God Tier(100$)" It really means a lot man I can't just believe man really thanks a lot 💙
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"Of course you can!"
Armin smiled warmly. The camaraderie between them was strong. Though Ryo had built good relationships with many people, he seemed to have a special fondness for spending time with Armin, Eren, and Mikasa. Whether it was training or leisure, he often included them in his plans.
"What are you all talking about?"
Ryo approached, holding Krista's hand, and sat down beside them. His tone was casual, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Activating the system interface in his mind, he began checking his standing with the others.
Mikasa's favorability toward him had been dangerously low at 35 points, but completing the recent system task had bumped it up by 5 points. Surprisingly, when he checked again, her favorability had risen to 45 points, even showing an upward trend with a green arrow.
Ryo couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Though 45 points barely escaped the realm of hostility, it was a step in the right direction. However, at this stage, Mikasa remained distrustful and wary of him. Building her trust further would require a lot more effort.
Next, Ryo glanced at Eren's favorability and was genuinely surprised to find it at an impressive 75 points. The status bar noted Eren viewed Ryo as a reliable ally and a vital partner in their shared dream of defeating the Titans.
"Well, that's flattering," Ryo thought with a bemused expression. "But who said I'd join you in fighting Titans? With someone as reckless as you leading the charge, I'd rather focus on protecting Krista and living peacefully behind the walls."
Shifting his attention to Armin, Ryo expected a similar level of trust. However, he frowned when he discovered Armin's favorability toward him was only at 50 points.
What caught his eye more than the low score were the status bar notes:
> *Ryo Carter: a powerful but enigmatic figure. His consistent efforts to engage with Eren, Mikasa, and me seem calculated, as though he's hiding a deeper purpose. Until I understand his true motives, I must remain cautious.*
Ryo raised an eyebrow, impressed by Armin's perceptiveness. "Looks like I've been too obvious," he mused. "I'll need to dial it back and tread more carefully."
Despite the minor setback, Ryo maintained a calm demeanor, his face betraying nothing. He knew any visible reaction would only deepen Armin's suspicions.
"I hear there's an assessment next week," Krista chimed in, pulling out her meticulously organized notebook. "Have you all started preparing for it?"
Her words caught everyone off guard. Ryo and Eren shared a bewildered look, while Mikasa's expression shifted slightly in curiosity.
"What assessment?" Ryo asked, puzzled.
Krista's cheeks flushed as she noticed their confusion. "Did I say something wrong? Is there something on my face?"
"No, no, your face is perfect as always," Ryo reassured her with a grin, gently brushing her cheek. "But this is the first we're hearing about this assessment."
"Really?" Krista tilted her head, genuinely surprised. "I thought everyone knew. It's mentioned that 20% of the previous year's trainees were eliminated during this test. Most of them failed outright!"
Her words cast a tense shadow over the group. An elimination rate of 20% was no small number, especially considering they had been training for over a year. Most of the weaker candidates had already been weeded out. The fact that so many capable individuals could still fail spoke volumes about the difficulty of the upcoming assessment.
"What exactly was the test about?" Armin asked, his intellectual curiosity piqued despite the somber topic.
Krista hesitated before answering. "I heard it was a snow mountain survival challenge," she said softly, her voice tinged with worry.
The gravity of her words settled heavily on the group. Survival training in the harsh, unforgiving environment of a snow mountain was no trivial matter. Even the most prepared among them would be pushed to their limits.
"It must have been brutal," Mikasa remarked, her gaze sharpening as she began calculating potential strategies.
"If 20% were eliminated last year, that means around 40 of us won't make it," Armin noted grimly. "It's not just about personal failure. If anyone leaves, the bonds we've built over this year will be severed."
The realization hung in the air, unspoken but deeply felt. Losing comrades was an inevitable reality in their line of work, but knowing it could happen so soon made the threat all the more personal.
Krista lowered her eyes, her worry apparent. Unlike others, she lacked physical strength, and her combat skills were mediocre at best. She feared the possibility of being among those eliminated.
Sensing her anxiety, Ryo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. No matter how tough it gets, I'll make sure you pass."
His confidence sparked a faint smile from Krista, though her unease lingered.
"Thanks, Ryo," she whispered, grateful but still uncertain.
"Besides," Ryo added, flashing a mischievous grin, "if they dare eliminate you, I'll just have to eliminate them instead."
The group chuckled lightly, but the tension from Krista's revelation remained palpable. For now, all they could do was prepare for the unknown challenges that lay ahead.