"Annie, come again!"
Eren was on the ground once more, his body aching from yet another defeat. Yet, despite the pain, he stood back up with determination burning in his eyes.
Ryo Akira observed from a distance, arms crossed and a small smirk on his face. He admired Eren's unyielding spirit. To get up repeatedly, even when outmatched, was a trait that could lead to greatness.
At first, Eren could barely last a second against Annie. Each time, she sent him crashing down with precise movements. But as the training progressed, Eren began to adapt. His falls grew less frequent, and he started anticipating her moves, even if just barely.
"Good," Ryo muttered to himself. "He's learning."
However, Eren's persistence came at a cost. His face was bruised, his body battered, and he was running purely on grit.
Mikasa, who had been sparring with Reiner, noticed Eren's condition. Reiner, already exhausted and lying flat on the ground, groaned as Mikasa's cold aura intensified. She watched Annie's repeated takedowns of Eren, her fists tightening.
The onlookers began whispering, excitement brewing.
"Do you think Mikasa will step in?"
"If she does, it's going to be a clash to remember!"
Even Ryo couldn't help but feel intrigued. He had read about similar events before, but the outcome had always been left uncertain. Mikasa, with her Ackerman lineage, was a powerhouse in strength, agility, and precision. Annie, on the other hand, had unmatched technique and experience.
"If it happens," Ryo thought, "Mikasa might have the edge. But it'll be close."
Before anything could unfold between Mikasa and Annie, Ryo's attention was pulled away by a familiar voice behind him.
"Ryo, are you okay?"
It was Ymir, kneeling beside Krista—no, Historia, the little angel herself. Historia sat on the ground, her hand on her head, wincing from a recent sparring injury.
"Ymir, I'm fine," Historia assured her with a smile. "Let's go again!"
Ymir frowned, clearly torn. "But you just got hurt. Maybe you should take a break."
Historia shook her head, her determination shining through. "If I stop now, I won't get any stronger."
Ryo approached them, smiling warmly. "Ymir, why don't you rest for now? I'll take over."
Both girls turned to him, surprised. Ymir hesitated. "Are you sure? You're a bit... overkill."
Ryo chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll hold back. Just enough to push her."
Historia's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Brother Ryo, everyone says your skills are amazing. Don't go easy on me, okay?"
Ryo grinned, recognizing the challenge in her words. He saw through her ploy immediately—she wanted to make sure he took her seriously.
"Alright, Historia. Let's see what you've got."
The two faced off on the training ground, drawing the attention of their peers. Historia's stance was shaky but determined, while Ryo stood relaxed, his hands loose at his sides.
"Here I come!" she yelled, charging forward.
Ryo dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid like water. He extended a hand, his fist stopping just short of her cheek. The rush of wind from his strike made her flinch.
"Faster than you expected?" he teased.
Historia nodded, her heart racing. "I didn't even see you move!"
"Then focus," Ryo advised. "Read your opponent's body language. Every movement has a purpose. Now, again."
They continued their sparring, with Ryo guiding her after each attempt. Historia's resolve grew stronger with every failure, and Ryo's calm, encouraging demeanor only pushed her further.
Meanwhile, Mikasa continued watching Annie with a steely gaze, the tension between them thickening. The training ground buzzed with anticipation as students paused their own exercises to see how the day would unfold.