Attack on Titan: Secrets of Marley (SNK x OC)

Chapter 14: The 57th Expedition Outside the Walls

If Gray had realised anything over the next few days, it was that the Scouts' facilities were definitely not of the same quality as those of the Training Brigades.

Unlike the Brigades, which had several buildings in town and entire villages to train cadets in, the Scouts had just one building, which was dirty and unsanitary in Trost.

For the first few days of his training as a soldier, he was trained in this building. His days were simple, consisting of theoretical lessons on how to fight the Titans. He hadn't yet had any practical training.

He asked himself many times if this was normal. Indeed, the new expedition outside the walls was getting closer and he sincerely wondered whether they would be taken to the battlefield.

It was only about a week after they joined the Scouts, three weeks before the expedition, that Major Smith appeared before them in the mess hall.

He stood in front of the new soldiers gathered in the mess hall, his gaze stern and determined.

- In three weeks' time, the 57th expedition outside the wall will take place. Our mission is crucial for the future of humanity. To prepare you as well as possible, we're going to move temporarily to another location. The building you're in at the moment isn't big enough for you to train effectively.

Murmurs begin to circulate among the cadets. Sasha, always curious, raised her hand timidly.

- Commander... Where are we going?

- We're going to set up camp in the former headquarters of the Survey Corps, a castle just outside Trost. This place will serve as an intensive training base. The conditions will be harsh, but it will prepare you for what awaits you beyond the walls, he replied, nodding.

Jean, a little sceptical, leaned towards Gray and whispered: - An old castle? Won't that be even more insalubrious than this shithole?

- It's possible, but if Major Smith says it's necessary, it must be true... replied Armin, who had been listening to Jean.

- I'm not going to lie to you. The conditions will be even more difficult than what you've experienced here. But it's a necessary step to prepare you for the expedition. Only those who are really ready to face the Titans outside the walls will be able to take part, he announced, stifling their murmurs.

Gray, who had been silent until then, spoke up.

- Major Smith, what happens if some of us aren't ready in time?

- They'll stay here to continue their training. The expedition is not a place for those who doubt their abilities or have not acquired the necessary skills. This is a mission of life and death. Only those who are mentally and physically ready will take part, he replied, looking him in the eye with a stern gaze.

Gray swallowed. It was the first time he'd spoken directly to the Major, and the man had quite a stature.

- You'd better get ready. We leave in two days. Use this time to equip yourself and prepare mentally. That's when your real training will begin.

The cadets stood up at Erwin's signal, a new determination visible in their eyes. Gray stood back, watching. He knew that the next few weeks would be crucial, not only for the others, but also for him and his mission. He had to stay on his guard.

Two days later, they finally left Trost and spent the first half of their morning or so walking through gloomy forests and abandoned territories. Finally, around lunchtime, they came in sight of Scouts HQ.

The sight took Gray's breath away. He had expected to find a shabby, unsanitary old building, but what he found was a magnificent castle. It was a massive, imposing castle, which gave off an impression of robustness and age. Its main structure was surrounded by several cylindrical towers of varying heights, each topped with slate roofs, giving the whole structure a medieval, fortified appearance.