Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

A Test of Strength

The forest was alive with the sound of whirring ODM gear and the constant bark of Commander Shadis as the recruits pushed through another day of training. It had been two years since they'd enlisted, and the pressure had only intensified. The dense trees blurred past as they navigated the terrain, balancing speed and precision. But no matter how hard they trained, Shadis never let up.

"You're slow! Run, you shitheads!" Shadis's voice boomed through the forest like a drumbeat of discipline. "What's wrong, Arlert? You're falling behind! Is it too hard for you? Do you want to be the only one who puts down his equipment? If this was a real mission, you'd be Titan food already!"

Armin's face was flushed with exertion, his breath coming in heavy gasps as he struggled to keep pace. He grit his teeth in frustration. "Dammit!"

Suddenly, Reiner pulled up beside him, the large soldier's powerful frame almost blocking out the sunlight. "Give it to me!" he ordered.

Before Armin could protest, Reiner snatched his pack off his back. "You'll end up dropping out this way! We're being downgraded on today's training!"

"But now, they're gonna punish you, too!" Armin panted, trying to take back the load.

"Then do your best so they won't find out!" Reiner shot back. "Don't make me change my mind!"

Shadis watched the exchange from a distance, his sharp eyes assessing each recruit with military precision. Reiner Braun. He possesses great mental and physical fortitude. His comrades trust him deeply. He could see why the other recruits leaned on Reiner. The man was a natural leader, strong and reliable.

Armin, however, wasn't one to back down easily. His expression set in determination, he ran up to Reiner and grabbed his pack. "I'd rather die than live as a burden!"

Shadis's eyes flicked to Armin, taking in the young recruit's struggle. Armin Arlert. While he lacks in physical strength, he makes up for it with extraordinary academic aptitude. There was a fire in Armin that Shadis couldn't deny, even if his body hadn't caught up to his mind.

The training intensified as they cut through the forest, each recruit slicing down Titan dummies that appeared in their path. The wooden targets, painted grotesquely to resemble the real thing, swung down from the trees, and the recruits were expected to take them out swiftly.

Annie Leonhart, Shadis observed as Annie coolly dispatched a dummy with flawless efficiency. While her fighting skills are outstanding, she doesn't work well as part of a team. A lone wolf.

Bertolt Hoover. Shadis's gaze shifted to the tall, quiet recruit. Bertolt moved with precision but hesitated just a fraction of a second too long. He is highly talented, but he lacks initiative.

Meanwhile, Jean zipped through the trees with a determined scowl. "I can't fight like them," Jean muttered under his breath, eyes darting around as he searched for his own target. "I need to find my own Titan first!"

When he finally found one, Connie flew up beside him, grinning. "Thanks, Jean! I knew following you would work!" Shadis shook his head, Jean Kristein. His 3D control skills are top class, but his overly blunt personality causes friction.

But before either of them could land a hit, Sasha darted ahead, letting out a victorious laugh as her blades sliced through the dummy. "I did it! Haha!"

Shadis sighed, shaking his head slightly. Sasha Blouse. She's talented at operating unconventionally, but that mentality makes her unfit for organized activity.

Connie's bright grin and carefree nature caught Shadis's attention next. He could make sharp turns like no one else, but his carefree attitude made him too relaxed for combat. Connie Springer. He's skilled at making sharp turns, but his mind is nowhere near sharp enough.