Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Testing

The next day, we moved into the second phase: field simulations. The team gathered at dawn in a training field outside headquarters, with designated areas set up for both offensive and defensive exercises. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, nerves humming beneath the excitement. This was our first true test, and the weight of it was tangible.

Levi strode up to the center, his gaze sharp as he addressed the team. "Today, we test the crystal weapons in action. We'll be replicating combat scenarios as closely as possible. I want everyone at their best. No shortcuts, no mistakes. We're treating this like the real thing."

Eren grinned, practically bouncing on his heels. "Finally, a real fight. I've been waiting for this."

Mikasa adjusted her gear, her face calm and focused. "Then let's not waste time."

Armin, standing beside Hange, scanned the layout of the field, noting each obstacle and position. "We should start with a simulated attack," he suggested. "This will let us test the offensive capability of each weapon while identifying any weaknesses."

Hange nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed! We'll monitor each interaction carefully. Remember, we're here to stress-test these weapons as much as possible."

As we divided into teams, Levi turned to me. "You're with me, (Y/N). You designed these weapons, so you'll be responsible for calling adjustments as we go."

I nodded, feeling a mix of pride and pressure. "Understood, Captain."

The exercise began, with Eren and Mikasa leading a simulated assault while the rest of us worked on countermeasures. Eren charged forward, wielding a crystal-enhanced sword that glinted in the early morning light, swinging with a speed and precision we hadn't seen before. Mikasa followed closely, her movements fluid and calculated, adapting her stance to the crystal enhancements on her gear.

As they approached, Armin activated a defensive shield—an array of crystal barriers that could absorb impact, designed to protect the user from attacks without restricting movement. I watched closely, taking notes as each hit sent energy rippling through the barriers but held steady.

"Good," I muttered to myself, scribbling on my notepad. "The shield can withstand more force than I estimated. We could potentially thin out some of the layers to make it lighter."

Levi, standing next to me, observed silently, his gaze flicking between each team member. "The weapons are holding up well," he murmured, a note of approval in his voice. "But don't relax yet. This is just the beginning."

Suddenly, Hange let out a shout. "Incoming! Prepare for a defensive maneuver!"

I barely had time to react as Eren and Mikasa altered their course, barreling toward us with renewed intensity. I activated the crystal barriers around Levi and me, watching as the shield absorbed the initial shock. The ground trembled as Eren's crystal-enhanced sword struck the barrier, sending shimmering energy waves through the shield's surface.

"Hold steady!" I called, feeling the strain in my arms as I tried to maintain the shield's integrity. Levi's eyes were on me, observing every detail with his usual intensity, as if testing not just the weapon but my own resolve.

After what felt like an eternity, Eren backed off, and I lowered the shield, panting slightly from the exertion. Levi placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. "Good work. Your timing was on point," he said, his voice low but firm. There was an unmistakable hint of pride in his eyes.

The simulation continued for hours, with each team pushing their limits, testing the weapons in various scenarios. By midday, we'd gathered enough data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Hange and Armin were buzzing with ideas, already theorizing about adjustments and enhancements.