In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 5: Beyond the Ranks

You trudged into the barracks, weary from the day's training. Eren and Mikasa were already there, engrossed in a heated discussion about combat tactics. Armin sat on his bunk; nose buried in a book. You dropped onto your bunk, letting out a deep sigh.

Eren noticed your exhaustion. "Tough day?"

You nodded. "Obstacle course nearly killed me."

"You'll get faster with practice." Mikasa noted.

Armin closed his book, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Our survival depends on adapting to unpredictable situations. We need to stay flexible and think on our feet."

The conversation flowed easily, and you found yourself lost in the discussion. But your mind kept drifting back to Levi's enigmatic presence during training.

As the evening wore on, you decided to take a walk outside to clear your head. The night air was crisp, and the stars twinkled above. You strolled through the quiet courtyard, lost in thought.

Suddenly, you heard the sound of footsteps behind you. You turned to see Levi approaching, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

"Cadet," he said, his voice low. "I've been watching your progress."

You felt a flutter in your chest. "Sir?"

Levi's gaze narrowed. "You have potential. But potential means nothing without discipline."

He paused, his eyes searching yours. "I want to see if you can keep up with a special training session tomorrow. Meet me at the old windmill on the outskirts of the training grounds at dawn."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving you reeling.

What did he mean by "special training"? And why choose you?

As you returned to the barracks, your mind racing with questions, you couldn't shake the feeling that Levi's interest in you went beyond mere cadet evaluation.

You glanced at your fellow cadets, still engrossed in their discussion. Should you tell them about Levi's offer?

For now, you decided to keep it to yourself, unsure what lay ahead.

The night air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as you lay in bed, your thoughts consumed by the enigmatic Captain Levi Ackerman.

~

You woke up before dawn, the memory of Levi's piercing gaze lingering in your mind. Today was the day he'd asked to meet you at the old windmill. You couldn't shake off the excitement and nervousness.

As you dressed in the darkness, your fellow cadets stirred, still sleeping. You slipped out of the barracks, into the crisp morning air. The starts still twinkled above, and the world felt eerily quiet.

You made your way to the windmill, its silhouette looming in the distance. Levi stood leaning against the wall; his eyes fixed on you as you approached.

"Cadet," he said, his voice low. "I see you're punctual."

You nodded, trying to hide your nervousness. "Sir."

Levi pushed off from the wall, his movements fluid. "Today, we'll be focusing on close-quarters combat. I want to see if you can keep up."

Without warning, he charged towards you, his movements lightning fast. You instinctively reacted, dodging and weaving around his blows. The training was intense, with Levi pushing you to your limits.

Sweat dripped down your face as you fought to keep up, but Levi's relentless pace didn't falter. You stumbled, and he caught your arm, holding you upright.

"Don't lose focus," he whispered, his breath inches from your ear.

The world narrowed to the two of you, the windmill's creaking blades the only sound. You felt alive, every sense heightened.

As the sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Levi finally called a halt to the training.

You stood panting, your muscles screaming in exhaustion. Levi's expression softened, almost imperceptibly.

"Not bad, cadet," he said. "You've got potential."

The praise sent a warmth spreading through your chest. You met his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, you saw something there, something that looked almost like admiration.

"Thank you, sir," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Levi's mask slipped back into place, and he turned to leave. "Don't get complacent. We'll do this again tomorrow."

As you were watching him disappear into the morning mist, you couldn't shake off the feeling that you'd just been handed a secret promise, one that only you and Levi understood. 

What did this training mean? And why did you feel like you'd just stepped into a world hidden from the rest of the cadets?

You returned to the barracks, lost in thought, the memory of Levi's intense gaze seared into your mind.

Your fellow cadets noticed the change in you, the quiet confidence that now radiated from your very being.

Eren raised an eyebrow. "What's got you smiling?"

You hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just a good training session."

Mikasa's eyes narrowed. "With who?"

You shrugged, trying to play it off. "Just one of the instructors."

Armin's curious gaze locked onto yours. "You're getting stronger, (Y/N). Whatever you're doing, keep it up."

You smiled, knowing that Levi's secret training had awakened something within you. But at what cost? And what lay ahead?

The day unfolded like any other, but your senses remained heightened, as if waiting for the next moment with Levi.

Little did you know, the shadows that lurked beyond the walls were closing in, threatening to upend the fragile balance of your world.