Surrender

Introduction

"I expect mighty deeds from you lot."

The three men saluted to their superior who was, ironically, much shorter than they are in terms of height. Needless to say that in the military, physique is an important factor. The captain was not deterred by this, however. Despite his somewhat diminutive frame, he was able to prove to the entire organization that he can do better. Much better than they could.

After all, he wasn't given the title Humanity's Strongest Soldier for nothing.

Captain Levi Ackerman quickly rose up to the ranks. He earned his position through hard work, and not because of bribing the upper men nor threatening them. Although the last one can be an option for him. Still, he possesses a judicious character. He'd rather earn something he wants by punishing himself (or others) a little than cheat. For him, attaining a valuable item or position through trickery is vacuous; doing so will only establish deceit onto oneself.

"It doesn't prove anything except for the fact that you made a fool out of your stupid self", he once stated.

Because of this perspective, majority accused him of being insensitive. He took it as a compliment, however. Of all the years he had lived, emotional streaks didn't taint his very being. His eyes were always empty of buoyancy and instead, replaced of tenacious deeds. Although they lack any vibrance, they were strong. Intimidating, even. Levi deemed himself patient at all cost. Most of his comrades agree with this claim, yet, when the captain sees something he dislikes, he'd be blatant about it and show his depreciation regarding the matter.

Some of the higher ups have seen him rage. And they don't dare want to see it again, ever. Despite others accusing him of being infamous due to his indifferent attitude, these men and women have not tried to get into the edge of his blade. It happened once, and it only resulted in humiliation on the other party's side. However, never did he sought this as an opportunity to strike others. He thinks it is simply a waste of time, and that if a person refuses to learn, they will never do.

There were three knocks on the door which caught all four's attention, most specifically Levi. He wasn't surprised though; he knew someone else was missing with those he needed to brief regarding their mission at hand. None of them responded to the noise and simply stared at the door as they waited for whoever it was to step inside.

The door opened and revealed a female soldier who looked and seemed unfit to even join the military. Compared to other women in the union, she has a smaller built and her mien is too benevolent to take in. People would assume she could never hurt anyone or anything because of how she looks. However, her passion and determination attempts to prove them wrong.

She walked over to face her captain and join her comrades with confidence but upon locking gaze with Levi, who was seemingly glaring at her, all of her self-esteem was replaced with fear and anxiety. Nevertheless, she stood undeterred and proceeded to introduce herself.

"Sir!" She saluted. "Lieutenant Ral reporting for duty! I apologize for arriving late. I-I got lost and got confused where to go." She mentioned the last sentence in a low voice due to embarrassment but enough for the others to hear. Some of the other soldiers could be heard snickering but not Levi.

"What are you doing here?", Levi simply stated.

"E-Excuse me?"

"You're not deaf. Don't make me repeat myself. Speak."

She swallowed hard. "I'm part of the mission that was assigned to you, sir, so I'm here."

"...Petra." He stared at her with no feeling of remorse for what he had said earlier whatsoever. "I'm asking why you're here because it's practically useless to arrive to a meeting that is already finished. What's your business here afterwards?"

"...Nothing, sir."

Silence enveloped the room for a brief moment before Levi spoke once again. "This meeting is adjourned. Eld, Gunther, and Oluo, you are free to leave." All three saluted before retreating back to their quarters, leaving Petra behind all alone with him. "And as for you."

Although she was nervous, Petra did not dare show any of this physically. She is a soldier; by showing fear in front of her commander would mean she fears death itself, which is not an option for someone who vowed to sacrifice themselves for humankind. "Yes, sir."

"Make me some tea."

Her eyes widened and her mouth went ajar. All she could reply was a simple "Um...", unable to comprehend what she needed to exactly do. Levi didn't bother explaining himself and just continued. "The tea leaves are over there", he pointed to the cabinet to the left from where he sat. "Here's the cup", he lightly tap the thing on the table. "Hot water's there", he pointed to the hot-and-cold water dispenser next to the cabinet. "Don't put any sugar or creamer or any of that shit."

She felt a bit upset upon being ordered around as if she was a housemaid. Still, Petra knew she had no choice but to obey her commander. "On it, captain."

"After those, take a seat in front and listen carefully while I explain to you the information of the meeting earlier."

The frown on her face was replaced with a bright smile, washing away her nervousness and the like from his earlier barrage of crude remarks to humiliate her for being late. "What are you smiling at?", asked Levi. "Nothing, captain", she responded as she took some tea leaves from the cabinet like how she was instructed to.