My Hero

Chapter 7

A couple of weeks passed by quickly. The rumors about me stopped. People were either tired of them or simply didn't care anymore. Whenever I wasn't trying to avoid the Commander, I was too consumed by my training to even have time to dwell on anything. That's how it should have been ever since the beginning, and I need to give my best if I want to fight next to Captain Levi. Yes, nothing else should occupy my mind...

Training Corps, Year 850

"Alright, you brats, I am about to tell you the results of your three-year training. I will now announce the top 10 graduates. Those ten people and the rest of you will have 24 hours to inform me of the military branch you've chosen to apply to. Let's start."

I worked hard, and even if I didn't make it into the top 10, that wouldn't really be an issue since I've already decided. But I was still curious, so I listened carefully to Captain Levi's next words.

"1st is Mikasa Ackerman
2nd place goes to Reiner Braun
3rd place: Bertolt Hoover
4th place: Annie Leonheart
5th place: Eren Jeager
6th place: Jean Kirstein
7th place: Desi
8th place: Connie Springer
9th place: Sasha Blouse
10th place: Krista Lenz."

"Huh... did he just say I'm in 7th place?!"

"Good work, Shortie!" Jean congratulated me, and I did the same. I could hear the excited voices of Connie and Sasha.

Captain Levi spoke up once more. "Good work, cadets. Now, Commander Erwin Smith would like to say a few words."

"Thank you, Levi." I literally hid myself behind Jean the second I heard the commander's name. That was probably the stupidest thing I could have done, but I didn't really want to face him. Jean was taken by surprise, but once the commander spoke, his attention went back to him. "I would like to congratulate everyone. You've shown wonderful results throughout your training, and I don't feel any less than proud!" The commander's gaze was moving from one cadet to another until he noticed me. I quickly averted my eyes. The commander continued with his speech. "However, there is something important I need to discuss with all of you. I won't lie; the Survey Corps is in need of talented young people like you. My request goes to everyone here: to those who want to fight for humanity's freedom, to those who wish to give their hearts for the ultimate mission of putting an end to the Titan oppression." At this point, I had already moved back to my spot and was listening intently to the commander's words. "It will be dangerous; it will be very dangerous. You can die at any given time, but I still ask of you—join me and the rest of the Survey Corps, and let's change the odds in favor of humanity!" Commander Smith allowed his words to sink in a bit before adding. "Those of you who don't want to join the Survey Corps are free to go."

My gaze moved to the others around me. Many of them turned around and left and didn't even look back. Some were still in conflict with themselves. Jean looked at me. What he saw in my eyes was probably sadness. I didn't really want him to go, but I also didn't want to keep him away from his true desire, so I smiled and nodded. I was sure he could easily read my thoughts, which simply told him, 'It's alright, you can go'. And so he did. I turned my gaze back to the commander, who was still waiting in his spot. This time I didn't avert my eyes but instead studied his blue irises. I was curious to know what kind of thoughts and emotions were going through his mind.

---

'So, Levi was right. She wants to join the Survey Corps. She didn't even move from her spot. She already made her decision before coming here today, huh? Such a peculiar girl.' Erwin Smith couldn't hold back the subconscious smile that formed on his lips.

---

It was a very faint smile, and it didn't last long, but I'm sure I noticed it. Just like under a magic spell, I smiled back. I quickly realized what I had done and cursed my inability to withstand his charm. It's like time between us has stopped once more. This felt like déjà vu. But the moment didn't last long.

I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, and Jean's voice reached my ears. "I can't do it, Shortie. I can't leave you alone in the Survey Corps. Who knows how fast you'll die without me to keep you safe."

I turned around to face Jean, my mouth wide open in surprise.

"Why do you look so shocked? Is my decision that unexpected?"

"But, Jean... what about the Military Police Brigade?"

"Eh, you were right; they're a bunch of lazy jerks. I still don't feel good about this whole "fighting titans" business, but I guess this is fine as well."

A couple of happy tears escaped my eyes, but they were quickly replaced by irritation from his previous words. "Hey, who says I'll die? I'll tell you this: I don't need anyone to save me!"

"Sure you don't, Shortie."

"More like you'll need my protection."

"As if! Besides..." He told me the rest in a whisper. 'I can't really leave you alone with Commander Smith. I don't trust you to have good judgment around him.'

"H-hey!" I turned bright red and pulled on Jean's ear hard. We were only teasing each other as usual and ended up bursting into laughter.

---

Erwin Smith's eyes were still fixed on her. He was now a witness to her genuine joy when around her friend. 'That boy, Jean Kirstein, they seem to be very close. Well, they grew up together, more or less. Nothing wrong with being good friends. Still, I wish she could be this free around me...' Erwin willed himself to concentrate on the rest of the cadets and what he came here for. 'It's none of my business anyway. And these kinds of thoughts are very wrong.' But the unsettling feeling didn't leave. What he didn't know was that Levi was also studying his reactions and shaking his head in disapproval.

---

"To those of you who decided to stay, there is only one thing I can tell you. I admire your courage! For me, it will be an honor to fight together with such brave young people!" And the Commander saluted us. We all did the same. I can see that some are still not sure whether they made the right choice, but my decision is firm. Even more so now that my dream is becoming a reality.

'Wait...my dream?'