What if {ereri}

7

Levi

Today was the day.

We joined the 104th Training Corps.

We stood in rows, waiting for our names to be called.

I was in a different line than Eren, Mikasa, and Armin.

Alone.

The uniform felt heavy on my body.

The instructor paced in front of us, barking orders, calling names.

I only listened to the names.

"Annie Leonhart."

"Connie Springer."

"Reiner Braun."

"Jean Kirstein."

I glanced at him. Looked like a horse.

"Krista Lenz."

"Armin Arlert."

"Mikasa Ackerman."

"Eren Jaeger."

Then—

"You."

I blinked.

The instructor stared down at me.

"Name, cadet?"

I hesitated.

Then, quietly—

"...Levi."

Silence.

The instructor's face darkened.

"WHAT WAS THAT, CADET?!"

I flinched.

But I didn't speak.

He shoved me down.

"You better speak up, or do you want me to just call you mute?"

I clenched my fists.

I stayed quiet.

The instructor—Shadis—huffed in frustration.

His attention shifted to a girl—

Eating a potato.

His anger doubled.

I barely listened.

Only caught her name—

"Sasha Braus."

Or Potato Girl.

I wasn't sure.

I dusted myself off. Stood back up.

⸻

We were taken to the barracks.

Rows of bunk beds.

No privacy.

I sat on the edge of mine, quiet.

Outside, we leaned against the railings.

Sasha was running laps.

Punishment.

Two cadets stood nearby.

"Wow," the bald one muttered. "She really ate a potato in front of the commander."

"She must've been starving," the freckled one added.

I didn't react.

Then, the bald one turned toward us.

"Anyway, we know where most of you are from, but what about you three?"