"Alright."
Just as Lucien and Corporal Levi were about to resume their fight, Erwin and Keith approached the training field. The tension in the air immediately eased as Lucien lowered his stance, his eyes turning toward the tall, composed man with striking blond hair.
Erwin Smith—13th Commander of the Survey Corps. A man of immense charisma and iron resolve, capable of inspiring others even in the face of despair. His strategic brilliance and leadership had long made him one of humanity's greatest symbols of hope.
"Interested in joining the Survey Corps?" Erwin asked with a calm, steady smile. It was rare to see that expression from him, but Lucien's talent reminded him of his first encounter with Levi.
Though there were still unanswered questions about Lucien's background, Erwin could not overlook his power. If such strength could be guided and observed under the Corps' watch, it would be a gain for humanity—and a chance to keep a potential threat close.
"Erwin, isn't this decision a bit hasty?" Keith interjected, frowning. His tone betrayed his unease, but Erwin raised a hand to stop him, his gaze fixed firmly on Lucien.
"What do you say?" Erwin asked again, his voice composed yet commanding.
Lucien paused, his expression thoughtful. Then he smiled lightly, a calm contrast to Levi's perpetual sternness. "My ideal position was actually with the Garrison Regiment."
Erwin studied him for a long moment. "If someone with your strength doesn't join the Survey Corps, it would be a loss for humanity."
"I heard the Survey Corps is made up of elites," Lucien replied, tone half-joking.
"You are one of them," Erwin interrupted without hesitation.
For a moment, their eyes met. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken understanding. Then Lucien's smile returned, this time sharper, more assured. "Then please take care of me, Commander."
He had changed his mind. Though he didn't fully understand Erwin's intentions, joining the Survey Corps might make his future plans smoother. After all, he had already mastered Geppo and Soru—techniques that gave him an overwhelming edge. It didn't matter which regiment he joined. The result would be the same.
Keith looked stunned. "This… this is moving too fast."
"I'll report his exceptional promotion to the higher-ups," Erwin said decisively.
Keith sighed. "Alright then. I suppose you have your reasons."
"I'll report to the Survey Corps in seven days," Lucien said. "I'm still not completely proficient with the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment."
Erwin nodded approvingly. "Understood."
With that, he turned and walked away, Levi and Keith following beside him.
---
Later, at the Survey Corps headquarters, Erwin and Levi stood alone in the command office.
"When Lucien Graves joins the Survey Corps, keep a close watch on him," Erwin instructed.
"Understood," Levi replied simply, his eyes calm but cold. He didn't trust easily, and Erwin's caution mirrored his own instincts.
"Tomorrow, according to the original plan, we'll conduct a survey north of Wall Maria," Erwin continued.
"Alright," Levi said, already thinking ahead.
---
Back at the Training Corps grounds, Lucien continued practicing with the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment. His movements were smoother now, his control growing sharper with every pass. Erwin and Levi's interruption had barely cost him time.
Not far away, a group of curious cadets peeked from behind a stone wall.
"Did you hear the conversation between Commander Erwin and that guy?" Connie whispered, craning his neck.
"Too far, couldn't hear anything," Jean replied, frustrated.
"He was invited to join the Survey Corps," Reiner said suddenly, his voice low and expressionless as he watched Lucien glide between the structures.
"What?!" Connie gasped. "An exceptional promotion?"
"Which batch is he even from?" Jean muttered. "I haven't seen him in ours—or even in the 105th or 106th classes."
"I need to get into the Survey Corps," Eren said quietly, determination burning in his eyes. "We're graduating soon. This is my chance."
"Let's get out of here," Sasha urged nervously. "If we get caught sneaking out again, Keith will have our heads!"
The group quickly scattered down the alley, though Eren couldn't resist one last glance at Lucien before leaving.
---
The next day, the entire Training Corps was assembled for drills. The 104th Cadet Corps—Eren's batch—was nearing graduation, but daily training was still mandatory. Keith, as always, was merciless in his supervision.
Yet today, the atmosphere was different. Dozens of cadets were whispering, eyes drawn toward the far end of the training field.
"Who is that guy?"
"Never seen him before."
"Look at him! How can anyone do that many push-ups?!"
"I counted—he's already passed a thousand!"
A crowd of astonished recruits gathered as Lucien continued his routine, his body drenched in sweat. He moved with perfect rhythm, unbothered by fatigue. Push-ups, sit-ups, handstand push-ups—each in the thousands.
Then, without rest, he stood and equipped his Vertical Maneuvering Gear again, launching himself skyward with flawless control.
"Enough staring! Back to your training!" Keith barked, glaring fiercely. The cadets scattered instantly, though their eyes still darted back to Lucien whenever he wasn't looking.
---
Later that afternoon, Lucien joined the cadets for lunch. The dining hall buzzed with chatter, but he sat alone at a corner table, quietly eating.
Despite the calm look on his face, every other cadet was aware of who he was. Rumors had spread like wildfire—how Commander Erwin himself had promoted him directly into the Survey Corps, and how he had fought Levi to a standstill.
Most recruits were too intimidated to approach him.
Except one.
Eren Jaeger walked over, carrying his tray, and sat across from Lucien without hesitation.
"My name's Eren," he said earnestly. "Nice to meet you."
Lucien looked up, then smiled slightly. "Lucien."
Eren let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had expected the man to be cold or distant, but Lucien's expression was surprisingly calm—almost kind.
"I saw your fight with Captain Levi yesterday," Eren said, eyes wide with admiration. "You were incredible! How did you do that?"
Lucien took another bite of food before replying casually, "Just like me, do a thousand push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises every day."
Eren froze mid-bite. "A… a thousand?"
He could barely manage a hundred on a good day. The thought made his arms ache already.
"Eren," a voice called from behind. Mikasa, Armin, Connie, Sasha, and Reiner walked over with their trays.
"Hello, I'm Connie," said the short-haired recruit, grinning awkwardly as he sat down.
"I'm Sasha," said the girl beside him, already halfway through her meal.
"Reiner," "Jean," "Armin—and this is Mikasa," the others added in turn.
Lucien nodded politely. "Lucien."
He looked around the table. The faces before him weren't just cadets—they were names etched into destiny itself: Eren, the wielder of the Attack and Founding Titans; Reiner, the Armored Titan; Bertholdt, the Colossal Titan. Though Ymir and Annie were absent, the weight of what he knew hung faintly in the air.
"Um," Armin began carefully, "is it true? That Commander Erwin personally invited you to the Survey Corps?"
The question caught everyone's attention instantly—except Sasha, who was too busy chewing.
Lucien nodded once. "Yes."
"It's true then…" Jean muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable."
"Yeah," Connie said, eyes wide. "How'd you even get that strong?"
Before Lucien could answer, Eren blurted out, "He already told me! He does a thousand push-ups and sit-ups every day!"
Everyone froze.
"What?! A thousand?!" Jean exclaimed.
"You'd destroy your arms doing that!" Connie added, staring at Lucien's calm face. "That's insane!"
"Monster—uh, sorry, I didn't mean that!" Connie stammered quickly.
Lucien chuckled softly. "It's alright."
His easygoing attitude caught them off guard. Despite his strength, he wasn't arrogant or distant. Slowly, the tension melted away, and the group began chatting freely. Most of the conversation revolved around Lucien—his training, his fight with Levi, and the mysterious invitation from Commander Erwin.
Reiner and Bertholdt, however, stayed mostly silent, observing Lucien with unreadable eyes.
Outside the walls, the world remained cruel and uncertain. The Survey Corps had begun its next expedition north of Wall Maria, where mindless Titans roamed freely. Humanity's remaining bastions—Wall Rose and Wall Sina—stood as the last line of defense.
____
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