Chapter 82 The First Battle

Ryo gave a firm nod to Petra as she issued their orders. Her command was clear: prioritize containment and teamwork, avoiding unnecessary risks. He admired her calm leadership, even in the face of two towering giants.

Petra's strategy was meticulous. With their current position so close to the wall, abandoning their horses for the three-dimensional maneuvering devices was the wisest move. The terrain here was restrictive, and battling the giants while mounted could lead to chaos. The maneuvering devices allowed for speed, precision, and the ability to strike vital points.

As the team launched into action, Ryo felt Mikasa's gaze on him. Her silent concern was unmistakable, a rare but appreciated sentiment. He grinned briefly, whispering to himself as he glanced at the ring on his finger.

"Krista, wait for me. I'll come back to marry you."

With a burst of gas, Ryo propelled himself into the air, following Petra's lead. The sound of grappling hooks embedding into stone echoed as the team swiftly took to the skies.

"Stick to the plan," Petra reminded, her voice steady but commanding. "Our goal is to contain them. No heroics, Ryo!"

"Understood," Ryo replied, though he couldn't help feeling a tinge of frustration. His instincts urged him to strike, to prove himself, but Petra's words weighed on him.

As they engaged the giants, the situation grew more intense. The two 12-meter-class Titans were relentless, their unpredictable movements making containment a challenge. Petra's calculated tactics ensured they remained focused, using their maneuvering devices to lead the giants toward the city wall, where they could be dealt with more efficiently.

Meanwhile, Captain Levi's squad was tackling the 15-meter-class Titans with characteristic precision. Levi himself darted between the behemoths like a blur, his blades cutting through with unparalleled speed and grace.

From afar, Captain Erwin observed the battlefield with a strategic eye. When asked whether reinforcements should be sent to assist Levi's squad, his response was firm.

"No. Levi's team can handle this. We must focus on advancing. The mission's success is paramount—it concerns humanity's survival."

The officer relayed the orders, and the Survey Corps resumed their formation, pressing forward with unwavering determination.

Back on the battlefield, Ryo found himself paired with Elder, who had noticed Ryo's restraint. Elder grinned as they maneuvered around the left-wing Titan.

"Ryo, the giant's been led to the wall. Petra's busy with the other one, and Oruo's team has already wrapped up their fight. This one's yours. I'll cover you."

Ryo's eyes lit up at the opportunity. Elder's words were all the permission he needed.

"Got it!" Ryo said, a sharp edge of excitement in his tone.

The 12-meter-class Titan roared, its massive hand swinging toward them. With practiced ease, Elder fired his hooks into a nearby ledge, pulling himself out of harm's way.

"Show me what you've got, Ryo!"

Ryo's mind sharpened, his earlier frustration dissipating. This was his chance to prove himself—not out of arrogance, but because he understood the weight of his role within the team.

With a calculated burst of gas, he zipped toward the Titan. His blades gleamed as he aimed for its nape, the Titan's most vulnerable point. The wind roared in his ears as he approached, his heart pounding with adrenaline.

At the last moment, the Titan turned, swiping at him with surprising speed. Ryo twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the massive hand, and fired his grappling hooks into the creature's shoulder. He swung around its back, finding his angle, and in one fluid motion, his blades struck true.

The Titan let out a guttural scream before collapsing, its body crumbling to the ground.

Elder let out a low whistle. "Impressive. Looks like you've got the makings of a great soldier."

Ryo landed lightly, his breathing steady despite the exertion. He looked at the steaming remains of the Titan and nodded to Elder.

"Thanks. But this is just the beginning."

As the battle continued, Ryo glanced toward Petra and Mikasa, both still locked in their own engagements. He steeled himself. For Krista, for his comrades, and for humanity—he would give it his all.

This was only the start of his journey.