Chapter 99 Aftermath of the Battle

The Survey Corps had paid a steep price. Out of over 200 soldiers, more than 40 had fallen in the fight to eliminate 70 giants. Counting earlier losses, nearly 60 soldiers had perished. With a casualty rate exceeding 30%, the Survey Corps was nearing its breaking point.

Ryo, retrieving supplies from the team, made his way to Mikasa. Placing the extra gear aside, he sat beside her on a branch. He pulled out gauze and began carefully bandaging her arm.

"Hiss!" Mikasa winced as he worked. Although her wound had been cleaned, the pain was still sharp. Around them, the groans and cries of injured soldiers punctuated the heavy atmosphere.

"Bear with it. It'll be over soon," Ryo reassured her, his voice gentle as he tied off the bandage.

Sweat beaded on Mikasa's forehead. The combination of pain, exhaustion, and grief made her feel drained. She looked at the improvised dressing and nodded. "Thank you, Ryo."

Ryo laughed lightly. "No need to thank me. Just rest and eat something. You've been fighting all day—you need to recover. Don't worry, I'll be here to watch over you." He handed her some food, the standard rations of the Survey Corps.

Mikasa shook her head slightly. "I don't have much of an appetite."

"You still need to eat," Ryo insisted. "You'll need your strength."

Though reluctant, Mikasa accepted the food. Her body was sore, her lips dry. Ryo noticed her discomfort and handed over his water flask. "Here, drink. You've earned it."

She hesitated before taking it. "Thanks again," she murmured, her voice softer this time.

The battlefield still felt raw. Bloodied bodies, rising steam from decaying giants, and the crushed hopes of the dead lingered in the air. Though victorious, the cost was staggering. Ryo glanced at the recruits—former members of the Garrison and Military Police—many of whom had joined their ranks just days before. Now, their numbers were greatly diminished.

Mikasa's thoughts were clouded with guilt. She recalled her mistakes in battle, particularly when blood slicked her hands and caused her to lose grip on her blade. Her water bottle had shattered, and the injured giant she failed to kill had retaliated. Had Ryo not intervened in time, her life might have ended there.

Ryo noticed her silence. "Don't dwell on it," he said, his voice steady. "You fought well. Surviving this fight is a victory in itself."

Mikasa nodded, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her lingering embarrassment. She had been strong, but her inexperience had shown. At only fourteen, she lacked the stamina for prolonged combat, a skill that came with time and survival.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the forest in hues of orange and red, the toll of battle was evident. Veterans knew to replenish their strength after a fight, no matter how drained they felt. For the living, there was still hope. For the dead, only silence.

"Rest now," Ryo said softly. "We've made it through another day."

Around them, the forest still carried the stench of death, the aftermath of a hard-fought battle against insurmountable odds. Yet in the quiet moments, there was a faint glimmer of resolve. Even in despair, humanity's fight continued.