Chapter 104 A Hero's Name

Boom!

Ryo's words sent shockwaves through the crowd.

He had killed 22 titans by himself?

The announcement sounded absurd to the onlookers. Ryo didn't look like much—thin, small, and without the hulking physique many associated with warriors. How could someone like him take down so many titans in a single battle?

"Hey, kid, are you just making this up? Titans are terrifying! You're lucky you didn't wet your pants, let alone kill any!" a burly man scoffed, his voice filled with disbelief.

The murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, with nods and muttered comments casting doubt on Ryo's claim.

Ryo glanced at the man, then shifted his gaze to the surrounding people. He could sense their skepticism. But instead of arguing, he smiled calmly.

"Haha, if you don't believe me, feel free to ask our captain! Isn't that right, Captain Erwin?" Ryo said, his voice steady as he turned to Erwin.

All eyes shifted to Erwin, who stood at the center of the Survey Corps' formation. Without hesitation, Erwin pulled out the battle report and began to read aloud.

"Yes. Ryo Carter, fourteen years old, with one and a half years of military service, transferred from the Training Corps to the Survey Corps. In yesterday's battle in the giant forest, he killed 22 titans, including two abnormal species."

The crowd fell silent, hanging on Erwin's every word. Erwin's reputation was impeccable, and no one dared to question his honesty. The moment his declaration ended, disbelief turned into awe.

A wave of whispers spread through the crowd, quickly building into cheers.

"This kid killed 22 titans? If someone so small and young can do that, maybe we really can defeat the titans!"

"Yeah! The Survey Corps isn't just a group of reckless fools—they're humanity's best hope! This boy's incredible!"

"You see? If people like him can achieve so much, then humanity's fight against the titans isn't hopeless after all! Long live the Survey Corps!"

Shouts of support rang out, the crowd's energy transforming into a rallying cry.

"Long live Captain Erwin!" some yelled.

"Long live Captain Levi!" others chimed in, showing their admiration for the strongest warriors of humanity.

The civilians' once wary gazes were now filled with gratitude and hope, invigorating the Survey Corps soldiers. Standing straighter, with their chests puffed out, they soaked in the crowd's admiration. For once, the weight of their sacrifices felt lighter.

As the crowd roared in celebration, a burly man pushed through, his expression somber. Towering over Ryo, he asked, "Hey, kid, what's your name?"

Ryo hesitated. He wasn't one for theatrics or fame, and the attention made him uncomfortable.

Before he could respond, the man continued, his voice trembling. "Listen… if you really killed 22 titans, then you've avenged my family—my wife, my kids. They were taken when the titans breached Maria Wall. I can't ever thank you enough for that."

Tears welled in the man's eyes, and his tough demeanor crumbled. Overcome with emotion, he dropped to his knees before Ryo.

Ryo panicked and quickly tried to lift the man. "Please, sir, there's no need for this! Stand up, please!" His strength outmatched the man's, and he pulled him to his feet with ease.

The man wiped his tears, visibly moved by Ryo's humility and strength. Straightening up, he took a deep breath and shouted with all his might, "Long live the little hero Ryo! Long live the Survey Corps!"

"Long live Ryo!" echoed the crowd.

The name spread like wildfire, chants of "Ryo" blending with cheers for the Survey Corps.

Standing among his comrades, Ryo couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride. He hadn't sought recognition, but if his actions inspired even a glimmer of hope in humanity, then it was worth it.

Erwin and Levi exchanged a glance, both silently acknowledging the spark Ryo had ignited. Their newest recruit was more than just a skilled fighter—he was becoming a symbol of humanity's resilience.