Chapter 106 A Choice to Make

"Huh? You're saying you want to bring Ryo Carter to your research class? Is that what you mean?"

Commander Erwin raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued as Hanji's request echoed in the room. He couldn't quite grasp why she was so keen on recruiting the young recruit.

"Yes, exactly!" Hanji responded without hesitation. She wasn't one to mince words, especially when she had already set her sights on a potential asset like Ryo. His strength and agility had caught her attention, and she envisioned how his abilities could assist her in capturing larger and more dangerous titans.

"Well, I understand your reasoning," Erwin said thoughtfully before turning toward Levi. "What do you think? After all, he's currently under your command."

Levi crossed his arms, glancing briefly at Ryo, who stood uncomfortably as Hanji hovered near him. "Ryo's strong," he said plainly. His tone carried weight, but everyone in the room waited for more.

After a pause, Levi continued, "But not strong enough. If he wants to reach his full potential, he should stay in the Special Operations Squad. That's where he'll have the best chance to refine his skills."

Erwin nodded. "Understood. Ryo," he said, shifting his gaze to the young recruit. "While we've heard differing opinions, the decision ultimately rests with you. Do you understand why?"

"Yes, Commander," Ryo replied, his tone steady. "You want me to take responsibility for my own choice."

Erwin smiled slightly. "Exactly. So, what will it be?"

Ryo hesitated, scanning the faces in the room. Hanji's eyes sparkled with anticipation, while Levi's expression was neutral but expectant. Finally, Ryo spoke.

"If I'm not mistaken, this mission mobilized all three corps in support of the Survey Corps for the 52nd expedition beyond the walls."

The room fell silent. Ryo's statement was bold—this wasn't information typically discussed with lower-ranking soldiers. Yet Erwin, to everyone's surprise, didn't reprimand him.

"You're correct," Erwin said after a pause. "It was for the 52nd expedition."

Ryo nodded. "In that case, with no imminent missions planned, I believe I should return to my position as a trainee. After all, I'm still officially part of the 104th Training Corps and have over a year left before graduation."

Erwin leaned back in his chair, considering Ryo's words. His reasoning was sound, and the commander respected his awareness of duty. "Very well," Erwin said, "I understand your point. You and Mikasa Ackerman will return to the Training Corps. The Survey Corps has no major operations planned for the immediate future."

A look of disappointment crossed Hanji's face, while Levi's expression remained stoic. It seemed like their arguments had been for nothing. But Erwin wasn't finished.

"However," Erwin added, "the Survey Corps is scheduled to report to the Royal Capital about this battle. As one of the key contributors to our success, Ryo, you'll accompany us."

Ryo's momentary relief was replaced by a mix of surprise and hesitation. He nodded anyway, saying, "Understood, Commander. I'll go with the Survey Corps to the Royal Capital."

Despite his formal response, Ryo felt a flicker of excitement. The prospect of returning to the Training Corps, where his sweetheart was waiting, brought him more joy than he cared to admit. He'd missed her more than he realized in just ten days.

Erwin noticed the glint in Ryo's eyes and glanced at the ring on the young man's middle finger, piecing together the emotions behind his enthusiasm. With a faint smile, he leaned back in his chair, leaving Ryo to wonder what Erwin had discerned.

For now, Ryo's fate remained tethered to the Survey Corps—and the decisions of the higher-ups. But as he looked forward to the journey to the Royal Capital, he couldn't help but feel that the winds of change were already stirring.