Early in the morning, the 218 graduating trainees of the 104th Training Corps stood neatly in formation, awaiting the instructor's orders. Instructor Keith's voice was as powerful and resounding as ever, even after three years of hearing it.
"Listen up, you stupid pigs! Today's Trost District simulated attack training is extremely important! Aren't some of you aiming to join the Military Police? Then show me everything you've got tomorrow! See the gap between you and real soldiers. Tomorrow, the Chief Official of the Southern Territories Pixis will also be here to observe. Trainees, give it your best performance! Dedicate your hearts!"
"Dedicate your hearts!" Everyone roared, fists to their chests.
After the briefing ended, the trainees immediately dispersed, each hurrying to their assigned posts to prepare. This Trost simulated attack training would be a joint exercise between the Training Corps and the Garrison.
The simulated attack referred to a series of operations and responses modeled on Trost District being breached by Titans.
This included organizing civilian evacuation, vanguard squads, supply squads, logistics squads, communication squads, and so on—clear divisions of labor, though no one knew how this so-called training would really hold up in actual combat.
This time, the squad assignments were still random. Yago and Thomas were assigned to Squad 27. Though called a squad, it seemed more appropriate to call it a small team.
Squad 27 was a vanguard unit. Their task was to assist the Garrison vanguard in clearing Titan models on the left flank.
After preparations were complete, everyone shouldered their packs and set off. Upon entering Trost District, Thomas suggested going home for a bit. Since there was no rush timewise, going back was fine. Marco also happened to be heading home, and before leaving he asked Jean Kirstein if he wanted to come along.
"Jean, your mom must really miss you. Come back with us."
Jean thought of his mother's caring expression. Afraid of embarrassing himself in front of everyone, he hurriedly refused Marco.
Walking along the streets of Trost District, the country kids Sasha and Connie were dazzled.
"Wow, there's so much interesting stuff in the city—and lots of good food!"
"It's my first time seeing such a prosperous place too!"
Yago had been inside Wall Sheena before and had seen the so-called noble lifestyle, so he wasn't particularly surprised.
Watching Sasha and Connie act like clowns, Jean couldn't help mocking them.
"Once you become Garrison soldiers, you can look as long as you want. When I join the Military Police, I'll come here to see you."
But Armin delivered a perfect follow-up jab.
"That said, Jean, are you really not going home? Marco said your mom must really miss you."
Jean froze for a moment, then said angrily in embarrassment,
"So noisy! Why do you care so much?"
Time quickly reached noon. Squad 27 stood atop a tower. Thomas and Bertolt stood beside Yago. Yago looked up at the sun, estimating that the timing was about right.
With two swift motions, Yago drew both blades from their sheaths and locked them into the rotating mechanisms on his legs. Thomas and Bertolt were already used to this and each drew their own blades, ready for combat.
Bang! A green signal flare representing the start of training shot up. Instantly, the previously quiet Trost District came alive. Hundreds of trainees and Garrison soldiers roared as they charged from all directions toward the Titan models erected throughout the city.
Inside the city, the Garrison soldiers responsible for evacuating civilians also began directing them in an orderly fashion. Everyone knew it was a drill, so the civilians cooperated fully.
The Garrison vanguard squad coordinating with Squad 27 gave them a signal. Yago drew his blades, eyes sharp.
"Squad 27, move out!"
Taking the lead, Yago leapt down from the tower. Thomas and Bertolt immediately followed.
...
On Wall Rose, Instructor Keith held a monocular telescope, observing the training. Beside him stood an old man with the same bald head, a white beard, many wrinkles on his forehead, flushed cheeks, wearing a Garrison uniform emblazoned with the Rose insignia, with a bright red honorary sash slung across his body. He was the Chief Official of the Southern Territories of the Garrison, Pixis, who directly commanded over ten thousand Garrison soldiers—a true powerhouse holding real military authority.
At this moment, Pixis was standing there swaying. From up close, not only could one hear him snoring, but also smell the strong scent of alcohol.
Through the monocular, Instructor Keith saw Squad 27's performance in the distance and was greatly impressed. Yago took the lead, not only wielding dual blades in his hands, but also having the twin blades strapped to his legs spinning constantly. As Yago soared through midair, his speed never dropped. While the blade in his hand sliced through the nape of a Titan model, the blade strapped to his calf cleanly split open another Titan model that was very close to him.
Thomas and Bertolt also performed very well. Thomas mainly handled target observation, Yago took charge of the main eliminations, and Bertolt guarded against sneak attacks and finished off targets. Especially Bertolt—his use of the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment and his dual-blade slashing techniques were extremely perfect and standardized, without a single unnecessary movement, though he occasionally looked a bit stiff.
Instructor Keith nodded in satisfaction, but when he shifted his gaze, he saw a scene that displeased him.
In Instructor Keith's eyes, Squad 21, originally responsible for the rear guard, suddenly abandoned their post and rushed toward the front line. Keith could guess that they wanted to show off, charging forward on their own to kill more Titans.
In battle, Keith admired this kind of courage. But this was Corps training—acting on one's own like this could easily cause disorder or even collapse of the defensive line.
At this moment, the female Garrison soldier beside Commander Pixis, Miniko, also noticed something was wrong and hurriedly reported it.
"Commander, Squad 21 has abandoned their post. Eh? Commander? Commander?"
Pixis was standing there asleep. With no other choice, Miniko shouted loudly into Pixis's ear, "Commander!"
Pixis jolted awake. The first thing he said was, "Is it time to eat?"
"Commander, didn't you just eat?" Miniko said helplessly.
"Did I?" Pixis scratched his head, then raised the wine bottle in his hand. Just as he was about to open it, Miniko snatched it away. "Commander! You can't drink anymore!"
Unexpectedly, Pixis pulled another bottle of wine from his coat like a magic trick and started gulping it down. Miniko's face darkened. This commander was so disobedient—she was tired, just end it all. The male Garrison soldier in charge of records, Lian, quickly tried to smooth things over.
"It's fine, it's fine. It's rare for the commander to have an opportunity like this. Drinking a bit more won't hurt."
Pixis's eyes were unfocused. After taking another swig, he started thinking about what to have for dinner.
"Commander Pixis, you really should drink less," Keith said as he came over.
Pixis replied, "Oh, it's Keith. How's being an instructor in the Training Corps? I hear you've got quite a few promising recruits."
Keith nodded without the slightest hint of modesty.
"Indeed. The 104th trainees are exceptionally outstanding, more than capable of becoming elite soldiers in the major corps."
Pixis burst into laughter and took another gulp of wine.
"Keith, you really are just like before—no idea what humility is. Then let's go. Let me see for myself these excellent trainees of yours."
...
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