"Dedicate your hearts!"
"Yes!"
More than two hundred people simultaneously struck their chests with one hand, creating a resounding thud. The instructors, who had trained them for the past three years, stood on the high platform before them. As witnesses to the graduation, they were essential to the ceremony.
Between the platform and the crowd, a row of trainees stood isolated. These were the top ten of the year.
"From today, all of you graduating from the Trainee Corps have three options: The Garrison Regiment, which focuses on fortifying the walls and protecting towns; the Survey Corps, a group willing to sacrifice everything as they venture outside the walls to face the titans; and the Military Police, tasked with maintaining order and managing the populace while being close to the king."
The Trainee Corps commander explained from the platform, his voice booming across the gathering.
"Of course, only the top ten in overall performance are eligible for the Military Police!"
Everyone's eyes turned toward the top ten standing in the front row.
Rayan glanced over. Just as he expected, the lineup was identical to the original story. From first to tenth, they were: Mikasa, Reiner, Bertholdt, Annie, Eren, Jean, Marco, Connie, Sasha, and Krista.
There were no surprises. Everyone accepted the results without complaint, Rayan included. Although his performance wasn't bad, he didn't make it into the top ten. But that wasn't something he minded. After all, he didn't need to be in the top ten.
Next came the graduation banquet. No more grueling training or scolding from instructors. After tonight, their three years of hardship would be behind them, and a new chapter of their lives would begin.
However, as Rayan observed the crowd eating and celebrating, a thought crossed his mind: How many of them will die tomorrow?
The day after the 104th Trainee Squad's graduation, the Colossal Titan would appear outside Wall Rose again, just as it did five years ago. It would kick down the gates of death, allowing smaller titans to flood in and devour the helpless.
That was how the story went. Given the current trajectory, if nothing changed, tomorrow would unfold in the same tragic manner.
What should I do?
Rayan looked at his hands. His fair palms were marked with faint lines, and for a moment, it felt as though faces were flashing by in his mind.
Caught in a psychological dilemma, he wondered: If I knew nothing, then whatever happens, however many people die, wouldn't concern me. But if I knew and chose to do nothing, would it then become my responsibility?
It's fine. No one knows I know the plot, right?
That was true. But could he really ignore his conscience? Did he truly not care? Was it really none of his business?
"Rayan."
He snapped back to reality. Krista was standing in front of him, her large lake-blue eyes studying him with curiosity. "What are you doing standing here? Aren't you going to eat something?"
"Ah… I'm not very hungry." He smiled, shaking off his thoughts. "Congratulations, Krista. It's amazing that you made it into the top ten."
"Of course!" Ymir approached and joined the conversation. "You don't need to tell us that, shorty." She hooked her arm around Krista's." Let's go. Let him stand here lost in thought. He's always overthinking. Let's go get something delicious!"
"But..."
"Rayan Kafka."
A stern voice cut through the air from behind. The three of them turned simultaneously to find Instructor Keith standing there.
"Come with me."
"Yes."
Rayan followed him as Ymir and Krista exchanged puzzled glances.
Keith led Rayan into a room within the castle. Inside, several unfamiliar faces greeted him. They wore uniforms adorned with the "Enforcing Unicorn" emblem—the unmistakable sign of Military Police personnel.
"You're Rayan?" a middle-aged man asked.
"Yes."
The man nodded absently, his eyes unfocused. He scrutinized Rayan briefly before speaking again. "Not bad. We've seen your scores. You didn't make the top ten, but you were still near the top. I assume Keith mentioned that you could be specially considered for the Military Police?"
"...Yes."
"So, do you want to join?" The man's tone suggested no alternative answer was expected.
Rayan's response was what the man had anticipated. "Yes, I'm willing to become a member of the Military Police."
"Very good."
The man stood and handed Rayan several sheets of paper from the table. "The King wishes to meet with you personally. These are the words you need to say to him. Memorize them well and don't make any mistakes."
"Understood."
"Good. You're free to leave now. Wait for further instructions."
Rayan exited the room. Once he was gone, the remaining men began conversing idly.
"That kid's lucky. Back in our day, we had to work our butts off in the Garrison Regiment for years before we had a shot at the Military Police."
"Yeah, he's got it easy. He can join right after graduation."
"Can't help it. The refugees from Wall Maria in the underground district have been causing trouble... the King needs to make a statement."
"Heard seven or eight soldiers died?"
"More."
As Rayan left the room, he glanced down at the papers in his hands. They outlined the King's words and his own responses—nothing more than the King expressing sympathy for those who had gone on the expedition. Now, he sought to compensate the survivors. In turn, Rayan would express his gratitude.
Purely a show, Rayan thought. Unlike the version of the world depicted in the anime and manga, the real world of titans was far more complex. The intricate balance of power and the expediency of various forces were much subtler than simply teaming up to fight the titans.
As for why he was participating in this display, the answer was simple: Rayan had no right to refuse.
Over seventy survivors remained. Even if he declined, they could easily find someone else to take his place. And given the monarchy's pettiness, refusing would not end well for him.
Another factor was that Rayan wanted to join the Military Police. In that regard, he had his own reasons for agreeing to the performance.
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Try Other Fics I Have
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