Recruitment Begins
"Have you heard? This time, the deputy commander of the Survey Corps is here to preside over the recruitment meeting. That's never happened before!"
"Survey Corps… I heard their last expedition outside the Walls had terrible casualties. The risk is too high. I'd rather serve in the Military Police or the Garrison."
"You'd better worry about passing today first. There are only three slots in our district."
"Not necessarily. If you're good enough, someone like the deputy commander might add more places."
"Only if you can impress him. Do you think you can?"
"How do you know unless you try?"
The chatter spread quickly across the square, tension thick in the air.
Lock didn't join in. He pushed through the crowd with his natural strength, weaving until he reached the front. His eyes locked onto the man at the center of the gathering—the one presiding over it all.
Erwin Smith.
The deputy commander of the Survey Corps stood tall, radiating calm authority. Seeing him this close, Lock's chest tightened with excitement.
But then his gaze shifted. Standing at Erwin's side was a smaller figure, silent, sharp-eyed, radiating a cold and untouchable aura.
Levi Ackerman.
Even here, before he'd earned the title of captain, his presence was undeniable. Just one look from him was enough to make most people avert their eyes.
When Levi's sharp gaze swept the crowd, Lock felt it land on him. Instinctively, he looked away. His heart thumped, not from fear, but from the strange realization that Levi's height didn't quite reach his own.
"So it's true… Captain one-point-five meters."
Levi's expression didn't shift, though his eyes lingered on Lock a moment longer.
"What is it?" Erwin asked quietly, turning to him.
"Nothing." Levi's reply was flat, though his eyes had not left Lock. "Most people are here. We should begin."
Erwin gave a small nod.
The guard beside him stepped forward, lifted a heavy bell, and struck it three times.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The sound echoed through the square, silencing the chatter. All eyes turned to the raised platform. The square that had been buzzing a moment ago now felt heavy with anticipation.
Erwin stepped forward. His calm voice carried clearly across the crowd:
"I am Erwin Smith, deputy commander of the Survey Corps. I will oversee this recruitment in Shiganshina District. In principle, there are only three available positions. However…" His eyes swept across the crowd, "…if you can demonstrate qualities that move me, exceptions may be made."
A ripple of excitement surged through the recruits. More spots meant more chances.
Lock's face didn't change. He knew his strength. As long as there was no corruption, no favoritism, his place was already secure. Erwin's words only confirmed it.
Beside him, Levi stood still, unreadable.
Erwin continued, his tone steady: "This process will consist of three rounds. The first is a physical test. Only the top hundred will advance. The rest will be eliminated."
No more words were needed. Soldiers began directing the recruits to the training field.
The first test: endurance running.
The whistle blew.
Lock shot forward without hesitation, moving at full pace from the start. His strides were powerful, his breathing measured. Within moments, he was far ahead of the pack.
Whispers broke out behind him.
"Why's he going all out already? It's a long run."
"Kids only think about showing off. He'll burn out fast."
"Yeah. Good—one less rival."
Several tried to keep up with him, their pride refusing to let a boy run so far ahead. But one by one, their pace faltered. Locks didn't. His rhythm was steady, his breathing smooth, his expression calm.
From the platform, Erwin's eyes followed him. "That boy… his stamina is impressive."
Levi crossed his arms. "He's just showing off." But his gaze lingered on Lock with a sharp, appraising look.
The gap widened. By the end of the first lap, Lock was already three hundred meters ahead of the second-placerunner. His body moved as if tireless, the training of the last months evident in every stride.
One lap finished.
Lock pushed forward, ready for another—only for a soldier on the sidelines to suddenly step out, raising a hand to stop him.
He slowed, frowning. "What's this? Isn't this supposed to be an endurance test?"
Confusion spread among the watching recruits as the soldiers closed in. The first round was not over—yet Lock had already changed the entire atmosphere of the trial.