[ PROLOGUE: "FAUST CHURCH" ]
[ NEW MISSION UNLOCKED! ]
[ DESCRIPTION: "RUN LAPS AND FINISH THE TRAINING EXERCISE WHILE BEING IN THE TOP 10 CADETS. THE HIGHER THE PLAYER RANKED, THE MORE REWARDS HE'LL RECEIVE." ]
Faust, who's subtly checking out the figures of the other cadets---the ladies, as he doesn't fancy guys---was pulled out of his mission. As he was instead given another Mission.
This one is less entertaining, but at the least, it'll give tangible and useful rewards rather than the other, which gives a simple hormone boost. "Jackpot...!"
Heart pumping, Faust tried to keep calm. As he focused his attention back on the nearly balding Instructor right at the front---pacing back and forth, yelling instructions.
"Tch," And on the corner, behind Faust, a lady with glasses and bright silver-hair is watching his bizarre movements; his muttering, wide shit-eatting grin, and even wandering eyes.
All recorded in the back of her mind.
Her expression on the other hand is one filled with barely hidden disdain, as she grinds her teeth in annoyance; not being able to do a thing at the moment, as she's in formation.
"What a creep..." Instead, she thought of different ways to counter the said weirdo. And perhaps, if lucky---have a chance in beating him up bloody near the woods.
'Just wait...' She thought, fist curling behind her back. 'I'm gonna wipe that smug face of yours, Faust...!'
A dark ominous aura appeared from around her, something which others near her notice, but wisely chose not to ask about---as they fear being targeted next.
Faust who's oblivious to the incoming disaster that's gonna befall him, sneezed. Feeling weirded out. 'Huh... Weird, why do I feel cold all of a sudden?'
But then his attention went back to the Instructor, who's busy demoralizing the other Recruits---skillfully so, with the other Instructors who are less in rank, but also teach, watch.
"You sack of titan shits, why should I teach you all?" The Instructor---Phineas Fwilp, stopped in front of one sweating Cadet, as if sizing him up and down. "Why should I?!"
"I...!" The Cadet, a brown-haired kid was about to answer. But received a harsh headbutt before he could, causing him to groan in pain.
Seeing this, the other Cadets visibly tense up, as some of them straightened up slightly.
Faust, he, on the other hand was busy trying to suppress a yawn from exiting his mouth. Boredom written all over his face, but he tried to hide it; luckily, he was somewhat in the middle. Hard to notice at first.
"Wrong answer Cadet!" He continued, voice booming. Lifeless eyes scanned each one of the Students, as if, everyone was laid bare before him... Which, in some sense, is correct. "You all aren't worthy, that's the truth!"
"But the King is benevolent, that's why I'm teaching you all how not to be useless." The Instructor rumbled on and on, with Faust listening somewhat. Or appearing to listen, at the least, as he doesn't want to get punished.
And after some time. Of giving speeches, drilling the importance of the Goverment, and how useless each and every single Cadets are---the lineup was finally done. "Run 10 laps around the field, the last 10 don't get to eat!"
For point of reference, there's about 226 Recruits inside the training ground, inside this Cadet Corp. Somewhat high, really.
And all year around, there are 8 simultaneous Divisions for Cadets---4 on each side of Wall Maria, and 4 on each side of Wall Rose. In total, there are exactly 8, no more, no less.
But out of them 8. The ones closest to the Capital---Mitras, or Wall Sina at least. Is the Northern Division inside Wall Maria, thus, unspeakably, more prestigious.
More renowned. And like power, it's all about location. The closest you are to the place of power, the more you'll get in turn.
To get inside you either need connections, or rank top within your respective recruitment, in which, Faust did without question. Which is how he got inside in the first place.
So in truth, at least, more than half of the Recruits at the moment, are pampered spoiled brats. Sons of merchants, or rich people. Who lived in comfort.
So seeing the way the Commandant---Phineas Fwilp---handle them all, some of them froze. Not at all knowing what to do, even though they have already been commanded to run 10 laps around the field.
That hesitation by others spread, causing most of the Cadets to freeze. Visibly tense. But some, seeing the opportunity, ran; Faust included, as he ignored the others.
"Yeah, I'm aiming first, you pricks!" Aside from him, there are others. For example: a short silver-haired girl, a hollowed-face brown-haired guy, and a dark-haired well built boy.
Seeing them, the other Cadets followed suit. As they remembered the order that was barked at them, not wanting to be in the last 10.
But the rest, they still stood frozen.
That hesitation was noticed by the Head Instructor, as he shook his head in both disappointment and disbelief.
"What are you all waiting for? For Wall Maria to fall!?! Run, god-damned it. Or I'll gut you alive!!" He barked, kicking in one in the ass, sending him running to the field. "MOVE!!!"
Faust who's already running didn't look back, but inwardly he's already snickering. It seems earning the top spot in the exercise wouldn't be so hard after all. "Too easy."
For a moment he glanced back, seeing how far his competition was from him. And as expected, they aren't even close.
[ ??? (LVL. 6) ]
[ ??? (LVL. 5) ]
[ ??? (LVL. 5) ]
Above their heads floats weird texts that only he can see---a weird superpower that only he can utilize and take advantage of---and quite an advantage it is.
To some it may be useless. But to him, it's an easy way to see and gauge other peoples strength, skills, abilities; and even a way to remember people's names.
For example, in the case of the Instructors who had introduced themselves, Faust could see their names and levels.
[ PHINEAS FWILP (LVL. 35) ]
[ JACOBO FINNCER (LVL. 26) ]
[ LAURIEL BOUSEVART (LVL. 28) ]
And quite a way to distinguish them from common folks. As they are high-level in comparison to the Cadets, even him, and to most of the adults he had seen.
For reference, a normal adult is levelled either at 12 for lowest, to 15 at highest. Blacksmiths, and backbreaking work that increases muscles, or endurance usually stay at levels 17 to 19.
But soldiers... Those in the Garrison that Faust had seen growing up, and along the way. He had seen them stand either at 20, or higher. The highest being at 31, with a rank.
So it was a surprise when he witnessed the level standing above the Head Instructor. Which is the highest he had seen, that being 35. That means, he's either strong, smart, or seasoned.
Or all of the above. Which should be the case, as he wouldn't be the Head of the Training Corp if he wasn't. "What in the...?"
Complacent, Faust who's already ahead by a mile in comparison to the others, was immediately confused as a gust of wind passed; hitting him in the side.
And the cause of that was a blur, a short statured, short silver-haired lady that immediately caught his attention.
Especially because of her soft features, stoic face, pale skin, and eye-catching glasses. And to nail that point home, she briefly gave him a side glance---a hate filled side glance.
[ ??? LVL. 13 ]
"B-beautiful..."
And for a moment, the world seems to pause. The background blurred out in the middle of the day, as Faust's brown pair of eyes stared into her silver-grey eyes. Completely mesmerized.
Without him noticing it, he subconsciously slowed down. His running faltering, before finally, he stopped; causing others to overtake him. Something he didn't notice at first.
But even when he did, he only felt a slight bit annoyed---his pride taking a little bit of hit, as lesser skilled individuals didn't have the right to run past him; only deserving to look at his back.
Though his attention wasn't on that, instead only staring at the back of the unknown silver-haired woman. Someone who bypassed his radar since he got into Camp.
How could that even be possible, Faust had no idea. Especially because he had been looking at various ladies throughout the day.
Either way, the only thing he could think at the moment is that... she's way too beautiful to be in a place like this.
In the middle of the day where the sun is blaring hot, where people are trained to be obedient, little soldiers, where dirt and the smell of shit are prevalent.
In Faust's opinion, she should be in a castle somewhere, acting spoiled, eating luxurious deserts; as from up close or far away, she looks exactly like a real-life princess.
"Shit..." For a moment Faust felt his cheek turn slightly red, his heart beating loudly as if to mock him, and lastly a sense of helplessness overcame his whole being.
He thought of possibilities why, until finally he landed on the most reasonable---yet at the same time, most unreasonable reason. That he is in actuality, has fallen in love.
"No, no. I can't fall in love..."
He thought of the possibility, and after some time, he realized that he may actually have; most likely, as his eyes trailed her figure. Across from him, running steadily in the lead.
And for a second, he noticed that he didn't want to take his gaze away from her. Ultimately making him realize, that yes... he is in love.
"Fuck... I might just be."
Faust who's the last in the race muttered curses underneath his breath, before then walking, running, and finally sprinting in a steady pace that he could keep.
Which confused many other Cadets---as all of them are running as fast as they could, while keeping a steady pace---but no matter what, Faust still overtook them.
What's even more scary is that, all the time, there's a weird, shit-eatting smile across Faust's face; that made the other Cadets even more confused by him.
Before then turning into annoyance as they heard what he was saying while running.
"Move out of the way, lowly peasants!"
"You slow pricks, I'm not even sweating!"
"First place is mine, none of you deserves that place! Only ME!"
With only the thought of the System's prize on his head, Faust kept running; leaving a trail of dust on the way, passing by other panting Cadets---all 13 to 14 year olds.
Easily impressed, easily annoyed. As they all felt both, all the while staring at his back. Finally after some time, pass the first lap, nearing half. Faust finally overtook the lead.
Which was being held by the unknown silver-haired lady. Who has the highest level amongst the year's Cadets, aside for him that is, as he's an anomaly. "Move, princess."
That is to the confusion and subsequent annoyance of the said lady. "How did... you?!"
But instead of answering, Faust only stared at her for a second longer. Supposed to give a teasing remark, he didn't, as his words were caught in his throat.
Realizing this, he caught himself, as he regained his composure. Posture straightening as he ran even faster, ignoring the sweat around his forehead.
But remembering the bewildered look from the lady, he gave her a flirty wink and a teasing smile. Finger in front of his lips, "Secret."
Thinking he made a great first impression on the lady, he turned around, giggling like a child inwardly. Unbeknownst to him that is, he only annoyed her even more.
Evident by her balling her hands into fist, wanting to punch him in the back of his head. Unfortunately, he was already way ahead.
"Y-you...!" So the only thing she could do, the only thing Rico Brzenska could do was curse him loudly. Even though she wanted to hit his head with a brick. "You prick!"
Something the smiling, head-in-the-clouds Faust wasn't able to hear. As he was already thinking about his future: graduation, dating, marriage, and how many children he wants.
The Instructors on the other hand, who was able to watch everything as spectators, couldn't help but marvel on what's wrong with Faust.
As he did easily overtook everyone with little to no effort. So they easily took note of him, especially the Head Instructor---Phineas, who's wondering if Faust was dropped as a baby.
"What a weird kid."
[ ---------- ] [ ---------- ] [ ---------- ] [ ---------- ]
[ FUN FACT: "The Class Number for Faust, Rico, and the others is 98th—also known as the 98th Cadet Corp; it started in the year 941 and will end in 944. For reference, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and the main cast's class is called the 104th Cadet Corp, from 947 to 950." ]