Chapter 54 Supplies

"Do you have weapons?"

Ryo asked with a frown, scanning the group. The situation was dire. Despite their numbers, they were woefully unprepared.

During training, most of them had left their weapons and equipment in the camp to carry more supplies. Now, they were essentially defenseless. Against an ordinary threat, they might have managed to resist by sheer numbers—pelting rocks, using improvised tools—but facing a bear was an entirely different scenario.

Bears were natural tanks. Their thick fur acted like armor, and their sheer bulk made them impervious to most weapons. Even if they managed to injure the bear, it would likely enter a berserk rage, making it even deadlier.

At the moment, they needed weapons—real ones—to stand a chance.

"Does this count?"

A soldier hesitantly pulled a bow and arrow from under a pile of snow.

Ryo's eyes narrowed as he examined the weapon. It wasn't much, especially against a beast of this size, but it was a start.

The soldier stammered, "We didn't mean to provoke the bear. We saw movement and thought it might be a smaller animal. We figured we could catch it and make broth for everyone. But… we didn't expect a bear."

The rest of the group looked guilty, like kids caught misbehaving. Ryo didn't blame them; their intentions had been good, but their execution had led to disaster.

"The bow is too weak," Ryo said after testing it. "It won't penetrate deep enough to hurt this bear."

"How about this?"

Another soldier revealed a long, sharp dagger.

Ryo tested its weight and balance, nodding in approval. "Not bad. Do you have more?"

Weapons began to appear from various trainees—daggers, small knives, even some improvised tools. By the end of it, Ryo had collected eighteen daggers.

"Good," Ryo said, examining his arsenal. "Now, all of you fall back. Things are about to get dangerous."

"But, Ryo—"

"No arguments," Ryo interrupted firmly. "I'll handle this. Go."

The trainees obeyed, retreating to a safe distance. The stage was set, and Ryo stepped forward to face the beast.

The bear was massive, its hulking frame radiating raw power. Its blood-red eyes burned with rage, and Ryo noticed the feathered shaft of an arrow embedded in its flank. The poor aim had only wounded it, enraging it further.

"This should be fun," Ryo muttered, a grin creeping across his face.

He drew one of the daggers, weighing it in his hand before launching it with precision. The blade struck the bear, embedding itself in its thick hide.

The bear let out a deafening roar, turning its gaze on Ryo. Its fury boiled over, and it charged, its massive body barreling toward him like a freight train.

"Ryo, get back!" one of the soldiers yelled from the sidelines, his voice trembling with fear.

But Ryo didn't flinch. Instead, he planted his feet, daggers at the ready, and smirked. "That's right. Come to me."

The bear closed the distance in seconds, swiping a massive paw at Ryo. He ducked, rolling to the side and slashing at its flank. His blade found purchase, drawing blood.

The bear roared again, twisting to strike him, but Ryo was already gone, moving with the fluidity of a seasoned warrior.

One by one, the daggers flew. Each throw was precise, targeting the bear's vital points. The beast staggered under the assault, its roars turning into pained bellows that echoed through the forest.

The trainees watched in awe, their fear mingling with disbelief. Ryo's movements were almost otherworldly—graceful, deadly, and impossibly fast.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Daggers whizzed through the air, embedding themselves in the bear's shoulders, chest, and legs. It stumbled, its massive frame swaying as its strength began to wane.

In a final act of defiance, the bear reared onto its hind legs, roaring one last time before collapsing with a thunderous crash.

Silence fell over the forest, broken only by the ragged breathing of the onlookers.

Ryo stood over the bear's lifeless body, wiping blood off his hands with snow. He turned to the group, a calm smile on his face. "Well, that settles it."

In the camp, Krista sat wrapped in the blanket Ryo had given her, her eyes fixed on the dark forest. Her heart was heavy with worry. "Ryo, please come back safe."

Farther down the canyon, Mikasa, Eren, and Armin paused their journey, their eyes drawn to the mountainside. The distant roars had reached them, sending chills down their spines.

"What's happening up there?" Armin asked, his voice uneasy.

Mikasa narrowed her eyes. "Whatever it is, someone's fighting. Let's move."