Chapter 49 Care for Krista

"Well, there's a winding corner halfway up the mountain on the map. If we reach that point, we can set up camp and rest. With our current physical strength, we likely won't make it past the main peak today. Instead, we'll aim to get halfway and continue the journey tomorrow. Otherwise, without a proper campsite at the main peak and with the dropping temperatures, we'll freeze to death overnight!"

Armin assessed their situation carefully, planning the most reasonable course of action. It was all thanks to Ryo's meticulously prepared map, sparing them unnecessary risks.

"Got it," Eren nodded. However, a frown crept onto his face as he asked, "Where's Ryo? Why haven't we seen him at all this time?"

In the past, Ryo would start the training with them, and though his speed would often leave them in the dust, they could usually use his pace as a guide. Today, however, he was absent right from the beginning, leaving Eren feeling uneasy.

Having grown accustomed to Ryo's presence and leadership, Eren couldn't shake the discomfort. Deep down, he realized he had started to rely on Ryo more than he cared to admit. But this dependence bothered him—how could he hope to drive out the Titans if he couldn't stand on his own?

"They're probably behind us. I saw Ryo waiting outside the girls' dorm earlier. He must have been waiting for Krista," Mikasa replied matter-of-factly.

"If he's with Krista, his speed might be slower this time. Looks like we won't be seeing him until the finish line," Eren concluded, finding an excuse to calm his nerves. Krista's strength wasn't remarkable, and having her alongside would undoubtedly slow Ryo down.

Unbeknownst to them, similar discussions were taking place among the other trainees.

Reiner and Bertolt, both strong competitors, had faced Ryo frequently during training. Though Ryo had bested them time and again, those defeats only fueled their resolve to improve. They admired Ryo's exceptional skills while setting their sights on surpassing him.

Currently, Reiner, Bertolt, Jean, and others formed the vanguard of the team. At first, morale was high, their steps light as they raced ahead with confidence. However, the terrain quickly shifted. The mountain grew steeper, and hidden snow pits scattered across the path turned their advance into a grueling ordeal.

Their ranks thinned as more and more trainees fell behind, and still, there was no sign of Ryo. This absence gnawed at their confidence. Reiner clenched his fists, frustrated by how much they had come to rely on someone who was, in truth, their greatest threat.

"This is ridiculous!" Reiner muttered under his breath. "Ryo is a threat to our mission as Marleyan warriors. I cannot afford to depend on him. I must prove that I, Reiner, am his equal—no, his superior!"

Fueled by this inner turmoil, Reiner surged forward with renewed determination.

Beside him, Bertolt noticed the sudden burst of energy. Though puzzled, he decided to keep pace. "Reiner must feel the weight of his duty as a warrior. I can't let him carry this burden alone. I need to step up!"

Jean, who had been trailing just behind them, watched the two accelerate. Without their windbreak, the biting cold wind slammed into him, forcing him to slow. He glanced back and saw Marco and Connie struggling as well, their pace faltering under the relentless chill.

"How are you holding up?" Jean called out, slowing his steps to let them catch up. "If you're pushing too hard, it's better to ease up and save your strength."

Relieved, Marco and Connie collapsed onto the snow, grateful for the reprieve. The grueling journey had barely begun, and already, they were at their limits.