Chapter 14 Ryo's Decision

**Titan?**

Isn't this inside Wall Rose? How are there Titans here?

A massive question immediately arose in Ryo Carter's mind. He couldn't figure out what was happening. Their training ground was deep inside the walls, and as long as the walls remained intact, Titans weren't supposed to appear here.

But that question would have to wait—first, they needed to deal with the immediate threat of the Titan.

"Ah! It's a Titan! How could a Titan appear here?"

"We're doomed!"

"The Titan is so massive… there's no way we can fight it!"

The recruits around Ryo were thrown into chaos. For many, this was their first encounter with a Titan. The experience they had gained from reading about Titans in the safety of a classroom couldn't compare to seeing one in real life.

In the books, they'd studied cold facts: Titans range in size from 3 to 15 meters, with some even towering 50 meters high. But staring up at the grotesque figure of a 12-meter Titan, any sense of courage they had vanished.

The Titan's misshapen face twisted into a grotesque grin as it grabbed several recruits who had frozen in fear.

**Snap!**

The gruesome sound of the Titan biting into its victims echoed through the forest, followed by their terrified screams as they were chewed alive. Those who witnessed it turned pale, their courage utterly shattered.

Even the bravest among them faltered. The sight of their comrades being devoured drained any will to fight. Legs trembled, hands fumbled at their maneuvering gear, and some recruits even fell from the trees, gravely injuring themselves in the process.

In seconds, the group dissolved into chaos, with recruits scattering in all directions.

Even Eren, who had long dreamed of eradicating the Titans to avenge his mother, found himself frozen. The overwhelming fear paralyzed him, his limbs trembling uncontrollably.

The Titans from his dreams had always seemed defeatable—monsters that he could kill with enough resolve. But this? This was a nightmare brought to life.

"Mikasa… let's go," Eren muttered through clenched teeth, his voice filled with shame and fear.

Mikasa was surprised. She had been worried that Eren would throw himself at the Titan recklessly, but seeing him hesitate gave her a strange sense of relief. At least he wouldn't needlessly throw his life away.

"Stay close, Eren. The instructors will handle the Titan," Mikasa said firmly, her focus now on getting them to safety.

Meanwhile, Ryo turned to Krista, who had been injured during the chaos. "Krista, can your maneuvering gear still function? We need to move."

"I… I think it's fine," Krista replied hesitantly as she struggled to stand. But her attempt failed—her injured leg gave out beneath her.

Ryo frowned, his concern growing. "You're in no condition to fly. I'll carry you."

Without waiting for a response, Ryo scooped Krista into his arms. She gasped in surprise, her face flushing at their sudden closeness.

As they soared through the trees with the help of his maneuvering gear, Krista's heart pounded uncontrollably. She wasn't used to being this close to someone, especially Ryo. She could feel the warmth of his arms around her and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Are you okay?" Ryo asked, glancing down at her.

"I-I'm fine!" Krista stammered, her blush deepening.

Ryo raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. His focus remained on getting her to safety.

When he reached Mikasa and Eren, he set Krista down carefully. "Krista's injured. I'm going back to hold off the Titan. Watch over her for me," Ryo said, his tone firm.

Mikasa nodded. "Understood."

As Ryo turned back toward the battlefield, Krista called after him. "Ryo! Please don't fight it"

He gave her a smile before vanishing into the trees