Erwin Smith

"Congratulations Mikasa, you actually came in first place for the 3D ODM gear evaluation test! I didn't know you were so good." Eren spoke, as he was lying on the field, relaxing after the results of the test were just released.

"Th..anks! You did great too, you got 2nd place didn't you Eren? " Mikasa blushed a little and replied. She enjoyed the feeling of being praised by Eren.

" mHm. But the instructor said the depth of the cuts I inflicted on the titans' necks were too shallow… if this was a real battle the titans would have killed me. " Eren replied, feeling slightly defeated, raising his hands towards the starry skies, he clenched his fists. He knew that being skilled in movement was only a piece of the puzzle.

In order to confront titans and kill them with a high success rate, he would have to improve his physical strength. How else was he going to confront and kill the Armored and Colossal titans and get his revenge? In his current state, he couldn't even defeat 3 to 4-meter class titans comfortably.

"I'll be there for you Eren. Always. I won't let any titans kill you. I promise I'll protect you!" Mikasa looked at him and held his hands.

"You look so cute when you are worried Mikasa" Eren chuckled as he brushed her face and looked at her lovingly.

Inwardly he was thinking that the atmosphere was actually kind of sweet? It's seemed like a good time to use the 2nd trick his dad taught him so he just brushed her face.

"Er..en I". Mikasa was clearly taken aback by the actions of Eren. Being with Eren for so long, she knew what he was like. She was expecting him to chide her and complaining about how he could take care of himself.

Eren was hot-tempered, trying to always run to different places and getting into fights. Showing affection through his actions was just something too unthinkable. An action like that from Eren would probably leave anyone that knew him frozen in shock for a moment. Did he really change? He gave her head a pat too when they were taking shelter in the refugee centre.

"Haha don't worry. We are a family after all. Why are u acting all flustered as though you're my girlfriend? Did you fall in love with someone recently? Isit Jean? I noticed he has been approaching you recently a lot. If you are too shy to confess you should ask your brother here. I'll lend you a hand. " Eren replied teasingly.

"No that's not it! The one I love is yo" Before Mikasa could finish her defense, a loud voice interrupted the conversation.

"Eren Yeager! "

"Yes Sir!" Eren could straight away recognize the voice of the man who had been training him all these years. It was none other than Keith.

"Where is Armin? I don't see him with you?" Keith asked, looking around at the empty field where only Eren and Mikasa were present.

"He is still drinking with the rest in the mess hall, the recruits are all glad that they have finished an important part of their training and are celebrating." Eren replied as he stood up and dusted the grass off his shirt, before thumping his right fist towards his chest.

"mHm , right. Someone wants to see you. I think you would like what he has to say. Mikasa, you come along too, since Eren's your brother I think it'll be a good idea for you to know what's going on as well". Keith gave a wave of his hand, signaling for them to follow him as he walked away.

"Ye.. s Sir!" Mikasa also hurriedly stood up and dusted the grass off her skirt. Inwardly she was upset at Keith for showing up at such an important moment and spoiling the sweet atmosphere. She had finally garnered the courage to confess to Eren, but it was all ruined by that man.

Training as a recruit was very strict and she never yet had a moment where she could spend time alone with Eren like this. Armin was always around as well. Who knows when such a moment would present itself again? She sighed and hurried off to chase the excited Eren who was already trying to probe Keith for more information.

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"You are… " Eren stared, intently with eyes filled with great interest as he saw the back of a man facing him. He was wearing a cloak, that had an emblem emblazoned with 2 wings, this man was a member of the survey corps.

"Pleased to meet you. Eren Yeager. I'm Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps." A tall, handsome man greeted him as he stretched out his hand toward Eren.

"Eren Yeager, Sir! It's a great honor to meet you". Eren responded enthusiastically. He couldn't believe it. This person was the commander of the survey corps - Erwin Smith! And he had come to meet him personally?

"And you must be Mikasa, Eren's sister, I've heard about you from Keith, you have been topping every field as far as concerned in the cadets training. Truly outstanding. " Erwin turned towards the girl beside Eren saying.

"Thank you sir! It's all because of Instructor Keith's training and Eren's support that I got this far. " She replied, stealing a glance at Eren.

"My support? Wait Mikasa what are u talking about?? Why are u trying so hard to give me credit this way " Eren thought to himself. But did not speak it out.

"Oh? Interesting… this girl and Eren" Erwin thought to herself. Keith had recommended him someone with an exceptionally strong sense of purpose and hatred for the titans. Someone most likely who would agree to join the survey corps.

Obviously, he knew Mikasa was the top of the class, but he didn't have high hopes for her to join as normally the recruitment rates for the survey corps were abysmal. To even have a few join every year from the fresh recruits was already considered a very good result.

People who normally joined instead were those whom he had found and recruited in the underground society, and they did so in exchange for a pathway to citizenship on the surface. Alternatively it would be soldiers who had lost their lost ones to the titans , and wanted revenge. Even though the pay in the survey corps was very good, few would join for that reason.

As a result, he had devised the long-range scouting formation, trying to keep casualties to a minimum. Replenishing lost soldiers, particularly experienced ones was extremely difficult. If he could get Mikasa to join as well. This would be excellent news for the survey corps.

"Eren. Would you be interested in graduating early and joining the survey corps? We currently need members who are skilled in maneuvering to fulfill the recon role. We are conducting an expedition in a month's time to finish the establishment of a final outpost for the purpose of retaking wall Maria. On top of receiving a house in the Ehrmich district of Wall Sina, u will also get a payment of 1 piece of gold per…

"Yes!!! I will join the survey corps . Sir" Eren replied almost immediately, not even giving Erwin a chance to finish his sentence.

"Eh? So easy? . .." Erwin clearly was taken aback by how enthusiastic Eren was. He was so eager to charge into death… ahem no… seek revenge?

"I will join as well, sir, please allow me " Mikasa also hurriedly said, afraid he would be separated from Eren.

"Oi Mikasa! U shouldn't join, it's too dangerous, I can take care of myself." Eren, interjected, he cared deeply for her, even though she was not her biological sister.He treated her as part of his family, having stayed together for many years. He didn't want her to join him in something so risky if possible.

"No Eren. I don't care what you say. Wherever you go I'm going. I'm following you" Mikasa stubbornly replied, ignoring the exasperation on Eren's face.

"Mikasa! Hey!I can take care of myself. I don't nee..." Eren objected vehemently. Waving and shaking his head violently in disapproval.

"HAHA! It is done then. I welcome both of you into the Survey Corps. You have my deepest respect, this is a true salute". Erwin replies, his eyes beaming. He couldn't believe how he had managed to recruit 2 of the best cadets into the survey corps so easily. If he used them correctly, the casualties for the upcoming expedition could be kept low.

"Just you wait, you damn titans, the day is coming where humanity is going to defeat you.." Erwin thought to himself.