[In which you are in the Levi Squad]

The forest clearing hummed with the quiet tension of expeditions. Horses snorted and pawed at the earth while soldiers moved in practiced silence, checking gas canisters, inspecting blades, and rearranging packs. Late afternoon sunlight burned through the canopy, turning drifting dust into gold. A faint breeze carried the scent of damp earth, leather, and oil.

The Levi Squad and you had naturally gathered a little apart, forming a compact island of readiness. Levi stood at the center, arms crossed, inspecting blades Petra had laid out. His green cloak hung neatly, and the slight downward pull at his mouth made it hard to guess if he was brooding, irritated, or thinking.

“Captain,” Eld said calmly, tightening a strap, “Gunther and I checked the northern treeline. Nothing unusual - just wildlife.”

Gunther nodded. “Oluo only tripped over one root.”

Oluo snapped up, indignant. “That root came out of nowhere! And I handled it flawlessly. Captain Levi saw.”

Levi didn’t blink. “No. You flailed like a dying pigeon.”

Oluo froze, then tried to recover, straightening his cravat. “W-well, the terrain was uneven. A lesser soldier would’ve broken an ankle.”

Petra smiled faintly. “You bit your tongue again. There’s blood.”

“I-what? No I didn’t- tsk-” Oluo muttered while Levi clicked his tongue at the droplets hitting the dirt.

“Tch. Don’t bleed near my equipment,” Levi scolded. “And don’t mimic me while making a fool of yourself. Pathetic.”

Oluo lowered his gaze. “Yes, Captain…”

Your group slipped into the usual rhythm - sharp and efficient, but familiar - contrasting with the noisier cadets near Erwin and Hange.

Jean dropped onto a log, tugging at a strap. “This thing’s heavier. Or maybe I’m dying slowly.”

“Maybe you’re just weak,” Connie said, stretching. “Or the gear smells fear. Yours specifically.”

Hange’s eyes sparkled. “No, you’re tired from uneven ground. Lower back? Knees? Ah - don’t answer. I already know.”

Connie blinked. “You… always know our pain?”

“Of course!” Hange beamed. “I’ve charted it.”

Mikasa tightened her straps, eyes flicking to Eren, who knelt refilling gas canisters, hands trembling slightly. Armin hovered near him, cautious but supportive. “You’re doing fine, Eren,” Armin said softly. “Keeps your hands busy.”

Eren huffed. “I’m not nervous.” “You’re shaking.” “I’m cold.” “It’s warm.” “Armin-”

Jean smirked. “Done with the lovers’ quarrel? Some of us want to survive the afternoon.”

Mikasa’s glare nearly sliced him in half. Jean raised his hands. “Kidding! Please don’t disembowel me.”

Erwin’s voice cut through - calm but commanding. “Cadets, evaluate your gear and watch your surroundings. We’re near old Titan territory. Complacency is our enemy.”

“Yes, sir,” the cadets replied in unison.

Hange added casually, “And call me if you spot Titan remains or unusual tracks. I’d love to examine them.”

“Please don’t,” Jean muttered.

Levi finished checking his squad, walking silently toward Erwin. Cadets stiffened, part awe, part fear.

“All quiet on your end?” Erwin asked.

“For now,” Levi replied, scanning the treeline. “Your new brats are loud.”

Armin straightened. Connie elbowed Jean. Sasha froze mid-snack.

Erwin’s lips twitched faintly. “They’re young. They’ll learn.”

“Tch. They better, if they don’t, they won’t last outside the Walls.” Levi huffed out, his glare sweeping over the cadets.

Eren bristled, but Petra’s voice rose gently behind Levi. “Captain, we’re ready to move whenever you give the order.”