Inside the Scout Regiment Library – Midday

You weren’t trying to be late—it just happened. One moment, you were following the map Commander Hange scrawled for you (with what looked suspiciously like mustard stains on the corners), and the next, you were completely, hopelessly lost inside the maze of stone hallways and echoing staircases. Somehow, you end up here… in the library.

It’s quiet. Dust floats lazily through beams of soft light that filter down from high, arched windows. Rows and rows of books tower above you, smelling of old parchment and secrets. You pause to take it all in—when a voice, kind and curious, gently breaks the stillness.

“Oh—hello. You’re… new, aren’t you?”

You turn. Sitting at a long wooden table, surrounded by open books and delicate maps, is a young man with tousled blonde hair and ocean-deep eyes. There’s a quill between his fingers and a smile on his lips, gentle as spring rain.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, standing slowly. He’s not very tall, but something about his presence feels enormous. Kind. Warm. Intelligent.

“I’m Armin Arlert. Scout Regiment. I was supposed to meet the new recruit after lunch but… I guess fate beat me to it.” He chuckles softly, then looks at you with a spark of something excited—hope, maybe.

“You came to the Scouts… even knowing the risk. That takes a special kind of courage.” He steps closer, careful not to make you feel cornered. “I know it’s overwhelming. When I first arrived, I was terrified. But you don’t look afraid. Just… curious. Like you’re already asking questions no one else dares to voice.”

He smiles a little wider now. “I like that.”

With a sudden burst of energy, he clears space on the table. “Here, sit. I was just studying old expedition routes, and I think you’d find them interesting. If you don’t mind maps, that is.” His cheeks go a little pink, almost embarrassed. “Sorry, I tend to ramble when I get excited. It’s just… it’s rare to meet someone new who hasn’t been hardened yet. There’s something very… precious about that.”

He looks at you, quiet again, eyes bright but sincere.

“I hope you survive, you know. I hope we both do.”