Author's note: Sorry if you find a spelling mistake.

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After his confrontation with Ackerman, it wasn't long before our dinner arrived. Nothing interesting happened, besides the instructor gave us more training, for 30 minutes after resting from combat training.

Once he got to the dining room and got his food, he sat next to Christa and Ymir who greeted him. He could also feel the gaze of other cadets on him. And this did not go unnoticed by Ymir.

"Eh. Looks like you got noticed when you kicked Mikasa's ass. I'll admit you were badass" Ymir commended with a grin

"Is that so? I think I was pretty lucky" he commented.

"You don't have to lie, you know? Mikasa didn't even get a chance to start" Ymir said dryly.

Ayanokōji sighed, he didn't like to attract attention. But he guesses it can't be helped, because he beat Ackerman easily. Now that he thought about it. Ackerman's strength was clearly superior to men.

Albert is clearly an example of brute force. But even someone like Albert couldn't compete with Ackerman in terms of strength. Which obviously makes no logical sense.

When he returned to his bedroom to change back into his casual clothes, he could see the reddish skin near his ankle from the force she exerted on him. Fortunately, she did not manage to do any damage, just a slight scratch from her fingernails that were dug into his skin.

How did she get that kind of strength? It doesn't seem like she's been exercising extreme from a young age. Even if she did those kinds of exercises, she couldn't get that kind of strength naturally.

To gain this type of force, the machinery necessary to strengthen certain muscles of the human body is needed. And from what he has seen in this world they do not have the necessary technology to achieve. Also, even if they exist. She is from Shiganshina, therefore, she would not have the resources to acquire her.

Her strength is clearly abnormal. Or at least it has to lack some sense of logic.

If he had a force gauge. Then he could probably calculate the Ackerman force exactly. He couldn't tell how many kilograms she could get without an accurate meter. But from her grip, he could tell that at least it had to be more than 100 kg. Which is quite surprising and strong for a woman.

"I don't think it's a big deal" Ayanokōji shrugged, causing Ymir to roll her eyes.

"You're quite modest, right? Kiyotaka" Christa smiled as she shook her head.

Soon our conversation was interrupted when Yeager, Arlert, and Ackerman entered the dining room. Yeager appears to have sustained some sort of injury if the bandage with dried blood wrapped around his head is any indication.

Wait, What?...

Blood? That's weird, even though Yeager seemed to have a looked dazed look, but otherwise, he seemed fine. Did Yeager get hurt practicing? It was quite likely. Yeager was lucky he didn't have a concussion or worse, the concrete floor is pretty hard for a fall.

"Heh, look at him now. He talked a big game yesterday, saying he'd kill all the Titans."

"I heard he almost killed himself on basic position control training

"Seriously? I can't imagine how someone could fail at that."

"He will be working in the reclaimed lands after tomorrow."

"Right, it's not like we can afford to waste food on the useless."

He ignored the sneering comments others gave, his opinion was not worth listening to, he was sure that Yeager could manage to pass the test. Maybe if he only realized that his belt was tampered with.

He's curious why someone wanted to make Yeager fail. Probably one of the instructors, since they check the equipment before delivering it. But why would they?

"I wonder ..." Christa muttered interrupting my thoughts, concern obvious in her voice "Is he really okay?"

"It looks good ..." He said while keeping an eye on Yeager "Other than looking surprised? That injury doesn't seem so bad." He looks at Christa with a questioning gaze. "Otherwise, Yeager wouldn't be having dinner, right? If his injury had been serious, he'd still be in the infirmary."

"Even so." Christa sighed "I'm still worried. What happened to him must have been very shocking to him." She then gave a look to the people who were snickering at Yeager's direction "And everyone is not helping by saying such things to him." She muttered.

"But those people are not wrong though. That guy talked big, but the result today was shit." Ymir commented nonchalantly

Well, she's not entirely wrong. But it's not that it was Yeager's fault that I can't make it through a test. Why doesn't anyone think that the machine was defective? I mean. Someone like Arlert is much more likely to fail than someone like Yeager.

"Ymir." Christa chided lightly, voice filled with disapproval.

"What? It was true."

The petite blonde kept her brow furrowed as she looked at the freckled woman, clearly not happy with her. She then turned at him, tugging his sleeve.

"What do you think Kiyotaka?"

"Well. I don't have any particular thoughts about his failure" Ayanokōji shrugged "But I suppose it would be a bit strange for someone like Yeager to fail"

"What are you talking about?" Ymir's eyebrow arched in question "It's obvious what happened, it sucks."

Christa was looking at him in confusion, not getting my point.

"I mean. Even if Yeager had failed. He shouldn't have hurt himself that way, the team makes sure you don't get hurt, otherwise, a blow to the head could be quite serious, if not fatal" He gestured to Yeager, whose head was... Steaming?

His eyes widened in shock before his stoic gaze swiftly returned.

Ayanokoji made sure to focus on Yeager's bandaged head again to confirm that his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. But it turned out that no, his head was actually steaming, you wouldn't notice it unless you focused directly.

Ayanokoji didn't understand what she was seeing. So he try to see it from another angle.

Think, what would Professor-Sotomura say? What would his guess be?

After thinking for a few seconds, he realized something that he shouldn't have ruled out.

The magic. he means, if there are monsters that devour humans, then magic would make some sense in a way.

The magic was very common in the worlds where the main character ends. Usually, they had to use a chant or a few words for the spell to take effect. Although he doesn't think that's the situation. Otherwise, he would have found out or at least heard about rumors about people doing impossible things. Maybe something similar?

Superpowers maybe? But he wasn't sure. Although he couldn't totally rule it out. And maybe the reason he hasn't heard anything is that only a select few exist and they hide their powers from other people.

If he thought that way then, the blood on the bandages wrapped around Yeager's head was starting to make some sense. Surely, a fairly strong blow was struck that could have been serious. But, as it has a kind of regenerative capacity, which makes it heal faster than the human, and because of that, the steam begins to come out of its head or more specifically in the section where it got the wound.

This could also explain Mikasa Ackerman's abnormal strength.

"¿Kiyotaka?"

He turned to them and was greeted by a confused Christa and a suspicious Ymir.

"You know. I was surprised when your gaze changed slightly. I thought you couldn't change that bored look on your face." Ymir raised an eyebrow.

Christa frowned her cute face at Ymir's casual insult, but she didn't say anything since she was also somewhat surprised, but above all worried.

"Then. What is?" Ymir commented.

"I just realized something. Obviously, Yeager has the physique and stamina to pass the test easily. Maybe he would agree if we were moving in the air using the 3D Gear, but to stay straight in the air it's almost like to stand" he replied, it was not a lie, he just changed his true thoughts in these moments, for the ones he had previously.

"But he did fail..." Christa murmured uncertainly

"The failure cannot be denied that fact. But it is much more likely that someone like Arlert failed this test than someone with the necessary physique like Yeager. So something, made him fail the test" Ayanokōji replied.

"Something? What do you mean, he failed because of the machines?" Ymir snorted at the ridiculousness.

"Yes" He replied quickly, without any doubt in his voice, he surprised both Ymir and Christa. "It is much more likely that something like this will happen, that someone like Yeager will fail," He said while looking at Yeager who stood up with Arlert, leaving Ackerman who continued mumbling to no one. "Also, as I said before, if he just failed, then he wouldn't have hurt his head, because the machines avoid him" he replied.

"If what you say is true, then if tomorrow it fails again, we speak to the instructor and ask for his gear to be changed with one of us" Christa commented with a smile on her face, once we came to a plan after the conclusion.

If he could laugh, then right now, he definitely would. Ackerman still didn't realize she was talking alone once Yeager and Arlert left her. It was even stranger when Braus sat next to her staring at her bread.

That was a strange sight, but surely funny for most.

"Ah, it's the potato girl." Ymir grinned as she also caught sight of the girl from the hunting village "Come on Christa, let's call her." She said as she stood up and carried her plate

"Eh? Sure."

Christa spared him a second look and smiled, he gave her a thumbs up in response. He gave a nod to Ymir who nodded back and the duo approached the potato girl who looked dejected after Ackerman ate the bread

He raised both eyebrows to show his amusement when he saw Braus getting dragged by Ymir who was talking about doing chores for her and Christa, which the latter immediately reprimand the former.

He stayed at the table alone, thinking about the actions he should take.

First, he would have to keep an eye on Yeager, he didn't know if he had a healing power or not. But to find out, he would have to find a low-key approach. Combat training would be a perfect option to find out if his guess was correct.

His instincts screaming that Yeager was different, something unknown and that he doesn't understand. That could be dangerous. He had to find out if Yeager was a threat or a docile someone. All while watching out for Ackerman.

She is quite overprotective when it comes to Yeager.

Second, he would have to find out more about the Titans. Something about the actions of the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan. It makes him nervous. And very seldom does that feeling arise within him.

He just hoped whatever it was he found out. It would not be much more absurd than to say that there are man-eating monsters or people-like abilities that exceed the human limit.

Ayanokōji knew his limits well, but that did not mean that he was not going to exceed them.

ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬

That night, after taking a bite out of the dining room, Ayanokōji was on his bed in the barracks, staring at the ceiling. As his memories haunted every moment since he joined ANHS, he was beginning to miss his life and some of his friends. Even his girlfriend.

But, unfortunately, he does not believe that they may see each other again. He always wondered how he had ended up in this situation. As much as he thought about it, it didn't make any sense. The only thing he could think of was that it was divine intervention.

His thoughts were interrupted by the barracks' door opening. Coming in was his roommates, Kirstein and Springer, both wearing grins.

"There he is. Kiyotaka" Springer looked at Kirstein with a smirk "See I told you I'd be here."

As he sat up, Kirstein rolled his eyes.

"Yeah. Whatever" Kirstein dismissed it. "Maybe you already know, but I'm Jean Kirstein. By the way, your performance against Mikasa was impressive" Jean pointed out, leaning against the side of his own bunk. "I admit, I thought that when you dodged the instructor's head butt it was luck. But I guess it was much more than that."

"I don't think it was that impressive," he said staring at them.

"You can't deny it, Kiyotaka. Mikasa is so much stronger than most, she even kicked my ass. But when you beat her you made it look too easy" Springer commented.

"Connie is right. That is the reason why we are looking for you, we want to ask you something" Kirstein nodded.

"Hmm. So are you asking me for a favor?" he asks.

Springer nodded in confirmation. "We thought it would be nice if you could teach us a few things," Springer said, his eyes full of hope.

"I'd teach you, but Ackerman asked me to teach her, so I'll be a little busy," he replied, causing them to deflate dejectedly. "Although I could give you some advice, so you don't make the same mistakes"

"It's fine by me" Kirstein rolled his shoulders. "With that, we can have an advantage in these-"

Kirstein couldn't finish when the door slammed open, revealing Yeager, who seemed to be at the end of his rope, and Arlert, who was chasing after him in an effort to calm him down. He discreetly looked at the bandage on his head.

Apparently, the steam stopped coming out.

"Please, you need to tell me how you did it!" Yeager begged. "How did you stay upright? What's your secret?"

If Yeager was desperate enough to ask Kirstein for advice on how to use the ODM after what happened in the dining room, that could mean he was losing hope.

"Eren, calm down!" Arlert urged before explaining the situation to the three. "Eren's been trying to work the ODM gear, but all he's got to show for it is a head injury. He needs help."

Springer and Kirstein and exchanged glances and snide smiles appeared on their faces. Ayanokōji decided not to comment on it and decided to give them a flat look.

"What's the trick to posture control?" Springer asked in a patronizing tone. "Hard to say. Guess I've got the gift. You've just got to feel it, you know."

Kirstein didn't help matters. "I'm trying to figure out your trick. You've screwed up every way imaginable, short of accidental, equipment-related asphyxiation."

Yeager continued to plead his heart out. "Please, guys. You gotta help me. I'm begging you!"

Springer's smirk widened. "That's funny. Wasn't it just yesterday you said, 'If you can't handle the pressure, you gotta leave?' No, wait. Was it 'if you're a complete idiot, you gotta leave?' Something like that."

"Enough" He decided to intervene. Making both of them wince. He didn't want to keep hearing the nonsense or teasing, when he had better things to think about, his gaze went to Yeager and Arlert "I guess I can help you. Come on follow me"

Surprised, the two followed Ayanokōji outside and closed the door.

"So..." Ayanokōji broke the silence. "You want some tips, right?" he said monotonously.

"Yes!" Yeager nodded again, more eagerly this time, a pleading expression was written all over his face "I need some tips! I can't get it right somehow!"

"Hmm. I thought Mikasa did it on her first try, didn't you ask her?" he asks.

"He did" Arlert replied. "But he still couldn't make it" he sighed in exasperation.

"What did she say to Yeager?"

"Well, she said what's in the book: Keep the muscles in your body taut and let the lower body relax. Concentrate on your front and back balance only. Then impart your weight onto the belts on your waist and the back of your legs." Arlert explained.

Even though it was a very descriptive explanation. That many of the people would understand if they took the trouble to go over it in their minds. But he guesses Yeager's situation didn't give him much to think about and he probably didn't understand.

He nodded to look satisfied "What she told you is correct. I guess a description did not work for you. So you probably want something more practical to understand. But first of all, you have to know that you must remain calm first all" he replied.

"As Ackerman advised, you have to relax and don't panic. Your mind has to stay calm." He said. "Think about things that let you feel comfortable but also maintain your focus at the same time, and then put weight on your waist but only a small amount. It's almost like holding yourself when you are about to take a seat, but not that extreme, just put enough strength to the back of your legs so your top body won't fall back."

"I see... About to take a seat, huh?" Yeager murmured in a contemplating manner "That sounds so simple."

"That's what Mikasa said, Eren," Arlert said

"I didn't understand what she said in the first place! Her words were too complicated!"

"Of course." Arlert sighed and rubbed his temple in exasperation.

Ayanokōji shook his head with a slight humor "In the end, it's also similar to standing. It was a gut feeling, one that you do every day when you are about to stand or start to walk after you feel you got the right position, hold it." He explained, "I guess that's all I can say since the others come from a feeling." Shrugged.

"No, no, that was already very helpful." Yeager shook his head "Your explanation made things easier, to be honest, I can already imagine how to do it."

"It's true, you are very good at this, Kiyotaka," Arlert said with a respectful smile.

"Just check your gear and make sure you put it on correctly, I'm sure it will be fine tomorrow." He recommended. Perhaps he would realize that Yeager was not the problem.

Here he was again, advising people so that he can help them. Not that it was a big deal. But, he would have to be careful who he helped, because of his habit of watching people grow for the better for his satisfaction. It would be a bit difficult to kick the habit.

"Right." Yeager nodded with a grin "Thanks, Kiyotaka. By the way, call me Eren it's better that way" Eren said.

"And call me Armin. Sure, if you don't have a problem with that," Armin commented.

"Okay, get some rest," he advised. "You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."

Ayanokōji entered the barracks and closed the door when he realized the two weren't coming in.

He needed a well-deserved rest.

ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬

"Eren Yeager," Instructor Shadis said once Eren was strapped in. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," Eren answered.

There were a lot of cadets today that hoped Eren would be able to pull this off, Ackerman and Armin being the biggest supporters. Ayanokoji was by Christa and Ymir's side to see if Eren was able to pull it off.

"Proceed!" Instructor Shadis commanded.

Wagner nodded, turning the lever.

Slowly, the harness started to rise into the air as everyone waited with bated breath to see what would happen. Eren's determined look intensified the moment his feet left the ground. With a loud grunt, he kept himself upright for the first time. The cadets cheered loudly for him, thrilled that he accomplished what he wanted.

Unfortunately, that joy only lasted a few seconds. With a surprised yell, Eren toppled to the ground, upside down yet again. No one laughed this time around. Not even Kirstein was smirking at his failure.

The minute Instructor Shadis started towards him, Eren started panicking and begging. "No! Not yet! Once more! I can do