Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

Ryo knew some of these things, but he wasn't particularly clear on the details. Who would study something like this unless it became necessary?

He had long known that Krista was the future heir to the king, but he secretly hoped that she would not take on such a role.

Only members of the royal family could master the power of the Founding Titan, and only by wielding the Founding Titan's coordinate ability could other Titans be controlled. Mastering this power was key to resolving the current Titan crisis.

For Krista to master the power of the Founding Titan would come at a great cost. The life span of the owners of the nine intelligent Titans was severely shortened. From the moment they activated their abilities, their life span was limited to just thirteen years.

In other words, Eren, who currently wields the power of both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan, has less than 10 years left to live.

If Krista were to inherit such a massive power, she would die young.

This was something Ryo could never accept.

Initially, because Eren wasn't of royal blood, he couldn't wield the coordinate power of the Founding Titan, so the battle to defeat the Titans couldn't progress.

But in the last episode of *Attack on Titan* Season 2, Eren seemed to have suddenly awakened the Founding Titan's coordinate power, commanding other Titans to kill the Female Titan—who had eaten his mother. From this, it seemed Krista didn't necessarily need to consume Eren to inherit the Founding Titan's power.

Even if the Founding Titan's power truly couldn't solve the crisis, and the coordinates weren't the key to dispersing the Titans, Ryo still had other options.

He could strengthen himself, become stronger and stronger, until he could wipe out all the Titans by his own strength.

He would never allow Krista to suffer.

The power of the Founding Titan? It could go to hell. Whoever wanted it could take it.

---

Although the atmosphere on the road was tense, they reached the meeting place without incident.

A large number of Military Police were stationed there, ensuring order.

Looking at these well-armed and arrogant soldiers, Oluo was tense.

"These guys only show off their power behind the protection of the three walls. They're so well-equipped, yet we never see them fight the Titans."

Ryo and Mikasa exchanged a glance, both smiling helplessly. Senior Oluo's temper was difficult to handle.

"Thank you for your hard work. We've been waiting for you for a long time!"

The commander-in-chief of the three armies, Darius Zachary, the country's president, stood up and nodded to Captain Erwin as he entered. The gesture reflected the admiration he had for the Survey Corps.

Despite tensions between the three branches of the military, Darius knew that the Survey Corps were key to defending humanity. His control over the Military Police Corps was limited. This branch, stationed in the royal city, had been heavily influenced by the royal family, often ignoring his commands. He was frustrated with the situation.

Darius understood that to protect the country, the strength of the Military Police Corps should be reduced.

The resources—personnel, equipment, and finances—needed to be directed toward the Survey Corps, the only force capable of truly fighting the Titans. Yet, ironically, the Survey Corps was the smallest of the three.

It seemed the royal family thought internal threats were more dangerous than the Titans outside the walls. Despite having so many soldiers behind the walls, they were kept away from real combat, assigned only to policing and stealing, much to Darius' confusion and resentment.

"Hello, Mr. President. Please allow me to extend my sincere greetings to you!" Erwin said.

Erwin knew that without the president's support, the Survey Corps might have been dismantled by now. He respected Darius greatly.

"Please, sit. I know you've had a tough journey."

Darius nodded and then shifted his gaze toward the others around Erwin.

His eyes lingered on Levi for a moment. Four years ago, Levi had been a troublesome figure in the royal city.

But now, four years later, Levi had become one of humanity's strongest warriors. Darius couldn't help but admire him.

It would be nice to have more people like him.

The president's eyes then moved leftward and stopped on Ryo and Mikasa.

He studied Ryo for a few extra seconds.

This young man had killed 22 Titans in their recent battle. The sheer power he displayed was impressive. Darius was surprised by Ryo's abilities.

Although he had heard about Ryo earlier, receiving reports while he was still in the training corps, he hadn't paid much attention at first. He'd visited the 104th Training Corps once and heard that Ryo was as strong as his instructor had claimed. Impressed, Darius had considered recruiting him into the military, hoping to nurture him into a true warrior.

But it seemed the royal family had already taken the initiative, contacting Ryo first. This had made Darius feel regretful, thinking such a talent would be kept in the royal family's grasp. However, hearing that Ryo had turned down their offer only piqued Darius' curiosity.

When the Survey Corps needed reinforcements to support their missions outside the walls, Darius thought of Ryo. He believed sending the young man to the front lines could help him grow.

After all, the sooner a soldier sees battle, the stronger they become. Only through experiencing bloodshed and death could someone truly become a warrior, and an ordinary soldier could become something more.

Some lessons simply can't be learned in classrooms.