Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

The Garrison Corps had suffered more casualties than the Military Police during the mission. However, due to their significantly larger numbers, the loss of a dozen soldiers didn't weigh as heavily as it would have on a smaller unit. After all, during the Battle of Trost, the Garrison Corps had faced hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries—this current skirmish was minor in comparison.

Still, the Battle of Trost hadn't yet broken out, and tensions were simmering.

"Erwin, why is the casualty rate in the Survey Corps 20% while the Military Police Corps suffered a 70% casualty rate?"

Neil Dek, the commander of the Military Police, finally voiced his frustrations, slamming the casualty report onto the table. His tone was sharp, his displeasure evident.

It didn't matter whether Neil genuinely cared about his subordinates or not; as the commander, he couldn't afford to seem indifferent to the losses of his men. If he did, he'd lose the respect and loyalty of the few competent soldiers within the Military Police. Moreover, the long-standing animosity between the Military Police and the Survey Corps gave him all the more reason to confront Erwin.

"Captain Neil, I understand your concerns, but there's something important I need you to realize," Erwin responded calmly, his voice steady but firm.

Though Erwin carried himself with composure, a storm brewed within. His disdain for the Military Police ran deep, rooted in the trauma of his youth. It had been the Military Police who captured and killed his father for speaking out about the truth of the Titans. Over the years, Erwin had transferred part of his anger to the royal family, but that didn't erase his bitterness toward the Military Police.

"Any soldier seconded to the Survey Corps becomes one of us the moment they join our ranks. Thus, all casualties sustained in this battle belong to the Survey Corps, not the Military Police," Erwin explained.

His words caused a stir in the room. Commander Pixis of the Garrison Corps frowned, while Neil Dek slammed his fist on the table, his face red with indignation.

"How ridiculous!" Neil snapped. "When did my soldiers become part of your Survey Corps? By your logic, all the credit for this mission would belong solely to the Survey Corps as well!"

His words caused Pixis to stiffen. Though the Garrison Corps had worked in collaboration with the Survey Corps, their support was essential for securing the operation. The Garrison Corps had provided troops, supplies, and logistical support—losing credit to the Survey Corps would be unacceptable.

Neil was calculating, driven by self-interest and the need to protect the Military Police's reputation. Resources within the walls were finite, and any increase in support for the Survey Corps would inevitably mean a reduction in resources allocated to the Military Police. Such an outcome would jeopardize Neil's standing and the benefits enjoyed by his Corps.

Erwin, unfazed, met Neil's glare with a calm but piercing gaze.

"I never claimed sole credit for this operation, Captain Neil," Erwin said. His tone was measured, but the weight of his words carried an air of authority.

Neil hesitated, sensing that Erwin was setting a trap for him.

"This mission's results were achieved through the combined efforts of humanity," Erwin continued, his voice steady but sharp. "The Survey Corps, the Garrison Corps, and even the Military Police contributed. Yet your reaction implies that you seek to isolate the Military Police from the rest of humanity. Are you suggesting that your Corps stands apart from our shared struggle against the Titans?"

Neil's face darkened. Erwin's words were cutting, and the faint smile that played on his lips felt like a challenge.

Before Neil could respond, Darius Zachary, the supreme commander, intervened.

"Enough," Darius said, his voice heavy with fatigue. "Our command will determine the allocation of credit for this mission. This argument serves no purpose. If there's nothing further, consider this meeting adjourned."

The room fell silent. One by one, the officers stood and saluted Darius before exiting. The once-crowded chamber emptied quickly, leaving only the remnants of unresolved tension hanging in the air.

Outside, the mood remained tense. The jurisdiction of the Military Police Corps made the Survey Corps soldiers uneasy, and they instinctively moved to protect Erwin.

"Haha, don't be so nervous," Erwin said with a rare chuckle. "If Neil had the courage to act against us here, he wouldn't be called Neil Dek."

The commander's humor lightened the mood slightly, prompting a few weary smiles. At Erwin's signal, the soldiers lowered their weapons and fell into formation, following closely behind him as they departed.

Though the meeting had ended, the conflict between the Corps remained unresolved. Within the walls, the fight for humanity's survival was not only against Titans but also against the divisions among its own people.