Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Um, thank you. Here is your wallet."

Mikasa's cheeks flushed as she handed Ryo his wallet, her voice soft and hesitant.

Ryo found her unusual demeanor strange. Mikasa was always composed and confident, yet today she seemed embarrassed. Could it be something Hanji said to her earlier?

"Uh, it's okay. You're welcome," Ryo replied with a smile, taking the wallet from her hands.

"I'm sorry for using your two gold coins. I'll return them as soon as we receive the reward," she added quickly, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. She avoided eye contact, opting to look down at the floor instead.

Ryo chuckled. "Haha, it's really not a big deal. Don't worry about it—we're all friends here."

Still, he couldn't help but glance into the wallet, curious to see how much remained. To his surprise, only two gold coins had been spent. Considering Mikasa had gone out with Hanji, who was notoriously extravagant, this frugality surprised him.

"But a debt is a debt," Mikasa said firmly. "I can't accept not paying it back."

Her persistence left Ryo no room to argue, so he simply nodded. It was just two gold coins—nothing worth dwelling on.

The conversation shifted in his mind as he thought about the value of gold coins. Within the kingdom, two forms of currency were in circulation: paper money and coins. Paper money was widespread but unreliable due to rampant inflation, while coins—especially gold ones—held their value. Over the years, people had come to trust precious metals far more than paper bills.

Just then, a commotion outside drew Ryo's attention. President Darius was addressing a crowd gathered for the commendation ceremony.

"All the subjects of the royal city, today we gather to announce the results of the latest operation beyond the walls!" President Darius declared, his voice firm and commanding.

The announcement was crucial for maintaining public morale. Though the operation hadn't achieved its strategic objectives, the government needed to present a narrative of success. The annihilation of a significant number of Titans would suffice to reassure the people.

"Through the combined efforts of the three major corps, we successfully annihilated more than seventy Titans in this operation, including several abnormal types. For the first time, the casualty ratio between our forces and the Titans stood at 1:1.7!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

For decades, Titans had seemed invincible. Their massive size and immense power made them a nightmare for humans. Before the advent of the ODM gear, it had taken an average of thirty-three trained soldiers to kill a single Titan. Civilians had stood no chance at all.

Even with ODM gear, the casualty ratio had been a staggering 7:1 in the Titans' favor. Against this backdrop, the news of seventy Titans defeated with comparatively lower casualties felt like a miracle.

"The Survey Corps actually managed to destroy seventy Titans in one mission? That's incredible!"

"Yes! And the casualty ratio is lower than ever before. Does this mean we might actually be able to reclaim Wall Maria someday?"

"If Titans can't reproduce, killing them one by one will eventually lead to victory. There's hope after all!"

President Darius observed the growing enthusiasm in the crowd and smiled. This was precisely the reaction he'd hoped for. By highlighting the positives and omitting the negatives, he could rally public support without resorting to outright lies.

"Now, let us honor the brave soldiers who contributed most to this victory!"

The announcement of the commendations was met with thunderous applause.

"First, let us welcome Mikasa Ackerman, who ranks third in the number of Titans killed during this operation, with a total of five!"

The crowd erupted again as Mikasa stepped forward. She carried herself with grace and determination, her face betraying no hint of the embarrassment she had shown earlier.

President Darius personally placed the medal around her neck and handed her the reward money. The cheers grew louder as Mikasa bowed slightly and stepped back.

Watching from the sidelines, Ryo felt a surge of pride for her. This was just the beginning of the ceremony, and he couldn't help but anticipate his own name being called next.

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