Attack on Titan: The Strongest Newcomer

"Ding! The system prompts: Field training for new recruits is one of the three major training programs. It's a crucial course for all recruits to master. Only those who perform best in field training can become the strongest soldiers!"

"Mission requirements: Get first place in this armed cross-country race!"

"Mission reward: Completing the mission grants 10 experience points and a designated piece of novice equipment!"

Ryo Akira had been wondering how to quickly complete missions and level up. As if on cue, the system delivered a new task!

Although 10 experience points wouldn't be enough for an upgrade, novice mission rewards were typically small, so 10 points was already generous. More importantly, this mission promised a piece of novice equipment. That caught Ryo's attention.

Currently, Ryo had four pieces of equipment. While functional, having more would improve his chances on the battlefield. He was particularly eyeing the **Novice Gloves**, which could increase strength stats, enhancing power during combat. Such gloves would be vital for delivering deeper and more precise strikes against Titans, especially during simulation training.

Mikasa Ackerman held the record for the deepest and most accurate cuts, earning her an A+ rating. To surpass her, Ryo realized he'd need every advantage, including those gloves.

With the new task in mind, his focus sharpened. He bolted from the middle of the team, swiftly advancing toward the front.

---

Meanwhile, chaos broke out among the recruits.

"Sasha, I can't... I can't run anymore!" Connie gasped, struggling under the weight of his backpack. "There are two baked sweet potatoes in my bag. If you carry it for me, they're yours!"

Sasha, always motivated by food, perked up. "Tsk, didn't you say you'd be fine earlier? You're hopeless." Despite her words, she eagerly took Connie's bag, the allure of sweet potatoes too tempting to resist.

Suddenly, a dark figure sped past them like a gust of wind.

"Uh… Sasha, did you see that?" Connie asked, bewildered.

"All I see are your gross socks stuffed in this bag with food. Seriously, Connie?" Sasha retorted, not even noticing the blur that passed.

---

Up ahead, Jean Kirschstein was determined to secure first place.

"I can't let Eren beat me," Jean muttered, pushing himself harder. His goal was clear: to join the Military Police Corps. Their safety, privileges, and distance from Titans were what motivated him. To achieve that, he needed a top ranking.

Jean's relentless pace caught the instructor's attention.

"Jean Kirschstein, good mobility, though a bit brash. Solid physical strength," Instructor Keith noted, observing the recruits' progress from horseback.

Just as Keith finished writing, a whirlwind of speed zipped past him, startling both him and the nearby recruits.

"Who is that?" one trainee exclaimed, awestruck.

"Must be a freak of nature," another chimed in, their disbelief evident.

When the recruits saw the figure's back, realization dawned.

"It's him... Ryo Akira."

"If it's Ryo, there's no use competing," one admitted, a mix of awe and resignation in their voice.

Instructor Keith narrowed his eyes. "So, it's him again," he muttered. He had been keeping an eye on Mikasa, Eren, and Annie, but Ryo was proving to be an anomaly—a recruit whose capabilities went beyond expectations.

---

For Ryo, this wasn't just a race; it was an opportunity to prove himself and get closer to his goals. The adrenaline coursing through him, combined with his enhanced physical attributes, allowed him to maintain a blistering pace.

"Only halfway done," Ryo noted, his stamina still intact. He adjusted his backpack, feeling the weight as a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits the mission promised.

Behind him, the gap between Ryo and the rest of the recruits grew wider. The murmurs of awe only fueled his determination.

"I will finish first," Ryo thought, his resolve unwavering.