Chapter 38: Joining the Special Operations Team

Erwin was quite satisfied with the new recruits for the Training Corps this time, for they were soldiers who had truly overcome their inner fears. Previously, Erwin had resorted to intimidating the trainees, not out of malice, but as a last-ditch effort; after all, each recruitment yielded so few candidates that he might as well frighten them in hopes of provoking a spark of courage, perhaps drawing out exceptional talent. Clearly, the effect of intimidation had been rather remarkable.

The next day, the trainees who had resolved to join the Survey Corps were sent to Squad Leader Niss. They would follow Niss, learning the Corps' tactics and some survival skills for life outside the walls. However, Sikun Xu was absent; it seemed Erwin had summoned him elsewhere.

Rays of sunlight streamed across Sikun Xu's face, the gentle warmth making him involuntarily relax. The horse beneath him jolted and bounced, and seated atop the saddle, Sikun Xu was experiencing riding for the first time—a novel sensation.

"This kid... he learned to ride this quickly?" Erwin could tell from Sikun Xu's clumsy movements that he had never ridden before. Erwin had expected Sikun Xu to be thrown into disarray by the horse, but to his surprise, the boy was a natural oddity.

In Erwin's eyes, despite the awkward start, Sikun Xu managed to gain control after a few bounces. His technique grew more proficient, and soon enough, Erwin saw not a trace of incompetence left in him. Even Erwin, usually so stern, was taken aback.

"Commander, where are you taking me?" Sikun Xu asked, gripping the reins with a hint of excitement. Clearly, his first experience riding had put him in good spirits.

"I assigned the other newcomers who graduated with you to the same squad. I originally considered placing you there as well, but after some thought, I made a different arrangement," Erwin replied, riding alongside, his tone calm and steady.

"Are you planning to put me in the Special Operations Squad?" Sikun Xu guessed, reflecting briefly on the original story.

Erwin glanced at him in surprise. "Correct. But you already know about the Special Operations Squad? Your sources are impressive."

He was mildly startled, but quickly composed himself, uninterested in probing Sikun Xu's connections.

"Is this really okay, though? I’ve just joined the Survey Corps and you’re putting me in the Special Operations Squad—won’t the other members object?" Sikun Xu asked, perhaps out of boredom while traveling.

"I haven’t seen your true strength yet, but I trust Levi’s judgment."

"Captain Levi?" Sikun Xu hummed in confusion. He hadn’t had much interaction with Levi—perhaps only a few minutes during the operation to reclaim Trost District. Levi’s personality hardly seemed the type to mention him specifically.

"In any case, all you need to know is that joining the Special Operations Squad is advantageous," Erwin said, glancing at Sikun Xu. "Its members are the elite of our Corps, each possessing a high survival rate and countless Titans have fallen by their hands. Once you arrive, learn from your seniors."

Erwin seemed to value Sikun Xu highly—otherwise, he wouldn’t have spoken so much, given his severe nature.

"By the way, Commander, could you transfer Mikasa to the Special Operations Squad as well?" Sikun Xu asked, recalling how uneasy he felt with Mikasa absent, rubbing his nose as he spoke.

"Mikasa Ackerman?" Erwin pondered a moment. Mikasa’s abilities were well recognized—not only had she been exceptional during the Trost operation, but even the Training Corps instructors and the elite garrison soldiers spoke highly of her. She alone was said to equal the combat strength of a hundred soldiers, a claim both sides agreed upon.

As Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin naturally conducted thorough investigations on new members. Considering this, he was indeed tempted; Mikasa Ackerman’s strength was already on par with the Special Operations Squad.

"I’ll consider your suggestion," Erwin said, gazing into the distance. "But what I’m most eager to see is your own abilities."

Sikun Xu scratched the back of his head and laughed. "When the opportunity arises, you’ll witness them."

Truthfully, with the unique ability known as "Infinite Martial Refinement," Sikun Xu’s strength in the world of "Attack on Titan" was more than sufficient. In this world, there were only a handful of beings capable of threatening him.

"We’ve arrived," Erwin’s voice suddenly spoke by Sikun Xu’s ear.

Hearing this, Sikun Xu reflexively looked ahead. A few hundred meters distant, a solitary, enormous castle stood surrounded by dense trees. It was covered in dust and looked dilapidated, as if it hadn’t been inhabited for many years.

"That’s..." Sikun Xu recognized the place.

But before he could finish, Erwin explained, "That’s where Eren Yeager is kept under watch. It’s also been temporarily designated as the base for the Special Operations Squad."

"Under watch? You don’t trust him?"

"Not exactly," Erwin said calmly. "Our trust in Eren Yeager is substantial, but the government’s trust is another matter..."

"So, this is just for show, to appease the government?" Sikun Xu asked.

"You could say that. Now, let me take you inside."

As they spoke, Sikun Xu found himself unconsciously approaching the grimy castle.

After introducing Sikun Xu to the members of the Special Operations Squad, he finally encountered Eren, who was busy cleaning the castle.

"Xu!" Eren, seeing his longtime friend, was visibly excited. Though the members of the Special Operations Squad had treated him well, the unfamiliar environment had weighed heavily on Eren’s spirits. Now, seeing his friend, he was naturally overjoyed.

Eren rushed over and gave Sikun Xu a bear hug. The two exchanged warm smiles before Sikun Xu’s gaze shifted to the silent figure cleaning nearby—Captain Levi.

Levi’s deadpan eyes were unchanged, the dark circles beneath them even heavier, as if stained by smoke.

Levi cast Sikun Xu a brief, indifferent glance, then turned his attention away and said, "Eren, stop slacking."

"Ah, yes, okay!" Eren replied, clearly intimidated by the captain who had knocked out his teeth during the tribunal. He never dared defy Levi.

After glancing at the two, Sikun Xu returned to the castle entrance, where Erwin was waiting, seemingly ready to address him and the Special Operations Squad.