LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 33: Chapter 31
After watching the intense battle, everyone was left on edge, their emotions fluctuating wildly.
At first, it seemed like Mikasa would undoubtedly claim victory.
But as her attacks failed to penetrate Annie's defenses, worry began to creep into the hearts of the onlookers. Many even started to believe Annie might secure a win with her vast experience.
Then, just as Annie launched what seemed like a decisive counterattack, she fell into Mikasa's trap, losing the fight. Though Mikasa emerged victorious, the audience couldn't shake the tension they had felt during the match. It was clear that this wasn't an easy win.
The strength of these two warriors was astonishingly close.
"These two are unreal!" Sasha exclaimed, grabbing Hannah's arm and shaking it wildly in her excitement. She looked as if she had been the one fighting, her forehead slick with sweat.
"Yes, they're incredible! I can't imagine when we'll ever reach their level," Hannah responded, her tone a mixture of admiration and awe.
Franz, ever the supportive partner, chimed in, "It's okay, Hannah. You don't need to be as strong as Mikasa. As long as I'm here to protect you, you'll always be safe."
Hannah blushed deeply. "Still, Franz, if I can get a little stronger, wouldn't that take some of the burden off your shoulders?"
"You're so thoughtful, Hannah. Whoever marries you is going to be the happiest person in the world!" Franz said with heartfelt sincerity.
"And whoever marries you, Franz, will be the luckiest woman alive," Hannah replied, just as lovingly.
"Hannah!"
"Franz!"
Their overly affectionate exchange was too much for Sasha, who dramatically pretended to gag. "Ugh! I can't take it anymore!" She stormed off, muttering, "If I can't fight them, I'll hide from them!"
Meanwhile, Ryo Akira watched as Annie brushed the dust off her uniform and walked away, pretending nothing had happened. Mikasa, on the other hand, approached Eren, her resolve still unwavering.
Ryo stepped forward, a light smile on his face. "That was an incredible fight, you two. But I hope this doesn't drive a wedge between you. We're all members of the 104th, after all. We've gone through rigorous training and endured so much during the Titans' onslaught. The last thing we need is for small disagreements to fracture our unity."
He turned to both of them. "Don't you think so, Mikasa? Annie?"
Annie, however, didn't respond immediately. She merely muttered, "Tch, boring," as she glanced briefly at Eren and Mikasa. Without another word, she turned and left, her posture rigid and her expression unreadable.
Ryo sighed. Annie's demeanor revealed her frustration, though she kept her emotions mostly in check. Mikasa's challenge, born of her protectiveness for Eren, was clearly an annoyance to Annie.
Mikasa, oblivious to Annie's true nature as the Female Titan, remained firmly resolute. Her hostility stemmed from Annie's repeated victories over Eren during training. Now, having defeated Annie herself, Mikasa was determined to keep Eren from training with her again.
"I don't think Eren needs to train with Annie anymore," Mikasa declared. "I'll help him from now on."
Ryo couldn't help but chuckle. "Mikasa, if you take over Eren's training, I'm not sure he'll be too thrilled."
He turned to Eren and added, "If you want to work on your fighting skills, come to me. Just be ready—I don't hold back."
Mikasa's expression shifted at the mention of "getting hurt."
Realizing his mistake, Ryo quickly corrected himself. "Uh, what I mean is, I'll be careful. I promise not to leave you looking like a bruised-up pighead."
Mikasa's glare softened slightly, though she remained wary.
Eren, on the other hand, couldn't hide his eagerness. "I'll take you up on that, Ryo!"
As the trio exchanged glances, the atmosphere lightened ever so slightly. But in the back of Ryo's mind, he remained vigilant. The knowledge of Annie's true identity as a Titan lingered, shaping his every move. For now, his priority was to keep the peace—and keep everyone alive.