XIV. New Beginnings

+————————+

The next day arrived swiftly, marking the entry of the recruits into the Survey Corps. Gerrard, Anna, and Roku were assigned to the squad led by Darius Baer-Varbrun.

As they met their squad leader, Darius, they exchanged greetings and introduced themselves to the rest of the squad members.

Darius wasted no time in establishing the gravity of their situation, emphasizing the importance of adaptation, comfort, and adherence to the rules and orders.

He reminded them, "This is not a game. If you falter, you risk your life. Stick to the rules."
Nodding in understanding, the recruits were instructed to retrieve their uniforms. Tomorrow, an expedition awaited them.

Gerrard and Roku were directed to share a cabin with two other recruits—Marcel and Dirk.
Meanwhile, Anna headed toward the women's quarters.

As both Roku and Gerrard entered their shared cabin, they were greeted by Marcel and Dirk.

Marcel appeared bright and welcoming, while Dirk sported an expression of perpetual annoyance.

Marcel informed them about their uniforms waiting on their beds. Gerrard couldn't contain his excitement, and his enthusiasm radiated throughout the room, making Marcel happy to see such enthusiasm among the recruits.

However, Dirk's demeanor was different. He cautioned Gerrard, advising him not to get too excited. In a grim tone, he stated that lack of bravery would lead to death in their line of duty.
Marcel promptly reprimanded Dirk, urging him not to instill such negativity in the new recruits.

Gerrard, undeterred, acknowledged Dirk's words, agreeing that bravery was crucial. He assured Dirk that even if he began as a coward, he'd muster the courage to confront Titans and become a strong soldier.

Pointing towards Roku, Gerrard confidently expressed "As long as Roku is by my side I wouldn't have to worry."

Dirk couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh, mocking Gerrard's statement. "Is he your mama or something?" he sneered.

"Oi, Dirk, cut it out," Marcel intervened, admonishing him for his disrespect towards the newcomers.

Dirk shrugged off Marcel's reproach, asserting that he simply aimed to show the newcomers the reality—it wasn't all sweetness and light. With that, he departed from the cabin, leaving the rest in a state of mixed emotions.
Roku remained silent throughout the exchange, observing the dynamics of the group.

His expression was unreadable, he quietly absorbed the various personalities he was about to embark on this journey with.

As the sun began its ascent, casting its golden glow through the barracks' windows, the squad members prepared themselves mentally for the impending expedition, unaware of the challenges and trials that lay ahead in the great unknown beyond the Walls.

The following morning, as the squad gathered outside the barracks, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Darius, their squad leader, stood before them, his gaze serious yet encouraging.

"Listen up, squad," Darius began, his voice carrying authority. "Today marks your first expedition. Stay alert, stick to your formations, and remember your training. We're not out there for a picnic. Titans are unpredictable."

Roku observed the serious expressions on his squadmates' faces. Gerrard's excitement seemed tempered by the gravity of the situation, while Anna exuded a calm determination.
Marcel's eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness, and Dirk, ever the cynic, maintained his stoic demeanor.

The squad geared up, adjusting their ODM gear and ensuring their blades were ready. The mission was straightforward—an exploration beyond the Walls, mapping the land, and gathering intelligence, a task essential for the Survey Corps.

As they set out, the eerie silence of the outside world greeted them. The colossal Walls loomed behind, shielding humanity from the horrors that lay beyond.

The Survey Corps, tasked with venturing into the unknown, stepped forward, their footsteps echoing through the desolate landscape.

The terrain was desolate and barren, the air thick with anticipation. The squad moved cautiously, each step deliberate. Roku, poised and observant, scanned their surroundings, his instincts sharp.

Hours passed without incident, the sun climbing steadily in the sky. Suddenly, a faint tremor reverberated through the ground.

The squad halted their senses on high alert. Murmurs of uncertainty echoed among them.

"Stay on your guard," Darius commanded, his voice firm. "We don't know what's out there."

As they cautiously advanced, a distant rumbling grew louder. The ground trembled violently, dust clouds rising in the distance. Roku's pulse quickened; a foreboding sense of danger engulfed him.

Then, emerging from the horizon, a colossal figure materialized—an aberrant Titan, towering above the landscape, its grotesque form unmistakable.
Panic gripped the squad as they witnessed the abomination.

The Titan, its twisted grin bearing menacing teeth, lurched forward with an otherworldly speed. Fear surged through the squad, their training kicking in as they prepared for battle.

"Get ready!" Darius shouted, the urgency in his voice cutting through the chaos.
Roku's heart raced, adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was the moment he had trained for.

Gripping his gear, he braced himself for the looming confrontation, his mind focused, ready to confront the terror that stood before them, "So that's what Titans look like" Roku thought to himself.

The squad formed a defensive formation, blades drawn, determination etched on their faces. With bated breath, they awaited the inevitable clash with the relentless force of the Titan.

The battlefield, once tranquil, was now a canvas for survival, the fate of each member of the squad hanging in the balance as they prepared to face the merciless enemy.

+————————+

End of the Chapter