"Ronan, do you want it?"
Turning around, Ronan saw Hannes walking up behind him with a warm smile.
"You little brat, don't you recognize me?"
Ronan blinked in confusion, but Hannes chuckled and scolded gently,
"I held you in my arms when you were a child."
"...Hannes... Uncle~"
As memories resurfaced, Ronan quickly recalled their connection. In his previous life, his father and Hannes had trained together and were close friends. While Hannes had chosen to join the Garrison Corps, Ronan's father had followed the dangerous path of the Survey Corps. Captain Keith had recognized his potential, but in the end... he never returned.
"I thought you had forgotten me~" Hannes said with a satisfied smile, then gestured at the blade in Ronan's hand.
"Do you want it?"
"I want to~" Ronan answered without hesitation.
Hannes grinned but added with a sigh,
"Civilians aren't allowed to have this kind of restricted knife~"
When Ronan didn't react much, his face calm and unwavering, Hannes raised an eyebrow and continued,
"Well, the conscription meeting's coming up. Only three spots for the Shiganshina District. Are you interested?"
"Predetermined?" Ronan asked carefully.
If there was a chance to be chosen early, he wasn't going to let it slip.
"That's right~"
Glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, and seeing Harry tactfully walk away, Hannes lowered his voice.
"I'm just a regular soldier—I can't predetermine anyone. But I can recommend you to the reserve list. After that, it's all on you. One of those three spots is merit-based—no family connections, just raw ability."
Ronan nodded. Having lived two lives, he understood the unspoken rules all too well.
Seeing his response, Hannes gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Come on then, apply to the Garrison Corps after graduation. I'll keep an eye on you~"
"I want to join the Survey Corps~" Ronan replied softly.
Hannes froze mid-step.
"Oh, the Survey Corps, huh... not bad either, at least better than—wait, wait... what? Did you just say Survey Corps?!"
Ronan gave him a calm look. "Is there a problem?~"
Hannes stared at him in disbelief.
"A huge problem!"
To him, the words Survey Corps were synonymous with death. Looking into Ronan's steady eyes, Hannes was struck with déjà vu—he had seen that same fire in Ronan's father. He, too, had chosen the same dangerous path despite every warning.
Hannes glanced around again. Some of the others had overheard the outburst; Harry was watching from a distance.
Lowering his voice, Hannes asked gravely,
"Do you understand what it means to join the Survey Corps?"
"I do. But I have my reasons. Even if I die, I must join," Ronan said firmly.
Hannes opened his mouth to argue but found no words. Just like all those years ago, he couldn't find a way to change the mind of someone who had already made their choice.
At last, he sighed, voice low and weary.
"...You really are your father's son. I still don't agree with this, but you'll be fourteen next year. You're a man now. You can make your own decisions..."
There was something bittersweet in Hannes' tone—pride and sadness mixed together. Ronan caught it, but didn't press.
"Thank you, Uncle Hannes~"
Whatever his intentions, Ronan appreciated his concern.
"Hmm~"
After giving Ronan's shoulder another pat, Hannes turned and walked back to the entrance.
Ronan returned to his work, his thoughts clear and his will resolute.
He still had a long way to go. In a world where humans were food, strength was everything. Only when he could rip a Titan apart with his bare hands would he feel truly safe.
That goal was still distant.
Shiganshina District stood at the southernmost edge before Wall Maria. It was a crucial stop for the Survey Corps and a vital supply hub. The equipment warehouse here wasn't just for the Garrison Corps—it also housed gear for the Survey Corps, all of which had to be cleaned and maintained by Ronan and the others.
That meant plenty of gear—and a real shot at finishing his task.
There was hope.
But just as he was getting into the rhythm of work, Harry quietly stepped over, hesitated, and muttered,
"Smelly boy... I heard you're going to the conscription meeting next year?"