"...To Stay by Your Side..." (AOT Alternative Universe)

11. The Night of the Closing Ceremony

AUTHOR'S POV:

It had been 2 years since the three of them enlisted into the cadet corps.
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Rain came down heavily, soaking everything beneath it.
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In a forest, a horse galloped.

"Too slow! Pick up the pace! Run, you lead-footed laggards!" Shadis yelled, riding on his horse.

The trainees were running, carrying large packs.

Keith looked behind him and slowed his horse. "What's your problem, Arlert?! You're dragging your feet! Too heavy for you? Maybe you'd prefer I let you drop your gear? If this were a real mission, you'd be Titan food by now!" He galloped ahead.

"Damn." Armin said and gasped.

"Give it here!" Reiner said and grabbed his pack. "You're gonna fail out at this rate! We're being graded today!"

"But you'll get points marked off, too, if you do that, Reiner." Armin said, looking at Reiner.

"Then make an effort not to get caught." Reiner said. "Don't make me change my mind."
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'Reiner Braun.' Keith watched them sneakily. 'He has both a robust physique and mental strength. His comrades also have great trust in him.'
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"I refuse to be a burden!" Armin said and shot forward. "Even if it costs me my life!" He snatched back his pack. Breathing heavily, he raced ahead.
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'Armin Arlert. Although lacking in physical strength, his aptitude in the classroom is extraordinary.' Keith thought.
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Ahead, a Titan dummy was raised.

Jean, Bert, and Annie sliced through the nape.
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Keith looked at Annie. 'Annie Leonhart. Her slice attacks are absolutely flawless, but her reclusive tendencies make her a poor fit for coordinated efforts.' He looked at Bertolt. 'Bertolt Hoover. He possesses remarkable potential but lacks assertiveness.' He looked at Jean. 'Jean Kirschtein. Top-class 3D mobility. But his volatile personality tends to cause friction with others.'
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'I can't slice as good as those two! I'll just have to find the Titans before them!' With great ease, Jean navigated through the forest. 'If anyone gets into the Military Police it'll be me!'

"Thanks for the help, Jean!" Connie said, passing him by. "Following you was a good idea!"

"Hooray!" Sasha cheered, having gotten the kill before Connie.
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Keith looked at Sasha. 'Sasha Braus. She has unconventionally good intuition but also demonstrates poor teamwork as a result.' He looked at Connie. 'Connie Springer. He excels at executing quick turns but is also a bit dim-witted.'
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"Here they come!" One of the helpers said.

The other one pulled the lever, setting up four Titan dummies.

Faye then quickly cut deeply through the nape of 2 dummy titans, followed by Mikasa who did the same with the remaining 2.
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Keith looked at Mikasa. 'Faye Kruger and Mikasa Ackerman. They both are completely proficient in every area. It's apt to say they are unmatched, unprecedented geniuses.'

Eren was behind Mikasa and cut through one dummy titan nape, ofcourse less deeper than her.
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Keith looked at Eren. 'Eren Yeagar. He is proficient in every area too. He also possesses twice the sense of purpose than anyone else.'