After the surprisingly lengthy cat rescue mission of yesterday, Eren and his friends went back to school as usual the morning afterward. Eren sat down in his homeroom, patiently waiting for the morning bell to ring. The students around him stood around, talking to each other. However, his friend Mikasa happened to be sitting next to him.
"Oi, Mikasa, why're you in such a good mood today?" he asked whilst Mikasa cheerfully smiled at him.
"I'm happy to be by your side, Eren."
"Happy? I thought you're always happy with me."
She shook her head and twiddled her fingers. "That's true... but now, I feel at peace."
"At peace with what? What gives?"
"I cleared some misunderstandings, that's all."
"... right. You're always saying some nonsense, Mikasa. Yesterday, you were all violent, and today, you're all excited for some reason."
A familiar horseface suddenly walked in front of Eren's desk and slammed his hands on it, interrupting their conversation.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my old buddy Eren!" greeted Jean, sarcastically. His eye twitched and his teeth clenched.
"Hiya, Jean. What's up?"
"What's up?! Did you seriously ask me that?"
Eren nodded.
"Hmph. That's no way to be talking to such a dashing fellow as myself."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Do I have to explain everything to you, Jaeger?! I'll have you know that I'm quite a talented man."
"That's great, Jean! What're you talented in?"
"Oh, you know... everything. I'm so strong, so charming, so precise, so chic." Jean glanced at Mikasa and winked. The girl blinked back, confused.
Jean sighed. "All righty, Jaeger boy. Let me give you a piece of advice from the professional himself..." He cleared his throat and adjusted his shirt. "The more popular you are, the more girls that will swoon over you. I'm a popular guy, for instance, and you can see all the harems of women just falling for me."
"I don't see any women, Jean. Where?" Eren placed the side of his hand on his head and looked around the room.
Jean gritted his teeth and grabbed Eren by his collar. "Stop toying with me! You act all cool and mighty, and somehow, you don't even realize how lucky you are, Eren! Gah, why does she go over to you instead of me?!"
"Uh, I dunno what you're talking about! Who's she?!"
Mikasa slapped Jean and threw him back onto his own chair. "Please don't touch Eren without his consent." Jean rubbed his cheek, and seeing Mikasa, his eyes sparkled. She... talked to me! he thought to himself. He went into a trance.
The bell rang. "Okay, boys and girls," called Mr. Krause, their homeroom teacher, "Class is about to begin. Please sit in your assigned seats."
The students all settled down and the room quieted. Krause took his clipboard and stood, taking the attendance of the students present. Jean glared at Eren, who sat in front of him. He grabbed his eraser and was about to chuck it at Eren's head when the teacher made another announcement.
"Today's class will be interrupted. We're going to have a special introduction assembly in a few minutes by the head faculty of this school. When the announcements come on to say we're heading out, I want everyone to stand up, push in their chairs, and leave the room quietly. You don't need to bring anything with you. All right?"
An assembly, huh? Eren glanced at the window and saw that crowds of students already began pouring out of the building and heading towards a large stadium in the distance. The PA box in the corner of the ceiling suddenly blared out in a mechanical voice, "Block 4A-3, please proceed to the assembly."
The students in their class filed out of the room and downstairs, where they made it into the central courtyard. By that point, large waves of students appeared out of the other buildings and converged into one single line down the pathway. Eren stuck together with Armin, Mikasa, and Reiner as they pushed through the masses.
"Wow, guys, it looks like they're getting everyone from the school to go there!" exclaimed Armin.
"Totes. But this is gonna be boring, man, I swear. I hate assemblies!" Reiner replied.
Eren rolled his eyes. "C'mon, Reiner, it's not like middle school anymore. Check out that big arena we're going towards, it's so huge! It's definitely better than going to some auditorium, right?"
"That's true... Yo, Eren. Lookie there. It's our best pal Bert!" Reiner ran a few meters ahead and threw his arm on Bert's shoulder, startling the tall boy. The others caught up and found that Bert walked alongside Annie and Mina.
"Oh, hey, Annie!" Eren greeted, coming up on Annie's left.
Annie glanced at Eren, then glanced back forward. "Eren."
Mikasa came up on Annie's right. "Annie."
Annie nodded back at her. "Mikasa."
Mina leaned in front of the three and shouted, "Mina!"
"Are you guys excited for the assembly? I know I am!" Armin said.
"What, really? Me, too, Armin!" Eren jumped in the air and high-fived Armin. "Yeah!"
"Keep your celebrations till after the end of it," interrupted Annie, "We have yet to see what this assembly has in store for us. However... I, too, am anxious to see what will happen."
"Huh? It's just an introduction, Annie. It's not like it's anything important, right? They'll probably just give us handbooks and explain the rules, then it's all over."
"Supposedly. Keep in mind that this school is rather... mm, dodgy. I'll have to wait and see."
Bert suddenly appeared next to Annie, towering over her. "H-h-hi, Annie... um... Can I s-s-sit next to y-you during the assem- assembly?" He started sweating.
Annie shot a sudden glance at Bert, staring straight into his eyes. She blinked innocently. "... yes."
Bert's entire face turned red, and he started babbling nonsense that somewhat resembled the word "thanks" before fainting. Reiner chuckled and carried Bert on his shoulder.
The stadium resembled a typical sports arena, capable of hosting thousands of people at once. Several large television screens were located in various positions around the stadium, some of them between the hundreds of rows of seats. All of these surrounded a large area in the center.
Armin, Mikasa, and Eren took their seats at a high position in the stadium. Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie seated themselves a few rows behind them. Around them, thousands of other students were sat, chattering away before the actual ceremony began.
It was then that the middle of the stadium began lowering into the ground. The crowd quickly ceased talking amongst themselves and stared at the changing scenery before them. The ground came back up, this time as a rectangular concrete stage with people standing on it. with one man positioned at the absolute center, facing a microphone. Three men dressed in military-like dress uniforms stood behind him on his right, and one older gentleman stood next to him on his left, wearing the same uniform, except adorned with several medals. The rest of the adults wore simple black business suits.
Further away from the adults was a circle of five cryptic figures dressed in maroon cloaks and black conical hats that obscured their faces. However, something appeared wrong.
"Oi, guys," whispered Eren. "Look at the two of those guys on the stage. They look funny."
Eren pointed to two of the figures on the stage. One was in the trio of men standing behind the main speaker, and the other was in the circle of maroon-draped figures. Both of them appeared to be holograms. Their images were dark and transparent, except for their eyes, and they refracted an array of spectral colors, much like a rainbow.
The screens around the stadium cut to a closer view of the young man with the microphone. His hair was jet black and slicked back, and he wore a monocle.
"Welcome!" he spoke into the mic. "To Sina Academy!"
The crowd looked at him, expecting the man to speak further. He adjusted his monocle. "For those of you wondering who I am, my name is Akira Nyitrai, and I'm the new principal for this school year."
Akira looked around the stadium, analyzing the many faces of the students. "I welcome all returning students, as well as the freshmen who are newcomers to this fine establishment. I hope you've all had a wonderful summer vacation. I, for one, am quite excited, for this is my first time here. Sina Academy truly is a remarkable place."
Akira held up a student handbook. "We will begin this assembly by going over the standard policies and procedures of Sina Academy, which are covered in the student handbooks. Your student handbooks are located under your seats. If you are in need of one, raise your hand and you will receive one shortly."
Throughout the stadium, the sound of shuffling papers echoed. Eren picked up his handbook and examined it. It had a plain white cover, with a red Lady Sina stamp in the center, and below it, in bold words, SINA ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK. Eren nearly opened it when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Take a good look, Eren," whispered Annie. She suddenly appeared crouching behind Eren's seat, leaning to the side of his face. "Do you see those people on the stage? Who do you think is your enemy?"
"Annie?! How did you get here?! You're going to get us in trouble if they catch you out of your seat, you know!"
"I am fully aware of the risks. I wished to hear your insight on this reading." She held up her copy of the handbook. "I already read through it. The rules listed in here are similar to those of other schools. However..."
She looked around, checking to make sure no guard saw her. "Its overall tone feels rather peculiar. You don't even have to read the book to understand who we're dealing with. Simply listen to that principal as he goes over this material, and you'll see."
Mikasa leaned over so that she and Annie faced. "What're you saying to Eren? Stop getting so close to him."
Annie rolled her eyes. "And here I thought you were willing to be civil and cooperative. Tsk, tsk."
"Yes, but you're still interrupting Eren's privacy."
"Uh, guys?" Eren interrupted, as the two girls leaned over him. "Both of you are getting too close. We're causing a scene!"
"I apologize, Eren. But don't worry, when you two are alone, Mikasa's going to get even closer."
Annie smirked and stepped away before Mikasa could strike at her. The conflict settled down, but at that point, the principal was already finished.
"Now that we have covered the basic guidelines of this academy, let us move on to our goals for this school and the future of its students," Akira announced. "We here at Sina Academy offer some of the best classes in this country. We strive for profound academic performance from our alumni. We will teach every single one of you skills essential to living. Not only that, but we will also teach you core values and principles that you should hold true even in everyday life."
He balled his hands into fists. "You will learn discipline. In this academy, you will learn the meaning of obedience. You will become loyal to your superiors, you will fight for their will. No longer will you be barbaric pigs in human clothing. You will learn your purpose: to serve this great establishment. We will turn you into faithful soldiers in this noble cause. You will strive for success and rid the evil and decadence from your hearts. Failure is not an option. We will triumph!"
He raised his fist in the air, and simultaneously, the crowd began clapping.
He adjusted his monocle. "Now then. Let us introduce my proud associates standing next to me."
The older gentleman next to him stepped forward. The television screens zoomed in on his face. He wore glasses and a thick gray beard. "I am Superintendent Darius Zackly. I oversee every academic institution within this region. I am in direct command of every branch that serves here."
The television screens cut to the trio of men (including the holographic man). The first in line, a bald man with a distinguished mustache, drank from a flask and wiped his mouth. "Why, hello there. I'm Chairman Dot Pixis and I lead the Vanguard. We look over the maintenance of schools and ensure their up-keeping."
The second, sporting a goatee, saluted. "My name is Nile Dok, Chairman and Commander of the Volunteer Police. I maintain order, control, and safety throughout the schools, as well as the protection of valued individuals, objects, and locations."
The third one's image flickered as he straightened his posture. He resembled a featureless silhouette, and the only distinguishable feature from his figure were his calm blue eyes. When he spoke, his voice sounded static and electronically resonant, as though it was being transmitted through a walkie-talkie.
"I am Chairman Erwin Smith. I command the Survey Club in order to assist the community and the members of this society as a whole. I thoroughly apologize for not being present here, for I had run into serious complications recently and could not make it."
Whoa... that guy commands the Survey Club?! Eren thought to himself.
Akira nodded and faced the circle of maroon-clad figures. "These proud students are the top officials of our Student Council."
He checked his pocket watch. "This assembly has almost come to an end. Without any further announcements, we will be dismissing you shortly."
"Hold your horses!" interrupted Pixis. He clumsily walked up to the microphone and leaned on it, hiccuping. "I'd to make an announcement."
"Very well, sir." Akira stepped back.
"Now... hic. Is there an Eren Jaeger in this crowd?"
Eren shuddered and paled in shock. The people sitting around him glanced at Eren, especially Mikasa, who looked just as worried. Eren breathed deeply before standing up and raising his hand.
Pixis licked the mouth of his flask. "I'd like Eren Jaeger to come to the stage."
Eren, trembling, walked down the aisle. His eyes met Mikasa's and his friends'. A guard nearby directed him to an elevator, which he took to get to the stadium grounds. Eren stepped out of the elevator and found himself approaching the center of the arena, where he felt thousands of eyes carefully watching him.
A breeze whistled. Eren's heart pounded as he walked up to Pixis. The man glanced at Eren and stared at him for several seconds, as if analyzing him.
"So... what's your name, sonny?" asked Pixis.
"Uh... you called me up here, sir. You asked for Eren Jaeger. I'm Eren Jaeger."
"Oh, that's right. How silly of me. I made a folly there!" He broke into hearty laughter and took another sip from his flask. Upon closer inspection, Eren realized that Pixis was drinking alcohol. His cheeks were flushed, an indicator of intoxication.
Pixis cleared his throat. "You're the one who rescued my wife's cat, yes?"
"Your wife's cat? You mean, the one I rescued yesterday from the park? Yes, sir, I did! I am honored to have brought back your pet, sir!"
"Actually, I didn't want that lousy cat back. I hated it. I let that devilish fiend run off and let my wife go get it. I hated my wife, too. I needed her away from the home so I'd finally have alone time. Now you brought them both back to torture me."
"Um. In that case, sorry, sir."
"Ha, don't be sorry! I'm glad that you gave it your effort. It's the thought that counts, after all. Young'uns have no respect, but at least there's some youth with talent, like you... or my mistress. Please, tell me your name."
"Eren Jaeger. I just told you, sir."
Pixis turned to face the crowd. "I'd like to present a fine young lad today. This is Eren Jaeger! Some of you won't know who he is, and that's fine, I'll say what he did. hic He was a good boy. A good boy indeed. He's done his duties. He's helped rescue the disgusting demon my wife calls a pet. What a hero. Unlike the lazy scumbags I'm looking at right now. hic It warms my heart to see kids these days with true kind spirit. Please give a round of applause for... erm..."
Eren sighed. "Eren Jaeger."
"That's right! Eren Jaeger!"
The screens zoomed in on Eren's face. The crowd cheered and applauded with much spirit, especially from Armin and Mikasa.
Pixis smiled at Eren. "Would you like to say any closing words, lad?"
"S-sure, I guess." Eren gulped. Pixis stepped aside from the microphone, allowing Eren a chance in the limelight.
Eren looked around nervously. He breathed in and out to calm his nerves. He finally mustered the resolve to speak. "I am Eren Jaeger... and I vow to help anyone in need. I promise to assist others and show kindness to all. I vow to proudly serve the Survey Club! Whatever it takes, I will accomplish my duty!"
Erwin's hologram looked curiously at Eren. Some of the Student Council members whispered among themselves.
"I've helped Mr. Pixis, although he didn't really want it, and I will try to help even more people. That's my hopes and dreams for my time in this school. To show respect and to earn respect!"
The crowd cheered. Eren held his fist to his heart. "All of this, I couldn't have done without my closest and best friend, who's been with me through thick and thin..."
Mikasa held her breath.
"Armin!"
Armin stood up and waved excitedly. Mikasa breathed out softly.
"I also couldn't have done it without my family, my friends, Mr. Hardy who sells ice cream down the street, my teachers, my grandparents, that weird guy with the overalls, and so many more people I can't even name."
Eren paused and smiled. "But most importantly, I couldn't have done it without the person I care for and trust the most, the one who's always protected me, the one I truly admire... Mikasa!"
The screens focused on Mikasa. Her cheeks crimsoned and she tried to hide her face with her scarf, embarrassed. However, there were hearts and a pink tint overlaying her image on the screen. The crowd simultaneously went "aww" and began cheering and whistling.
"Oh, and don't forget Annie! She's also someone I respect and acknowledge!"
The screens then cut to Annie. The screens displayed the shocked Mikasa and the bored Annie side-by-side. People in the crowd went "Huh?" and murmured in confusion. Annie frowned. I hate attention.
Akira walked back up to the microphone and pulled out his pocket watch. "It seems that's all we have time for today. We will dismiss you back to class. I hope that everyone here feels acquainted to this school."
Eren marched off the stage, proud and dignified. Little did he know that the members of the Student Council stood watching him as he went.