Training Camps of the Southern Division, Year 847
Day 2
A crowd of cadets gathered in one of the many training fields early in the morning. Their second day of training had begun hours ago, and right now the test lies right in front of them. A contraption of sorts is used to test balance or in other words, to see if one is capable of handling the 3D maneuver gear without killing themselves in the process.
I too observed with curiosity as my companions, one by one, got in the middle of the weird contraption and got pulled up by the belt.
Some succeeded in keeping balance, some didn't. It was easy to tell apart, especially when Shadis is right there to yell at you for failing. Just some salt in the wound.
While I was 100% confident in myself, I couldn't decipher the 'trick' behind the test. Many got to keep balance in different positions so it wasn't a matter of pose.
Perhaps it varies per individual?
"Next!" Yelled Shadis as he walked in front of the groups I was standing with. His eyes landed on me, and that was all the sign I needed.
I imagine I'll find out soon enough.
I walked towards the machine and stood in the middle of it. The soldier helping out with it connected the wires to my belt and then went to the back.
This is it. Bring it on.
Shadis kept his cunning gaze upon me, perhaps he was still mad about yesterday and wanted to see me eat dirt. I'll prove him wrong.
The wires began to slowly rise as the soldier in charge pulled the lever, and with it, my hold on the ground was gone.
I immediately felt the need to balance my body in one way or another, to keep myself from falling face flat to the ground. That included awkward positions like putting one leg in front of the other or stretching and bending my arms trying to find the perfect spot to remain secured. All of that occurred in no longer than 3 seconds after being lifted.
My silly movements were not foreign to the other cadets that had to perform before me in the search for an ideal balance to stay 'afloat'. In fact, I was glad I didn't go first, otherwise, the chance of embarrassing myself would've been quite high, which is something I wanted to avoid after yesterday's incident.
At some point, I found myself in a decent position where I could feel my body relax, and not feel like I was about to fall. As expected I was in some sort of awkward position, but I tried to fix it by looking more 'normal'. I started by slowly bringing my arms down, and then by bringing my legs closer to each other.
I could feel the initial stress in my body slowly fade, only for it to remain in specific locations like my thighs and lower back. What was to be expected from using the actual maneuvering gear.
But in the end, it mattered not. I had done it, I had passed the test.
I couldn't avoid raising my arms and letting out a well-deserved cheer for myself in the process.
Now with a bit more confidence after finding the right balance, I could move with more freedom, even swinging back and forth.
Shadis stare remained on me during the entire time but softened (Apparently that's possible) at the very end. Although it still looked sharp enough to kill.
"Next!" He commanded the group watching, "We don't have all day." He kept walking around the field, keeping an eye as the cadets were tested one by one. Yelling at some when they screwed, and keeping quiet when they accomplished a 'decent' job.
After being put down and made free from the chains holding me, I returned to the group where I previously stood. We were told not to leave after the test, they probably have more for us to do after this.
"You did it, Ansel! I thought you were a goner for a second there." Someone congratulated me with a pat on the back as I walked into the group.
"Me too, good thing you didn't laugh this time around," joked another one.
I could recognize those voices from the acquaintances I made during my trip to the camps. I didn't have the chance to talk to them after that given my exaggerated punishment for laughing out loud. If anything, I'm glad they are keeping a friendly attitude, I should reciprocate.
"It wasn't hard at all. You need only to watch your balance." My eyes laid upon the kids who reached me, their names were still somewhat fresh in my mind. Thomas and Nack.
"Say that to those who failed," Thomas said, still keeping a good mood because he already passed.
I shrugged. What can I say about the others? Sure, the test can be daunting, and the pressure even more so depending on your circumstances but I wouldn't say keeping your balance is too much of a challenge once the initial shock disappears.
"Or those who have yet to take it," said Nack with a slight quiver in his voice, rubbing the side of his neck.
"You'll be fine, just don't think about it too much," I said to him, "There are few who didn't make the cut anyway. Plus, didn't they say you get to try tomorrow if you want to?" I tried to provide reassurance, although I can't say I excel at it.
In the meantime, my eyes drifted towards the cadets taking the test, just like I did a few minutes ago. Few were struggling, but there was also a good bunch that did it with ease. Better than I.
There probably was a trick to it that I missed, not as it matters now.
However, I still couldn't completely remove my eyes and thoughts from those who could handle the test better than I. It irked me, rubbed me the wrong way; not knowing how they fare better when I had to struggle at first.
I'm not competitive by nature, rarely do I have to worry about such trivial things as competing, but I know why that is. It's because I rarely had anyone to compete with when it came to any sort of physical challenge. Most kids and friends back home never had the stamina, let alone a physical forte. So any game that required exercise of any sort, I always manage to come on top of everyone. It was always like that.
But here it will be different. I should've known.
It doesn't bother me though. The possibility of finding people posing a challenge gives me mixed feelings, but they're also accompanied by the excitement and thrill of competition.
I'll show them how superior I am. No matter how long it takes.
"It seems Hannah and Mina made it as well," announced Thomas as he pointed towards the girls. Both of them were hanging by the belt, keeping themselves in the right position, which means anything but your face in the dirt.
"They did it too!? Okay, I'll go next!" Nack intoned, mentally swallowing his fears as he approached to take the test as well with Thomas supporting cheering for him as he went.
It's true, I'll end up competing against others, but that doesn't mean I can't befriend them, right? That was one of my many intentions after all.
It'll be boring otherwise.
"You got it, Nack!" I cheered for him as well.
Later that day
The dinner hall rumbled with the lively sounds of kids and young teenagers devouring their humble meals after a day of harsh training and standing beneath the blazing sun.
One needed only to look at how the majority of them ate their meals as if it was the finest food they ever tasted; the Potato Girl was pretty enthusiastic regarding that matter. Others didn't rush at it, but their hunger could be seen in their eyes nonetheless. It was one of the reasons they joined the military, to have food on the table and a roof over their head. No matter how poor the conditions went, it was better than living in the streets.
This wasn't my case of course, and to the naked eye, it was rather simple to notice.
It's hard for me to hide my lack of enthusiasm(to put it nicely) towards the food served here. Sure, I'm hungry as hell like everybody else, yet I can't avoid comparing the food here to the one I'm used to. To say the difference between them is like heaven and earth would be an understatement, but that's the best I can come up with.
You should consider yourself lucky if your bread was chewable, the mashed potatoes had a suspicious dark color and dry flavor to it, and the boiled vegetables on the plate seemed to be barely good by the time they used them.
I also heard rumors that meat is a rarity here, saved only for the higher-ups or for important events. It's unsurprising, ever since we lost Wall Maria, meat prices skyrocketed as the available land for livestock decreased.
"What's going on Ansel, aren't you hungry?" I was asked.
A girl with dark hair, tied in loose pigtails sitting in front of me asked. I believe her name is Mina, she was part of the group I shared the cart with her on my way here.
"No, no. It's not that. I was just thinking about how both the presentation and taste are a bit… lacking?" And that's putting it nicely.
"I guess you're right, my mom's cooking is better than this but we don't have much of a choice," she comforted us, before putting a spoon full of mashed potatoes into her mouth.
"I don't know what you guys are talking about," said someone I hadn't met before but he was acquainted with the rest sitting next to me, "it beats eating scraps or trash. We shouldn't complain." His words came clear, even with all the food stuffed in his mouth.
"I too think it's alright, we can't get too picky plus it's not all that different from regular food," said Nack who had already finished eating, "What kind of food do you normally eat anyway?" He asked, looking at me.
The question wasn't anything out of the ordinary but I could notice everyone sitting nearby, at the same table had at least heard the question and had a small degree of attention on it.
There shouldn't be any harm in telling them I'm from the interior, right?
I can't help but think about my father's warning about it. It has been in mind for some time now. Would it be such a problem if they found out?
"Wait, a minute," a female voice intervened, it was Hannah, "Didn't you say your last name was Desch?"
I nodded, whilst trying to eat my hard-as-stone bread. Delightful.
I did introduce myself with my last name, didn't I? It shouldn't take them long to find out.
"Isn't that the same name as that trading company, or am I getting it wrong?"
Others in the table shared the same doubts, I could see it in their faces but didn't seem to care much for it.
"No, no, I remember it too. It's the same. You wouldn't happen to be related to them, right Ansel?" Jested Thomas, not paying much attention to his own words.
Yet, my silence and serious facade gave a different answer.
They found out faster than expected.
The entire table went silent, the realization sinking in, seeing as I was not denying the question or joking about it.
The last thing I want right now is for them to make a fuss or big deal out of it, even if it was, I don't want the attention. Not now, and even less at dinner. So I spoke up.
"Yes, I'm part of the Desch family. My father is the current head of the Desch Company" I replied firmly after a few silent seconds. Normally I would feel proud to announce my family name out loud, but the situation here is different. It isn't a shame but I'm aware a person of my station is out of place in a training camp. Most don't expect nobles to join the military. It's a tricky situation.
Of course, regardless of my approach, chaos ensued.
Expression of surprise was heard all over, followed by an arrange of questions, ranging from obvious to outlandish. It was all easily noticeable by the rest of the cadets, although they were probably clueless about what the riot was about.
"Why are you here, were you punished by your family, disinherited?"
"So you live in the interior, why are you here?"
"Surely you wouldn't mind sharing some of that wealth with us, would you?"
"Must be nice not worrying about money, what is it like?"
Questions didn't seem to stop, so I had to tackle the topic head-on before it gets out of hand even more.
I half-raised my hand, making a sign for them to stop. Surprisingly, they did. "Guys, I'm here of my own volition. I was not forced, disinherited, abandoned, or anything like that. Right now I'm a cadet just like the rest of you. I can tell you about my life back at home if you're so interested but don't treat me any different because of it. That's all I ask."
I hoped that my firm voice would calm them down but it didn't do much about it. It was worth a try.
We still had time before being forced to our bunkers, so perhaps clearing some questions it's within my capabilities for now.
"So why are you here then, if it's not a punishment, what reason do you have to join the military?" Asked a guy with short hair, sitting in the corner of the table.
This question was within the ones I expected, but I don't have a proper answer for them.
"That's…not easy to answer. Let's just say that I have my reasons. It's nothing illegal, I promise." I replied sincerely. There is more to it than that, but I don't feel like sharing it with others so openly.
"So if I am hearing this right you left the comfort of your family for 'reasons'. Reasons that you are keeping to yourself But tell me are these 'reasons' that good?" asked a voice whose owner I couldn't pinpoint, little it did to hide the irritation in their tone. It almost sounded like a threat.
"They are."
The atmosphere turned a bit dense for a second there, but the bombardment of questions didn't let it stay that way for long. The curiosity of my future comrades was bigger than what I had anticipated.
"So what's living in the interior like?" Asked Mina with sparkles in her eye.
"It's okay, I guess. You guys were in the same cart as I, you should know about life in the interior, right?" I asked, pointing at the group of people sitting closest to me, most of them shared the cart with me on the way to the camps, and we took those in the Interior.
Puzzled faces were the only answer.
"It wasn't like that. Most of us enrolled on the outside walls earlier that day. The last stop before arriving at the training camps was the interior. That's where you got in," explained Nack who was sitting to my right.
"That actually makes a lot of sense."
I was aware the percentage of cadets coming from the interior was incredibly low, so it surprised me to see that many on that day. I guess I was wrong and most came from the outside cities. but I wouldn't rule out finding other cadets coming from the interior as I did.
The round of questions kept going for a while, dying down after no more than ten minutes. None of the remaining questions felt all that interesting to me, all of them were shallow, focusing on my background and family's wealthiness. I tried being nice and answering their questions without sounding stuck up. Although I wouldn't be surprised if some harbor hatred only because of my origins
It's fine, I was prepared for this kind of treatment.
The crowd around me dispersed at the same time the rest of the dining hall did, nobody wanted to get yelled at (more than the usual) by the instructors, let alone Shadis, so they were about to leave for their bunkers.
I did the same thing, sticking to the group I had been dining with.
While it's true I want to make friends, I don't think I can call them true friends just yet, but we're getting there.
Thomas, Nack, Samuel, Hannah, Mina, and a few others. Meeting them on the cart on the way here was the trigger for our future friendship, or so I see it that way. I'm sure I'll get to know them better as time goes on but that also goes for the others. Like that cute girl I met yesterday. Hopefully, I can talk to her again.
"Yo Ansel, let's go," one of the guys reached out to me as our group split in two. Girls and boys shared different bunkers for obvious reasons, the girls' bunker being closer and the boys' further down the road.
The bunker was a wide cabin, a little more than an oversized shack. It was in a decent enough state to hold people in it, but it could use some repairs in parts of it. I remember spotting a couple of holes in the wall yesterday.
We passed an instructor guarding the entrance (not sure from what) before going in. There was mild chit-chat among the cadets as they prepared to go to bed. Most of them gathered in small groups talking about what happened during the day or what was waiting for them later.
My bed was close to the center, I chose the top bunk mostly because I found the idea of sleeping there amusing. I had never tried a bunk bed before so, like most things here, it's a brand new experience. Sure it is far from the most comfortable thing ever, but there is something about being closer to the ceiling that I find appealing.
As I changed into my pajamas (Yes, I made sure to bring those) I could hear someone calling me out, or at least I think it was me. Didn't mention a name but someone was calling someone out and it was close so I naturally turned around.
And lo and behold, it was addressed to me.
A guy was waving at me at the bottom of my bed, I don't remember seeing his face before. He had spiky brownish hair, shaved into an undercut style with the shaved sides having a darker color. He looked fairly average, both in built and looks. However, there was something about his face that reminded me of a horse for some reason, can't exactly tell what.
"Ansel," he said once he saw me turn around, "You're Ansel Desch, right?" He asked with a nervous smile.
I climbed down from the bed to meet him. "Yes, that's me. How can I help you?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing. I just wanted to get to know you. I heard rumors about someone from the Desch family in the camps, and I wanted to see if it was true. You know, it was, hard to believe"
I stifled a laugh, "Well, here I am in the flesh. The real deal as you can see. Although I've got nothing to prove my identity other than my word so I guess you'll have to trust me." I shrugged.
"Is that so?" He asked, keeping that dumb smile that was starting to slightly irritate me for some reason. "Anyway, my name is Jean Kirstein, from Trost. It's a pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand to me.
I reciprocated, with a raised brow I didn't bother hiding. It was the first time anyone here greeted me like this.
"Likewise," I replied, to keep it simple. The handshake was brief but firm, just like it should be. "Is there something I can do for you Jean, do you perhaps want to ask about my background? Can't say I'm too willing to answer since I was dealing with a lot during dinner." I said dryly. Truthfully, I was not really in the mood for answering questions right now.
"No, not at all. I just wanted to know you, that's it. To keep a good relationship with a fellow cadet. That's all. Oh and, to confirm the rumors, many were curious if they were true." he said with a brief laugh.
"Right."
This guy looks like an opportunist. Probably thinking he'll have an easy time with me as a close friend or acquaintance.
Not bad, Jean.
But he should know I'm not receiving special treatment here, and probably won't get any after I graduate. So whatever illusion he has, it will break eventually.
That being said, I'm not against forming friendships but as long as there is actual intent from both sides and no hidden motives. This means he is doing a poor job so far.
"In that case, see you tomorrow Jean," I said, turning back and climbing up to my bed.
I didn't get to hear a response, but he was gone by the time I reached the top.
Odd guy, but I can see where he is coming from. I'll keep my guard up with him just in case. I doubt he'll be the only one.
With that out of the day, I had all the intentions of hitting the sack right at that very moment, but the lights were still on. Apparently, they give the cadets a few minutes to socialize before bed.
The people I was talking with during dinner are not in nearby beds and I don't have the mood or strength to initiate conversations with others
So there is only one choice.
I approached a compartment near the edge of the bed. Although it wasn't a compartment made on purpose, but more of a whole made in the wood due to the bad state of the building that I took advantage of (one has to be resourceful here). From it, I took a book with a dirty-looking purple cover and tattered appearance.
If there is nothing to do, then a little reading won't hurt. Good thing I brought a few of these from home.
But I wouldn't last long before losing my focus on it.
My attention was drawn to the beds to the side. At first, it wasn't anything I'd call engaging but then it took a grim turn. Apparently all of the four kids there were survivors; they used to live in our now lost lands. In other words, they're survivors.
I did expect to find some here, but I never gave it much thought. The threat the titans possess is a reality I try to avoid. The mere thought makes my body shiver.
Being eaten alive. I can't think of a worse fate.
Their conversation was brief but I couldn't help listening to it. Even after it was over, I couldn't focus on my book.
At least I hope visions of titans won't haunt my dreams tonight.
Day 19
Training continued as rough as ever to the surprise of absolutely no one. One thing that did surprise me was the number of dropouts and expelled cadets in the first few days. The training was too much for some. That meant one of two things, either you're sent to the fields to work for a living, or you return to wherever you came from. It all depends on where you come from and your current economic standing.
It wasn't till a few days later that I found out about expelled cadets working in the fields. Makes me question if it's forced or not, if I had failed any test, would I have been sent there? I doubt so, I could return home if I wanted to. I don't need to do menial tasks to survive, that's not my current situation. Although the same can't be said about the rest.
I didn't dwell much on it, reality can be harsh. Everyone inside the walls knows it, doesn't matter if you're rich or poor. We can't change our predicament.
Eventually, people stopped dropping, and they were getting used to the training.
Each day of the week wasn't so different from each other. According to the instructors our first month will be focused on building muscle and getting the body used to strain the maneuver gear has on the body.
We were still far from using the 3-D Maneuvering Gear, but each day had us a step closer.
Today, however, it was a bit different.
We were divided into different groups and sent to a building located in the far south of the camp. It was in it that our groups were sent to different rooms and once we arrived at our room, a man was waiting for us in the middle-front of the room.
If I had to guess based on the room and the furniture it contained, this place looks like a classroom. Are we going to learn something that doesn't involve intense physical pain? Shocking.
Most of the cadets had the same questioning look painted on their faces, I imagine I wasn't the only one caught by surprise.
The first thing that came to mind was math and grammar. It would make sense for them to teach the basics here, assuming many didn't know, but even then I don't see it happening. However, it would be a waste of time for me. I'm already well-versed in the subject, I had a personal tutor since I was three.
"I know what you're all thinking, but it's not it," the man in front of us announced with a hoarse-voice as he sorted the books and papers on his desk.
He let out a dry cough before staring directly at us, scanning us with those solemn eyes of his. "Cadets, as you already know, you're training to become soldiers and that requires skilled use of the maneuvering gear. However, what use is training when their knowledge of the enemy is lacking?" He made a brief pause, giving us time to think. "Doesn't make sense, right? That's why I'm here."
He grabbed one of the many books on top of his desk and raised it at shoulder height. Its worn-out cover displayed the years of use it had, I could easily tell.
"Titans," he began, "What do you exactly know of them? And I don't mean what you heard from your parents or your local drunk guard at the walls. What do you truly know of them?"
The student confusion only changed from one topic to another, most of them looking at each other's faces from the corner of their eyes, trying to find an answer to the question.
"Little to nothing I presume? That's to be expected." He began walking around us, not stopping his little speech. "The average citizen relies mostly on rumors when it comes to titans. Information from soldiers working at the top of the walls, or glimpses of the horror stories from the Survey Corps. Whatever the case, the information they have tends to be inaccurate."
The stares of confusion remained, although reduced.
This does sound interesting.
My knowledge of titans isn't broad, I never had much interest in them. Most of the books I read were fiction or developed in a context where Titans were not mentioned. Nobody wants to be reminded of the ugly reality we live in.
In other words, this class should prove enlightening.
"My job here is to give you the necessary knowledge to kill those monsters. Not only that but also their history and origin as far as we know them, which is not as extensive as we would like it to be," the tone of his voice lowered and his stare momentarily shifted to the ground "But it's the best we got."
He gave the room a quick scan before turning back to his desk. Quickly spreading other books on top of it. These varied in size and thickness.
"There will also be plenty of other topics to explore. We'll study the basic functions of the maneuvering gear and its components, among other things," he said with a less than enthusiastic tone. "It won't take much time from your real training, but it's a requirement for graduation. Any questions?"
The room was silent. Barely a few whispers could be heard and the man in front solemnly waited for a possible query.
I've some doubts myself, but it's nothing urgent, and I rather not stand out more than what I usually do.
"Yes cadet, ask away."
The teacher said those words, staring in my direction, taking me off-guard and not realizing the cadet next to me who had his hand raised high.
"Yes sir!"
The kid next to me stood up almost immediately, there I could see he leaned towards the smaller size, but nothing outstanding came from his appearance aside from it. His simple bob haircut and a dull blonde didn't help either. Although I have to admit that for a second I almost confused him with a girl.
"Sir, will we be learning about what lies beyond the walls?" The kid asked with a trembling voice.
The man in front raised his eyebrow, it was the biggest change in expression I had seen on his face so far. From serious to mildly curious, perhaps?
"What's your name cadet?"
"Armin, Armin Arlert!" he responded with the classic army salute.
The teacher waved his hand to the side, "At ease cadet, the salute is uncalled for here. I'm sorry to disappoint you but the information you seek will not be taught in this room.
Aside from limited reports from the Survey Corps, all the information from the outside is considered fiction unless proven otherwise."
"I-I see," Armin said with a tone of disappointment in his voice.
"Well then, any other question?" He asked again to the full room.
This time, however, there was no raised hand, only silence.
"Excellent, then we can proceed." He walked towards the blackboard and began writing on it, not holding back on the word size. 'Scholz' it read. "You will address me by this name after adding professor before it. Understood? Excellent," he said, as he turned towards his desk once more.
Searching in the pile of unorganized books he had on it, he pulled out a different book, this one was brand new. The clean cover and unbent pages gave it away.
"If you search within your desks you will find a book, please open it to page four so we can begin. Also, due to unexpected circumstances, we were not fully able to get enough books this time around so you might have to share it with a deskmate."
The military on a tight budget? Wouldn't surprise me.
I couldn't help but click my tongue. What exactly are 'unexpected circumstances' anyway? Just another curtain to hide the corruption with the military, I bet.
Trying to put away my annoyance, I searched inside my desk for a book. I didn't find anything, only dust, and frustration.
"I got the book, let's share okay?"
I turned to my right, following the familiar voice from minutes ago.
The kid who had asked a question not too long ago was indeed holding a book in his hands.
"Yeah, let's do that," I replied, as I pulled my chair closer to him and he placed the book in between us.
"Your name was Armin, right? Mine's Ansel. Nice to meet you." I extended my hand in a rather awkward position because of the little distance between us. "Let's try to make this work, eh?"
He gave me a nod before turning his focus to the book.
Took me a while to write this one, for many different reasons but I finally managed to deliver.
I know everyone has seen the 'training arc' a million times already, but I can't afford to skip it. It's the perfect scenario to create bonds between characters. To compensate for it, I'll try to give it more depth, adding possible events that I think would fit it. I hope you look forward to it.
We don't get many character interactions in this chapter but I promise these will increase with the next chapters. I'm working on it.
Big thanks to my beta Wisewolf and also a big shoutout to Drodez who keeps pushing me to write this fic, he is also writing an AoT fic called Spiral Divergence, pretty cool stuff, check it out if you can.
I'm also part of a Discord server where I can easily be found if you desire to talk about the fic or anything else. There are also plenty of skilled writers there who can provide tips or recommendations if you so desire. Here is the link /9XG3U7a
Again, thanks for reading. I'll be seeing you all later, stay safe!