บท 5: Chapter 5 Race to Top
(Ding, the system prompts that field training for new recruits is one of the three major training programs and is a course that all new recruits must master. Only those who perform best in field training can become the strongest soldiers!)
"**Mission requirements:** Get first place in this armed cross-country race!"
"**Mission reward:** You can get 10 experience points and a designated novice equipment by completing the mission!"
Ryo Carter had been thinking about how to complete some missions quickly to level up sooner when the system delivered this task to him.
While 10 experience points weren't quite enough for an upgrade, the rewards for novice missions were typically modest, so this was still good. Plus, this mission promised a new piece of novice equipment, which was more than enough to grab his interest.
Currently, he had four pieces of equipment. They were useful, but more gear meant more advantages, and there was one item, in particular, that had caught his eye—the **novice gloves**.
These gloves could increase strength stats, which would significantly boost his ability to wield weapons. After all, in battle against Titans, the key to victory was a precise and forceful slash to the back of their neck. Without proper power, it was impossible to strike deep enough to take one down.
During previous assessments, Mikasa had excelled with flying colors, achieving an **A+ rating** thanks to her accuracy and precision. Yet **A+** wasn't the highest; there was an **S-rating** beyond it. Ryo knew his own abilities were enough to match her current level, but surpassing her would require an edge—something the novice gloves could provide.
So, when the system announced the mission, Ryo's determination flared up. He immediately accelerated, sprinting forward through the ranks like a gust of wind.
---
"...I can't do it anymore. I'm done for." Connie was gasping for air, already worn out. "Hey, Sasha, listen... there are two baked sweet potatoes in my pack. If you carry my bag for me, they're all yours!"
Sasha, while appearing unfazed by the trek, smirked at first. "Didn't you say this was easy? Need help already?"
Her mockery didn't last long, though, as she eagerly grabbed his pack. The allure of sweet potatoes was simply too strong.
Suddenly, a dark blur flashed past them at incredible speed.
"Uh, Sasha... did you see that just now?" Connie blinked, baffled, trying to process what had happened.
Sasha wasn't paying attention. "I saw your disgusting socks mixed in with the food. Who packs like that?"
"...That's not what I meant..."
---
Meanwhile, Jean was fixated on one thing: proving himself. He had been pushing himself harder than usual, determined to outrun the others. His goal was clear—secure a spot in the **Military Police Brigade**. Only the top 10 cadets earned that privilege, and Jean was willing to give it everything he had to make the cut.
"**This is my chance,**" he thought, his pace relentless. "If I get first place here, it'll boost my ranking. I'll be one step closer to safety, away from the front lines."
The instructor, riding leisurely atop his horse, kept his sharp eyes on the recruits. He took notes as they ran, making mental assessments of their abilities. "**Jean Kirschstein**—good endurance, clever but lacks focus. Not bad..."
Just as he finished his evaluation, a sudden gust of wind startled him.
"Who in the—"
Before he could finish, a figure blasted past him, leaving him in a state of shock.
---
The other recruits began murmuring in disbelief as they watched someone sprint effortlessly ahead of the pack. At this point in the race, most of them were struggling just to maintain their pace. Yet this person was accelerating, leaving everyone else behind like they were standing still.
"It's him!"
"It's gotta be."
"I knew it—he's not human! His endurance and speed are insane!"
The instructor's eyes narrowed as he recognized the figure disappearing into the distance.
"...Ryo Carter."
A rare look of understanding crossed his usually stern face. Of course it was him.
Ryo had already proven himself during previous training exercises. Whether it was running **150 laps** without breaking a sweat or now overtaking the entire group in this grueling cross-country race, Ryo's physical abilities were undeniably exceptional.
"**Let's see just how far you'll go,**" the instructor muttered to himself, watching the lone figure charge ahead.
---
Ryo, focused entirely on the mission, kept pushing forward. The finish line was still far, but with his improved stats and novice equipment, he felt confident that **victory was within reach**.
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