In the Training Corps base, inside the chief instructor's office, Ronan and Erwin Smith sat alone, facing each other in silence.
Ronan showed no fear or restraint. He didn't believe he'd done anything wrong this time.
After all, the others had started the fight. He had simply defended himself. Though, in the end, he definitely had the upper hand.
"Tch, if he'd come just ten minutes later, I would've finished the mission!"
Thinking about the mission rewards, Ronan couldn't help but feel a little regretful.
At the same time, Erwin noticed that Ronan seemed a bit distracted. This only deepened Erwin's belief that the boy in front of him was a troublemaker. Keeping his tone calm, he spoke:
"Ronan, do you understand what you did today?"
"It's not my fault. If they hadn't blocked my way, I wouldn't have fought back," Ronan replied confidently.
His face remained composed, but Erwin pressed further:
"You seem very sure of yourself."
"I'm just telling the truth. Besides, I had the support of my peers." Ronan gave a slight smile.
Based on what he knew about Erwin Smith, Ronan was certain he wouldn't throw away a talented recruit over something this minor.
Little did he know, years ago when Levi Ackerman was still in the Underground, Erwin had once ordered him to be killed—but later changed his mind and recruited him. As the Deputy Commander of the Survey Corps (and someone who might soon become its Commander), Erwin Smith wasn't petty or narrow-minded.
Looking at Ronan, who stared back without flinching, Erwin relaxed slightly. His tense expression faded, replaced by a calm smile.
"You seem to think I won't punish you. Why do you believe you're qualified for me to tolerate your behavior?"
"Because I'm stronger than every new recruit here—combined." Ronan's voice was serious.
In front of a leader like Erwin, who appreciated talent and boldness, Ronan knew he needed to show his full potential. So, at this moment, he revealed his confidence without hiding anything.
Erwin stayed silent for about half a minute, just quietly observing. Then, he spoke again:
"And what is it that you want?"
"I want to graduate early." Ronan answered directly.
Usually, new recruits had to go through three years of systematic training before graduation and assignment to one of the military branches.
After all, there was a lot to learn, and it took time to build real combat strength. Even so, the graduates still often had many shortcomings.
But Ronan was different. He wasn't a normal person—he had a cheat-like advantage.
Three years? That was too long. He couldn't afford to waste so much time in the Training Corps.
There was only one option: graduate early.
For most people, this kind of request would be rejected immediately. But Erwin Smith was not like most people.
As a revolutionary figure, Erwin wasn't bound by the old, conservative traditions, nor did he hesitate like the neutral faction. If you showed him enough value, he would take a gamble.
Levi Ackerman was proof of that.
So, Ronan was gambling too.
He was betting on how much Erwin valued him, betting on Erwin's courage, and betting on his own future.
Seconds passed, but it felt like minutes. Ronan's face remained calm, but inside, he was nervous.
Erwin was hard to read. He was too clever.
Finally, Erwin's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Ronan, you're very smart."
Ronan frowned slightly, getting a bad feeling—like he'd just been seen through. Then Erwin continued:
"But I like smart people. So congratulations, I won't punish you for this incident. As for your request to graduate early..."
Erwin stood up, his sharp gaze cutting straight through Ronan like a blade.
"The Training Corps has many exercises. Each one is important. They could save your life in the field. I hope you calm down and master all of them."
Before Ronan could respond, Erwin added:
"Of course, if you can master everything faster than the others and meet my standards, I don't mind adding one more person to the Survey Corps early."
"Deputy Commander, I won't let you down!" Ronan replied without hesitation.
His tone was confident, as if no difficulty existed in the world.
This made Erwin pause for a moment, but then he chuckled:
"It's good to be confident. But if you're overconfident, it becomes arrogance. My standards are very high."
"I understand. But I'm not like the others." Ronan said, full of certainty.
With his training device and his golden finger system, he could master all the necessary skills quickly.
Of course, that would still take sweat and effort.
But in this critical year of 845, when humanity stood on the brink of disaster, survival itself was uncertain. Compared to that, what did a little pain or exhaustion matter?
"I look forward to seeing your performance."
With that, Erwin signaled for him to leave.
After saluting, Ronan turned and walked out.
He had already made up his mind—starting tomorrow, he would train with everything he had.
He would finish the Training Corps program within three months.