Three days later, at the Training Corps camp.
In Keith’s office, several people were standing, looking out the window at Tang An, who was adjusting the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear in the sandy training area.
“Is he the second Levi you mentioned?” Erwin asked, observing Tang An, who was already proficiently using the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear.
Keith had told him about a recruit in the Training Corps who, with some training, could potentially become another Levi. Naturally, Erwin was intrigued.
If the Survey Corps had another Levi, humanity’s strength would significantly increase, reducing casualties in future expeditions outside the walls. Such an individual was invaluable, especially someone like Levi, humanity’s strongest soldier.
Even one was a treasure humanity couldn’t afford to ignore, so Erwin had come to see for himself.
“He disabled me with a single punch,” Keith admitted, recounting his brief encounter with Tang An three days prior.
“We tested him. Aside from the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, in other areas, he’s a monster. In just three days, he’s become proficient with the gear,” Keith remarked, impressed by the young man’s talent.
“Have you investigated his background?” Erwin asked, still watching Tang An.
“He used to live in Shiganshina District, in the southern part of Wall Maria. His family were hunters, and he grew up among various wild beasts. He’s also connected to the XX Trading Company,” Keith explained, handing over the investigation report to Erwin.
“XX Trading Company,” Erwin mused after reading the report. “So, there are no issues?”
“Wall Maria fell five years ago, and many records are incomplete,” Keith said, implying the need for caution.
“I’ll go meet him,” Levi, who had been silent, walked out of the office with a cold expression.
Neither Erwin nor Keith stopped him.
Tang An still experimented with the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear on the training ground. In three days, he had become proficient.
If an ordinary person used this gear initially, it could be deadly. But Tang An was an exception. He could quickly correct any mishap with Moonwalk or Shave, mitigating danger.
The gear was ingeniously designed. Pulling the trigger on the hilt, the corresponding launchers on the waist would shoot anchors, which could attach to titans or structures. The gas-powered fan would then retract the cables, propelling the user at high speeds and allowing them to maneuver in three-dimensional space.
Mastering the gear required far more than average physical fitness, particularly core strength and leg power.
“I heard you defeated Keith with one punch?” Levi’s cold voice broke Tang An’s concentration. He saw a short man with short hair and fair skin.
A subtle smile formed on Tang An’s lips. This was humanity’s strongest soldier, the man called Levi Ackerman. Tang An had anticipated this situation but hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. It seemed Keith had already investigated him thoroughly and notified the Survey Corps.
“Is there something you need?” Tang An continued adjusting the gear.
Without a word, Levi moved forward, delivering a swift kick aimed at Tang An’s head, far faster and more potent than Keith’s punch.
If an ordinary person took this kick, they would undoubtedly suffer a concussion and lose the ability to fight.
Tang An’s eyes flashed coldly as he blocked with one hand and stepped back.
“So, you’re here to cause trouble?”
Dust flew up as Tang An unstrapped the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, then stretched, ready to face Levi, who was poised to attack at any moment.
Levi didn’t reply, adopting a fighting stance instead.
“Is that really Levi?”
“I can’t believe it’s actually Levi here,”
“That’s Levi, but who’s fighting him?”
“I think it’s a new recruit who was practicing with the gear yesterday.”
A few heads peeked out from nearby, evidently having heard some rumors.
“Who do you think will win?” Connie asked excitedly.
“Of course, it’s Levi. He’s the strongest soldier in the Survey Corps,” Jean replied, having heard many stories about Levi’s feats.
“Are we really okay sneaking out like this?” Sasha asked, trembling at the thought of Keith’s stern face.
“We’re already here. Let’s watch Levi’s skills,” Eren said, clenching his fists, eager to join the Survey Corps.
The others, including Mikasa, Armin, Reiner, and Bertholdt, essential members of the 104th Training Corps, remained silent. They had initially come to see Erwin and Levi but stumbled upon this unexpected scene.
On the field, Tang An stood with his fists clenched, one foot forward in a military combat stance.
If he used Shave or Moonwalk, he could easily take Levi down. But Tang An wanted to test his combat skills, which he had honed through rigorous training.
“Combat techniques,” Erwin muttered from the office, frowning. The stance was a combat technique, but the records said Tang An’s family were hunters. How did a hunter learn combat techniques?
Levi’s expression turned serious. Tang An’s stance showed no openings, like a predator ready to pounce.
“Shhh!”
Both men moved simultaneously. Levi threw a straight punch at Tang An, who blocked with his left hand while his right hand aimed for Levi’s throat. Levi swiftly countered, blocking Tang An’s attack with his arm and driving a knee toward Tang An’s abdomen.
Tang An sidestepped, spinning on his left foot, his right leg cutting through the air towards Levi. Levi crossed his arms to block but was still sent flying by the impact, landing five meters away.
Dust rose as Levi stood up, his hands twitching. His expression was solemn. Tang An’s speed, reaction time, technique, and strength were far beyond what he expected. He couldn’t match Tang An in raw power.
Levi assessed the situation. Tang An didn’t press the attack but resumed his stance, eager to validate his training against Levi.
“He actually knocked Levi back,” Eren and his friends were stunned, their mouths agape.
“Did I see that right?” Sasha asked, dumbfounded.
“That’s Levi,”
“Where did this monster come from?”
“His combat skills are incredible,” Reiner muttered, feeling an ominous foreboding.
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