Chapter 32: Survey Corps' Hero

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As Roku returned to the barracks of the Survey Corps, he reported his encounter with the king to Commander Keith.

Keith's surprise was palpable, but beneath it lay a sense of pride. He assured Roku that if things went their way, it would only be a matter of several days before the order was canceled.

As days passed, their hopes materialized into reality. The order was indeed canceled, thanks to the intervention of the king himself.

When the news reached the barracks, jubilation erupted among the soldiers. They threw a spontaneous party, reveling in the triumph.

Roku, however, never fancied such festivities. He slipped away quietly, clutching a cup of tea, and sought solace outside.

Under the canopy of the dim night sky, with stars twinkling in the distance, Erwin approached him from behind.

"I never had any doubts about you, Roku," he remarked. Roku glanced at him and took a sip of his tea.

"Are they done?" he asked, referring to the festivities.

"I doubt they'll finish anytime soon. I'm not particularly fond of this much noise, but I'm glad for your success," Erwin replied, sharing Roku's sentiment.

"Our Success" Roku corrected Erwin, taking another sip from his tea

They lapsed into a moment of silence, and then Erwin broached the topic. "So, you talked to the king?"

Roku nodded. "Yes. It seems I've picked up some of your persuasive skills along the way. I used them to convince him."

"Well, I'm glad I could be of assistance," Erwin said with a hint of satisfaction.

Roku took another sip of his tea.

"You told me about your dream back when we were in Mitras."

Erwin seemed surprised that Roku remembered. "Yes, it was a dream I shared with my father, but he's no longer with us," he admitted.

Erwin nodded. "My Father believed in the possibility of life beyond our confined world, shielded from the Titans or possessing advanced technology to fend them off."

"People outside the walls?" Roku's confusion was evident.

Erwin elaborated, "There were several pieces of evidence to support his theory, but they were all suppressed."

"By whom?" Roku inquired, sensing a deeper mystery.

"I'm not certain," Erwin confessed, his tone tinged with sadness.

"How did your father die?" Roku pressed further.

Erwin hesitated before responding, "Officially, it was deemed an accident. But I've often suspected foul play. I believe he was killed because of his relentless pursuit of knowledge about the outside world."

Roku absorbed this revelation, his thoughts racing. "So, you suspect the Military Police may have been involved?"

Erwin nodded gravely. "Yes, it's a possibility I've considered. Despite my attempts to dismiss such notions, the evidence points to a darker truth."

"And what about you Roku? do you have any dreams?"

After a while, Roku began to speak, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Well, I used to have dreams of discovering what lies beyond the walls. But that desire doesn't trouble me anymore."

Erwin listened intently, sensing there was more to Roku's story. "But there's something that bothers me," Roku confessed.

"What is it?" Erwin inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"I may sound insane, but there's something wrong with me," Roku admitted, his words hesitant.

Erwin furrowed his brow in concern. "What do you mean?"

"I can't quite explain it, but I've been experiencing these strange flashes or memories that don't seem to belong to me," Roku explained, grappling with the elusive nature of his experiences.

Erwin's confusion deepened. "I'm not sure I follow."

Roku attempted to clarify, recalling a particular incident. "Remember when we met Dr. Yeager with Commander Pixis? That's when it happened. I felt as though memories were flooding into my mind. I saw Dr. Yeager holding a peculiar key and speaking about a basement. It left me utterly bewildered."

Erwin contemplated Roku's words, trying to make sense of them. "That does sound peculiar. Perhaps it was just a dream, or you were feeling fatigued."

"Maybe you're right," Roku conceded, stifling a yawn. "I suppose I'll head to bed now. See you tomorrow."

Erwin nodded, though a sense of unease lingered in his mind.

As Roku departed for his quarters, Erwin couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Roku's experiences than met the eye.

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End of the Chapter