39

As Eren, Armin, Mina, and the rest of their team ascended the towering Wall Maria using their innovative ODM Gear, their adrenaline-fueled excitement was palpable. The wind whipped through their hair as they pushed themselves higher and higher, driven by a fierce determination to reach the top. Upon finally cresting the wall, they expected to see nothing more than the endless expanse of barren land that lay beyond. However, what they were met with was far more alarming. A daunting line of heavily armed soldiers had formed an impenetrable barricade, their weapons trained on the group of brave adventurers. The sound of clacking rifles and the ominous hum of loaded cannons filled the air.

"Don't you dare to take a step closer, Titan?" The captain's frantic voice echoed across the battlefield, his trembling finger pointing accusingly at Eren and his comrades, who were surrounded by a barricade of soldiers. Fear gripped the captain's heart as he stared down at Eren, whose presence alone was enough to strike terror into the hearts of even the bravest soldiers. Rico stood beside the captain, adjusting her glasses with a sense of urgency, while Ian looked at Eren with a calculating gaze

As Ian's gaze swept up and down the figure before him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the young man standing in front of him. Eren Yeager, the one who had fearlessly spoken the truth to Commander Erwin, was finally within Ian's reach after months of longing to meet him. As he took in Eren's rugged exterior and piercing gaze, Ian couldn't help but wonder what experiences had shaped this determined individual. With his youthful appearance belying the fierce determination burning within him, Eren stood tall, his unwavering conviction radiating from his every pore.

Seeing the many guns pointed at them, Mikasa prepared to threaten them. But before she could even utter a word, Mina stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger and defiance. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice ringing out in the tense silence. "Eren is not a Titan!" Her words seemed to hang in the air, daring the soldiers to act against her. They hesitated, unsure of what to do in the face of such boldness. But even as they held their fire, their guns still trained on the group, the tension continued to mount.

Captain Weilman's voice reverberated across the wall, filled with an amalgamation of fear and anger as he bellowed, "You can't fool us with your lies!" The soldiers, who were already on edge, stepped back in trepidation as they pointed their guns at Eren, who stood there with an unwavering gaze. "We saw him coming out of the Titan," the captain continued, his voice shaking with intensity. "He's a Titan, just like the rest of them!" Despite the captain's words, Eren remained stoic, his eyes narrowing as he stared down the barrel of the soldiers' guns.

Mina stood frozen, her heart pounding against her chest as she stared down the barrels of so many guns pointed directly at her. The sight was enough to make her gulp audibly, but she knew that she couldn't afford to show any weakness in front of the soldiers.

With a deep breath, she swallowed back her fear and took another determined step forward, her eyes fixed firmly on Eren Yeager before looking at the captain. "If you saw that," she began, her voice shaking only slightly, "then you saw him killing Titans and saving fellow cadets. Ask every cadet that came through the Wall. All of them will tell you the same." As she spoke, Mina's fear began to fade, replaced by a fierce determination to defend Eren's honor and prove his worth to the skeptical soldiers before her.

"He turned into a Titan and killed more than sixty of them," she continued, her voice rising with passion. "And he saved countless lives in the process. If it weren't for Eren, we wouldn't be standing here today." With fire in her eyes, Mina made the salute at the end to show her unwavering loyalty to humanity.

The tense atmosphere was palpable as the soldiers, each one with a finger on the trigger, glanced at one another, their faces grim and resolute. It was true; many of the cadets had spoken out loud about how Eren, in his Titan form, had aided the Cadets in their survival. However, their loyalty to their higher-ups and the fear of consequences had kept them from openly acknowledging it. Now, as they stood face to face with the object of their fear and awe, their guns poised to fire, they slowly started lowering their weapons, their eyes darting around with uncertainty. The silence was broken only by the sound of Captain Weilman's gulp, loud enough to reverberate in the stillness of the air. His face was ashen, and he looked as though he was on the brink of passing out from the overwhelming fear that gripped him.

With a sword in each hand, she stood before Eren, her eyes glaring at everyone around them, daring them to do anything to harm him. She knew that he was in danger, and she was determined to protect him at any cost. Her words were like a warning to all those who stood around them. "If any of you want to harm Eren, step forward. I will show you my skills in slicing flesh and bones," Mikasa spoke with the deadliest glare, making many soldiers gulp in fear, especially Captain Weilman.

Ian couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh at the sight of the young soldier threatening everyone. "This new generation is savage!" he thought to himself, his eyes scanning the scene in front of him—Mikasa, who reminded him of his own daughter with her love for sword-fighting and pony-riding. Despite finding the situation amusing, Ian knew he had to take action before the captain made a fatal mistake.

With a deep breath, Ian stepped forward, his eyes locking on the group of soldiers who were preparing to open fire. With a swift movement, he cleared his throat loudly, the sound cutting through the tense silence like a knife as all eyes turned toward him. "Everyone, hold your fire," he shouted with authority, his voice booming throughout the air for all to hear. His words had an immediate effect; the soldiers nearby looked at him in confusion, slowly lowering their guns.

As Weilman turned his head quickly, his eyes locked onto Ian's, and his expression hardened. He barked out harshly, his voice laced with anger and suspicion, "What do you think you're doing, Ian? Are you with the Titan?" The force of his words caused a few droplets of spit to land on Ian's face, much to his disgust. Despite the temptation to roll his eyes in response to Weilman's bluster, Ian managed to restrain himself. He couldn't comprehend why men like Weilman, with their unchecked power and ego, were allowed to have so much influence over others.

Ian stood before Captain. His posture was upright and firm, his hands clasped behind his back. "I'm not with the enemy, Captain," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. "But I have direct orders from Commander Pyxis himself." With these words, he reached into the inner pocket of his uniform and produced a letter. The other soldiers, including Rico, watched in silence, their eyes darting back and forth between Ian and the letter.

Ian stepped forward and handed a piece of paper to the Captain, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Sir," he said, his voice low and steady, "Commander Pyxis has issued new orders. He says that if we encounter anyone with powers similar to Eren Yeager, we are to stand down." The Captain's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Those are some serious orders," he said, taking the paper from Ian's outstretched hand. He unfolded it and scanned the writing, his eyes narrowing as he read. "This is Pyxis's handwriting," he muttered, his mind racing with questions.

With a furrowed brow, Rico leaned her head forward to read the letter, her eyes scanning the words with intensity as her mind raced with thoughts and questions. As she finished reading, Rico murmured to herself, "Is it indeed," her voice barely audible yet dripping with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

Suddenly, she looked up at everyone else. With a deep breath, Rico shouted reluctantly, "Everyone stands down," her voice rang out with authority and command as she tried to keep her doubts and suspicions in check. Still looking at Eren skeptically, unsure what to make of him yet, Rico couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and uncertainty as she watched the soldiers lower their guns once they heard the order. As the tension in the air slowly dissipated, Rico couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay in store for her and her team.

A wave of relief washed over Mina, and her body relaxed as she sighed deeply. Her shoulder slumped down, and her legs felt like they would give out at any moment. She was so grateful that Armin was there with her, and he quickly put a supporting hand on her shoulder, reminding her of his unwavering support and loyalty. Mina's eyes met Armin's, and she knew that she could always count on him to be by her side, no matter what.

As Mina tried to catch her breath, she noticed that Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt chose that moment to walk away. They seemed to have sensed that the soldiers were no longer paying attention to them, and they could make their escape.

As Reiner walked away, his mind racing with questions, he couldn't help but wonder how Commander Pyxis had known that a Titan Shifter might make an appearance. The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine, causing cold sweat to roll down his face. The situation was becoming more complicated by the second, and Reiner couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it all. First, Eren had transformed and gained full control of his Titan body, something that had taken Reiner and his comrades years to master. Second, Armin and Mikasa seemed to be one step ahead of the game, as if they had known about Eren's Titan powers all along. The weight of it all was beginning to wear on Reiner, and he let out a weary sigh. For a brief moment, he even wondered if they knew about Marley and the outside world, but he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, there was no way for them to know about such things. As Reiner tried to make sense of the situation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping in. What other secrets were his enemies hiding?

With a stern voice and a commanding presence, Ian declared, "Very well, until Commander Pyxis arrives, Eren Yeager, Armin Arlert, and Mikasa Ackerman, you are to come with me." His eyes scanned the place, making direct eye contact with each trio member as he spoke. Eren, Armin, and Mikasa knew who Ian was. They could feel the weight of his words and the seriousness of the situation. Without much thought, they fell in line behind Ian as he stepped forward, leading them away from the others.

As Rico watched Eren walk away, she couldn't help but feel a sense of suspicion toward him. She narrowed her eyes, wondering how Commander Pyxis had known about people like Eren before his arrival. It was as if some sort of secret had been kept from them, leaving them unprepared for the unique challenges that Eren's presence presented. Despite the weariness that had already settled in her bones, Rico couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay ahead. With a heavy sigh, she resigned herself to the fact that this day was far from over and that the challenges they would face had only just begun.

As Ian led the young cadets away as they walked through the top of the wall, Rose and Rico decided to follow Ian; perhaps she could figure out what this whole thing was about.

.

.

Jean's body trembled with exhaustion, his limbs feeling heavy and weak as he and his comrades, Marco and Floch, descended from the towering Wall Rose. Despite the relief of finally being able to escape the clutches of the Titans, the trio were emotionally drained from the horror they had witnessed. The devastation and destruction that had been wrought upon their fellow soldiers had left them reeling, their hearts heavy with sorrow and grief. As they made their way toward the place where everyone else was resting, they saw that many were crying, their faces etched with terror and despair. The toll of battle had been heavy, and the aftermath was a sea of broken bodies and shattered spirits. Yet, amidst the chaos, there were also those who hugged each other, grateful to be alive, and made it out of the fray in one piece. Jean scanned the crowd, his eyes searching for his friends, Connie, Sasha, Ymir, and Krista. It didn't take long for him to spot them, sitting around a wooden round table, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief. Despite the trauma they had just endured, they were alive, and that was something to be grateful for.

Ymir was the first to spot Jean making his way towards their table, his steps deliberate and his face etched with determination. As he approached, Ymir couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "Jean, you sly dog! You're still kicking. It seems I lost my bet," she remarked with a playful glint in her eye, the sound of her laughter filling the air. However, Krista, the kind-hearted and empathetic group member, quickly interjected, her tone stern and serious, "Ymir, please don't speak like that. We've all been through hell fighting the Titans, and we should be grateful for every one of us who made it out alive."

As he lowered himself into the chair, Jean couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him, as though the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. As he settled in, he felt the soft cushioning enveloping his body, providing a sensation of unparalleled comfort that he had never experienced before. The chair seemed to mold itself perfectly to his form as though it was made for him and him alone. Jean closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink deeper into the chair, feeling the day's weariness melting away. It was as though the chair was infused with some sort of magical power that was lulling him into a peaceful slumber. He marveled at how a simple piece of furniture could bring such a sense of calm and contentment to his restless mind. Never before had he experienced such a level of comfort in a chair; it was as though he had found the best chair in the world.

Ymir, with a curious look on her face, took a seat beside Krista, who was busy pouring a glass of refreshing water for Jean, Floch, and Marco, who had just returned from the city of Trost. As Krista handed out the glasses, Ymir, noticing the absence of Eren and the others, couldn't help but ask, "Where's Eren and the others?" While Jean, Floch, and Marco gulped down the water in a single breath, still feeling quite exhausted.

As Floch began explaining the events that had occurred during their time in Trost, his words seemed to carry a heavy weight, each one filled with a sense of urgency and importance. With a furrowed brow and a pensive expression, Ymir listened intently, her eyes fixed on the horizon beyond the towering Wall Rose. As the tale drew to a close, she pressed her lips into a thin line. Without a word, she rose to her feet, the legs of her chair scraping against the rough stone floor.

"Krista, please stay here for a moment. I need to find Eren," Ymir said in a hurry while her eyes scanned the wall. She didn't wait for Krista to respond, knowing that time was of the essence. With a quick nod, Krista watched as Ymir hastened away, her eyes following the other girl until she disappeared from view. Sasha settled herself comfortably on the chair; her eyes closed as she took in the sounds of the cadets around her. Meanwhile, Connie sat beside her; his head bowed as he tried to catch his breath. Despite his exhaustion, Connie couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

Sasha sat at the table, lost in thought as she tried to wrap her head around the unbelievable truth that Eren was capable of turning into a Titan. "Eren can turn into a Titan. I still can't quite comprehend it," She whispered to herself in disbelief, her words barely audible yet loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.

"Yes, but I'm sure we can trust Eren," Floch quickly added to what Sasha said. His statement grabbed the attention of the other cadets who were seated at the adjacent tables. They all turned their heads in curiosity, eager to hear more about Eren's incredible ability to transform into a Titan.

With a voice trembling with fear, Connie posed a question that had been plaguing their minds ever since Eren had turned into one of those monstrous creatures- "How can you be so sure? He-he turned into one of those things. How do we know he won't turn on us?" Connie's eyes darted back and forth between Floch and the rest of the group, clearly hoping that the redhead had a good reason that would alleviate their fears. The mere thought of Eren turning on them was enough to send shivers down their spines, as they all knew that the consequences of that could be catastrophic.

On one hand, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Eren's presence, whose timely intervention had saved the lives of many, including his own. He couldn't imagine where they would be without him. However, despite the relief that came with their survival, Jean couldn't shake off the unease that had been gnawing at him from the very beginning. The uncertainty of the situation had left him feeling on edge, and the lack of answers to their most pressing questions was only adding to his anxiety. He wanted to know what was happening, to understand the bigger picture, but it seemed like every time he asked, he received no answers.

Connie looked at Floch, his eyes filled with doubt and concern. "I understand, Connie," Floch said, trying to reassure him, "but I know we can trust Eren." He paused for a moment, his mind racing as he thought about what he was going to say next.

"I saw him kill those Titans. We all did. And not just that, but I saw him save a fellow cadet. He saved me." Floch's voice grew more passionate as he spoke. "When he fought those Titans, not once did he show any sign that he couldn't control himself. You saw how his words inspired everyone to keep pushing forward. If it weren't for him, we would still be on that rooftop waiting for someone to save us, or worse, in the stomach of a Titan." Floch took a deep breath, looking around at the small crowd of cadets that had gathered around him.

"What we all need is someone like him. For a long time, humanity needed someone to step up and take charge. And now, Eren can be the Devil we all need. Someone capable of making the hardest choices for the good of us all." Floch's words hung in the air momentarily as the cadets around him processed what he had just said. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked skeptical. Jean, in particular, seemed a little taken aback by Floch's choice of words. But regardless of how they felt about Eren, it was clear that Floch's words had struck a chord with many of the cadets.

Eren Yeager

Eren's eyes flickered with recognition as he met the gaze of the man walking beside him on top of Wall Rose. "So you are Ian Dietrich," he said, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity as he sized him up and down. Ian gave him a curt nod in response, his attention drawn toward the panoramic view of the world beyond the wall. The vast expanse of green fields stretched out before them, dotted with quaint towns and villages that gleamed in the sun. However, the tranquility of the scene was marred by the sight of titans that roamed the streets of the city of Trost, their massive forms casting long shadows as they destroyed everything in their path. Smoke rose from multiple houses, a grim reminder of the destruction they had caused. Armin knew Ian was another Semi-Titan Shifter like him and Mikasa.

"Indeed, I wanted to thank you personally, Eren Yeager," Ian said, making a small bow of his head at Eren.

"Why?" Eren questioned, his voice emotionless as he gazed upon the City of Trost atop the towering Wall. The once-thriving metropolis was now a desolate wasteland. Its streets were strewn with the twisted remains of buildings and the lifeless bodies of its former inhabitants. Titans, towering behemoths with insatiable appetites for human flesh, prowled the streets below, their beady eyes scanning the area for any remaining survivors.

Ian's voice was filled with gratitude as he spoke to Eren, "Thanks to you and Cadet Krista Lenz, we have a chance." His gaze moved beyond Wall Rose, and as his eyes landed in a specific direction, they slowly hardened. "I have a wife and daughter waiting for me. I fight for them. I'm thankful that because of you, me and many others have the opportunity to protect our loved ones and everyone else." Ian finished as he turned to look back at Eren.

Ian leaned in towards Eren, a sincere look of concern on his face, and said, "If you ever need my help, then you can always count on me," As he spoke, Ian extended his hand towards Eren, a gesture of solidarity and support. Eren shook his head with a nod of gratitude.

As the four of them stood on top of the wall, they suddenly heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Instantly, they all turned to see Rico walking up to them, her sharp eyes analyzing Eren in front of her for a moment. There was a sense of skepticism in her gaze as she scrutinized the young man from head to toe, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding him. After a brief moment of silence, Rico turned to face Ian, her expression now filled with curiosity. With a hint of confusion in her voice, she asked, "Ian, how come Commander Pyxis knew to expect someone like Eren Yeager?"

"I'm afraid you have to ask the commander for that. I don't have the authority to answer that question," Ian explained with a shrug, crushing Rico's hopes of getting a quick resolution. Rico's displeasure was evident in her expression, but she knew better than to push the matter further without the Commander's approval. Turning towards Eren, Rico tried to hide her frustration, hoping that the Commander would arrive soon and provide the answers she needed.

Rico gazed at the young man standing before her, his face unfamiliar but his determination evident. "I don't know who you are, Eren Yeager," she began, "but I do know that your fate is tied to ours. There's a chance, a small glimmer of hope, that we will go back to the City of Trost again. Perhaps to seal the Wall somehow, to keep the Titans at bay and protect our people." Rico's eyes flickered to the sea of soldiers and cadets on the base of the Wall behind her shoulder. All of them looked exhausted, worn down by the constant threat of the Titans.

"They all will have to go back to that Hell," she repeated, her gaze sweeping over each of them in turn. "Remember that their lives are in your hands. Each and every one of them has their own dreams and aspirations, but they have all made a solemn commitment to sacrifice themselves for the future of humanity." As the gravity of Rico's words sank in, Eren felt a chill run down his spine. He knew all too well what was at stake. He had accepted this role a long time ago, knowing full well the risks involved. Rico's eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with Eren. "Remember that when we go back there," she warned. Eren nodded in understanding, his jaw set in determination.

I will reach the Sea, and I will ensure the safety of Eldians, Eren thought with unbreakable confidence in his eyes, his green eyes almost glittering from the sun illuminating the landscape.

As the five of them stood on top of the wall, their eyes were glued to the Titans, slowly making their way toward Wall Rose. Mikasa's scarf fluttered in the air as a sudden gust of wind swept by the top of the wall, making her hold it tightly. The sound of the wind was the only thing that could be heard, except for the heavy breathing of the soldiers. Even though the Titans were approaching, they were unable to climb the wall because of their height.

As the group of soldiers stood perched atop the towering wall, their ears pricked up at the unmistakable sound of Gas being expelled from ODM gear. They turned around to see Ymir scaling her way up the wall toward them. With a look of fierce determination etched onto her face, she effortlessly maneuvered herself onto the same level as them, her ODM Gear glinting in the sunlight as she made her way closer towards the group.

Rico's face contorted with annoyance as she peered over the edge of the wall, noticing Ymir's sudden movements. "What is that girl doing?" she questioned incredulously, her eyes following the trajectory of her grappling hook as it soared through the air and latched onto the top of the wall with a satisfying thud. Ymir activated her ODM Gear with a resounding burst of gas, her body propelling upwards toward the top of the wall with fierce determination. As she reached the summit, her hands splayed outwards as she grasped the edge of the wall with an iron grip. Eren and Mikasa, noticing Ymir's successful ascent, quickly sprang into action, extending their arms to help pull her up and over the wall to safety.

"Cadet, what are you doing here?" Ian demanded, his voice laced with authority. As he drew closer, he could see that the young woman perched atop the wall was still wearing the uniform of a cadet, not yet a fully-fledged soldier. The question hung in the air as Ian awaited her response, his gaze fixed on her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

"It's fine. She's Ymir. She can help us," Armin quickly said reassuringly, pointing at the tall girl with freckles. As soon as Ian heard the name Ymir, his eyes widened slightly, recognizing the name and her ability. Rico, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes, sensing some kind of hidden communication happening right in front of her between Ian and the cadets. It was starting to really annoy her that she couldn't figure out what was going on. She wanted to know what was happening, but Ian's lack of explanation was slowly getting the better of her.

"I see," Ian accepted, nodding his head in understanding as he processed the information. He turned his attention to the young cadet standing before him, Ymir, and spoke reassuringly, "Well, Cadet Ymir, you can stay here with us. We are all waiting patiently until Commander Pyxis arrives." As if on cue, the air was filled with the sound of the elevator attached to the side of the wall, slowly moving upwards towards them.

Within minutes, the elevator ascended to the wall's apex, and the doors slid open with a soft hiss. Commander Pyxis, a distinguished military figure with a confident gait, led the way out of the elevator, accompanied by three battle-hardened soldiers who followed closely behind him. As they emerged from the elevator, the commander's piercing golden gaze scanned the faces of the cadets before him, and a sense of reverence washed over them. Eren and his comrades, standing at attention, saluted the commander in unison, their eyes fixed on his imposing figure.

As Commander Pyxis approached the young man standing before him, a smile spread across his weathered face, creasing the lines around his eyes. "You must be Eren Yeager, the boy that turned into a Titan," he said, his voice laced with a hint of admiration for the feat that Eren had accomplished. The soldiers standing behind the commander shifted uneasily, their eyes darting back and forth between their leader and the young Titan shifter before them. Despite their trepidation, however, Eren remained calm and composed, his gaze steady as he met Pyxis's eyes and nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, Commander Pyxis, these are my friends," Eren spoke confidently, pointing towards the trio standing beside him - Armin, Mikasa, and Ymir. Pyxis' piercing gaze traveled from one to the other, analyzing and scrutinizing their every move. As a seasoned commander, he could sense that there was more to these young soldiers than meets the eye. He knew all too well they were Titan Shifters and the immense power that came with it. He couldn't help but wonder what their true potential was, how they would fare against the colossal Titan. He briefly pondered what they looked like in their Titan Forms, imagining the sheer size and strength they possessed. However, he knew that he would soon find out for himself.

"Well, right now. You four need to eat and drink," Commander Pyxis said before looking at Mitabi over his shoulder. "Bring water and food for the cadets," he ordered; Mitabi nodded right away and left quickly.

Later

Perched high atop the towering Wall Rose, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Ymir sat together, taking a much-needed break from their grueling military duties. The sound of their canteens clinking filled the air as they gulped down the precious water, feeling its coolness rejuvenating their parched throats. Savoring the taste of the bland military rations, they chewed on them slowly, knowing that these would be their only source of sustenance for the rest of the day. Amidst the serene silence, Eren caught their attention as he let out a deep sigh, his face pale and weary. It was evident that he was the one who needed sustenance the most.

Suddenly, their tranquil moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing. Reacting quickly, the cadets sprang to their feet, assuming a professional stance and saluting the approaching commander with the utmost respect and discipline. It was the highest authority over the southern troops, and they knew better than to show any sign of weakness or disrespect in front of him.

"Okay, cadets, rest up," Commander Pyxis rejected the greeting while chuckling, his deep voice resonating through the wall. He ran his fingers through his bald hair, his weathered face creasing into a knowing smile.

"I'm too old for the strain of up-and-coming cadets like you," he added, emphasizing the last word before taking a swig from his flask. As he leaned over the stone wall, his eyes focused on the Titans below, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The creatures were clawing desperately at the wall, their blood-curdling screams echoing through the air. But Commander Pyxis was calm, almost serene, as he watched them.

Pyxis let out a deep sigh as he scanned the area before him. The vast, desolate expanse seemed to stretch out infinitely, devoid of any sign of life. "I don't see any..." he muttered to himself with a look of disappointment, his voice trailing off as he continued to survey the scene.

For a moment, he allowed himself to indulge in a fanciful thought that had been on his mind for a while. "I wouldn't mind being devoured by an attractive female titan," he mused, a wistful look in his eyes. However, his reverie was quickly interrupted by his now second-in-command, Ian.

"I highly doubt you will meet her anytime soon, Commander," he remarked dryly, a small smile playing on his lips. "All Titans I have seen today are ugly motherfuckers." With a hint of amusement in his voice

Pyxis let out an uproarious laugh, the sound echoing across the top of the towering wall that separated them from the Titans. Mikasa, Armin, Ymir, and Eren stood in stunned disbelief, unsure how to react to the commander's boisterous display of emotion. As they exchanged glances, Ymir couldn't help but think that the commander had a few screws loose.

Despite their reservations, the cadets followed Pyxis as he led them across the top of the wall, taking in the breathtaking view of the surrounding wilderness. As they walked, the commander listened intently as they recounted their experiences with the Titans, nodding along as Eren, the one who had fought the longest and hardest, shared his battle account.

Pyxis stood tall and confident as he addressed Cadet Arlert, his piercing gaze fixed on Armin's face. "You are Cadet Arlert, is that correct?" he asked, his voice carrying a sense of authority that demanded respect.

Armin, standing at attention, responded with a crisp military salute and a clear, "Yes, sir!" He knew that this was not a time to falter or show any signs of weakness.

Pyxis, having established Armin's identity, then turned his attention to the young cadet's bold claim of having the plan to plug the hole in Wall Rose. Commander Pyxis, his golden eyes glinting with curiosity, asked Armin to elaborate on this plan. When they were waiting for the food to arrive, Armin had told Pyxis that he had a plan to plug the wall.

"What I meant at the time was that Eren could transform back into a titan to plug the hole in the gate wall with that giant rock in the middle of the city," he said, pointing towards the colossal boulder in the middle of the city. "While he is doing that, Ymir can turn into a Titan and protect him from the nearby Titans." Armin's eyes flickered with determination as he spoke, his mind fully focused on the task at hand. He knew it was a risky plan, but it was their only hope of survival. As he looked around at his fellow soldiers, he could see the fear in their eyes, but he also saw the resolve. They were all willing to risk their lives to protect their city, and Armin knew they would do whatever it took to succeed.

Armin's words earned a round of gasps that erupted from the soldiers, who were unaware of that information. Their eyes quickly darted toward Ymir, who was standing there with a smug smile on her face. It seemed like she was enjoying the way they were looking at her as if she was the mastermind behind this whole thing.

Shit! Rico cursed under her breath, but as soon as she looked at Ian and the Commander, she noticed that none of them seemed concerned that Ymir was a Titan Shifter like Eren; at that moment, she realized they had known it, which annoyed Rico even more.

A maniac-like grin illuminated Ymir's face as she joked, "Yes, I'm like Eren. I can't wait to turn into a Titan and eat all of you," while casting a mischievous glance towards the Garrison soldiers who were standing nearby. The soldiers were immediately gripped with fear and took a step back in apprehension. They had heard stories about the Titans and the destruction they had caused, and the thought of someone eagerly wanting to transform into one of these monstrous creatures was enough to send shivers down their spines.

Eren, who was standing close by, noticed the fear etched across the soldiers' faces and quickly intervened. "Don't worry," he said reassuringly, "Ymir just likes to mess with people." But despite his attempt to diffuse the situation, the Garrison soldiers still looked at Ymir with suspicion and uncertainty. Ymir, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the attention she was getting as she continued to smile wickedly at the soldiers. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she savored the fear she had instilled in them. Eren couldn't help but shake his head at Ymir's antics, knowing she always had a way of pushing people's buttons.

"No worries, I won't eat anyone here. I will protect Eren better than any soldier could," Ymir confirmed with a roll of her eyes. Despite her reassurances, the soldiers still looked at her with suspicion, especially Rico, who couldn't comprehend why the commander was so calm and collected despite the fact that another cadet possessed the ability to shift into a Titan.

As Commander Pyxis turned his back towards Armin, he appeared to be deep in thought, contemplating every word that the young cadet had just spoken. His eyes surveyed the city of Trost as he tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation at hand. The sun was about to set, and the crimson sky seemed to reflect the ongoing turmoil the city was facing.

Pyxis took another swig from his flask, his eyes fixed on Armin as he spoke. "With those words, you have already convinced me, boy," he said before wiping his mouth and striding confidently toward the young cadet.

The other soldiers watched with surprise as Pyxis knelt before Eren, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. "What do you say, Cadet Jaeger?" he asked, his voice booming with authority.

Eren looked up at the commander, confusion etched across his face. "Sir?" he asked tentatively.

"Are you capable of covering the hole in the outer door?" Pyxis asked, his gaze unwavering.

Eren's eyes widened in disbelief at the unexpected question. "I will," he said, his determination evident. "I'm going to do it. That wall will be plugged by the end of this day!" he declared, his voice ringing out with a fiery determination that left no room for doubt.

As Pyxis rose to his feet, a sense of awe filled the room. It was clear that Eren had won the respect and admiration of the commander with his unwavering dedication to the task at hand.

The Commander's hands found their way to Eren's shoulders, his grip firm as he looked into the boy's eyes. "Well said," Pyxis praised, his voice carrying a sense of admiration. "Now I can see why Commander Erwin has trust in you," he continued, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Pyxis leaned over the wall, his eyes scanning the area below. He knew this would be a tough fight - the Titans were relentless. But he also knew that they had the best chance of emerging victorious if they had a solid plan in place. "Call the strategists to come up with a plan!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the battlefield.

As the sun was still high in the sky over the Trost district, casting deep shadows across the once vibrant city, a booming voice echoed, causing the remaining soldiers to jump to attention.

The Commander's shrill cry was unmistakable, and it instantly silenced all the soldiers at the foot of the wall, who had been on high alert. With a commanding presence, the Commander bellowed, "SOLDIERS! ATTENTION!" The soldiers stood rigidly, their eyes locked onto the figure standing at the top of the wall.

It was clear that the Commander meant business, and they dared not disobey his orders. "Next, I'm going to explain our strategy to take back the Trost district!" The Commander's voice boomed across the wall, causing the soldiers to strain their ears to listen. "This operation aims to cover the hole in the outer door!" The soldiers at the foot of the wall looked at the Commander in disbelief as they began to murmur with doubt and suspicion.

"Allow me to introduce you to the one who will perform the task of plugging the hole!" announced Commander Pyxis, his voice booming across the quiet street below. He made an addition to Eren and Ymir, who took a step forward and made a military salute, their faces determined and serious.

"It's cadet Eren Jaeger! And Cadet Ymir," he added, his eyes scanning the crowd of soldiers who had gathered to watch the spectacle. The members of Troop 104 looked dumbfounded at Eren and Ymir on top of the wall; their jaws dropped open in surprise and disbelief. Many didn't understand why Ymir was standing beside Eren, given her reputation as a troublemaker and rebel.

"They are the results of a secret experiment that transforms humans into titans!" Pyxis explained. "They can create a titan body and wield it at will!"

"Hey, I don't understand what the Commander is saying. But that doesn't mean I'm an idiot, does it?" Connie asked, completely confused.

"Be quiet, baldy," Annie replied with annoyance, casting a slow and deliberate glance toward Reiner. Despite her cool exterior, she couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and unease creeping up on her. As she locked eyes with Reiner, she could tell that he was deep in thought, his mind racing with the same unsettling theories that were plaguing her own consciousness.

She must be the Jaw, to think she has been under our noses this whole time, Reiner thought, already knowing they needed to make new plans.

"Once transformed into a titan, he will pick up the giant rock near the outer gate, carry it on his shoulders to the hole in the gate and cover it up! Ymir will guard him. Your duty will be to defend the cadets from the Titans while carrying the rock!"

As Pyxis explained the operation to the soldiers, Armin and Mikasa were discussing the strategy with the garrison officers, trying to come up with a plan to protect everyone and ensure the success of the mission.

"Titans are drawn to crowds of people. Taking advantage of that, we can attract them to the inner wall and thus clear Eren's path without having to face the Titans directly. Once all the Titans have gathered, we can eliminate them with the cannons installed on top of the wall. But we won't be able to leave Eren defenseless either, so he will have to be escorted by a select group of soldiers trained to protect them. Also, it is likely that more Titans will enter through the hole and have to be fought against. So the role of escorts will be crucial." Armin explained, earning nods of approval from the soldiers around him.

Armin, with a grave expression on his face, gazed around the group of soldiers who were gathered in front of him, his eyes scanning every face as he spoke, "As we know, Ymir has the power to transform and cover everything in her path. It means that there must be a group of soldiers ready to defend her at all times." He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "It's not an easy task, I know. But we must be prepared for any situation that might arise. We must be willing to put our lives on the line to protect her if she needs our help." The others nodded in agreement, their expressions ranging from determination to fear. They knew that the task ahead of them was daunting, but they were also aware that they had no choice but to face it head-on.

In the midst of the line of soldiers, standing tall at the foot of the towering wall that protected them from the monstrous Titans, Commander Pyxis uttered a statement that sent ripples of disbelief and uncertainty throughout the ranks. The soldiers exchanged nervous glances, their faces etched with anxiety as they struggled to make sense of the commander's words.

One soldier, his voice trembling with disbelief, spoke up, "Carry that big rock?" he asked incredulously as if he could not believe what he had just heard.

Another soldier, his eyes bright with hope, asked in a slightly hopeful tone, "Does that mean humans can finally manipulate the Titans?"

Meanwhile, a third soldier, his face twisted with anger and frustration, shouted at the top of his lungs, "You're lying!" his voice echoing across the empty expanse beyond the wall. "None of us wants to go out there again, just to die like fools from the Titans!" The tension hung heavy as the soldiers' doubts and fears threatened to overwhelm them.

The screams of dissent grew louder as soldiers turned around and started to walk away, refusing to follow orders blindly. The thought of spending time with their loved ones instead of facing the Titans once again was a tempting prospect for many, and they voiced their complaints loudly to anyone who would listen. The Commander's plan had caused a rift amongst the soldiers, and it was clear that something had to be done before they lost all faith and confidence in their leader.

Ian's eyes widened as he observed the growing number of soldiers marching away, leaving their comrades behind. "This is bad," he murmured, feeling a sense of hopelessness creeping over him.

Rico, standing next to him, nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring Ian's concern. "Yeah," Rico said softly, "If we don't do something, the situation will get out of hand."

However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Captain Weilman's enraged voice. "Traitors!" he bellowed, drawing one of his gleaming blades and pointing it at the soldiers who were trying to desert. "I hope you're ready, defectors! Because I'm going to kill you here and now!" The tension in the air was palpable as the soldiers stood frozen, unsure of what to do next. Ian and Rico exchanged a worried glance, knowing they had to act quickly before things spiraled out of control.

"I have made the decision!" Pyxis declared, his voice ringing out like a bell. "Deserters will not receive any punishment! When one succumbs to the terror of the Titans, they are unable to face them again!" The soldiers looked at each other in surprise at the unexpected announcement. Some of them had been fearing punishment for desertion, but Pyxis had just lifted that burden from their shoulders. "Those who fear the Titans can go!" Pyxis continued, his voice still booming. "And those who wish to see their family, friends, and loved ones succumb to that same fear can go too!" The soldiers were stunned by Pyxis's words. They had never heard a commanding officer so openly challenge their fears and doubts. But Pyxis was a different kind of leader, one who understood the human psyche and the power of fear.

As the Commander's words echoed through the battlefield, a group of soldiers who had been contemplating abandoning their post came to a halt. The weight of their decision hung heavily on their hearts as they considered the consequences of their actions. They thought of their families and their homes. Fear and uncertainty gripped them as they pondered the potential repercussions of their choice. However, as they stood there, frozen in thought, a fierce determination overtook them. They knew that giving up was not an option, and they could not let their comrades down. With solemn but resolute expression on their faces, they turned and marched back to their positions to continue the fight.

"I'll tell you about the attempt to take back Wall Maria four years ago," he began, his voice low and somber, "although I'm going to assume you remember it very well!" Pyxis paused, his mind drifting back to that fateful day when the Titans had breached the wall, plunging humanity into chaos and despair. "Officially, it was a plan to recover the territory," Pyxis continued, his voice growing more animated, "but in reality, it was a government maneuver to get rid of all those it could not support! A purge to remove excess mouths to feed!" His face darkened with anger and frustration. "Although no one talks about it," he said slowly, "because those of us left inside the walls survived due to the sacrifice of those sent outside the walls!"

As Pixies yelled, his voice echoed across the landscape, and his words reverberated in the minds of every man and woman who stood before him. "All mankind, including me, bears that sin!" he cried out, his eyes blazing with fervor. "There was no conflict because the citizens of Wall Maria were few! But what will happen this time?!" His voice rose to a fever pitch, and the crowd leaned in, hanging on his every word. "If Wall Rose falls, we will lose more than a fifth of the population! The interior of Wall Sina can only hold half of humanity! If the human race is extinct, it will not be because of the Titans but because we humans will have killed each other!" The silence that followed was deafening.

The gravity of the situation had finally hit home, and everyone knew what was at stake. As the crowd began to murmur, Commander Pyxis stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "We cannot die within these narrow walls!" he boomed, his voice carrying across the assembled masses. "That's why I'm asking you. If we must die, let's do it here!" His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and for a moment, it seemed as though time had stopped.

As Pyxis's stirring speech came to a close, the intricate counterattack plan began to take shape. The towering walls of the Trost District were fortified with cannons, their barrels trained on the oncoming horde of Titans. To lure the behemoths away from Eren's transformation point, a large group of brave soldiers acted as bait in the far corner of the district, risking their lives to draw the Titans away from the crucial location. With the Titans distracted, the elite squad charged with protecting Eren and the cleaning squad of the outer gate had a narrow window of opportunity to eliminate as many towering beasts as possible before Eren could take action and turn the tide of the battle. Every soldier was poised for action, their hearts pounding with anticipation as they waited for the signal to begin their daring mission.

As Ian spoke the words "Ackerman," Rico appeared beside him, nodding in agreement. "Join the Jaeger escort squad," he continued, "Your skills will be useful in this mission." Mikasa's ears perked up at the mention of her last name, knowing that she could be of great help to the team.

She felt a sense of purpose and determination wash over her as she thought about protecting Eren. Ymir, who was massaging her shoulders, was also ready to transform and fight alongside her comrade. It was a rare opportunity for Ymir to put her Titan powers to the test and engage in a real battle. She was eager to see how effective her skills would be in a combat situation and prove her worth to the team.

As Ymir and Eren approached the edge of the Wall, their eyes were fixated on the City of Trost that lay beyond it. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the horizon, and the duo couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension as they gazed at the city, knowing that danger lurked around every corner.

"It seems we will fight side by side," he said, his voice filled with determination, "so watch my back, Ymir."

"Always, Eren," Ymir promised, giving him a small kiss on the lips before everyone; Armin felt his cheeks flush as he looked away, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment. The rest of the team followed suit, except for Mikasa, who couldn't help but let out a small eye roll at their display of affection. She knew Ymir could have waited until after they plugged the wall, but love always has a way of making its presence known.

Just as the tension in the air became unbearable, Ian stepped forward, interrupting the lovebirds with a stern voice, "Okay, enough. Let's start the operation." With a final wink from Ymir to Eren, the group sprang into action, leaping over the wall with the help of their ODM Gear.