Limitless Turmoil

Three days had passed since the Fated Calamity. Wall Maria, once home to countless families, now lay in Titan-occupied ruin. Shiganshina, the outermost district, was lost, its people fled in terror.

Refugees flooded Trost District, within the relatively safer confines of Wall Rose. Tents overflowed with weary survivors, their faces etched with grief and fear. Children cried, separated from parents in the chaos. Families huddled together, sharing what little food and warmth they had.

The scout regiment and the garrison regiment worked tirelessly to accommodate the influx. The empires resources were stretched thin since most of the farming land was in Wall Maria, but determination kept the soldiers going.

In a makeshift medical tent, Eren lay unconscious, his body frail from the transformation. Levi watched over him, concerned and vigilant. Three days without awakening – the uncertainty gnawed at Levi's mind.

Eren's body, once crushed beneath a Titan's grip, now lay fully healed. His clothes, tattered and stained with blood, told the tale of his ordeal.

Levi, ever the strategist, kept Eren's transformation confidential, sharing it only with his trusted squad and Commander Erwin. The question lingered: was Eren friend or foe? Loyalty dictated one answer, but his intelligence while fighting was similar to the monstrous Colossal and Armored Titans – responsible for 20% of humanity's downfall – fueled lingering doubts.

The nobility residing within Wall Sina's interior remained indifferent, oblivious to the struggles of those living near the walls. They were the true enemies, exploiting the vulnerable.

As famine loomed, desperate measures were taken. Starving refugees were forced to till the barren wastelands, a last-ditch effort to cultivate food. However, winter's harsh conditions rendered the land inhospitable. Thus, the king passed the Reclamation of Wall Maria Act.

So in the following year, Commander Erwin led 200,000 refugees, old enough to serve in the military were forced in the perilous Reclamation of Wall Maria. Levi's squad joined the mission, minus Eren, who had regained consciousness but struggled with constant breakdowns.

Eren's anguished cries echoed through the corridors: "I don't know what's happening to me... My head's all messed up..." His mental turmoil deepened, fueling concerns among his comrades.

As for the Reclamation Act of Wall Maria, it proved catastrophic. Of 250,000 soldiers deployed, fewer than 200 scouts returned, their Omnidirectional Mobility Gear expertise the deciding factor in their survival.

The rest met a gruesome fate, consumed by Titans or left behind in the chaos. Armin's grandfather was among the fallen, a devastating loss.

Though the mission failed to reclaim Wall Maria or drive back the Titans, the sacrifices made did alleviate the famine within the walls.

Mikasa, still reeling from her mother's tragic death, found solace in vengeance. She enlisted in the cadets the following year, determined to hone her skills.

Armin, fueled by the loss of his grandfather and the desire to get strong something Eren always wanted for him, made the same decision

And when the time comes, Armin will venture beyond the walls, driven to fulfill the dream he once shared with Eren.

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Year 846 (Odel District)

6 months after the Fall of Shiganshina

Faint rays of dawn filtered through the misty windowpane, casting an ethereal glow on Erwin's office. Eren stood rigid, his clenched fist pressed against his chest, as he saluted Commander Erwin. The Levi Squad flanked him, their faces etched with concern.

"Take a seat, Eren," Erwin's gentle voice commanded, a hint of warmth softening his authoritative tone. Eren complied, sitting beside Levi, while Hange, Petra, Gunther, Oluo, and Eld stood sentinel behind them.

Erwin's eyes, clouded with empathy, locked onto Eren's downtcast face. "It's great to see you again, Eren." The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken understanding.

Eren's low, firm voice barely rose above a whisper. "Thank you, Commander." His once-radiant face now wore a dull mask, the sparkle in his eyes extinguished by heart-wrenching years.

Levi's expressionless face belied his concern. "You feeling alright?" he asked, his tone laced with subtle worry.

Eren nodded curtly, his gaze shifting to Erwin. "Commander, there's something I need to tell you... all of you." His eyes locked onto Erwin's sapphire gaze, furrowing the commander's brow.

"I know you're wondering if I'm human or Titan, friend or enemy," Eren continued, his voice measured. "But trust me, I'm as confused as you all. This was the first time I've ever transformed into a Titan."

Petra stepped forward, her hand settling on Eren's shoulder. "We know, Eren. Don't worry about it." Her gentle touch conveyed reassurance.

The room held its breath, anticipation hanging like a challenge. Erwin leaned forward, his eyes burning with curiosity.

Erwin's piercing gaze halted Petra's words. "What do you mean by 'transformed'?" His intelligent eyes narrowed, zeroing in on the crucial detail.

Eren's eyes widened," I mean how I changed into a Titan." Erwin continued," Would you like to elaborate Eren."

Eren's hand involuntarily grasped the key around his neck. "I... I don't know... The last thing I remember is... my dad." Erwin's brow rose. "Dad?"

Eren nodded fervently. "Yes, dad, Eren Kruger. Before I transformed his words echoed in my ears..." Levi's voice was low and urgent. "What words?"

"The cellar... He wanted me to go to the cellar beneath my house," Eren replied, his voice laced with conviction. Eld's confusion was palpable. "But you never told us that there was a cellar underneath your house?" Eren nodded solemnly," That's true."

Gunther's skepticism surfaced. "And what is your real dad's cellar doing beneath your step parent's house?" Eren had no damn clue about it." And how the hell didn't your parents notice that they were living above the cellar?" Oluo chimed in.

Hange's clever mind raced ahead. "Maybe there was no door leading to the cellar since it's beneath the house. The only person who knew was Eren's real dad Eren Kruger." But the question still lingered why was it located there. And what was inside the cellar.

Levi's gaze bore into Eren. "But what does it all have to do with the cellar?" Eren's swallow was audible. "One day the truth will come out... That's what dad said. He told me that to learn the truth about titans I have to go there and also if could control this power, and that everyone's life depends on me."

Erwin's eyes sparkled with intrigue, sensing the truth about the Titans and their existence might lie within that inaccessible cellar. "Power?" Hange's voice was barely above a whisper, her cheeks flushing knowing where it was going.

"Wait... Wait... Wait... Eren, how exactly did you transform?" Hange's grasp on Eren's hand was tight, her eyes burning with curiosity. Eren's voice trembled. "I don't remember exactly... But I just wanted to kill the Titans.. And before I knew it, there was a thunder strike, and I was inside a Titan, killing those who crossed my path ."

Eren's voice dropped to a whisper, disappointment and sorrow etched on his face. "But the Titan I really wanted dead was the one who ate Mom..." His words hung in the air, heavy with unshed tears.

Levi broke the unsettling silence. "And is there a way you can transform again?" His gaze locked onto Eren, searching for answers.

Eren's shoulders slumped. "I don't know... And even if I can, I don't know how to transform into one."

Erwin's eyes flashed with determination. "Your dad knew something crucial about this world, Eren and we'll uncover what's in that cellar, but first... Show me what this power is. Show me what you're capable of." His voice rose, urgency and conviction woven into every word.

"Even if you don't know how to transform, you must learn. We can't afford to wait." Erwin's gaze shifted at the misty windowpane," Countless people died in the past few months Eren. All because of the Colossal or Armored Titans – the appeared in thin air, breached the walls and vanished like they never existed." Erwin's voice dropped," We don't know their next move Eren. We must prepare for the worst but I'm sure one day they'll come again and breach Wall Rose. You must control this power. Another attack is inevitable ."

Erwin stood, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. His voice became a commanding force. "Eren Yeager, the fate of humanity rests on your shoulders." He grasped Eren's shoulders, his face inches from Eren's, their eyes locked.

"Trust yourself, trust your power, and lead us to victory." Erwin's words burned with resolve, igniting a spark within the scouts .

Eren's gaze remained downcast, his thoughts adrift. Erwin's departure left the Levi Squad with Eren, their silence a palpable blanket.

Levi's voice cut through the stillness. "Oi, idiot..." His face rested on his hand, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"What?" Eren's reply was barely audible.

"Petra and I are getting married next month," Levi announced, his words dropping like a bombshell. The air seemed to vibrate with tension.

Petra's cheeks flushed crimson, and the others exchanged knowing glances. Eren's gaze dropped further, his teeth clenched.

"Hmmm, aren't you happy, idiot?" Levi asked noticing Eren. Lifting his face Eren forced a smile, but his eyes betrayed his turmoil. Levi's eyes narrowed his thoughts consumed by Eren's weird behaviour. Though he knew it was hard for him to process that he can transform into man eating beings so he avoided asking futhur questions.

The group's chatter resumed, excluding Eren and Levi. Levi's piercing gaze never left Eren, sensing hidden emotions.

Without warning, Levi stood and approached the door. "Oi, Eren... Come with me." His voice was low and urgent.

Eren rose, his movements mechanical, and followed Levi through the hallway finally emerging into the open field, where Levi stood poised, challenging Eren to a friendly duel.

"Let's see what you've got, brat," Levi taunted, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Eren nodded trying to forget the tensions that lingered within, his shoulders loosened his hands hung freely. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tapped into his Ackerman powers. His eyes snapped open, focusing intently on Levi.

"Tch, going all out, are we?" Levi smirked, his eyes glinting with excitement. He mirrored Eren's stance, their bodies coiled and ready to strike.

The two foes hurtled towards each other, fists flying in perfect sync. The fading sun cast a golden glow on their intense duel, as if the heavens themselves were witnessing the clash of Ackermans.