Chapter 15

A few hours after the events of the last chapter...

Currently, Armin Arlert, the two Ackerman and the Yeagers were allocated to a completely empty warehouse, along with several other refugees from Shiganshina. Almost all of them were asleep because they were very tired, except for Grisha, Eren and the young man watching them.

"Eren, come with me. I have something I need to show you." - Grisha.

"Where are we going? Do I have to wake Mom up?" - Eren.

"No! No need, we'll be back soon." - Grisha as she abruptly interrupts her son's attempt to wake Carla.

"Are you okay, dad? Your face is pale and your hands are shaking." - Eren.

"It's just the fatigue. That's why we need to be quick so as not to wake your mother and the others." - Grisha.

"Right..." - Eren lightly inquired.

However, to Grisha's misfortune or luck, there was someone listening intently to their conversation.

'*sigh* Well I was wondering how he managed to live so many years after inheriting the Attack titan from Eren Kruger... Well, I guess that can't be helped, I have to find a way to make them go to Trost right away... Zirken.

Just as Eren and his father were about to sneak through the warehouse gate, they bumped into the soldier from the garrison troop, better known as Hannes.

'hmmmmm... I think he'll do it.' - Zirken.

"'Eren! Grisha! Where will they go so late?" - Hannes a little drunk to try to forget about the traumatizing recent events

"Hi Hannes, we are in a bit of a hurry, see you later!" - Grisha leaving hurriedly with Eren towards a forest.

"Hey!" - Hannes tried to stop them, but failed.

"*sigh* What are they going to do at this hour?" - Hannes.

After giving up thinking about it any further, the soldier entered the warehouse to check if everything would be in order. After a short observation, he was about to return to his drinking buddies, but as he stepped outside the place, he was interrupted by an unexpected figure.

"Eh? Who are you?" - Hannes who just bumped into the disguised Zirken.

"Don't you even remember what your savior looks like?" - Zirken with a slightly arrogant tone.

Hannes focused his somewhat blurred vision and suddenly widened his eyes as he remembered the man who sent an irregular titan flying through the air.

"V-you!" - Hannes.

"Don't make a fuss. I don't have time to spare just like the fools who think they are safe. I have a mission for you."  - Zirken using a thick voice.

"Wait! First of all, thank you so much for saving us! I didn't get a chance to thank you before."  - Hannes as he bows in thanks.

"Save your thanks when you accomplish your mission." - Zirken.

'Why is this guy so arrogant?"- Hannes.

"Eeer... Warrior-san, I know you expect me to accept this, but I can't do anything illegal or unethical..."  - Hannes with a drop of sweat coming out of his forehead.

'So drinking while on duty and in the middle of a crisis is not unethical?'- Zirken.

"'Don't worry, I wouldn't stoop so low as to need help from weaker beings to do something outside your law. I just need you to make sure that the two Ackerman women, the Yeager and the boy who is with them, can make it safely to Trost." - Zirken.

"That's it? It wouldn't be that complicated... But why do you want to take them there? If you are setting a trap, I will stop you with all my might! - Hannes is becoming more and more sober.

"If I really wanted to do such a disgusting thing, no one within these walls could stop me. So put aside your suspicions and fulfill your mission." - Zirken.

"You have a point, but I will only take them if you tell me why." - Hannes.

*sigh* - Zirken.

"I still have outstanding debts with the Ackerman's brother and son." - Zirken.

"Are you talking about the missing child?!" - Hannes.

"That's all." - Zirken.

The boy with his face covered by a hood turned to leave. However, he stopped suddenly and looked once more at the soldier.

"And one more thing, should you fail to accomplish your mission successfully, be prepared for the consequences." - Zirken.

Suddenly, a great killing intent was directed entirely at Hannes. Sensing it, the soldier's legs began to tremble and cold sweat began to drip down his back.

"U-un-understood!" - Hannes with his legs so trembling he didn't know how he still stood.

In a matter of seconds, the boy disappeared into the moonlit night without leaving any trace of his presence. immediately in the next instant, the soldier's legs finally gave way, causing him to fall on his buttocks on the ground and be completely horrified.

"Why do I feel that I would be safer fighting titans instead of that guy?" - Hannes with his heart quite racing.

-----------------//-----------------

Not far from his previous place in the back of the warehouse, the disguised Zirken reappeared. However, his condition was not one of the best.

'*Sigh* It's a good thing I didn't curl up, it's already dark and he narrowly missed me returning to my original form...' - Zirken

Suddenly, the young man felt a strong pain in his legs and lungs suffering as a consequence of a great lack of air.

*aaaaaargh*

"*Huff* *Huff* The lethal steps really finish this child body of mine *huff* *huff* If I had in golden form this would not be such a serious problem *Huff* *Huff*" - Zirkin is still trying to recover his breathing while remaining slumped on the ground.

After a few minutes recovering, the white haired young man stood up and took off his disguise. He then discreetly returned to the place where the refugees were staying.

'Now we just have to wait for dawn and find her' - Zirken.

The child quickly hid among the refugees, covered his head with his hood and after a while was finally able to fall asleep.