Chapter 12: Key to the Victory
The heavy gates of Shiganshina District creaked closed behind them, sealing the civilian panic outside the walls. Now, only the full force of the Scout Regiment, including Captain Levi's elite squad and a few Garrison officers left as informants, remained within the district. The tension was thick in the air, but for now, the immediate threat was outside the walls.
Hanji exhaled deeply, stretching her arms above her head. "Phew, we made it. Haa~ It's tough to take care of civilians," she muttered, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
Just as she relaxed, one of her soldiers, panic evident in his wide eyes, rushed toward her, his horse kicking up dust. "Captain Hanji!!! What was that for? Are we really going to capture a Titan?!! Have we already done that before? When? How!!??"
The soldier's voice was a mix of disbelief and alarm, his words coming out in a rushed, stuttering mess.
"Erkkk!!! D-did you go outside the wall and experiment with the Titans without telling us?!" he continued, his face now pale with overthinking the situation.
Before Hanji could reply, she raised her hand, shouting back at him, "Like I would do that! Do you think I'd just let them eat me, or what?! It's an act, okay! An act!"
The soldier blinked, confusion flooding his features. "Eh!!??"
Captain Erwin, sensing the rising tension, swiftly intervened, his calm voice cutting through the chaotic scene. "Listen, everyone. We are going to subdue this Titan, and there's no doubt about that. But this one is special. We need to execute a precise strategy, one that requires careful planning. It's dangerous, but we are prepared."
He paused, letting his words sink in, then added with seriousness, "I pray that we suffer little to no casualties in this mission. Dedicate your heart to this cause. And be ready. We will need all of you at your best."
His commanding presence, along with the gravity of his words, settled the nerves of the soldiers. One by one, they straightened up and gave a unified salute, their voices joining in a loud, resolute chant: "For humanity's future!"
Erwin nodded, his expression unwavering. The soldiers then got into formation, ready to carry out the dangerous mission. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the operation to capture the Titan began.
....
Levi stood on the wall, his eyes scanning the horizon as Erwin, Hanji, and Niikaz approached. Hanji, with ease, carried Niikaz on her back using the maneuver gear, landing gracefully beside Levi. The faintest shift in the air signaled their arrival, but they made no fanfare.
Levi's voice cut through the silence. "You arrived."
Erwin nodded, a hint of urgency in his expression. "How's the situation so far?"
Levi's reply was short but filled with weight. "All the titans near the wall are cleared. No casualties. Tonight, according to Niikaz's memory, three will run through here and arrive before noon, after one of them is eaten by a pure titan."
The air thickened with the gravity of the situation. They had all seen the full memory from Niikaz after the soul contract binding. Originally, four kids would have arrived, but now, only three remained, with one lost to the titans.
Niikaz, who had been silent until now, blinked as if snapping out of a trance. "Can I know the plan?" she blurted, confusion in her eyes. She had been asleep when the plan had been discussed.
The others exchanged looks, hesitant to share details at first, but they quickly realized the potential Niikaz possessed. Her unique abilities made her an asset they couldn't afford to exclude. After a beat of silence, they nodded, deciding to share the plan with her.
With Niikaz now fully engaged in the discussion, the four of them delved into a deeper strategy. The air between them shifted as Niikaz, despite her fatigue, spoke up with a plan of her own. Her idea was sharp and unexpected, leaving the three of them momentarily stunned.
It was a moment of realization—Niikaz was more than just a bystander; she could be a key player in this operation.