Chapter 17: Jaw Titan

The five of them stepped outside the house, their senses sharp and their weapons ready. Levi's eyes scanned the horizon, catching a glimpse of a Titan on top of the wall. It was tearing through soldiers, its speed and precision horrifying to watch. Captain Mike was already rushing toward the wall, his maneuver gear slicing through the air. Erwin's sharp gaze followed him as the scene unfolded.

A soldier ran up, his face pale but determined, and saluted before delivering his report. "Captain! The abnormal Titan climbed the wall! It's coming down here!"

Erwin's calm voice cut through the tension. "How many?"

"Only one, sir!" the soldier replied, though his voice wavered with fear.

Niikaz had been quietly observing, analyzing the Titan's movements. Her eyes widened in shock as recognition struck her. "Ymir!" she whispered, her voice tight with disbelief.

Her exclamation caught the attention of Hange, Levi, and Erwin. They turned to her, their expressions demanding answers.

---

Flashback: 30 Minutes Earlier

Soldiers stationed on top of the wall were idly chatting, their guard lowered as they exchanged stories. One mentioned how strange it was to hear about Titan shifters—humans who could transform into Titans.

"I can't believe it," one soldier said, shaking his head. "I thought we were the only humans left, locked in by these walls. And now we hear there are people out there living as monsters?"

Their laughter was cut short when another soldier hushed them. "Quiet," he hissed, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"What is it?" one of them asked nervously.

"Something's climbing the wall," the soldier whispered.

The group fell silent, the air thick with tension. The sound of something scraping and digging into the wall reached their ears—a terrifying noise that sent shivers down their spines. Then, they saw it.

From below the wall, a Titan was climbing up, its agility shocking. It wasn't just any Titan—it moved with intelligence and precision, its movements eerily calculated.

The soldiers froze for a moment before panic set in. Bells rang across the wall as soldiers scrambled to alert the others. "Abnormal Titan! It's climbing the wall!" they shouted.

Some soldiers attempted to attack it, but the Titan's speed was unmatched. It dodged their attacks effortlessly, grabbing one unfortunate soldier and crushing him before leaping onto the wall. The remaining soldiers either fell in their panic or were caught by the Titan and devoured.

Captain Mike and Levi's squad arrived moments later, their maneuver gear zipping through the air as they engaged the Titan in battle.

---

Back to the Present

Levi's jaw tightened as he prepared to rush to the scene, his focus solely on saving his squad. But just as he launched himself forward, Niikaz stepped in his path.

"Captain Levi!" she called urgently.

Levi turned sharply, his patience thin, but his gaze softened when he saw her. Niikaz ran up to him, her hands trembling slightly as she placed her palms on his maneuver gear. A soft light glowed from her hands, and she spoke quickly.

"This... this will make your blades sharper and far more durable. They won't break," she explained. "I've also enhanced your gas supply. It won't run out now, no matter how much you use it. I'm sorry I can't do more with my current abilities," she added, her voice filled with regret.

Levi stared at her, stunned by the gesture. Then, in a rare moment of softness, he leaned forward, resting his forehead lightly against hers. Placing one hand gently on her head, he said, "Thank you. This is more than enough."

Before she could respond, Levi launched into the air, his maneuver gear now faster and sharper than ever. Niikaz stood frozen, her heart racing. "Did... did Levi just do that?" she whispered to herself, bewildered.

Meanwhile, Levi tested the improvements as he soared toward the wall. A smirk tugged at his lips as he felt the difference.

"This... this is faster than I've ever gone before," he thought. "And with these blades... I don't have to hold back anymore."

His speed increased, and he maneuvered with precision, his determination blazing as he charged toward the Titan.