Chapter 16:Land Of Dream

"Next April!"

The sudden outburst from Zhou Mingrui startled Meng Xian, who was focused on frying shrimp chips in the kitchen.

She nearly dropped the spatula, her mind racing to catch up. This year was still 2016, so next April would be 2017—a date outside the timeline she had speculated Zhou Mingrui might travel through.

With a quick breath to steady herself, she pushed open the glass door leading to the living room. "What's the news? Why are you so excited?" she called out, her voice a mix of curiosity and slight exasperation.

Her sudden movement disturbed the little crow napping in its sparkling nest nearby.

The little crow, nestled comfortably in its makeshift sparkling nest, stirred at the disturbance. Its beady eyes fluttered open, and it let out a soft, disgruntled caw.

The light filtering through the room glinted off the glass marbles and candy paper stars scattered around the nest, casting tiny reflections that danced across the black feathers of the crow.

The subtle, almost imperceptible hints of blue in its plumage reminded Meng Xian of the deepest, quietest night sky, just before dawn.

Meanwhile, Starlight, the small and gentle cat remained asleep on the sofa, unbothered by the noise.

In the living room, Zhou Mingrui realized how loud he had been. Embarrassed, he scratched the back of his head and let out an awkward chuckle. With his phone in hand, he walked over to the kitchen, unable to contain his excitement.

"You know that 'Attack on Titan' anime I was so into back then?" he asked, holding up his phone so Meng Xian could see the screen.

The display showed a bold headline: "The second season of 'Attack on Titan' confirmed! Coming in April 2017!"

Meng Xian glanced down at the screen, reading the headline. The words seemed to leap out at her, a flood of memories of the first season rushing back.

"...But there's such a long gap between the two seasons," Zhou Mingrui lamented, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I feel like I've almost forgotten all the previous plots." His tone grew more enthusiastic as he added, "I'm thinking of rewatching the first season.

Meng Xian, do you want to join me?"

Zhou Mingrui was well aware that he was stretching the truth. He had already read the manga and was fully up to date with the plot, but the thought of sharing this experience with Meng Xian was too enticing to pass up.

He wanted to spend time with her, to share something that had once meant a lot to him.

Meng Xian looked at him thoughtfully, her mind spinning with conflicting thoughts. She knew the story of "Attack on Titan" well enough—the plot, the twists, the heartbreak. Rewatching the first season wasn't something she had planned on doing. But the way Zhou Mingrui extended the invitation, the subtle hint of hopefulness in his voice, made her pause.

For a moment, Meng Xian was lost in her own thoughts. She had always been the type to analyze every decision, weighing the pros and cons. But this time, something tugged at her heart, urging her to say yes.

Perhaps it was the way Zhou Mingrui's eyes lit up with anticipation, or perhaps it was the simple joy of sharing a common interest with a friend.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence, Meng Xian nodded. "Sure, let's do it."

That evening, the two settled in the living room, the lights dimmed, and the opening theme of "Attack on Titan" began to play.

The familiar melody filled the room, drawing them into the world of the anime.

The story unfolded before them, transporting them to a world 107 years ago, where humanity was on the brink of extinction. Giant humanoid creatures, known as Titans, had emerged, devouring humans and forcing the survivors to retreat behind three massive walls—Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina. For over a century, the walls provided a fragile peace, until the day a 60-meter-tall Colossal Titan appeared, breaching Wall Maria with devastating force.

The scene was harrowing and intense.

The monstrous Titans poured through the broken wall, descending upon the helpless humans with terrifying ferocity.

The protagonist, Eren Yeager, just ten years old at the time, watched in horror as his world crumbled. The destruction was swift and brutal, leaving Eren with a deep-seated hatred for the Titans. The loss of his mother, devoured before his eyes, fueled a burning desire for revenge.

As the story progressed, Eren's journey from a frightened child to a determined soldier unfolded. Three years after the fall of Wall Maria, he, along with his friends Mikasa and Armin, joined the 104th Training Corps, learning the skills necessary to fight the Titans.

The peaceful, albeit intense, training life was a brief respite before the Colossal Titan reappeared, repeating its attack and destroying Wall Rose, the second line of defense. The storyline plunged them into the heart of the battle, where the true horrors and complexities of their world were revealed.

Meng Xian watched in silence, her analytical mind noting the seamless flow of the plot and the high-quality production. The visuals were stunning, the storyboarding tight, and the music perfectly complemented each scene, heightening the tension and emotional impact.

As the characters fought for survival, Meng Xian couldn't help but appreciate why "Attack on Titan" had become such a phenomenon. The pacing was relentless, the stakes incredibly high, and the emotional depth of the characters resonated with her more than she had expected.

Zhou Mingrui occasionally glanced at Meng Xian, gauging her reactions. Her focused expression indicated that she was fully absorbed in the story. He felt a warm sense of satisfaction seeing her engaged.

As the episodes played on, the harrowing defense of Trost District loomed. Meng Xian watched as the once-confident trainees faced the terrifying reality of combat against the Titans. Fear gripped many of them, leading to catastrophic losses.

The desperation and hopelessness were palpable, yet amidst it all, there was a glimmer of hope—of resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

The first night of their rewatch ended with the fall of Wall Rose, and the night air in the apartment felt heavier, laden with the weight of the story's unfolding tragedy. Meng Xian turned off the television, and the room was plunged into a contemplative silence.

Zhou Mingrui stretched, trying to shake off the lingering tension. He turned to Meng Xian, who was still lost in thought. "What did you think?" he asked quietly, almost hesitant to break the silence.

Meng Xian took a deep breath, her mind still processing the emotional rollercoaster they had just witnessed. "I can see why it captivated so many people," she replied softly. "The intensity, the emotions—it's overwhelming, but in a way that makes you want to keep watching, to see how they survive, how they fight back."

Zhou Mingrui smiled, a sense of camaraderie blooming between them. "I'm glad you're watching it with me,"

Meng Xian met his gaze, and for a moment

Me too

Witnessing the horrifying scene of a friend being devoured by a grotesque Titan, a surge of old and new grudges erupted in Eren's heart. Consumed by rage and desperation, he charged after the Titan, but his attempt to avenge his fallen friend was cruelly interrupted when the Titan bit off one of his legs. Eren fell onto the roof, his vision blurring with pain and fury.

Despite the excruciating pain, Eren's determination remained unshaken. In a desperate bid to save his friend Armin, he summoned the last reserves of his strength.

As the Titan loomed closer, Eren's body was engulfed by the beast, sacrificing himself in place of Armin. The agony was immense, but it was a small price to pay for his friend's survival.

In the depths of his struggle, Eren's latent giantization ability, inherited from his father, awakened. His body transformed, becoming a towering giant. With newfound strength, Eren reappeared amidst the chaos.

His transformation was a beacon of hope; he not only saved his childhood friend Mikasa from certain death but also decimated dozens of Titans with his immense power.

The battle to retake the Trost District was fraught with peril. Amidst the chaos, Armin devised a plan to use Eren's giant form to move enormous boulders and block the gap in Wall Rose. Eren, now a colossal figure, began the arduous task of carrying the boulder, his movements slow but purposeful. Yet, as he neared the wall, his mind was overwhelmed by the primal instincts of his giant form.

The beast within him grew uncontrollable, causing Eren to lose himself in a frenzy. In a desperate act to prevent harming his comrades, Eren delivered a crushing blow to himself, knocking himself out.

The battle plan faltered. The sight of red smoke from the failed operation was a grim signal of their dire situation. the squad leader of the elite squad, refused to give up on Eren.

He recognized Eren's potential as a precious asset to humanity's survival. The squad rallied to protect Eren, battling the Titans with unwavering resolve, determined not to let their sacrifice be in vain.

Armin, fueled by both desperation and hope, ran to Eren, trying to awaken him. The scene transitioned into a haunting journey through Eren's memories, where the boundaries between reality and illusion blurred.

Armin's frantic attempts to rouse Eren were met with flashes of Eren's past—a life filled with dreams and resolve.

The thirteenth episode began with a familiar opening sequence, revisiting the intense moments leading up to Eren's current predicament. Armin, clutching a sword, stabbed Eren's giant form in a desperate attempt to induce pain and regain his consciousness.

The strategy worked; Eren's mind cleared, and he emerged from the fog of his giant instincts, regaining his self-awareness.

The camera panned over the battlefield as Eren stood among the ruins, letting out a deafening roar that reverberated across the land. The powerful opening theme song surged forth, amplifying the sense of urgency and defiance.

The lyrics echoed through the scene:

"Are you food?

[No, we are hunters!]

[The flowers that were trampled, their names are unknown,]

[The bird that fell to the ground waited in vain for the wind to come.]

[Even if you pray sincerely, it will be of no use.]

[Only a fight to the death can change the status quo.]

[Laughing at this resolute leap over corpses]

[Pigs of the will to move forward courageously.]

[The peace of livestock, the false prosperity.]

[Hungry Wolf only seeks freedom and will never regret it until death!]

[The humiliation of being trapped in a cage turns into a sharp arrow of counterattack.]

[Beyond the city wall, there are hunters slaughtering their prey]

[The gushing murderous intent burned his body.]

[Using the red lotus bow and arrow,]

[Piercing through the dark dusk!]"

Despite the elite squad's best efforts, the battle remained grim. As hope seemed to wane, heavy footsteps echoed ominously. Eren, bearing the enormous rock on his shoulders, continued his grueling march toward the gap in the city wall. The background music shifted, intensifying the atmosphere of impending conflict.

Squad leader Jan's voice rang out, strained but resolute. "Defend Eren! Even if it costs our lives, we must escort him to the gate! We cannot let the Titans reach him!"

Mikasa and Armin were assigned crucial tasks to guide Eren, their determination unwavering. As the battle raged, another elite squad, led by Mitabi, bravely sacrificed themselves to lure the Titans away from Eren's path.

Their valiant efforts, however, came at a terrible cost. Mitabi's team, desperate and resolute, drew the Titans' attention away but met a grim fate as one of their members was snatched by a Titan.

The tension soared as the remaining squad members faced daunting obstacles. "How can this be possible?" Armin exclaimed, observing the dire situation. "Without horses and with no buildings around, it's practically suicide!"

"No," Squad leader Jan's voice was firm despite the gravity of their predicament. "This is our only way forward." He led the charge, determination etched on his face. "Follow the Mitabi team!"

Mikasa turned to Armin. "We need to go too."

"Yes!" Armin agreed, his resolve hardened.

The music reached a fever pitch as the two elite squads split into two groups: one group focused on diverting the Titans, while Mikasa and Armin guided Eren to the wall's gap. Eren, carrying the massive boulder, trudged forward, each step an agonizing testament to his willpower.

Eren's thoughts were a maelstrom of pain and determination. "My body feels like it's about to be crushed to pieces," he thought vaguely. As he approached the square, familiar figures—Mikasa and Armin—appeared before him, their presence a bittersweet reminder of his purpose.

"Mikasa, Armin?" Eren's voice was filled with concern. "What are you doing here? You'll be eaten by the Titans if you stay here!"

In the chaos, a member of Mitabi's team bravely drew a Titan's attention away but was soon snatched and devoured. Mitabi, eyes bloodshot with anger and grief, was momentarily distracted, his focus shifting as a Titan's massive foot descended from the sky.

As Eren pressed on, memories of his past surfaced, intertwining with his present struggles. He recalled a moment from his childhood when Armin had questioned his desire to explore the world beyond the walls.

"Why do you want to go out into the world?"

Armin had asked, his voice filled with curiosity and confusion.

Eren's response had been resolute. "Because we are all born free."

"It's coming," Zhou Mingrui's voice quivered as he watched the scene unfold, his tone reflecting the gravity of the moment. "The Divine Song of Moving Stone." The words seemed to echo through the tumultuous atmosphere, carrying with them a sense of both foreboding and hope.

As the chaos of battle continued around Eren, fragments of memories surged through his mind like rapid-fire images. They were a disjointed montage of moments filled with pain, resolve, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

"It has nothing to do with how strong the guy that's holding us back is," a voice from the past echoed in Eren's thoughts. "It doesn't matter if there's hell ahead or extreme cold, anything is fine… People who can see those are the freest people in the world!"

Eren's inner voice roared with renewed vigor. "Fight! For freedom, even at the cost of life!" The determination that had once fueled his dream now ignited his spirit as he faced the towering giants and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles before him.

Squad leader Jan trudged through the crumbling ruins, his face set with grim determination. His team was in a desperate struggle, and one of his comrades was about to be engulfed by a Titan's gaping maw. The member's cries of fear pierced the air, a chilling reminder of their precarious situation.

"It doesn't matter how terrible the world is," Eren's thoughts resonated with the urgency of the battle.

Mikasa and Armin, leading the way, pushed forward with relentless resolve. They turned their heads in unison, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding of the stakes. Their gaze fixed ahead, they were focused on the task of guiding Eren through the relentless assault.

"No matter how cruel the world is, it doesn't matter!" Mikasa's resolve was unwavering as she and Armin pushed forward.

In the midst of the struggle, Squad Leader Jan managed to rescue the team member from the Titan's mouth, throwing him to safety. Yet, their moment of respite was fleeting.

The Titan's massive hand loomed over Jan, its grip crushing him between its fingers. Jan's body was half-hidden in the Titan's mouth, blood spattering as he was tossed around violently.

"Fight! Fight!" Jan's final command was a desperate cry amidst the chaos. Mikasa gritted her teeth, her expression fierce and resolute, while Armin's eyes filled with tears yet remained steadfast.

They pressed on despite the horrors surrounding them.

Eren's voice echoed louder, a powerful rallying cry that surged with the energy of his will. "Fight! Fight!" His words cut through the clamor of battle, infusing the scene with a fierce determination.

Just then, Armin's voice cut through the chaos. "There are giants ahead!" His warning was urgent, directed at the imminent threat blocking their path.

Before them, a lone Titan stood silhouetted against the blinding sunlight filtering through the gap in Wall Rose. The Titan squatted, its monstrous form casting a long shadow as it reached toward the figures on the ground below.

"Leave this to me!" Mikasa shouted, her voice laced with resolve. As she prepared to charge, a flash of silver caught her eye.

A girl with silver hair plummeted from above, landing with precision on the Titan's back.

"Get out of my way!" the girl's voice rang out, cutting through the noise of battle. With a swift, decisive motion, she slashed at one of the Titan's eyes.

The Titan roared in pain, its balance faltering as it toppled to the ground.

Seizing the opportunity, Mikasa leaped into action. Her figure moved with a fluid grace as she darted behind the Titan. With a powerful, practiced strike, she drove her sword into the base of the Titan's neck, ending its life in a single, decisive blow.

As the sunlight streamed through the gap in the city wall, its brilliance was almost blinding. Eren, struggling under the immense weight of the boulder, moved with a determined, if labored, pace toward the final threshold of victory.

"Go ahead, Eren!!!" Armin's voice rang out, filled with a mix of hope and desperation. "Fight!!!"

Eren, driven by the collective will of his comrades and his own fierce resolve, dropped the colossal rock with a thunderous impact. The boulder crashed into the gap in the city wall, effectively blocking it and securing a crucial foothold for humanity's defense.

The background music reached its crescendo, the sound swelling to match the intensity of the moment:

[We don't know what is wrong tonight...]

----

That night, Meng Xian found herself once again adrift in the enigmatic As she entered the dream, the sky above unfurled in a breathtaking display of swirling colors—deep indigos blending into vibrant oranges, punctuated by flashes of radiant stars.

Each star seemed impossibly close, their brilliance casting an ethereal glow that made the heavens appear alive, pulsating with the dreamer's emotions.

The landscape beneath her was an ever-shifting panorama, morphing fluidly between solid and liquid. Lush, green meadows gave way to stark, barren deserts, their scorching sands transforming into tranquil lakes that rippled with an unnatural calm.

The ground might become a tempestuous ocean one moment, only to solidify into a twisting, endless staircase leading nowhere the next. Ancient ruins and floating islands floated serenely in this surreal environment, their presence adding to the sense of disorientation.

Buildings appeared with impossible architecture—gravity-defying angles and walls made of liquid glass or shimmering light, their surfaces reflecting the dream's chaotic beauty. The landscape was a paradox of magical beauty and perplexing fear, a realm that seemed both inviting and menacing in its otherworldly splendor.

Meng Xian felt a heavy sense of déjà vu, a profound familiarity mingled with an underlying confusion. It was as if she had known this place forever, yet could never quite grasp its reality.

The dream was always the same, a mesmerizing yet bewildering sequence that left her feeling disoriented and uneasy.

Each time she woke, the details would slip away from her, leaving behind only a faint, haunting memory. Yet, recently, the frequency of these dreams had intensified, a consequence, she suspected, of the book she had bought at the bookstore—a book that seemed to act as a gateway to these recurring visions.

Sleep eluded her as she grappled with the headaches that followed her nightly escapades in this otherworldly realm. Each morning she awoke with a pounding head, the remnants of her dream lingering like a phantom pain.

The sense of exhaustion was compounded by the dread of her nightly return to this strange domain.

In the dream, Meng Xian found herself alone, or so it seemed. A figure, blurry and indistinct, loomed behind her. She could never make out its features, as if its very essence defied clarity.

The figure's mouth was open, a silent scream that seemed to pierce through the dream's ambient noise. Sometimes Meng Xian could hear its cries—a cacophony of desperation that made her head throb with an almost unbearable intensity.

At other times, the figure's screams were only a distant, unsettling murmur, allowing her a brief respite from the maddening noise.

Meng Xian had attempted to communicate with this elusive figure before, driven by a desire to understand its purpose or seek some form of connection.

But every attempt had been in vain. The figure's presence was always accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread, and its silent scream only served to heighten Meng Xian's sense of isolation and fear. Thus, whenever she encountered this spectral entity in her dreams, her instinct was to flee.

Yet, no matter how fast she ran, the figure always closed the distance with unnerving speed. Meng Xian's heart pounded in her chest as she desperately sought escape, her legs aching with the effort of her flight.

The figure's presence was an ever-looming threat, its silent scream a relentless assault on her senses.

As Meng Xian's exhaustion mounted, she began to decipher the figure's anguished cries. Through the blaring din of her dream, she managed to catch fragments of a phrase: "The Country of Dream"... "The Country of Dream"... The realization struck her with a jolt of fear and confusion. The figure's repeated chant seemed to be a desperate plea or a dire warning.

"The land of Dream,"