Finally, he had arrived—the one who brought the contract to kill Erwin.
Levi had flatly rejected it, but Farlan san wanted more time to think things over. Sana remained silent during the discussion. She wasn't entirely opposed to the idea; after all, what if someone else had been contracted? But she wasn't part of the agreement.
As the conversation unfolded, Sana considered it from several angles, weighing her thoughts. Ultimately, she decided that it was best to let things run their course.
The day had come when Erwin Smith was in the underground, chasing them. Farlan san kept them updated on the situation, relaying critical information.
Levi led them through the maze of tunnels, his expression set in determination. They couldn't afford to let the soldiers find their hideout. Levi was insistent on this. Initially, they had thought the soldiers were part of the Military Police, but the smaller number of them revealed that wasn't the case.
Sana couldn't contain her excitement. Today, she felt an unusual sense of happiness, one that seemed to lift her spirits despite the tension. Her smile spread naturally across her face, but she knew they had to move faster, as the situation demanded it.
In the rush, Isabel accidentally nudged someone, and his goods scattered across the floor. Sana hesitated for a moment before deciding to help. After all, they were likely to get caught soon enough. In a way, she wanted to be caught, and while it was selfish, she also couldn't bear the thought of anyone else being hurt because of them.
"I'll stay behind," she said, speaking quickly. "You all go ahead. I'll be fine."
Levi whirled around, his eyes sharp. "Are you out of your mind?" he demanded, his voice loud with concern.
"No," Sana replied calmly. "Trust me. Go on ahead, I'll handle this."
Reluctantly, Levi and the others ran ahead, leaving her behind. Sana moved swiftly toward the man who had dropped his goods. She knew what was coming, and she was prepared. The soldiers would arrest her, and she was ready to face whatever came next.
As expected, the soldiers approached, ready to apprehend her. She raised a hand in a calm gesture. "Please, let me help him first. Afterward, you can do whatever you want," she said, her voice steady despite the situation.
The soldiers hesitated, their eyes widening at her request. There were only two scouts left to guard her, while the others pursued Levi and the rest.
The man she was helping scowled, pushing her away. "Get lost! I don't need help from the likes of you!" he yelled.
Sana didn't flinch, though. She only smiled gently. "It's alright. You have every right to yell at me. But please, let me help you."
His elbow was scraped, and his goods were scattered across the ground. Sana helped him gather his belongings and treat his injury, despite his protests. Afterward, she surrendered herself to the scouts, knowing the inevitable had come.
She noticed the scouts' expressions—guilty, but determined to do their duty. They weren't enjoying this, but they proceeded with the arrest anyway. As they led her away, it was clear they weren't happy about it. She was taken in the southeast direction, toward an unknown fate.
Farlan san and Isabel were also captured. Sana's mind raced with worries, particularly one awful thought that kept growing in her mind.
She couldn't let them force Levi's face into the sewage water. That was something she couldn't allow.
Without thinking, she bolted toward the area where they were taking Levi, disregarding her own arrest. As she ran, her hands cuffed behind her back, she thought of the image of Levi—his face pushed into the dirty water.
She ran to save him, as soon as she realized Levi's face was on her thighs.
"I can't allow you to do this to him!" she shouted at Mike and Erwin, who were present.
Mike, ever the pragmatist, shook his head.
"There's no helping it now. We must surrender. If we don't, they might kill us," she said to Levi.
Isabel shouted in defiance. "We will not surrender, Sana!"
Levi's voice rang out then, surprising Sana. "You can't arrest her. She hasn't done anything wrong. She's never hurt anyone."
Sana's heart fluttered at his defense. She couldn't believe her ears. Levi, who typically kept his emotions tightly controlled, was standing up for her in a way that she hadn't expected. It was clear he cared, but to say something like that?
Erwin, ever the leader, clapped his hands together with a bemused expression. "I applaud your determination. But it's as she says. Save that spirit for later, and we'll head to your comrades."
Erwin then addressed them directly, asking for their names.
"I have a proposition for you," Erwin said to Levi. "How about making a deal?"
Levi narrowed his eyes. "A deal?"
"I won't press you about your crimes. In return, I want you to lend me your strength and join the Survey Corps," Erwin explained.
Levi stood silent for a moment, considering the offer.
"And if I refuse?" Levi asked.
"I'll turn you over to the Military Police. Considering your past actions, I don't think you or your comrades will be treated kindly. The choice is yours," Erwin replied, his voice calm but firm.
Levi sighed, looking at his comrades before finally agreeing. "Fine. We'll join the Survey Corps."
With that, they were instructed to pack their belongings. The group headed back to their quarters, each person silently preparing for what was to come.
As Sana packed, she was struck by a sudden realization—what would happen to the technology and books she had created? How would she take them with her?
After some thought, she decided it would be best to disassemble the gun and hide her other inventions. She wasn't sure if she could trust the Survey Corps with them yet.
She turned to Farlan san and Isabel. "Would you mind carrying some of my books in your bags?" she asked, hoping they could help her safeguard her work.
"Of course, Sana," Farlan san said kindly. "We'll take care of it."
Though it wasn't ideal, she appreciated their help. However, she knew they would have to be careful, as their luggage would be checked before they entered the Survey Corps.
Sana stepped outside and approached a member of the Survey Corps. "Can I speak to Erwin Smith?" she asked politely.
The soldier looked at her with curiosity. "Why do you want to speak to him?"
"I have something important to tell him. Could you please call him here?" Sana requested.
The soldier agreed and went to fetch Erwin.
By the time he arrived, everyone except Sana had finished packing. Sana wondered what would happen if someone checked their bags incorrectly—Farlan san and Isabel could get into trouble.
She quickly entered their room and asked them to return her books. "I've got more space in my bag," she explained. "You can put your things in my bag instead."
They handed her the books back, and she joined the others outside. At that moment, Erwin appeared.
"Is everything alright?" Erwin asked, noticing the tension in the air.
"Yes, Erwin san," Sana replied. "There's something I need to discuss with you."
Levi raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What's going on?"
"I'll explain in a moment," Sana said, reassuring him.
She led Erwin into the study, motioning for his subordinates to stay outside. She had a lot to show him, and she needed to make sure no one else saw it.
Once inside, she revealed her work—the technology, the books, and the sniper rifle. Erwin was visibly impressed as he examined each item.
"Who made this?" he asked, studying the rifle.
"I did," Sana replied. "And I want you to take it with you. Keep it secret for now, and return it to me later when you trust us. And please, take care of the books too. They're incomplete, but I'll finish them soon."
Erwin nodded, his face thoughtful. "I see. You could create things like this."
"I trust you to keep them safe," Sana said. "Please make sure no one else finds out about them."
"Understood. I'll take care of it. You go ahead and pack your things. I'll handle this," Erwin said, nodding firmly.
Sana exited the study with her bag and rejoined the group.
Levi, his eyes narrowed, asked her, "What did you need from Erwin?"
She explained everything to him, but Levi didn't seem pleased. He was irritated that she had to ask Erwin for help.
"You didn't have to do this, Sana," he said, frustration in his voice.
"I couldn't just leave everything behind," Sana explained. "If I took it, I'd be questioned or worse. I couldn't leave it here, either."
Their journey continued as they boarded the wagon, heading toward the Survey Corps headquarters. As they rode, they all knew things were about to change.