Mike's team had successfully diverted the Titans' attention, guiding them toward their trap. As the 15-meter Titan drew closer, something strange happened: it abruptly lost interest in them. For reasons unknown, it veered off course, heading in a completely different direction. This was a Titan deemed "abnormal," and it seemed to follow its own unpredictable instincts.
In the meantime, the scouts worked tirelessly to set up the trap for the 5-meter Titan. However, the 15-meter Titan had gotten too far away, and it became evident that they would need to put in extra effort to bring it closer to the trap. Erwin had already briefed Levi on the situation, warning him to avoid killing the 15-meter Titan, even if it happened by accident. He had a plan in mind for its capture.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the 15-meter Titan arrived.
Levi alone was tasked with immobilizing it. His team wanted to assist him, but Levi wouldn't allow it. There wasn't time to take chances, and he wanted to handle it himself. This was his responsibility, and he wouldn't risk anyone else's safety.
The Titan was closing in on the trap. But just as it was about to reach the net, it suddenly shifted its attention to Captain Flagon, charging toward him instead of Levi. The change in direction was unexpected, and it seemed to happen purely because of Flagon's loud and constant cursing at the Titan.
Flagon was now in immediate danger, his team scrambling to intervene, but the Titan grabbed him and began to bring him toward its maw, ready to devour him.
Sairam, a member of the team, tried to act quickly, but his foot slipped, causing him to fall. Fortunately, he seemed unharmed, though his equipment had taken the brunt of the fall.
Levi was quick to act. In an instant, he sliced off the Titan's arms before it could eat Flagon. However, the damage had already been done. The Titan's mouth opened wide, and Flagon dropped straight into its waiting jaws.
Without missing a beat, Levi severed the Titan's mandibles from the temporomandibular joint, ensuring the creature could no longer bite down. Flagon fell to the ground when the Titan's jaws were removed, but his team managed to catch him before he hit the ground.
Levi, never one to waste time, quickly distracted the Titan, luring it toward the trap. As it moved toward the net, Levi cut off its legs to ensure it couldn't escape. The trap was successfully lifted, and the 15-meter Titan was caught.
Now, it was Hange's turn to take over. The Titan would be transported back to headquarters.
To prevent any civilians, including Annie and the others, from seeing the captured Titans, they would take a different route. It was crucial to keep the operation as discreet as possible, hiding the Titans from the public eye. The Titans would be kept deep underground to ensure no one discovered their existence.
Sana made her way toward Levi, concerned about his well-being after the intense battle. She had to check on him, even though she felt a strange hesitance to approach him. And she wasn't sure why she avoided him. Was it her reluctance to confront him? Or was it because she couldn't look him in the eyes, afraid of the emotions she might see there? There was so much she wanted to say to him, so many things she wanted to ask. How was he feeling? Was he enduring any hardships that she could help with?
But most of all, she just wanted him to be happy.
"Is your foot okay? I mean, is it hurting a lot?" Sana asked, her voice quiet but laced with concern as she looked him in the eyes.
Levi sat on some concrete steps, his usual composure still intact, though there was a slight tension in his posture.
"It's fine," Levi replied, his eyes drifting down to his foot. "Just a little sprain. It'll get better after some rest." His tone was casual, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps weariness—beneath it.
Sana hesitated for a moment, before sitting down beside him. The silence between them was thick, but it felt like it was finally time to talk.
"Oye, Sana," Levi said, breaking the silence. "Are you sure you want to raise that child? I mean, you're still so young to be taking care of a kid. You're barely twenty-one or two, and you're already the head of some technical department. You're still adjusting to this life here. Raising a child, especially in this environment... it's not easy. Even with technology, it's a struggle. And you shouldn't feel sorry for your choices—I'm not one to talk, because I didn't think things through when I made mine."
Sana could see the concern on his face, his words filled with a genuine worry for her. He wasn't just talking about the child—he was concerned for her, too. She could feel his protective nature as it washed over her.
"I'll be alright," Sana said, a soft smile curling on her lips. "I may not know how to raise a child, and I don't even fully understand what being a mother means yet. But I'll learn, for her. I won't leave her. I don't want to be separated from her. Sure, it's going to be tough at first, but I'll figure it out, bit by bit. It's just hard in the beginning. But with all of you here, with you, Isabel, and Farlan around me... I know I'll be okay." Her voice grew softer, a gentle giggle escaping her lips, as she tried to ease his concerns. But deep down, she didn't want him to worry.
Levi gave her a brief nod, a small, silent acknowledgment.
As they spoke, the rest of the soldiers began to prepare to return to headquarters. The time had come—almost one or two in the afternoon now, after an hour and a half since Hange had left for the headquarters. They had taken care of all the injured, and it was time to head back.
Farlan and Isabel had finally caught up with them. Farlan was in a wagon, his injuries significant enough to warrant rest. It would likely take at least two months for him to fully recover.
The scouts, their mission mostly complete, began the long journey back to headquarters.