Chereads / The Empire of Titans / Chapter 36 - The Battle of Trost

Chapter 36 - The Battle of Trost

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The Following 15 chapters are available for Patrons.

Chapter 37 (The Past, The Present, and The  Future), Chapter 38 (A Purpose), Chapter 39 (No Time Left), Chapter 40  (A Soldier or A Warrior), Chapter 41 (A Signal in The  Sky), Chapter 42 (The Traitors of Humanity), Chapter 43 (The Clash of  Titans), Chapter 44 (A Dream of Joy), Chapter 45 (His Name is Eren Yeager), Chapter 46 (Mikasa's Love), Chapter 47 (A Knife in The Back),  Chapter 48 (Annie's Fate), Chapter 49 (The 'Devils of Paradis'),  Chapter 50 (Followers of Eren Yeager), and Chapter 51 ('I Wanted to be A Hero') are already available for Patrons.

The once-bustling streets were now littered with the remains of destroyed houses and the lifeless bodies of the unfortunate victims, their blood staining the cobblestones a sickening shade of crimson. As he stood there, his muscles rippling with the raw power of his Titan form, he couldn't help but feel a sense of determination welling up inside him. He would do whatever it took to protect the remaining citizens of Trost.

Eren let out a deafening roar that reverberated throughout the entire city. The sound echoed through the streets and alleys, causing fear and panic among the soldiers. But Eren was not deterred.

He had a mission to fulfill, and nothing would stand in his way. With his muscles bulging and eyes blazing with fury, he charged forward toward the Pure Titans, who were wreaking havoc on the city.

The ground shook beneath his feet as he ran, his powerful legs propelling him forward with incredible speed and force. The Pure Titans may have been formidable opponents, but Eren was determined to fight until his last breath to protect his home and those he loved. So he let out another battle cry, "Fight, fight, fight!" and launched his first attack at the Titans.

With the grace of a seasoned warrior, the attack titan raised his leg and positioned it high in the air. The short titan stood no chance against his mighty adversary, who brought his foot down with a thunderous force, using all his weight to crush the smaller titan beneath him. Blood sprayed in all directions as the short titan was reduced to nothing more than a pitiful heap of flesh and bones. But Eren was not done yet. Raising his leg once more, he took aim at the nape of the titan's neck - its one and only weakness - and brought his foot down with a finality that left no doubt: this titan was finished for good.

Their eyes fixed on Eren, their mouths opened wide in an insatiable hunger for his flesh, as if he were the last piece of meat on earth. At that moment, it seemed as though nothing could stop their ravenous pursuit. However, Eren was not one to be easily deterred. Eren's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly dodged a punch before retaliating with a powerful blow that sent one of the Titans. The sound of cracking bones and spurting blood filled the air as the force of his punch obliterated the jaw and right cheek of the unfortunate Titan, leaving nothing but a bloody mess in its wake.

With a swift motion, he lunged forward and landed a crushing blow with his fist on the nape of the Titan's neck, shattering it easily. As he turned to face another Titan, Eren's eyes narrowed in focus, and his hand shot out like lightning to grasp the creature's throat. With a ferocious bite, he tore into its vulnerable nape, obliterating it and sending the Titan crashing to the ground in a lifeless heap.

In a matter of seconds, Eren had already dispatched three of them, their bodies collapsing to the ground with a thud. His fists, now as massive as boulders, had the strength to easily crush their skulls and rip them apart with a single blow.

The air was thick with the stench of decomposing flesh as the once-mighty titans lay lifeless on the ground, their massive bodies now reduced to nothing more than lifeless husks. Steam rose from their still-warm corpses, a grim reminder of the power they once wielded. Eren stood tall amidst the carnage, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Suddenly, he caught sight of five more Titans headed his way, their lumbering gait sending shockwaves through the earth. But even as he prepared to face them, his sharp green eyes caught sight of something else: an abnormal Titan, leaping effortlessly from rooftop to rooftop towards Armin and the others.

With the Abnormal Titan speeding towards Thomas, Eren reacted quickly, propelling himself forward with a force that shook the ground beneath him. As the Abnormal Titan leaped towards Thomas, the Attack Titan's massive hand shot out and grabbed the beast mid-air. The Abnormal Titan thrashed and struggled against the tight grip of Eren, but it was no use. With a roar, the Attack Titan slammed the Abnormal Titan onto the pavement, causing a deafening crash that echoed through the streets. The force of the impact completely shattered the Abnormal Titan's face and chest muscles, leaving him writhing in agony on the ground. Without hesitation, the Attack Titan placed his foot on the Abnormal Titan's nape, crushing it with one swift and brutal stomp.

In the midst of the battle, the Attack Titan stood his ground as the other four Titans relentlessly attacked. With a fierce determination, he swiftly eliminated each of them one by one, using his powerful fists to crush their vulnerable napes and ensure their demise. As the last Titan fell, Eren let out a triumphant roar, the sound echoing throughout the City of Trost. However, his victory cry also served as a call to nearby Titans, who were drawn towards the ferocity of the Attack Titan's roar, their eyes fixated on the source of the commotion.

Back at Armin and the rest of the squad, As Armin gazed upon the battlefield, his eyes widened in amazement at the sight before him. There stood Eren, towering over the Titans around him. But what truly captivated Armin's attention was the ease with which Eren dispatched his enemies. With a swift flick of his wrist, Eren sent a Titan flying through the air, its body crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris. Despite his massive size, Eren moved with the fluidity of a dancer, his movements graceful and precise. His punches and kicks were like thunderbolts, striking the Titans with a force that seemed almost otherworldly. And yet, Armin couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his friend's abilities. For in the midst of the chaos and destruction, Eren stood tall as a beacon of hope, a symbol of humanity's unbreakable spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Everyone, we need to find everyone else," Armin ordered his squad, his voice firm, and commanding. He knew that they couldn't afford to waste any time - lives were at stake. As he prepared to use his ODM Gear and leap from the rooftop, Thomas' hand closed around his shoulder, pulling him back to reality. Armin turned to face his comrade, his eyes locking onto Thomas with a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What's the problem?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience.

Armin was taken aback by the sudden outburst of his squad member, Thomas, who had just questioned him with a high-pitched voice, "Armin, what the hell is going on here? How did Eren become a Titan?" The atmosphere was tense, and the air was thick with sweat as Armin noticed that not only Thomas but also the other two squad members were sweating profusely.

As she caught sight of Thomas's hand gripping Armin's shoulder, Mina's eyes widened with alarm, and her heart raced with a sudden sense of urgency. Without hesitation, she lunged forward and swiftly grasped onto Thomas's hand, her fingers tightening around his skin with a fierce determination. Pulling him away from Armin's grip, she glared at him with a fiery intensity, her eyes flashing with a warning that dared him to speak. Mina stood her ground, facing Thomas head-on as he opened his mouth to speak. With a sharp shake of her head, she silenced him before he could utter a single word, her lips pursed in a tight line as she stared him down with fierce determination.

"Who cares!" she exclaimed, her eyes ablaze with determination. "Eren just effortlessly killed eleven Titans," she continued, pointing towards the colossal figure of Eren's Titan form, who had already slain even more of the giant beasts. The ground shook with each of Eren's massive steps, and the air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat. His every movement was calculated and precise. With a swift motion, he reached down and grabbed a small titan, its feeble attempts to resist proving futile against his superior strength. In one swift motion, he chomped down on the titan's nape, instantly killing it.

As Thomas looked on, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sight of Eren's transformation into a Titan. Part of him was grateful that Eren possessed such incredible power, but another part was fearful of what that power could mean for their future. Mixed in with these conflicting emotions was a deep-seated anger. As he tried to make sense of all these feelings, Thomas felt like his whole head was spinning with a dizzying array of emotions that he couldn't even begin to name. Despite the chaos inside him, he knew he had to stay strong and support his friend in any way he could.

"I have no idea what is happening, but as long as Eren is killing Titans, who cares?" The rest of the squad exchanged uncomfortable glances, unsure how to respond to Mina's aggressive tone. They all knew the situation was dire, with Titans running rampant and destroying everything in their path. Mina, however, seemed unfazed by the chaos unfolding around them. She continued to glare at each squad member, daring them to challenge her statement.

Thomas, Nack, and Milieus stood there, looking at Eren with a mix of disbelief and awe. They couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that Eren, their friend who was once just a regular human being, had now turned into a Titan. The creature had almost driven humanity to extinction, forcing them to build massive walls to protect themselves. It was true that Eren was now killing Titans - their mortal enemies - but at what cost? The friends couldn't help but wonder if this newfound power was worth the risk and if Eren could even control it.

As the rest of the squad was eagerly discussing Eren being a Titan, Mina leaned closer to Armin, the shy and brilliant strategist, her heart beating rapidly with excitement and anticipation. With a gentle and loving touch, she intertwined her fingers with his, sending a warm and comforting sensation through Armin's body as they both gazed at each other with a sense of mutual admiration and respect.

"Thanks for backing me up, Mina," Armin showed his gratitude, his eyes flickering at her for a moment, Mina blushed slightly, but she was still looking at Eren's Titan Form warily that was still killing Titans in the distance.

"You knew, didn't you? Out of all of us, you weren't surprised to see Eren turning into a Titan," Mina questioned, It was more of a statement than a question, and Mina's eyes bore into Armin's, searching for any sign of guilt or deception. Armin, for his part, simply shrugged and offered a small, wry smile. He knew that he couldn't hide the truth from Mina forever.

Armin felt a pang of guilt forming in his stomach; he had wanted to tell Mina the truth, and he trusted her, but just like with Eren wanting to tell Annie the truth, they still didn't know who the Enemy shifters were, Armin didn't want to believe that Mina could be one of them, but he knew better to be safe than sorry, for this reason, Armin had kept quiet.

"...Yes. I will explain everything later." Armin promised her; Mina's expression was conflicted as she struggled to understand what was going on, but she eventually nodded in understanding. To boost Armin's confidence, Mina quickly leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, a gesture of encouragement and support.

Armin blushed slightly, not the first time, but still, Mina could make him blush with just a simple kiss on the cheek. However, Armin quickly shook off his momentary discomfort and turned his attention to the rest of the squad. As he surveyed his comrades, his eyes landed on Eren, who was engaged in a fierce battle with what seemed like an army of pure Titans. Armin couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for his friend's bravery and determination. Despite the overwhelming odds, Eren never gave up and never wavered in his resolve to protect his friends from the Titan menace.

Armin stood tall with a commanding presence as he addressed his squad, his voice firm but calm. "I will explain everything later," he began, "but for now, we must remember where we are and what our mission is. Our job is to protect the civilians and ensure their safe evacuation, and to do that. We must first eliminate as many Titans as we can." His words hung in the air for a moment, and his squad looked to him with respect and trust, knowing that he had their best interests at heart. With a nod of agreement, they straightened their backs and readied themselves for the battle ahead, knowing that with Armin's leadership, they could face anything that came their way.

"We will follow you, Armin, but what about Eren? Are you sure he's safe all by himself?" Nack questioned, pointing at Eren's Titan form in the distance with his ODM sword.

As the dust settled, Eren Jaeger stood resolutely amidst the city's ruins, his flesh fused with his titan, and his eyes fixed resolutely upon his opponent, an abnormally massive Titan of over 19 meters in height. The air was thick with tension as the two behemoths circled each other, their eyes locked in an unspoken challenge.

Suddenly, the Titan let out a deafening roar that shook the foundations of the buildings around them, its massive jaws gaping wide as it prepared to unleash a devastating attack upon Eren. But Eren could not back down from a fight; he bellowed back at the Titan with equal ferocity, his own Titan form rippling with powerful muscles. Without warning, the massive Titan launched itself at Eren, its jaws snapping hungrily as it sought to tear the Titan apart. But Eren was ready and waiting, his powerful fists clenched as he braced himself for impact. With a mighty swing, he landed a blow squarely on the Titan's face, sending the massive creature hurtling through the air before it crashed into a nearby building with a deafening roar.

In the midst of the fierce battle between the Attack Titan and his enemies, a small but tenacious Titan had latched onto his knee with its razor-sharp teeth, gnawing away at his flesh with a voracious hunger. With a fierce snarl, the Attack Titan tried to shake him off, but his ferocious assailant refused to let go. Eren sprang into action, leaping towards the small Titan with lightning-fast reflexes. With one swift motion, he grabbed the Titan by the throat, his fingers tightening around its scaly neck like a vice. The small Titan squirmed and wriggled, its teeth gnashing wildly, but it was no match for Eren's strength. With a resounding crunch, Eren crushed the Titan's windpipe, sending chunks of blood and flesh flying through the air like a waterfall of gore.

Eren's colossal frame strode purposefully towards the 19-meter Titan, whose massive body was covered in the rubble of destroyed buildings, as it struggled to rise to its feet. Undeterred by the Titan's size, Eren lunged forward with lightning speed, his massive foot crushing the creature's skull with a sickening crunch. The Titan's lifeless body crumpled to the ground, but Eren's relentless attack didn't end there. With swift precision, he delivered another crushing blow to the Titan's vulnerable nape, ending its monstrous existence with a final, fatal strike. As Eren surveyed the wreckage around him, he knew his victory was only temporary.

"Don't worry about Eren. He's more than capable of handling himself," Armin reassured his squadmates calmly, his voice ringing through the air like a bell.

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the city as the squad surveyed their surroundings from their perch atop a towering rooftop.

Armin took a quick glance at his comrades, noting their tense expressions and the sweat that glistened on their foreheads. He knew they were all thinking the same thing - that this mission was far from over and that they had to act fast if they wanted to succeed.

"Right now, our priority is to regroup with the others," Armin continued, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. "We can't let our guard down for even a second, not with the Titans lurking around every corner." His words hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the dangers they faced in this unforgiving world.

Without another word, the squad nodded in unison, their eyes filled with determination as they prepared to leap into action. With a burst of energy, they launched themselves from the rooftop, their ODM Gear whirring to life as they soared through the air like acrobats in a circus. For a moment, they were weightless, suspended in mid-air as they surveyed the landscape below.

Mikasa Ackerman

"What the Devil is That?" Mitabi shouted with sweat rolling down his face while pointing at Eren's towering Titan form in the far distance, near Wall Rose. As the others strained to catch a glimpse of the Titan, they, too, were awestruck by the sight that greeted them. Eren, in his towering form, was on a rampage, crushing any Titan that dared to cross his path with ease. Even from their vantage point, they could hear the sound of bones shattering and the ground trembling under the weight of his stomps. For Mitabi and the others, who had been fighting tooth and nail to survive against the Titans, this was a moment of respite. They watched in amazement as Eren continued his relentless assault on the Titans, his strength and determination evident in every movement.

Rico was in fear of the sight before her. With sweat rolling down her face, she gazed up at the Titan standing far away, towering over everything in its path. "Dear gods," she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper, "that Titan is 27 meters tall!" Despite the situation's urgency, she couldn't help but be frozen in fear by the sheer size and power of Eren's Titan form. The group watched in silence as Eren crushed a small Titan under his feet as if it was nothing more than a mere toy. The ground shook beneath them with each step the Titan took, and Rico couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and excitement at the same time.

Ian and Mikasa were the only two soldiers whose expressions were almost emotionless. While everyone else was paralyzed with fear and disbelief, Mikasa's eyes narrowed as she recognized Eren's distinctive Titan form right away, her mind racing with a mix of shock, disbelief, and relief that her friend and fellow soldier was still alive. Ian, who had taken the Semi Titan Shifter serum a month ago, was informed of the Truth; Pyxis himself had informed Ian of the truth and how Eren Yeager was the one providing the serum, he and a cadet girl named Krista Lenz, apparently.

When Ian was first told that there were humans outside the walls, he was overjoyed to hear that, but after learning everything. Ian wasn't sure how to feel anymore, a part of him wanted to believe that it should be impossible for the entire world to hate their guts, but the other part reminded Ian that all those Titans outside the walls were Eldian prisoners, sent to turn into Titans and suffer until someone pulls them out of their misery.

Ian still wasn't sure what to make out of all of this, despite being an entire month after learning the truth. When Commander Pyxis had told him that he wanted him to become a Semi Titan Shifter, Ian had been quick to refuse the offer.

Ian knew there were better soldiers out there who deserved that kind of privilege, and he definitely wasn't one of them. Still, Commander Pyxis had gradually convinced him to take the injection, reminding him that his family would be safer that way. He could defend them and have more chances of returning back to them if he could turn into a Titan at will.

Ian had gradually agreed once his family was brought up; the last thing he wanted was for his little daughter to be eaten by a Titan. Suddenly, his mind was flooded with images of his daughter being snatched up by one of the monstrous Titans that loomed outside the walls of their city. He could almost hear her screams for help echoing in his ears. The thought was too much to bear; the thought had convinced him to agree with Commander Pyxis and take the serum.

As Ian stepped onto the battlefield that was once the City of Trost, he couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him, despite the overwhelming presence of Titans lurking around every corner. The roar of destruction and chaos filled the air, but Ian remained resolute, confident in his abilities to not only survive the battle but to emerge victorious. For Ian, the safety of his beloved wife and daughter was of the utmost importance, and he knew that his mission was to eliminate any and all threats that posed a danger to their lives.

Ian stood tall, his eyes scanning the horizon as he addressed his comrades. His voice boomed like a horn, echoing through the air as he spoke with a firm tone.

"It's not of importance right now that Titan is attacking other Titans," he declared. "If that's what he wants to do, then let him do it. Right now, we are not to encounter him in any way." Rico and Mitabi exchanged conflicted looks, their eyes darting back and forth as they considered Ian's orders.

Despite their reluctance, they nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom of their leader's words. For a moment, the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the wind and the distant roar of Titans in the distance.

Ian turned to face his comrades once more, his eyes blazing with fierce determination. "We must remain vigilant," he declared. "No matter what happens, we cannot let ourselves be caught off guard. We are the only ones who can protect humanity from the Titans, and we must do everything in our power to ensure their safety."

Mikasa simply nodded, her gaze focused on Eren; she knew he could easily handle himself unless any of the Titan Shifters showed up. If that happened, Mikasa would intervene and kill whoever attacked him.

' Ymir stood near Historia, her eyes darting back and forth between her friends and the commander, Erwin Smith, who were all seated around the long wooden table. As she listened intently to the plan being discussed, she couldn't help but feel a nagging urge to ask something that had been on her mind for quite some time. And so, she spoke up, her voice strong and resolute as she questioned the group: "While I like the plan, there's something that's been weighing on my mind for quite some time now. Can I ask you all something?" With those words, Ymir's friends turned to look at her, curious to hear what she had to say, and the room fell silent, waiting for her to continue.

The strong wood that it was made of had been carefully carved and polished to perfection, giving it a gleaming shine. In the center of the table, the logo of the Survey Corps had been masterfully etched in, depicting the bravery and courage that the organization stood for. But it wasn't just the top of the table that was adorned with impressive designs - the four legs of the table were also decorated with great care. Each leg had been carved with the symbol of a different wall - Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina - representing the barriers that protected humanity from the Titans. And last but not least, the symbol of The King had been carved into the final leg, a reminder of the power and authority that governed the land.

Levi, with an air of indifference in his voice, directed his gaze UPWARDS to Ymir, who groaned exasperatedly at his words. "What question you might have, giant women?" he asked, his tone slightly sarcastic as he addressed the towering female figures before him. Despite the evident difference in their physical stature, Levi remained unfazed, meeting Ymir's irritated expression with a cool, collected demeanor.

Ymir was well aware that Historia was trying to calm her down and coax her into ignoring Levi's tactless insult, but the young woman had reached the end of her patience with the pint-sized soldier. With an air of nonchalance, Ymir tossed back her head, revealing a sardonic smile that oozed with sarcasm. "Well, at least I'm not so short that people will mistake me for a kid, not a kid, a toddler even," she quipped, her voice dripping with disdain. As she spoke, her eyes flicked over to Levi, who was shooting daggers at her with his glare. Ymir could sense the tension in the air, but the thrill of getting under Levi's skin made it all the more satisfying.

Hange was barely keeping herself from laughing out loud while Erwin chuckled in amusement; Mikasa had a triumphant grin on her face, especially with the way Levi was glaring at Ymir.

As Levi uttered, "Mind your tongue, ugly ass titan," his sharp gaze pierced through Ymir's soul, filling her with a fierce sense of defiance. Refusing to back down, Ymir growled back at Levi with equal intensity, convinced that he had never experienced the touch of another woman in his life.

Levi's miserable disposition only fueled Ymir's anger, and she was about to retort with a biting insult of her own when Historia intervened. Grabbing Ymir's wrist with a firm yet gentle grip, Historia silently urged her to reconsider her words and rise above Levi's petty provocations.

Erwin, with a hint of amusement in his voice, interrupted the heated exchange of insults between Ymir and Levi, raising his hand and signaling for everyone to settle down. While he was enjoying the banter between the two, he was more interested in Ymir's question that was yet to be asked. As the room grew silent, Erwin turned his attention to Ymir and asked, "So, Ymir, you mentioned earlier that you had a question. Can you please share it with us?" Levi, who was still fuming with anger, reluctantly sat down, but his piercing glare toward Ymir showed that he wasn't going to let the matter go easily.

As Ymir stood there, her eyes narrowed, and her fists clenched tightly, it was clear that she was still seething with anger towards Levi. However, before she could unleash a barrage of insults his way, Historia stepped in and shot her a withering glare that conveyed a clear message: cut it out. Ymir sighed deeply and pressed her lips into a thin, tight line, her reluctance to agree palpable. She couldn't help but feel frustrated by how much of a weak point Historia was for her, along with Eren. No matter how hard she tried to resist their pull, she found herself drawn in by their vulnerability and the depth of emotion that they elicited in her.

Ymir let out an exasperated groan, her frustration palpable as she shifted her attention back to Commander Erwin, her eyes piercing and unwavering. "Finee," she grumbled loudly, the sound echoing through the room as she crossed her arms over her chest. "If we encounter the Titan Shifters, should we kill them or capture them?"Ymir questioned; this made everyone share glances with each other.

"Usually, I would say that we should capture them so their powers can be transferred to someone else, but we have the serum. Maybe we should just kill them," Ymir finished her suggestion, waiting for an answer.

"No." Eren suddenly said, earning the attention of those around the room. "We might have the serum, but we shouldn't forget that killing a Titan Shifter will cause their powers to be transferred to a random baby. It's better if their powers are in our hands. The Colossal is the most dangerous one, but the Crystal Pit should keep them inside," Eren said before looking at Erwin, who nodded, confirming what Eren said.

Levi's War Hammer Titan ability had created a seemingly indestructible well that extended fifty meters below the surface. The walls of the well, as well as everything inside, were made of impenetrable Titan Hardening material, rendering it impervious to even the most powerful attacks from enemy Titans. The only conceivable way to escape this pit of doom would be through a long, sturdy rope, which would require great skill and courage to climb. Not even a Titan Shifter, with all their strength and power, could break free from the confines of this inescapable well that Levi had created with his Titan ability.

"That's right. Once you capture them, cut off their limbs and put them in the well," Erwin ordered firmly. '

Mikasa was suddenly jolted back to reality by the deafening sound of a Titan's footsteps drawing closer and closer. Without wasting a second, she sprang into action, alerting her comrades and leading them swiftly toward the source of the commotion. As they approached the gate of Wall Rose, they beheld a terrifying sight; an abnormal Titan towering above the crowd of defenseless civilians.

"Stop Him," Ian shouted as he jumped from the rooftop and, using his ODM Gear, was ready to kill the Abnormal Titan, but Mikasa was faster than him.

As the adrenaline pumped through her veins, Mikasa swiftly pulled the trigger of her grappling hook, launching it towards the towering Titan. With precision and accuracy, the hook hit the Titan's shoulder, allowing Mikasa to gain the momentum she needed to rush through the air. As she soared towards her target, the sound of steam bursting from her ODM Gear filled the air around her, propelling her forward with incredible speed. Closing in on the Titan, she unsheathed her sword, wielding it with the skill and finesse of a master swordsman. With a single, swift swing, she sliced through the nape of the Titan.

The Titan fell dead on the side of the street, with Mikasa landing on top of his head, much to the shock and relief of the small audience watching her.

Mikasa stood in the aftermath of the grueling battle, her eyes fixed on the steaming Titan blood that coated her blades, watching as it dissipated into the air like a ghostly apparition. Her attention was drawn to the sound of an enthusiastic crowd that had gathered around her. They cheered and clapped, their admiration for her bravery and skill evident in their faces as they showered her with praise for taking down the formidable Titan. Amidst the sea of faces, Mikasa's gaze fell upon a little girl with blonde hair, who looked up at her with wide eyes full of awe and wonder.

Mikasa jumped from the head of the Dead Titan and landed on her feet, her attention turning to the large carriage blocking the gate for the people to leave the City of Trost.

"What are you doing? My comrades are dying. You townsfolk haven't finished evacuating, so we are fighting and dying," Mikasa spoke with a sneer at the bold man with an ugly Mustache, trying to push his big carriage through the gate.

"Isn't that how it should be? Don't forget that you're the ones who fight the Titans. You 'Give your heart' for humanity, don't get full of yourself just because people like you are useful after 100 years of being useless." His eyes fixed on Mikasa with a simmering rage that betrayed his resentment towards her daring to judge him. He spoke with a voice laced with venomous hostility, his words piercing the silence like a sharp blade cutting through flesh. Yet, despite the man's aggressive demeanor, Mikasa remained calm and collected, her face betraying no emotion. She tightened her grip around the handle of her sword, ready to kill him. Her eyes flickered with a cold determination, a silent warning to the man that she would not hesitate to slice his throat if he dared to make a move.

"One word from me can decide what happens to a grunt like you," the man threatened, a bit pale but with a smug smirk; Mikasa simply ignored his words before raising her sword and pointing it at the man.

"How could a corpse say anything?" Mikasa questioned emotionlessly, leaving the man she was addressing to back away in terror until his back hit the sturdy carriage behind him. The color drained from his face, and his subordinates, standing nearby, were equally horrified.

"Move Away the carriage!" Without hesitation, the servants promptly sprang into action, carefully maneuvering the carriage to a safe distance from the gate, allowing the people to enter the territory smoothly. The sound of the carriage wheels rolling on the cobbled streets echoed through the air as the civilians made their way into the Wall Rose Territory.

"Thank you so much," The little girl said to Mikasa; the latter offered her a small smile before turning her attention back to the city, knowing Eren would need her help soon.

Jean Kirstein

As Jean and the remaining members of his team traversed through the desolate city, their eyes scanned the horizon in search of a safe haven. Suddenly, amidst the rubble and destruction, they stumbled upon a towering structure that stood 16 meters tall. Exhausted and in need of respite, they made the unanimous decision to ascend to the rooftop in hopes that it would provide them with a peaceful reprieve from the chaos that surrounded them. As they settled in and began to catch their breath, they took comfort in the fact that the height of the building would keep them out of reach from the majority of the Titans. However, their momentary sense of security was abruptly interrupted by the ominous sound of heavy footsteps that echoed through the city streets, causing their hearts to race with fear and uncertainty.

Suddenly, a deafening roar shook the rooftop beneath their feet, and they turned to see a massive 17 meters Titan charging toward them with a terrifying wide hungry grin plastered on its face. Fear gripped Marco's heart, and he turned to his companion with a shaky voice, questioning, "Jean, what should we do?" Despite the overwhelming tension of the moment, Jean remained calm and composed, his mind racing with thoughts of how to take down the monstrous Titan before them. With a quick and calculated plan forming in his mind, Jean sprang into action, his heart pounding in his chest as he faced off against the beast.

"Folch, Marco, take out the legs. I will be the decoy." Jean shouted at his teammates; Without waiting for a reply, Jean sprang into action, his ODM Gear whirring to life as he launched himself off the rooftop and hurtled through the air, his eyes fixed on the Titan's hulking form. His heart was pounding in his chest as he soared around the creature, dodging its flailing arms.

As Jean stood before the Titan, he could feel its insatiable hunger emanating from its beady eyes, fixated on him like a predator stalking its prey. The Titan's massive hand reached out to snatch him up, but Jean quickly reacted, extending his arms in a defensive stance. With a flick of his wrist, he launched a grappling hook toward a nearby building, using the momentum to propel himself away from the giant's grasp. As he soared through the air, he unsheathed his gleaming swords and sliced through the fingers of the Titan's hand with a swift, calculated movement.

"Now," With a fierce determination evident in his eyes, he shouted commands at Marco and Floch, who quickly responded, moving in perfect unison as they activated their ODM Gear and charged towards the towering Titan. Their swords glinting in the sunlight, they skillfully sliced through the Titan's shins, causing it to fall on its knees, its vulnerable nape exposed. With lightning speed, Jean fired his grappling hook at the Titan's shoulder, letting out a war cry as he swung his sword with all his might, the blade slicing through the air and connecting with the Titan's nape with a satisfying thud. The Titan let out a deafening roar as it fell to the ground, lifeless and defeated.

The Titan fell on the side of the building dead; his body started decomposing quickly, steam coming out of him.

With his heart pounding in his chest, Jean quickly sprang into action and used his ODM Gear to propel himself toward the roof of a nearby house. His mind was still reeling from the fact that he had just taken down a Titan, an experience that had left him feeling both exhilarated and terrified at the same time.

Despite the intense rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Jean was surprisingly calm and collected; his mind focused on the task at hand. He knew that there was still much work to be done and that the fight against the Titans was far from over. But for now, as he perched atop the roof of the house, he allowed himself a brief moment of reflection, taking stock of everything that had happened in the past few minutes. His hands were still trembling slightly, and his palms were slick with sweat, but Jean felt a sense of satisfaction and pride that he had never experienced before.

With a loud thud, the first set of feet belonging to Jean landed on the cool, gray tiles of the roof, causing them to crack ever so slightly beneath the weight of the landing. Marco and Floch were quick to follow, their faces drained of color and their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they struggled with everything. Though their legs were trembling with exhaustion and fear, they somehow managed to stay on their feet, their eyes darting back and forth as they scanned the rooftop for any signs of danger.

"Good job." Jean praised his friends. However, their moment of celebration was short-lived as they heard a loud, thunderous sound of something huge colliding against the road in the distance. Jean's eyes darted towards the source of the commotion, and to his astonishment, he saw the Rogue Titan still fiercely fighting against every Titan that dared to cross his path. The sheer force of the Rogue Titan's attacks sent shockwaves through the earth, and Jean and his friends could feel the tremors under their feet.

When Jean had first seen him show up in the middle of the city, he had been sure he wouldn't make it, but when the Titan had started fighting his own, a linger of hope stayed in his heart; Jean hoped he would be able to live the end of this day, he swore if he could see his mother again, he would apologize for being a piece of shit son to her.

"That Titan, what do you think his deal is?" Floch questioned, perhaps for the tenth time now. Usually, Jean would get annoyed, but he was as much interested as him in learning more about that particular Titan, even if he had already seen comrades getting eaten by Titans. At first, Jean's squad had six members; now, they were only three.

Suddenly Jean, Marco, and Floch heard the sound of gas; the trio turned around just in time to see Annie, Bertholdt, and Reiner landing on their roof, followed by Connie, Krista, and Ymir.

"Hey guys, it's good to see you in one piece," Marco was the first to greet them with a bright smile as he walked up to Connie and the others, hugging them with a huge sigh of relief.

Connie tried to lighten up the mood with a laugh while affirming that the Titans were nothing to them, exuding confidence and bravado. However, Ymir, being the voice of reason in the group, rolled her eyes at Connie's antics and reminded him that he almost got killed by one of those towering monsters. Ymir's reminder was not intended to belittle Connie's courage but to emphasize the importance of being vigilant and careful in dealing with Titans.

The thundering sound of the colossal footsteps of the 27 meters Titan echoed loudly as it ruthlessly crushed the small Titan against the road. Its massive hand held the small Titan firmly, and with one swift motion, it slammed the creature with such ferocity that it sent tremors through the air. Reiner, who had been watching the scene with a mixture of horror and fascination, suddenly turned towards his fellow soldiers and asked in a grave tone, "Guys, what do you know about that Titan?" His outstretched arm pointed towards the towering creature, which seemed to be relishing the destruction it had just caused.

"Who cares? Is in our side, that's what is important," Connie quickly brushed off Reiner's question; the latter looked ready to ignore Connie's answer and turn his attention to Jean, and Reiner was about to ask the same question.

As the deafening sound of gas filled the air, the group sighed in relief as their comrades, Mikasa, Sasha, and several others, descended upon their rooftop, their ODM gear clanking against the metal surface. Despite the relief of their arrival, it was clear that they had been through a harrowing ordeal, as their faces were pale and strained, and tears flowed freely down some of their cheeks as if they had just emerged from the depths of hell itself.

"Guys, you're all alright," Sasha quickly said with a bright smile. However, her words were ignored as some of the group members were lost in their thoughts, mourning the loss of their dear friends who were recently devoured by the monstrous Titans. The air on the rooftop was heavy with grief and despair, and Sasha's enthusiasm seemed out of place amidst such somberness. She could see tears in the eyes of her comrades and feel their pain as if it was her own. Sasha knew that no words could ease their sorrow, but she hoped that her presence and kind words would bring some comfort to those who were hurting.

"Where's Armin?" Mikasa questioned firmly, looking around but couldn't see him anywhere. Jean and the Warriors of Marley found it a little odd that she asked about Armin instead of Eren first, but as in cue.

As Armin, Mina, and three other cadets arrived on the rooftop where the rest of their comrades had already landed, the group collectively heaved a sigh of relief, grateful to have made it through the intense battle unscathed. Despite their exhaustion, they couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph as they surveyed the damage around them.

As Mikasa briskly strode towards Armin to check on his well-being, Jean felt a sudden sense of unease as his stomach plummeted to the floor; he frantically scanned the area, searching for any trace of the elusive Suicidal Bastard, but to no avail. He soon realized that he was not alone in his apprehension, as both Annie and Sasha had also noticed the conspicuous absence of Eren.

As Jean approached Armin, his heart was racing with fear and anxiety. "Armin, where the hell is Eren?" he asked urgently, his voice trembling with emotion as he placed his hand on Armin's shoulder.

"Eren is right there," Mina quickly responded by pointing towards a colossal 27 meters Titan, who was taking a momentary respite against a dilapidated house. With a tired expression etched on his face after fighting nonstop for a whole hour, the Titan's right-hand emitted a gush of steam as it healed from a wound sustained during a recent battle.

This earned confused looks from almost everyone on the rooftop, except some cadets and the three warriors of Marley. Annie took a step forward, her eyes narrowed at Mina, making sure she heard her friend right and her ears weren't playing with her.

"What do you mean? Are you saying Eren is that Titan?" She asked what the majority were thinking, and they all waited with bated breath to hear the answer.

"Yes, Eren bit his hand and turned into a Titan," Mina answered with hopeful eyes and a bright smile. Her words hung in the air for a moment before the gravity of the situation hit the group. Gasps echoed throughout the room as everyone tried to process what they had just heard. Slowly, heads turned towards the figure far away, its massive form towering over everything in its path.

For a moment, no one spoke as they took in the sight before them. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying at the same time. As the group watched in stunned silence, Eren's Titan suddenly launched itself toward a group of smaller Titans, its massive fists crashing down on them with brutal force. The sound of shattering bones and tearing flesh filled the air, sending shivers down the spines of those watching. Despite the chaos and destruction around him, Eren's determination was evident. He was fighting for humanity, for their survival in a world overrun by Titans.

Jean wasn't sure what to even think; a part of him thought this was a stupid joke from Mina, but looking at the Titan again, he could tell from his hair and green eyes that the Titan was probably Eren and that Mina wasn't making a joke.

As Annie stood there, gazing at Eren fighting Titans, she felt sweat rolling down her face, and even her palms were sweating uncontrollably. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and her whole soul felt conflicted as she knew the time had come for her to make a decision that could change the course of her life forever. She asked herself, "A Soldier or A Warrior?" The question echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder which path was the right one for her.

A Soldier or A Warrior?

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