Zeke automatically cancelled the transformation into a Titan, and the colossal titan's body, the massive beast titan, suddenly emitted a scorching heat wave.
He seized an opportunity and directly tore open the flesh at the back of his neck, much like a survivor emerging from the depths of the sea, thrusting his body out forcefully and gasping for air.
Then, without hesitation, Zeke dashed out, rolling and crawling, his movements remarkably awkward.
Sustaining the Titan form demanded a significant amount of energy and inflicted some damage to the body, leaving him currently extremely weak.
He claimed to be escaping, yet his movements were stumbling, progressing three steps forward only to fall back one step; he hadn't even managed to get very far.
"Splash!"
Zeke fell to the ground once more. His legs trembled, and he struggled to stand, but the strength seemed to elude him.
Lin Yi watched the scene with cold indifference, showing no trace of emotion.
"Don't kill me, I can tell you everything you want to know."
"I can even help you, assist you..."
"Splurt!"
Before Zeke could finish his plea, a spray of blood splashed onto Lin Yi's face as the blade pierced through his throat.
His words were interrupted...
To Lin Yi, Zeke held no value whatsoever. He likely possessed more knowledge about Marleyan intelligence than Zeke did.
Grisha's notes contained numerous entries, including many secrets. Moreover, Grisha had been a member of the Eldian Restorationist Faction, which led him to record many hidden details.
Due to the formidable constitution of the titans, even with his throat pierced, Zeke didn't immediately lose his life. Instead, he widened his eyes, struggling incessantly, and gripping the sharp blade of the sword, refusing to let go.
However, he could feel the power within him rapidly draining away, absorbed by this strange weapon.
Zeke's struggles grew weaker and weaker until he finally fell silent.
His body, now reduced to skeletal remains, ignited into flames with the release of heat from Jörmungandr, turning to ashes.
When Lin Yi returned to another battlefield, the battle had concluded.
Levi truly lived up to his title as the "Strongest Soldier." Even on the open plains, he held the upper hand against the Jaw titan, despite its expertise in close combat.
Although they had lost many comrades, Levi ultimately severed the Jaw titan's arms and legs. He organized soldiers to cut them again whenever the titan attempted to regenerate them.
He had successfully captured the Jaw titan alive.
From Hanji's account, Levi had already heard about the new world described by Lin Yi. He had also successfully severed the flesh at the back of the colossal titan's neck, seizing the unconscious Ymir.
This confirmed what Hanji had mentioned – the intelligent titan.
Seeing a human within the body of a titan truly shattered the worldview of many soldiers for a moment.
"They'll need some more time."
Observing Lin Yi's return, Hanji proactively approached him and spoke.
"I need the power of that titan."
Lin Yi got straight to the point, but it appeared that Levi and the others were still unwilling to hand over Ymir to him.
"Give me some time, please. I will convince everyone."
Hanji spoke earnestly.
"Let me talk to Levi."
With Erwin's demise, the Survey Corps was left without a leader. Under him, the most respected individuals were Levi himself and Hanji.
However, the close relationship between Hanji and Lin Yi gave rise to feelings of betrayal among many soldiers after the sudden change. As a result, they all chose to believe in Levi.
"I want to talk to you too."
Levi also walked over on his own initiative. This marked the first direct conversation between the two of them, while soldiers held the unconscious Ymir down.
The remaining soldiers began constructing a basic camp; with so many injuries, they had no choice but to remain in place for recovery.
"The things I need to do and my goals, Hanji should have already informed you about."
"What do you wish to inquire about?"
Entering a tent, the two began to converse, and as Lin Yi took a seat, he spoke calmly.
Levi didn't answer. Instead, he suddenly drew his sword. His movements were incredibly swift – the blade flashed, the motion was simple yet sharp.
In an instant, the blade rested against Lin Yi's neck.
"If I were in your position, I wouldn't make this sort of joke. It could cost you your life." Lin Yi's strength was indeed close to the ceiling for a human in the titan world.
But there was still a significant gap between him and Levi.
Even without Jörmungandr's power, without titan strength, Lin Yi was confident that before the blade cut his throat, he could crush Levi's windpipe.
"You've undoubtedly withheld many things from us, and you could have shared this information with us earlier." Levi's resistance stemmed mainly from the fact that Erwin had fallen in battle.
"Captain Levi, trust is mutual. What I can assure you of is that I will bring you freedom."
Lin Yi spoke calmly.
He wasn't exaggerating. With the Founding Titan's power, he could easily relocate the titans on Paradis Island to another location.
Levi didn't respond, but he continued to grip the sword.
"It seems you have no inquiries for me. I'll await your response. Just don't test my patience, as no one can stand in the way of my plans."
Lin Yi had shared so much because he valued Levi's talents. After all, he would eventually journey through many worlds and wouldn't have the time to manage each one individually. Both Levi's abilities and the Survey Corps soldiers made them capable warriors.
Lin Yi stood up slowly, seemingly unhurried, and suddenly flicked his fingers against the blade at his neck.
Levi's pupils contracted as he momentarily lost focus. He hadn't reacted in time, and the intense pain that followed, along with the trembling of the blade, left his palm numb.
The longsword slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground.
Lin Yi got up, preparing to leave.
"Wait, what will you do if I don't hand over that woman?"
Levi suddenly stopped Lin Yi and asked.
"Although I want to appear honorable, if you insist on going against the tide, the news I bring back to Wall Rose will result in the complete annihilation of the Survey Corps."
Lin Yi's voice remained calm.
It was a threat, but it was also the truth.
"I understand."
Levi had clearly sensed the gap between them just now. Furthermore, given the opponent's mysterious abilities, the options before the Survey Corps seemed limited: death or aligning themselves with Lin Yi's path.
Since Lin Yi dared to tell him directly, he must have absolute certainty that no one from the Survey Corps would survive.
Just after stepping out of the tent, Lin Yi heard Levi's response and smiled slightly. Conversing with intelligent people was indeed much easier.
Levi's answer clearly indicated his agreement.
Attack Titan, Armored Titan, Founding Titan, Beast Titan, Jaw Titan, along with the Female Titan and Colossal Titan from the Training Camp – now, only two titans remained under Marley's control.
~~~
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