This wasn't the first time the Survey Corps had ventured beyond the walls for an investigation. However, due to the dangers outside, their investigations mostly remained at the edges rather than delving deep into it.
Consequently, they didn't gather many clues.
Perhaps because the situation was challenging for the Survey Corps, Erwin came up with a daring idea.
As they pushed farther, they encountered more threats. The number of Titans on the outskirts was significantly higher than those near the Walls.
"Roar!"
"Erwin yelled, 'Teams three and four, move closer! Team two, stay vigilant! Team one, provide support from the side. Be cautious!'"
Erwin, mounted on a horse, shouted loudly with a strained voice.
Shortly after advancing a bit, the Survey Corps found themselves encircled by three Titans. Two of them were seven meters tall, and one was ten meters tall. However, these were regular Titans.
The Survey Corps possessed sufficient strength to deal with them without major issues.
With everyone's assistance, Levi personally took care of the three Titans.
"So, what do you think now? Do you still find the outside world fascinating?"
Hanji, on horseback and catching her breath, returned to where Lin Yi was. Her task was to ensure Lin Yi's safety.
"Why wouldn't I? It's so beautiful here."
Lin Yi gazed at the distant horizon with fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze.
Hanji was momentarily surprised, realizing that Lin Yi was tougher than she had thought.
"Mr. Lin maintains a positive outlook. You probably believe that the Survey Corps can protect you all the time," Hanji speculated that Lin Yi's calm demeanor was due to this belief.
Lin Yi shrugged and didn't elaborate.
"Ah!"
Suddenly, a chilling scream echoed from a distance.
Hanji swiftly turned toward the sound, which originated from the forest ahead. Squad three was responsible for clearing the path, and they had moved ahead to inspect the area.
The team hurried towards the source of the scream.
Upon entering the forest, they encountered a horrifying sight. A small Titan, about four meters tall, held a Survey Corps soldier in its grasp, attempting to consume him.
This Titan was likely asleep initially, hidden within the forest. However, upon the soldiers' approach, it awakened and attacked.
Despite being relatively small for a Titan, around four meters tall, it was fast.
The soldier didn't have enough time to react and use their gear for maneuvering.
"Roar!"
"You piece of crap!"
Hanji cursed, watching her comrade. She adjusted her gear to obtain a better angle on a tree and lunged.
Yet, the small Titan had the element of surprise, and the Survey Corps acted quickly to eliminate it.
They managed to rescue their friend from the Titan's jaws.
Even though his body was partially crushed and covered in blood, he was beyond saving.
A somber atmosphere descended upon the team. They gazed at their fallen comrade in silence, experiencing a blend of emotions.
"Prepare the body and let's continue."
However, many experienced soldiers swiftly returned to their usual demeanor. They had witnessed occurrences like this before.
Hanji stepped forward and addressed the group.
Numerous soldiers aided in handling the body. Carrying a body along was impractical, so they typically cremated the bodies and brought back the ashes.
"Do you think I lack compassion?"
Hanji looked at Lin Yi beside her, inquiring as the fire consumed their friend's remains.
"In situations like these, I've grown accustomed to it. It's difficult to feel much anymore. Discovering the bodies is a fortunate outcome. Often, we can only retrieve their belongings."
Her voice was subdued.
"If I believed you were heartless, I wouldn't think you rushed in there earlier." Lin Yi patted Hanji's shoulder. "I think everyone here has come to terms with the possibility of dying."
Hanji paused, reassured by Lin Yi's words.
"You have a way with words. Probably popular with the ladies, right?" Hanji suddenly smiled and teased.
"Aren't you a lady? Are you interested?"
Lin Yi smoothly responded in such situations.
"Perhaps a bit, but you're not my type."
Hanji was straightforward and unfazed.
"What is your type, then?"
Lin Yi's question caught Hanji off guard. She hadn't pondered it much. After a moment, she offered an uncertain response.
"At the very least... someone who can protect me."
As the team tended to the ashes and placed the urn on a cart, they continued their journey.
This time, luck favored them. They didn't encounter many Titans. And when they did, the advance team spotted them and avoided them.
Twilight was descending.
The Survey Corps breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Night was the only safe time. Titans grew quieter at night and entered a state of slumber.
The Survey Corps had learned this lesson the hard way. They had captured a small Titan and handed it over to Hanji for study...
That's what they knew.
During the night, they could lower their guard against Titan attacks and rest a bit.
After a day of arduous travel, fatigue was catching up to them. Nonetheless, they remained vigilant during their final shift.
"Phew."
Hanji sighed as well. The first day had progressed fairly smoothly.
She opened her water bottle and took a drink. She glanced at Lin Yi and offered him some. "Would you like some?"
Lin Yi didn't hesitate. It wasn't a time for shyness.
After drinking, he suddenly frowned, looking at the horizon. He sensed a slight tremor.
However, it was faint and seemed distant. The other soldiers hadn't noticed it.
"What's the matter?"
Observing Lin Yi's expression and following his gaze, Hanji saw nothing amiss.
The twilight bathed everything in red and orange hues. The sun was setting low, and the clouds were ablaze, creating a beautiful sky.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Hanji didn't notice anything either.
"Stay alert."
Lin Yi suddenly shouted, prompting all the soldiers to rise and scan their surroundings.
After a while, they realized that Lin Yi was issuing commands.
This was unexpected, and they were unsure how to respond.
~~~
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