The brutal fight with Kenny had finally come to an end, leaving Eren severely injured and bedridden. Levi, however, was not content with his performance and became more determined than ever to improve his skills in hand-to-hand combat and Omni-directional mobility gear.
(Year 843, 4th April, Odel District)
The afternoon sun casted its gentle rays over the Arckel Castle. The freshly cleaned windows allowed the sunlight to pour in, illuminating Eren's face as he lay unconscious on the bed, his body wracked with pain. The intense battle had left him with multiple cracked ribs, and the doctors opted to keep him under anesthesia for a few more days, hoping the pain would subside. Petra and the rest of Levi's squad took turns caring for Eren, nursing him back to health.
As the days passed, Eren's condition slowly improved, and the anesthesia was gradually reduced. He began to stir, his eyes fluttering open to find Petra sitting beside him, a warm smile on her face.
"Eren, you're awake!" she exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.
Eren groggily took in his surroundings, his mind foggy from the medication. He tried to speak, but his dry throat only managed a faint croak.
Petra quickly fetched a glass of water, helping Eren take a few sips. As the liquid soothed his throat, he tried again, his voice still weak but clearer.
"Levi...where's Levi?"
Petra's expression turned serious. " Ever since your fight with Kenny the ripper Captain Levi had been training non-stop to get stronger. "
Eren's eyes narrowed, a hint of determination sparking within him. "I need...to get stronger too."
Petra's eyes widened in surprise. "Eren, you've been through a traumatic experience. You need to rest and recover."
But Eren's resolve was clear. He knew that he couldn't afford to stay weak, not with the threats that lurked in the shadows. He slowly sat up, his body protesting with a wave of pain, but he gritted his teeth and persevered
Petra's eyes filled with concern as Eren struggled to sit up, his face pale and sweaty. She tried to gently push him back onto the bed, but he resisted, his determination evident in his eyes.
"Eren, please." she whispered. "You're not ready for this. You need to rest."
But Eren shook his head, his jaw set in a firm line. "I can't afford to be weak, Petra. Not now, not ever."
With a herculean effort, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet dangling in the air. Petra sighed and helped him stand up, his body swaying unsteadily.
"At least let me help you to the training grounds."she said, her voice resigned.
As Eren's eyes locked onto the door, a flurry of emotions swirled within him. Before Petra could assist him further, the door burst open, and Oluo, Eld, and Gunthur strode in, their faces etched with concern. The room was filled with the warmth of their reunion, the air thick with the scent of relief.
" Eren you're finally awake." Gunthur said, his voice expressing happiness and yet conveying a hint of sadness.
Eld and Oluo flanked him, their eyes shining with excitement. "Dude, We thought you'd sleep forever," Eld joked.
Eren's chuckle was music to their ears. "C'mon, guys. You know I won't die so easily."
The tension dissipated, replaced by warm smiles and hearty laughter. But Petra's expression turned stern as she exposed Eren's intention to start training immediately. "You can't be serious, Eren!" Oluo exclaimed as he continued lecturing Eren though he stopped flapping his jaws when he accidentally bit his tongue which spewed blood. The others continued talking without paying attention to Oluo who felt a bit left out.
Eld and Gunthur chimed in, their voices laced with disbelief. "Are you out of your mind, young man?" Eld asked, while Gunthur added, "You're not even fully healed!"
Their responses were cut short as Eren's gaze locked onto Petra, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, well, well. Exposing each other's secrets, are we, Petra?" Eren taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " I guess it's about time I reveal your secret of having a huge crush..." Before Eren could finish Petra cut him off her face flushed with embarrassment, her hand shooting out to cover Eren's mouth. Her left arm wrapped tightly around his neck, threatening to cut off his air supply. Eren's eyes widened, his face reddening.
The other three exchanged confused glances. "Hey, what's going on here?" Gunthur asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "You two are acting kinda strange."
As he spoke, he strode to the window and flung it open, allowing a refreshing breeze to sweep inside. The room was filled with the warmth of camaraderie as Eld spoke, his voice sincere. "Well, it's great to have you back on the team, Eren."
Eren's respect among the team had skyrocketed after his bravery against Kenny the Ripper. However, Eren's self-perception was marred by disappointment. He felt he'd held Levi back and become a burden, forcing Levi to save him from Kenny's relentless attacks. This thought filled him with self-loathing.
The sunlight streaming through the window cast a golden glow on Eren's face, but his eyes remained cast downward, his mind shrouded in self-doubt. The air was heavy with the weight of his disappointment, the silence palpable as he struggled to come to terms with his perceived shortcomings
Finally, Eren's gaze lifted, his eyes locking onto the window as if searching for a escape from his thoughts. The fresh breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but Eren's voice was laced with determination, not joy. "Hey guys, I want to get stronger," Eren said, his voice filled with emotion and determination. "I want to help instead of holding everyone back."
The Levi Squad knew that when Eren spoke with such conviction, it was best to let him follow his path. "Alright..." Gunthur trailed off, "Just don't overdo it."
Eren nodded, as Petra helped Eren out of the room. Together, they made their way out of the castle, the bright sunlight and fresh air enveloping them in a warm embrace. The stifling darkness of the bedroom was replaced by the vibrant colors of nature, and Eren's spirit lifted.
As they approached the training grounds, Eren's heart raced with anticipation. Levi was already there, his figure a blur of motion as he trained with intense focus. Eren's eyes narrowed, a spark of competitive fire igniting within him. He was determined to catch up, to surpass Levi and become the strongest fighter in the Scout Regiment.
Levi, engrossed in his training, noticed Eren's arrival and calmly approached him, his footsteps measured and relaxed. His gaze was soft, devoid of intensity, as he took in Eren's pale complexion and weary eyes. Eren, sensing Levi's approach, lifted his head, their eyes meeting in a gentle acknowledgment. Levi's expression was serene, his voice low and soothing.
"Eren...How are you feeling?"
Eren shrugged, his eyes cast downward. "I'm feeling better."
Levi nodded sympathetically. "You've been through a lot. But you're strong, Eren. You'll get through this."
Eren's gaze lifted, his eyes locking onto Levi's. "I want to train, Levi. I want to get stronger."
Levi's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I know you do. But you need to pace yourself. Your body needs time to heal."
Eren's jaw set in determination. "I'll be fine, Levi. I promise."
Levi's gaze held Eren's for a moment, then he nodded. "Alright, Eren. Let's start with something small. But don't force yourself."
Eren's face lit up with a fierce grin. "Got it!"
With a nod, Levi led Eren to a nearby clearing, the sunlight casting a warm glow over the grass. "Let's start with some light stretching," Levi instructed, his voice calm and reassuring.
Eren followed Levi's lead, his movements slow and tentative at first, but gradually gaining confidence. Levi watched with a keen eye, offering words of encouragement and gentle corrections.
As they trained, the tension between them eased, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Eren's laughter echoed through the clearing, his smile a welcome sight after weeks of darkness.
Levi's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're doing well, Eren. Keep it up."
Eren's face glowed with pride, his determination renewed. After some stretches and body exercises their training intensified, their movements a blur of steel and sweat. Time flew by, and before they knew it, the moon casted it's beautiful glow upon the clear field where the duo exchanged strikes and combos.
Levi and Eren exchanged a nod, their chests heaving in unison. "Enough for today," Levi said, his voice low and even.
The savory aroma of Petra's dinner wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses and beckoning them to leave the training grounds behind. With a shared smile, they sheathed their swords and headed towards the welcoming castle, their footsteps echoing in the dawn's stillness.
The day's promise gave away to the nights darkness, and the two warriors walked towards the showers in order to clean their sweaty and sore bodies.
After taking a long and peaceful shower the duo headed towards the dining room where the Levi Squad waiting for their return, the warm glow of candles casting a golden light on their weary faces. The air was filled with the savory aroma of freshly baked bread and vegetable soup, a welcome respite after a long day of training.
Eren, his eyes gleaming with hunger, devoured his food with reckless abandon, his comrades struggling to keep up with his pace. Levi, his expression serene, watched Eren with a knowing glint in his eye.
Just as Eren was about to take his third helping, Levi dropped a bombshell. "The king has rewarded you with 1.5 million for your exceptional skills, Eren."
The room fell silent, the only sound Eren's choked coughing as he struggled to process the news. His eyes wide with disbelief, he stared at Levi, his voice barely above a whisper. "1.5 million...what?"
Petra, attempting to curry favor with Eren since she exposed him later that evening, chimed in, "Isn't it wonderful, Eren? I'm so happy for you!" But her words fell flat, Eren's gaze piercing through her like a cold winter wind knowing her ambitions were nothing but a desperate attempt to get on his good side.
As the night wore on, the candles burning low, Eren's mind raced with the implications of his newfound wealth. Levi and the others watched him, their eyes filled with a knowing intensity, aware that Eren's thoughts were far from the dinner table.
Just then, the door burst open, and Hange Zoe strode in, her cheeks flushed like apples, her eyes aglow with excitement and was drooling. " Ohhhh Leviiii, you won't believe what we just discovered!"
Levi's gaze narrowed, his voice low and even. " The hell four eyes your saliva is falling on my freshly worn clothes."
Hange's words tumbled out in a rush. "We've just complied the reports from the Scout Regiment's expedition beyond the walls. We have uncovered something monumental, something that could change the course of human history!"
The room fell silent once more, the only sound the soft crackling of the candles. Eren's eyes locked onto Levi's, a spark of determination igniting within them. The night air was electric with tension, the darkness outside seeming to press in on them, as if the very fate of humanity hung in the balance.