The revelations led Erwin to come to a conclusion. Eager to understand Eren's power he assigned Hange Zoe to conduct weekly experiments on Eren. The primary objective was to trigger Eren's transformation.
Within the secluded castle walls of Odel District, Hange's tests pushed Eren to his limits. The only certainty was that an injured spot was necessary to prompt the blood change. However, despite numerous attempts, Eren failed to transform into a Titan, casting doubts on his alleged powers.
Levi remained convinced, recalling the instance he saw Eren emerge from the Attack Titan's body. Yet, the recent experiments yielded nothing.
A peculiar phenomenon, however, caught their attention: Eren's injuries healed at an alarming rate. Countless times, he had harmed himself, only for his wounds to mend within minutes. This remarkable regeneration explained how Eren survived, even after being on the brink of death.
Hange's curiosity intensified. "This rapid healing could be linked to his Titan powers."
Erwin's eyes narrowed. "Or it might be a separate ability altogether." Eren's frustration grew by time. "I'm trying, but I don't know how to control it!" The experiments continued, fueled by determination and uncertainty.
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Year 846
Odel District
"Ready, Eren?" Hange and Levi asked in unison, their voices echoing down into the abandoned well. Eren, standing amidst the dusty darkness, nodded resolutely. Levi's piercing gaze lingered on Eren. "Don't get reckless." His tone was firm, yet laced with concern.
Eren's response was a silent nod.
With a shared understanding, Hange and Levi retreated from the well, shooting a green flare into the air – the signal for Eren to attempt transformation.
Minutes ticked by, heavy with anticipation. The well remained still, devoid of the slightest disturbance. No steam, no tremors, no signs of life.
Another failure.
Levi's expression remained stoic, but Hange's disappointment was palpable. She had been trying really hard to witness Eren's transformation and yet there was no progress.
"Time to call it quits for today, Eren," Levi declared, his voice devoid of emotion.
As Levi descended into the well using his ODM gear, he found Eren's face smeared with blood. His hands, too, were bitten raw, a testament to his desperation.
Levi's gaze softened. "You didn't hold back, did you?"
Eren's silence was telling.
Levi quickly bandaged Eren's wounds, knowing they would heal soon. Sometimes, however, Eren's self-inflicted bites were so deep that even his accelerated healing required hours to fully recover.
As they emerged from the well, Hange approached, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding. "Don't worry Eren we will get there soon..." Eren's gaze drifted away, his thoughts consumed by the failure.
The sun cast its warm, golden rays upon the vast field, where the group had gathered to take a much-needed break. Petra, sensing Eren's frustration from afar, shouted, "Captain, the tea is ready!"
Levi nodded in agreement, his expression a mix of understanding and concern. "Let's take a break, Eren. We'll look into it later."
Eren's reply was laced with apology, "Sorry, guys..."
Hange and Levi escorted Eren to the small dining area, nestled within the field's tranquility. Gunther, Oluo, Eld, and Petra awaited their arrival, their faces etched with varying degrees of concern.
As they sat side by side, Eren's gaze fell upon Oluo, who clutched a blood-stained handkerchief. A faint smile crept onto Eren's face, knowing Oluo's habitual tongue-biting had struck again.
"Whut... You think it's funny, Eren?" Oluo asked, his eyes narrowing, a hint of mock offense dancing in his tone.
Levi and Hange excused themselves, disappearing into the nearby quarters to compile their experiment report for Erwin.
Petra gracefully balanced a metal tray, adorned with seven steaming cups of tea. As she distributed the beverages, her gaze settled on Oluo. "You should talk less, Oluo. One day, you might bite your poor tongue off."
Oluo's grin widened, his attempt at manliness evident trying to sound like a scholar. Petra's eyes narrowed, her expression a blend of amusement and reprimand. "What happened to you? You never used to talk like this."
Oluo's chuckle filled the air. "I mean, it's really not my business, but if you're trying to act like Captain Levi, it's kind of embarrassing. You and the captain couldn't be less alike if you were born separate species."
As Oluo continued, his voice laced with playful arrogance, "If you intend to hound me like a wife, Petra dear, there's rather more of me you need to be acquainted with before laying claim to the privilege."
The group's banter served as a temporary reprieve from the weight of their failed experiment and Eren's turmoil.
Petra's retort was laced with venom, "Hmph, you wish... Next time you bite your tongue, I hope you bleed out."
Oluo's laughter echoed through the serene field, "Ho ho ho, so Mrs. Levi has gotten feisty, hasn't she?"
Petra's anger flared, her face flushing. "You disgusting swineheard!"
The Levi Squad erupted into laughter, the joyful sounds filling the air, except for Eren. He sat lost in his thoughts, his eyes cast downward.
Hange and Levi emerged from the castle, their voices hushed as they discussed Eren's progress. They joined the group, noticing Eren's distress.
"Hey, don't be so depressed, Eren," Eld said, attempting to lighten the mood with a gentle pat on the back.
Gunther's soothing voice followed, "Don't stress it, Eren. You'll pull it off someday." He patted Eren's hair, his eyes filled with reassurance.
Levi's piercing gaze locked onto Eren, his eyes burning with concern. He held his cup from the top, a subtle gesture hinting at the memories he shared with his own mother.
Eren nodded, his movements mechanical. He grasped a small spoon to mix the sugar inside his tea, the metallic clink echoing through the silence.
"Argh..." Eren's injured hand faltered, and the spoon clattered onto the grassy ground beneath. The air was heavy with anticipation as Eren's hand grasped the spoon again.
Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap shook the air, making everyone jump. The ground trembled beneath their feet. A massive steam release followed, enveloping the group in a warm, misty veil. The sound of rushing air filled their ears. The Levi Squad's chat ceased, replaced by stunned silence.
Levi's eyes widened as his hair danced in the scorching air billowing from where Eren once sat. The steam settled, revealing a sight that made Levi's heart skip a beat.
Eren stood, his body partially transformed into a Titan. His hand was lodged deep within the Titan's flesh, his arm twisted at an unnatural angle. "Erennn!" Petra shouted, worry etched on her face. Levi's words halted Petra, his eyes locked on Eren. "Stay back everyone."
Eren's face contorted in frustration. "The fuck...!" he growled, struggling to free his hand. But it wouldn't budge. Levi approached Eren cautiously, his voice calm and even. "Calm down, Eren."
Eren's gaze snapped to Levi, his eyes pleading. "I...can't...get it out." Gunther's face paled. "Is he losing control?" Eld's grip on his gear tightened. "We need to be ready."
Levi's focus remained on Eren. "Breathe, Eren. Don't lose focus". Eren's chest heaved, his ragged breathing slowing as he locked onto Levi's calm demeanor. The Titan's flesh seemed to shift, as if responding to Eren's turmoil.
The fading sunlight cast long shadows across the field, the air thick with tension. Suddenly, an ear-piercing voice shattered the calm, "Erennn!" Hange rushed towards Eren, accidentally bumping into Gunther.
Her spectacles gleamed in the dwindling light, accentuating her frantic expression. Drool trickled down her chin as she begged, "Can I touch that arm!" Her ragged breathing echoed through the silence.
"Hey, it's okay, right? Can I? Huh? Can I? Just let me... touch it." Hange's voice was creepy, her enthusiasm bordering on frenzy. She was a women who felt horny whenever it came to titans, driven by a twisted mix of scientific curiosity.
Levi intervened, his voice firm, "Oi, four eyes, stop!" But Hange's blush deepened, her hands reaching out to touch Eren's Titan hand it's skin exposed.
A sizzling sound accompanied her gasp. "Ahhhh... Son of a bitch... it's unbelievably hot without the skin." Her words dripped with lust. Levi's disappointment was palpable. "Tch, idiot, stop embarrassing yourself."
Hange's curiosity consumed her, her voice husky. "Hey, Eren, don't you feel hot too? How does it feel where the right hand connects? I really want to see it."
Eren's gaze shifting from Hange to his hand. " Right!" Eren though as he drew his dagger, slashing the flesh connected to his hand. "Hey, Eren, don't do anything rash," Oluo cautioned. Eren's hand broke free, tendons still attached. Hange's eyes widened, her face flushed. The air was heavy with tension, the group's dynamics strained.
Eren's hand finally broke free, tendons still attached to his flesh. "Ahhh, you damn fucker... That's so fast." Hange's frustration was palpable. "I wanted to inspect some things first." But it was too late. The Titan's skin began to decompose immediately, releasing a hissing steam that enveloped the group.
Hange's gaze fell upon the Titan's fingers, still clutching the spoon Eren had dropped earlier. The mundane object seemed out of place amidst the chaos. "Hey, Eren, you feeling alright?" Petra asked, her voice laced with concern.
Eren's breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as he struggled to process the events. He remained silent. Levi intervened, his voice firm. "Petra, take him to his room. I'll talk to him later." Petra nodded, her expression reassuring. She helped Eren up, guiding him towards his room.
As they walked, Eren's eyes remained fixed on the ground, his mind reeling. Once inside, Petra settled Eren onto his bed, her hand on his shoulder. "Rest now. We'll figure this out tomorrow." Eren's eyelids drooped, exhaustion consuming him. His ragged breathing slowed, and he drifted into a fitful sleep.
The room fell silent, the only sound the distant hum of crickets and the faint steam still escaping from the decomposing Titan flesh outside.
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The night's shadows dissipated as sunrise cast its golden glow on Eren's face. A faint knock on the door broke the silence, waking him from his slumber. "Come in," Eren allowed.
Petra entered, her voice laced with urgency. "Eren, sorry for waking you up this early, but Captain Levi would like to have a word with you." With a firm nod, Eren washed his face and followed Petra to the dining room.
The Levi Squad awaited, their faces expressionless, except for Hange's wide smile. She seemed to have uncovered a crucial secret. "Man, how long were you taking to shit?" Levi teased, as Eren closed the creaking door behind him.
Eren approached, curiosity etched on his face. Hange's eyes sparkled. "Anyhow, it doesn't matter for now. I hope you're doing good, Eren. Feast your eyes on this." She unwrapped a handkerchief, revealing a spoon.
"That's the spoon, right?" Eren asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.
Hange nodded. " Yes, the very one. Your spontaneous Titan form ruptured into being while holding it, resting between your thumb and index finger. The world operates on chance, so coincidences are expected, but this shows something more. This utensil wasn't warped by the heat or pressure."
Hange's gaze shifted from the spoon to Eren, her eyes burning with curiosity. "Any thoughts on the matter?" The room fell silent, awaiting Eren's response. Eren's eyes narrowed, recalling the events. "Oh, all I remember is that I reached to grab it, and when I did, the arm came out of nowhere."
Hange's eyes sparkled with insight. "Exactly! That's the whole reason you weren't able to transform in the well and that's the case for the failure the rest of the experiments." The Levi Squad exchanged knowing glances, sensing the significance of Hange's words. Levi's expression hinted that he had also grasped the underlying reason.
Hange continued, her voice filled with excitement. "Slaying Titans and when you wanted to pick up the spoon yesterday, in each instance, you had a distinct goal in mind. I believe in transformation, self-harm isn't the only catalyst. It appears that a clear objective is a crucial ingredient as well."
The room fell silent, the weight of Hange's theory sinking in. "It might just be a fluke," Hange conceded, " But there's no harm in trying it, right?" Her gaze locked onto Eren, anticipation building.
Eren's head lowered, teeth clenched. The silence hung heavy until he broke it, "Maybe you're right, Hange." Hange's face lit up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She closed in on Eren, her hands wrapping around his, drool trickling down her chin. "Soooo, wanna try it out right now Eren... Hahahaha."
Eren's eyes widened, alarm coursing through him, a chill went down his spine. Hange's unsettling enthusiasm made her scarier than any Titan. Levi intervened, his voice firm. "Don't force him, four eyes. Let him rest. This much is enough for today."
But Eren shook his head. "No, Levi. We don't have time to rest. Let's go." With determination etched on his face, Eren led the Scouts towards the open field. This time, he wouldn't transform in a confined space.
The Levi Squad flanked him, ODM gear at the ready, swords drawn. Their narrowed eyes anticipated any outcome. Levi's gaze remained fixed on Eren, prepared to intervene if necessary. In the open field, he could swiftly take Eren down and remove the Titan's threat.
With a deep breath and a clear motive, Eren steeled himself. The outcome hung in the balance. Hange's voice echoed through the field, "Focus, Eren. Visualize your goal." The wind rustled through the grass as Eren's resolve hardened. The Scouts stood ready, prepared for whatever lay ahead.
*Bite*
A blinding flash illuminated the field as lightning struck the ground. An ear-piercing scream echoed through the air, followed by an eerie silence. Steam billowed, shrouding the field in mist. Suddenly, a colossal figure emerged, its massive frame materializing from the fog.
"ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!" The Attack Titan's roar shook the earth.
The Levi Squad stood frozen, eyes wide with awe. The only sound was their ragged breathing. "Haaaaaaaaa..." Hange breathed, deploying her gear towards the Titan. Its piercing green eyes confirmed the unthinkable – it was Eren no doubts.
Levi's warning died on his lips as Hange stood tall on Eren's shoulder. "Ohhhh, Leviiii, looks like he's in control." Eren nodded, waving towards his comrades. His massive hand gestured reassuringly.
"Damn, he's muscular," Oluo muttered, envy lacing his voice.
Petra beamed with a wide smile as the Titan's head lowered, releasing a burst of steam from the nape. Eren emerged, his face flushed with exhaustion.
"Looks like it worked..." Eren whispered his breathing heavy. "Oi Eren. Are you feeling alright?" Levi asked acting overprotective. Eren nodded , his chest heaving with labored breaths," Not... Exactly.... Hah... No..." Eren completely fainted right there.
Levi's expression softened, a rare display of admiration as he whispered,"Well done Eren." The Levi Squad rushed to Eren's side, concern etched on their faces. "Captain, is he gonna be alright?" Petra asked, voice laced with worry.
Levi nodded. "He'll recover soon. But let him rest for now. He's pushed himself to his limits." As Eren's comrades tended to him, Levi's gaze lingered, a silent acknowledgment of Eren's growth.