"BOTH WERE KILLED!!!"
The best way to start the morning — an announcement that our only research subjects were murdered, followed by having to endure a lunatic screaming and crying for hours.
"That's not true... The soldiers did this?" asks an incredulous officer.
"Yes, and they say the culprits haven't been found yet. It seems it happened before dawn," responds another. "By the time the sentries noticed, they'd already fled using their ODM gear... It was a coordinated operation involving two or more."
"Look at Captain Hange... They look completely unhinged."
"Considering how valuable those research specimens were... What kind of idiot would have done this?"
"And if it wasn't just an idiot, what else could it have been?... It makes no sense."
A good line of thought, but unfortunately, they aren't seeing the bigger picture.
At that moment, I feel someone grab my shoulders from behind and speak directly into my ear, "What do you see? Who's the enemy?"
I sigh. Of course, he would ask something like that. I wonder how many others he's asked the same question.
Erwin Smith. Undoubtedly the most intelligent person in this world.
"The enemy," I finally say, "it's impossible to identify for now, but one thing is clear... they're among us."
Erwin smiles faintly, as if expecting that answer. "Mmm, so, what do you propose?"
"The death of the research subjects isn't a coincidence. Whoever did this had a clear purpose. Perhaps to eliminate evidence... or maybe to send a message."
Erwin nods, his expression becoming more serious. "I thought so too. But what concerns me is not just the act itself—it's how they managed to do it without being detected."
"There's only one answer," I reply without hesitation. "They infiltrated perfectly. Most likely, they're the ones behind Shiganshina and Trost... They've paused now that they've identified their next objective."
His eyes sharpen at that possibility, but he remains composed. "Eren Yeager..."
The noise around us fades as the pieces begin to fall into place in my mind. Hange Zoë continues shouting and cursing at everyone in her path, but for me, it's just background noise.
"Do you have anyone in mind?" Erwin asks quietly.
"Not exactly yet, but... let me handle controlling information about Eren's location during the expedition."
"In the end, we found no one who used the gear without authorization."
"So, who the hell did it?"
"Who knows... But what's worrying now is the invitation ceremony for the new cadets."
"Honestly, I wonder how many of the newcomers would even consider joining our group."
"Hey, rookies! Is there anyone in your generation thinking of joining us?" Gunther asks as he approaches, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
"There are..." Eren replies but stops mid-thought, his expression shifting to a mix of doubt and resignation. "No, rather... there were, but I don't think they want to anymore."
"You're wrong..." I interrupt without even looking at him, keeping my gaze fixed on the horizon. "There will be far more than you think. The loss of comrades has only motivated them not to waste that sacrifice."
The group falls silent after my words. Gunther furrows his brow thoughtfully, while Eld nods slightly, as if understanding something the others don't fully grasp.
Petra, with her usual hopeful tone, intervenes softly, "I guess that's true... In the end, the will to keep moving forward is the only thing that keeps us standing."
Auruo, on the other hand, lets out a sarcastic laugh. "Tch. Sure, dying as a hero sounds great until you're staring into a titan's mouth."
"At least some have the courage to try, Auruo," Petra rebukes him with a severe look.
Gunther sighs, breaking the tension. "I suppose we'll find out soon enough. All that's left is to wait and see how many are willing to join."
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From the side, we stand observing as soldiers gather beneath the makeshift stage. Erwin stands in the center, upright and imposing, his expression serene and resolute, as if he already knows exactly who will stay and who will leave. His mere presence commands respect, a blend of leadership and authority that even I must admit is difficult to ignore.
I remain at a distance, evaluating each face, each movement, each glance. The tension in the air is palpable.
Finally, Erwin steps forward, his firm, clear voice breaking the silence:
"I am the commander of the Scout Regiment, Erwin Smith. The Scout Regiment receives its operational orders directly from the king." His gaze pierces through the crowd, landing on each of the cadets as if he can read their deepest thoughts. "Today, the purpose of my speech is none other than to invite you to join our group when the time comes for your decision."
"However, you've already been forced to experience what an extra-wall expedition would be like due to the recent titan attack."
Some cadets nervously swallow. The physical and emotional wounds from the confrontation are still fresh.
"Furthermore," Erwin continues, "as cadets in training... I believe this level of sacrifice is unprecedented."
"You've already faced the terror of the titans."
"You've also come to know the limits of your own strength."
Some faces darken, recalling the helplessness they felt. But Erwin shows no compassion.
"However... despite the great losses we've suffered, humanity has taken a step toward a victory we've never had before."
The mention of "victory" causes some to lift their heads, expectantly.
"This is thanks to the very existence of Eren Yeager. Because of his efforts—and yours—we prevented the titans from entering Trost. We've taken a step forward in uncovering the nature of the titans."
"About him, there's little I can say... but he is undoubtedly our ally and has proven it by risking his life alongside us."
"In addition, hidden in the basement of his house in Shiganshina lies the mystery of the titans. If we manage to reach that place, we might free ourselves from over a century of living under their rule."
Even with all this information, no faces waver. Some cadets seem excited, others filled with doubts, but nothing unusually suspicious.
"To properly investigate that basement, we must reclaim Wall Maria." The gravity in his voice deepens. "Our objective is exactly as I stated. But now that we can no longer use the gate at Trost District, we must take the long route through the eastern side of Karanes District."
"The path that allowed passage for a large force, which took us four years to secure, has also become a wasted effort. In these four years, over 90% of our members have died."
The figure hits the cadets like a hammer.
"In our expectations to once again deploy a large force to Wall Maria, we would need at least five times that amount of sacrifice and another 20 years... And even those numbers aren't realistic."
Some faces show terror, fear, sadness—even indifference. But Erwin doesn't waver.
"The Scout Regiment is always seeking personnel. Due to our constant expeditions, we suffer from a chronic shortage of soldiers."
"I'm not hiding anything from you," he adds with a hardened tone. "The new cadets will participate in an expedition in one month. We urgently need to secure a supply route."
"The probability of new cadets dying in an expedition beyond the walls is 50%. Those who survive will become exceptional soldiers with a very high chance of survival."
He raises his voice, resonating through the heavy air:
"Those who, after hearing this disastrous situation, are still willing to risk their lives... stay here."
"I'll say it once more," he adds gravely. "By joining the Scout Regiment, most of you who stay here will probably die soon. Ask yourselves whether you're willing to sacrifice your lives for the sake of humanity."
"That's all. Those who wish to join other divisions, disperse."
As the number of soldiers quickly begins to dwindle, one of the veterans beside me whispers with a mix of concern and resignation, "Commander, don't you think you scared them off too much? There aren't going to be many left."
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"You..." Erwin breaks the silence with a firm voice, scrutinizing the faces of those who remain. "If you're told to die, will you do it?"
"I don't want to die..." one replies shakily, fear evident in his voice.
"I see..." Erwin nods slightly. "You all have good expressions."
He takes a deep breath and raises his voice with overwhelming resolve:
"NOW, ALL OF YOU! I welcome you here as new members of the Scout Regiment!"
He pounds his chest fiercely, first in front, then in back.
"This is a salute of true honor! We offer our lives!"
"SIR, YES SIR!" they shout in unison, their voices filled with emotion and determination.
Twelve. Among those twelve... hide the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan.
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