Chapter Text
The following day, Eileen stood within the quiet confines of Erwin’s office. The Captain, leafing through her records, once more noted the observations written there: "A leader possessing remarkable physical prowess and a strategic mind. Agility and swiftness render her a formidable combatant. Unusually gifted, she displays phenomenal results even in the most grueling disciplines. Deserving of only the highest commendations. A true leader." He was well aware of her aristocratic roots, her life spent in Mitras, the royal capital. This detail only served to highlight the strangeness of her choice to join the Survey Corps—an organization whose reputation was stained by relentless loss.
"Good day, Eileen," Erwin greeted, gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Good day Captain Smith," Eileen replied, settling into the chair opposite him.
" First, allow me to congratulate you on your brilliant completion of training," Erwin said, setting the folder aside. "Your results are most impressive."
" Thank you," Eileen nodded.
Erwin leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady upon her.
"Tell me, what prompted you to enlist in the Survey Corps? You could have chosen a far safer and more comfortable path."
"I..." Graicer began, "I wish to give people freedom. The freedom to live without constraints, rather than huddling behind walls in a constant struggle for survival. For centuries, humanity has hidden in the shadows. But we are part of this world too. We deserve to live under the open sky, without the fear of Titans."
"A noble ambition," Erwin said slowly, "but freedom is a complex and multifaceted notion. What exactly do you mean by that word?"
"For me, freedom is the right to choose one's own fate," Eileen answered, meeting Erwin’s eyes directly. "The right to live without fear, to explore the world beyond the walls, and to build a future for ourselves and our children that isn't confined to narrow city streets. I want people to stop being hostages to their own terror."
Erwin remained silent for a few moments, weighing her words.
"You understand," he said at last, "that service in the Survey Corps carries immense risk? Many of your comrades will not return from expeditions. Are you prepared for that?"
"I'm ready," Eileen answered firmly. " I have seen how Titans take lives. I know what I am walking into. But I believe our struggle is not in vain. And I am willing to give my life so that humanity may find true liberty."
"Very well. Your resolve is admirable. I believe you will make a significant contribution to our cause. We shall discuss your assignment after you complete a short internship with one of the Garrison units at Wall Rose. This will allow you to gain practical experience and better understand the nature of the service."
Eileen accepted the proposal with gratitude, knowing each step brought her closer to her ultimate goal—the fight for human freedom.
At that very moment, the office door swung open, and Hange Zoë swept into the room. Her unruly brown hair was pulled into its usual messy ponytail, and behind her goggles, her eyes danced with curiosity and fervor. Eileen was seeing her for the first time. Hange was several years older, and Eileen had heard much of her—of her eccentricities, her brilliant mind, and her almost manic devotion to Titan research.
"Erwin, you won’t believe it!" Hange exclaimed the moment she crossed the threshold. She held a thick folder bound with straps. "The preliminary tissue analysis... the results are simply incredible! We need to urgently... Oh, forgive me, am I interrupting?"
Hange noticed Eileen and, tilting her head, peered at her over her glasses.
"You must be Eileen Graicer," she said, a slight smile touching her lips. "I’ve heard much about you. Erwin was just telling me about your outstanding performance."
"Good day, Lady Zoë," the girl replied, rising from her chair. She felt a touch awkward under the researcher’s scrutiny. "You may call me Ellie."
"Excellent, Ellie!" Hange cried, as if she had just confirmed a vital hypothesis. "Just Hange, then. Now, where was I... This analysis! It confirms my theory regarding..."
Hange lost herself in an explanation of her research, flipping through pages and scattering scientific terms. Eileen, though she could not grasp everything, was struck by her enthusiasm. Erwin, watching Hange with a faint smile, occasionally offered a clarifying word.
"...and the structure of the muscle fibers suggests that..." Hange continued, but Erwin gently cut her off.
"Hange, we shall continue this discussion later," he said. "I was explaining to Ellie that she is to undergo an internship at Wall Rose."
"Oh, an internship!" the woman exclaimed, turning her attention back to Eileen. "That’s wonderful! You’ll get to see Titans up close! Just don’t forget to document everything in detail! Every small thing matters! If you notice anything unusual... come straight to me!"
Eileen, somewhat overwhelmed by the torrent of information, nodded.
"Of course, Hange," she replied.
"Super!" Hange gave a final, energetic nod and, still muttering about analyses and hypotheses, hurried toward the exit. "I’m off to prepare everything for the next experiment!"
"Pay no mind to her... intensity," Erwin said once the door had closed behind her. "She is a brilliant scientist, if a bit... eccentric. Now, back to your assignment..." he resumed, "considering your exceptional abilities, which are confirmed by your instructors’ reports," he glanced at the dossier, "wide prospects lie before you."
"I will serve where I can be of most use," her almond-shaped blue eyes shone with determination. Her long blonde hair, reaching down to her waist—a rarity among the women of the Corps—framed her face, lending it an air of even greater refinement.
"We value that," Erwin nodded. "Standard procedure dictates an initial internship in the Garrison, but..." he paused for a second, thinking, "in your case, I believe an exception can be made."
Hange, having forgotten something, suddenly burst back into the office.
"Erwin! I completely forgot!" she cried, holding a small metal container. "I need Eileen... that is, sorry, Ellie... to take this with her. It’s an experimental compound for..."
"Hange," Smith interrupted, his look signaling that now was not the time for details. "We are discussing her assignment."
"Ah, yes, of course," Hange realized, handing the container to the girl. "Just keep this with you, just in case. The instructions are inside. Don’t lose it!"
Ellie took the container, looking at it with slight bewilderment.
"What is this?"
"A secret for now!" Hange smiled mysteriously. "But it might be very useful. Right, I’m off! Don’t you dare start any experiments without me!"
And Hange vanished behind the door as quickly as she had appeared.
Erwin sighed.
"As I was saying," the Captain continued, "we are prepared to offer you a place in the scout regiment under my direct command. This will allow you to adapt quickly to the conditions of service and prove your unique talents in real expeditions beyond the Walls."
Despite her outward composure, Ellie was jubilant inside. This was even better than she had hoped. To serve under the Captain of the Survey Corps himself!
"Very well, Captain Smith, she replied, trying to steady the excitement in her voice. " I will do everything in my power."
"I have no doubt of that," Erwin smiled. "Welcome to the Survey Corps."
"I am glad to be with you, Erwin," Ellie said, her hand instinctively touching her heart. A soft, genuine smile lit up her face. The drop of formal titles did not escape Erwin’s notice.
"I am glad to hear it," he replied, a shadow of a smile returning. Her directness was unexpected, but perhaps refreshing. "I am certain you will become a valuable member of our team" .
Erwin spread a map across the table, marking Walls Maria, Rose, and Sina, along with the surrounding territories.
"As you know, a major scouting operation beyond Wall Maria is planned," Erwin began. "The goal is to advance as far as possible, gather information on the Titans, and, with luck, find some keys to the mystery of their origin."
Ellie listened intently, leaning over the map. Her fingers brushed the parchment lightly, as if she were trying to feel the terrain beyond the walls. Suddenly she stopped, her gaze sharpening on a specific point.
"What if..." Ellie began, her voice quiet but steady, "instead of a direct advance, we tried... this."
She took a pen and quickly sketched several lines, forming a complex yet logical maneuver.
"We will split into several small squads," Ellie continued, explaining her plan, "each with its own task. The main group will move along the standard route, drawing the Titans' attention. At the same time, two maneuverable squads will perform flanking movements... here and here. This will allow us to cover more ground and gather more information while minimizing losses. And if we encounter unexpected resistance, we can quickly regroup and support one another."
Erwin studied the strategy she proposed with care. His brow was slightly knit, but his eyes held genuine interest.
"An interesting strategy," he finally said. "A non-standard approach... Splitting our forces carries risks, of course, but the potential gain..."
He fell silent, pondering the details.
"Have you accounted for the forests for cover and possible retreat routes?" he asked, pointing to certain sections of the map.
"Yes," Ellie nodded. "The forests will serve as natural cover, and pre-planned retreat paths will allow us to reorganize quickly if needed. Furthermore," she added, " this maneuver might confuse the Titans; their reaction to such a tactic could provide us with valuable data regarding their cognitive abilities."
Erwin was silent for a time, reflecting. Then he looked up at Ellie, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I like your plan, Ellie," he said. " Bold, well-thought-out... We will discuss it with the other commanders, but I am certain it deserves attention."
***
Six months swept by in a whirlwind of events. Eileen, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership, was appointed captain of her squad. Clary Freel, Alex Chase, Gabriela Hill, Justin Kaido, Orm Grunter, and Michael Douglas—loyal friends hardened in shared battles—were now under her command. However, the news announced at the captains' meeting hit Eileen like a blow to the gut, knocking her off balance. The Scout Regiment, the army's elite and humanity's stronghold, was to accept criminals from the Underground located directly beneath the capital. For Eileen, raised in the luxury of a ducal house, this news was particularly stinging.
In Erwin's office, thick with the scent of ink and heavy foreboding, the captains gathered. The air hummed with discontent. The topic of the new recruits sparked a wave of outrage.
"This is a spit in our faces!" Flagon, unable to contain his rage, slammed his fist onto the table. "We’ve spent years shedding blood and honing our skills! And now you want to put us on the same level as some underground filth?! This will undermine the morale of the entire Scout Regiment!"
"I completely agree with Flagon," another captain sharply interjected, his face scarred like a battlefield map. "Furthermore, they say these… elements are planned for the next expedition! It’s utter madness!"
"I understand your concerns," Erwin replied calmly, his gaze fixed on Eileen. "But these people demonstrate phenomenal mastery of the ODM gear. Their agility could be the key to our success."
Eileen and Flagon exchanged looks of sheer bewilderment. Could Erwin Smith, a brilliant strategist, truly make such an oversight?
"He knows what he’s doing," Hange said quietly but firmly, as if reading their thoughts. "Erwin has developed a new battle formation that will allow us to minimize losses. We are changing tactics. No more reckless charges. Scouting, information gathering, and avoiding direct confrontations—that is our priority."
"The Garrison will also adopt this tactic," Erwin continued. "Yes, the recruits lack discipline and are unfamiliar with our combat orders, but they… learn quickly. They have unconventional thinking."
"Unconventional thinking?" Flagon echoed with biting irony. "Are you serious, Erwin? You’re calling these convicts 'unconventional thinkers'?"
"Yes," Erwin answered curtly.
"In that case, we need to prepare them in advance," Eileen intervened, her voice cold and decisive. "This is the first expedition involving them, and I cannot rely on them entirely. They are novices, and we don't know what's in their heads."
Despite only six months of service, Eileen had earned authority and influence comparable to Erwin’s own.
"Princess, are you defending them too?" Flagon asked with undisguised sarcasm.
"If they master the ODM gear so well, let them serve," Eileen replied, crossing her arms. "But under strict control."
There was steel in her voice. She did not trust the criminals from the Underground and sensed that their appearance in the Regiment boded no good.
The meeting ended. The captains dispersed, exchanging tense glances. Eileen, feeling the weight of unresolved questions, followed Erwin into his office. As soon as the door closed, she asked without hiding her worry:
"Erwin, are you sure you're doing the right thing? I understand you know best, but… why? Why take criminals into the Scout Regiment?"
Erwin sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead tiredly.
"Ellie, it’s necessary for victory over the Titans. Their skills… they are our chance. Besides, I gave them my word. I saved them from the gallows and asked them to serve in the Scout Regiment in return. It’s the only way I can… atone for my guilt."
Eileen remained silent, weighing his words. They carried bitterness and hidden pain. She stepped toward Erwin and lightly touched his shoulder.
"We’ll manage," she said softly. "We’ll work together."
Erwin looked at her, a shadow of a smile flickering on his lips.
"Thank you, Ellie."
"And… there’s one more thing. A small request."
"I’m listening."
"Don’t tell anyone about my background. Don’t call me a princess. Let only the commanders know."
Erwin raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Why?"
"I want to see how they treat me without knowing my status. Just… curious."
"Hm," Erwin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I don’t quite understand your plan, but… since the Princess herself asks, I will obey your command."
"Erwin!" Eileen frowned playfully.
"Alright, alright, Your Highness," Erwin replied with a smirk.
"Not that either!"
Erwin laughed, and Eileen, involuntarily smiling back, felt the tension of the last few hours ease slightly. Despite all the difficulties and disagreements, they were bound by a strong friendship and a common goal—to protect humanity from the Titans.
Sometime later, the soldiers gathered on the training grounds. The air hummed with anticipation.
"Attention!" Erwin announced loudly. "These three fighters join your ranks starting today. Introduce yourselves!"
POV Eileen:
My gaze slid over the three figures standing before the line. The guy in the middle, average height and wiry, seemed to radiate an aura of grim focus. The girl beside him, by contrast, looked like the embodiment of optimism, while the youth to the grim guy's left, though calm, had the corners of his lips touched by a slight smile.
The guy in the center, casting a brief glance at Erwin, muttered without turning his head:
"Levi."
A wave of astonished whispers rippled through the ranks. I struggled to suppress a chuckle. What a performance.
"Pff…"
"Ellie, don't laugh," Erwin said quietly but clearly from the front. I felt his reproachful gaze on me.
"Sorry," I whispered, biting my lip.
A man with short-cropped brown hair, one of the captains, continued:
"First of all, we will teach you discipline!" His voice was harsh and uncompromising. "Next!"
The girl took a step forward, smiled dazzlingly, and introduced herself brightly:
"Isabel Magnolia. Nice to meet ya!" She pointed at herself with her thumb.
Her cheerfulness was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Furlan Church. Here," the last of the trio introduced himself shortly and clearly.
'Quite decent fellows,' I thought. 'Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems.'
End POV Eileen
"So," Erwin continued. "Levi, Isabel, and Furlan are assigned to Flagon’s squad to strengthen combat potential."
"They're in my squad?!" Flagon couldn't hide his displeasure. His voice, usually calm and confident, wavered with nervous tension.
"Any objections?" Erwin scanned the captains.
"N-no…" Flagon squeezed out, though his face made it clear he was not at all happy with such an addition.
I felt sorry for Flagon. Would he handle these… extraordinary personalities? Then again, I would also have to work with former criminals, which evoked mixed feelings. A premonition of looming difficulties didn't leave me.
"Well, I sensed this from the start. Poor Flagon," Eileen thought, looking at the captain sympathetically. A slight, almost invisible smile slipped across her lips.
"Why not Erwin's squad?" a disgruntled voice rose from the ranks.
"Because Commander Smith now leads all squads, and you, Flagon, will handle the training of the newcomers! Is that clear?" The captain's voice held iron firmness.
Flagon, trying to hide his annoyance, struck his fist against his chest.
"Yes, sir! It will be done!"
Eileen shifted her gaze from Flagon to Levi, who stood silently in line. The air between them seemed to crackle with tension. An invisible spark flew between the captain and the grim newcomer, portending a difficult relationship. The atmosphere on the grounds was far from friendly; rather, it was electrified, full of hidden confrontation. Eileen sensed that the joint service of Flagon and these difficult recruits would turn into a true ordeal for both sides.
Walking through the headquarters corridor, Eileen noticed Hange, who, in her typical manner, was trying to engage the newcomers in conversation. However, her usual enthusiasm broke against the wall of silence Levi had built around himself. Eileen heard Furlan, feeling the awkwardness, nudge his friend: "Hey, be more sociable!"
"Levi."
In response, Levi only arched an eyebrow disdainfully. When Hange, realizing the futility of her efforts, stepped away, Eileen decided to introduce herself to the recruits.
She approached them with a warm, inviting smile, waving slightly in greeting:
"Hi, guys! Welcome to the Scout Regiment. I’m the squad leader, Eileen Graicer. Glad to meet you."
Levi reacted with a meager nod, not even bothering to look at Eileen. His voice, when he had introduced himself to Hange, was cold and detached, as if he were throwing words into a void.
Isabel, on the other hand, lit up with a radiant smile that instantly brightened her face.
"Hello, Captain Graicer! I’m Isabel Magnolia, and this is Furlan Church," she introduced herself and her comrade enthusiastically. "We’re incredibly happy to join the Scout Regiment!"
Furlan added calmly, looking a bit shy:
"Yes. We’ll do our best to meet your expectations."
Eileen studied the trio carefully. Levi—cold and closed off, like a razor ready to strike at any moment. Isabel—bright and energetic, like an unquenchable fire. Furlan—quiet and restrained, like a deep river hiding a powerful current under a calm surface. 'A tricky bunch,' Eileen thought. 'I'll have to find an individual approach for each.' She understood that commanding such different people was no easy task, but she was ready for the challenge; diversity of character and talent is where the Regiment's strength lies.
Eileen looked over the trio of newcomers, waiting for their reaction. Isabel was first:
"Captain Graicer," she began with enthusiasm, "your words are inspiring! We aren't quite used to life on the surface yet, of course, but we’re trying hard. Thanks for looking out for us."
Furlan, after a slight pause, added:
"We’re grateful for the opportunity. We’ll do everything to be useful to the Scout Regiment."
Levi, as usual, kept silent, arms crossed, boring into Eileen with his piercing gaze. Noticing his skepticism, Eileen decided to address him directly:
"Levi," she said calmly, "I know you aren't used to trusting people. Life in the Underground taught you to rely only on yourself. Но здесь, на поверхности, все иначе. We’re a team, and we have to support one another."
Levi finally spoke, his voice raspy and low:
"Captain, pretty words don't fill a stomach or protect from Titans. We didn't come here for handouts; we came to fight. And if you really want to help us, then give us the chance to prove our worth in battle instead of coddling us like small children."
Eileen wasn't offended by his bluntness. She understood that behind this rudeness was a strong personality, hardened by harsh trials.
"I appreciate your directness, Levi," she replied firmly. "And you will get your chance to prove yourself. But remember that even the strongest warrior can't survive alone. The Scout Regiment isn't just a collection of soldiers; it’s a brotherhood where everyone is ready to cover a comrade’s back. And I hope that in time, you’ll understand that."
Eileen sighed heavily, looking at Levi's tense face. His prickly words, like sharp shards, stung her, but she tried to stay calm. She understood that behind this aggression lay deep pain and a distrust of the world, born from a difficult childhood in the Underground.
"Levi," she began, trying to keep her voice soft but firm, "you don’t need to be so harsh with people. I understand you're trying to protect yourself this way, building a wall of cynicism and distrust. But sometimes this defense turns into an attack, and you unintentionally hurt those who want to help you. You’re like a hedgehog bristling with needles—no one dares approach you, but you yourself remain alone."
Eileen paused briefly, giving Levi time to process her words.
"I see potential in you, Levi," she continued, "you’re a strong and capable fighter. But your strength shouldn’t be expressed through aggression toward others. Try to trust people; give them a chance to show they aren't your enemies. Here in the Scout Regiment, we’re a family. And a family is a place where you don’t have to fear being vulnerable, where you’ll be supported and understood. Don't cross the line where your defense becomes a weapon that destroys not only your relationships but yourself."
Without waiting for Levi's answer, Eileen turned sharply and headed for the exit, her cloak billowing behind her like the wings of a black bird. Hange, who had watched the scene with undisguised interest, threw the newcomers a meaningful look and hurried after Graicer, leaving them alone with their thoughts.
"What a character your captain has," Isabel whistled as soon as Eileen vanished behind the door. "Tough as nails!"
Furlan rubbed his chin thoughtfully:
"She’s right, Levi. You’re too sharp. Captain Graicer is trying to help us, and you meet her with hostility."
Levi clicked his tongue irritably:
"'Help'? Empty words! Here, it’s every man for himself. The strongest survives, not the one who talks best about friendship and family."
"But isn't our strength in unity?" Furlan countered. "Together we can achieve more than alone. Isn't that what we wanted when we joined the Scout Regiment? To fight side by side for humanity's freedom?"
Isabel backed Furlan up:
"He’s right, Levi. We have to trust each other and the commanders. That's the only way we’ll beat the Titans and get out of this cage they’ve locked us in."
Levi remained silent, lost in thought. The words of Eileen and his friends had hit home. He knew they were right, but the years spent in the Underground had left a deep mark on his soul, making him distrustful and withdrawn. It was hard for him to accept the idea of relying on anyone but himself. However, somewhere deep down, a flicker of hope burned that life on the surface could truly be different.
Strolling through the sunset-drenched streets of the restored Trost District, Eileen met her old friends, Clary and Alex, with whom she had once shared the hardships of the cadet corps. The conversation quickly turned to the new recruits.
"Levi… he’s so impenetrable," Clary mused, "like a block of ice. Nothing like his comrades. Isabel is just charming! So energetic and cheerful."
Alex, admiring the fiery colors of the sunset, nodded in agreement:
"Yeah, those two are real rays of sunshine. But Levi… He’s like a shadow. Mysterious and detached."
Eileen smiled understandingly:
"Understand," she explained, "when you fight for survival in the Underground your whole life, you have to suppress emotions. For people like Levi, feelings are a luxury that can get in the way of staying alive. He has his first training tomorrow; I’ll go see how he handles it."
Alex frowned, a spark of worry in his eyes:
"Eileen, keep an eye on him. This Levi… he’s too arrogant. If he dares to offend you, I won't forgive him."
Eileen chuckled:
"Don't worry, Alex, I can protect my 'wards.' Don't forget who among us was the best in the cadet corps. My combat skills exceed those of most soldiers. It is I who should be protecting you."
Alex, though slightly calmed, still looked wary:
"Alright, we’ll see… But if he so much as touches a finger…"
Clary, seeing the conversation hitting a dead end, placed a hand on Alex's shoulder:
"Calm down," she said softly. "Eileen has everything under control."
Eileen, sensing it was time to leave, nodded to her friends.
"Alright, everyone, I'm heading out. Goodnight. I'll see you during the next expedition."
"Goodnight, Eileen!" Clary and Alex replied in unison.
Leaving her friends behind, Eileen made her way to her quarters, turning over the upcoming training in her mind and pondering how to approach Levi's difficult temperament. She felt that something more lay hidden beneath his prickly exterior and was prepared to do everything in her power to help him open up.
The next morning, as the first light touched the spires of Trost, I was already at the training grounds. Isabel, as energetic as ever, had already mounted her horse. Furlan was nowhere to be seen. Soon, Hange, Levi, and the other recruits arrived. There were only two of us observers—Zoe and myself.
With my arms crossed, I watched Levi intently. Like everyone else present, I was struck by his unusual grip. He held the ODM blade with the hilt facing downward.
"What kind of grip is that, you idiot?" Flagon barked, appearing at that very moment. "A sword isn't made to be held like that! Do you want to be the first to die beyond the walls?!"
Levi, without even turning his head, replied coldly, "Certainly not before you."
"W-what?" Flagon stammered, taken aback.
"The main thing is to take the Titan's head," Levi cut him off. "How I do it is my business."
The ODM wire screeched, and Levi soared into the air. A nimble somersault, and he was already racing ahead, leaving a white trail in his wake.
"Was he really never in the cadet corps?" Hange asked with undisguised interest.
"No, definitely not," Flagon confirmed, still reeling from the newcomer's audacity.
"Hee-hee, this gets me going!" Hange adjusted her glasses, a flush appearing on her cheeks.
'Not this again...' I groaned inwardly.
"It all depends on the methods!" Hange continued, her eyes alight. "Both searching for Titans and destroying them... Tsk! This is getting interesting!"
Levi, hovering in the air, held the blade with the edge facing up. 'I used to hold ordinary swords like that myself during fencing practice,' I recalled. 'But is that applicable to ODM gear? Though... why not?'
"Eileen, is everything alright?" Hange smiled kindly, noticing my preoccupation.
"Yes, everything is fine," I replied. "Just thinking."
"When the training is over, we'll head outside the walls immediately," Hange informed me.
Hange and Erwin had been close friends of mine since our cadet days. We trusted each other and often spent time together—not just for work, but simply to talk. Though, of course, I valued the time spent with Clary and Alex most of all.
The clang of the bell shattered the morning silence. The gates of Trost began to creak open, releasing us toward the unknown. Tension hung in the air, mixed with anticipation. Even the most experienced soldiers couldn't hide the trembling in their hands—no one wanted to meet death face to face.
"Today we take another step toward freedom!" Erwin Smith’s powerful voice rang out. "Show the Titans the strength of the human spirit! Let them know our fury!"
"Commencing the twenty-third expedition beyond the walls!" Erwin commanded. "Everyone, follow me!"
We rode out through the gates. A fresh wind struck our faces, sweeping away the remnants of fear and doubt. In the distance, the first Titans appeared.
"Titan spotted! Fifteen-meter class!" one of the scouts shouted. "Two more behind it!"
Two Titans, as if driven by an unseen force, ran straight toward us. They were too close to evade.
"I’ll catch up with you!" I shouted, wheeling my horse around.
"What?! Eileen!" Erwin tried to stop me, but I was already racing toward the danger.
"Lady Eileen!" the squad leader’s worried voice reached me.
The Titans were almost upon us. I leaped from my horse the moment one of them swung at me. A flash of blades—and the Titan’s fingers flew off like dry twigs. Using my incredible speed, I unleashed a hail of strikes on the Titans, aiming for the napes of their necks. One after another, they crashed to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
Satisfied that the Titans were neutralized, I nimbly hopped back onto my horse. A flare burst in the sky—it was time to return to the main unit. Riding up to Erwin and the squad leader, I met Smith’s concerned gaze.
"Eileen, do you even realize you could have been killed?" Unmistakable anxiety lingered in his voice.
I smiled at him gratefully. At that moment, my eyes fell on two Titans approaching the unit. 'Excellent, some work for the newcomers,' I thought.
With striking agility and composure, Levi dealt with one of the Titans. Furlan and Isabel, acting in harmony, quickly neutralized the second.
When the signal to retreat sounded again, Erwin and I headed toward the trio of recruits.
"Well," Erwin began, catching their attention, "you handled your first battle quite well."
"Indeed, excellent work for newcomers," I added. "The main thing is not to lose your vigilance and to keep going in the same spirit. You did great, everyone!"
Furlan and Isabel smiled joyfully at the praise. Levi, however, instead of his usual cold stare, had a momentary change of expression. It seemed to me he almost smiled, though that shadow of a smile was barely perceptible. I noted this change with surprise, trying not to show it.
"Don't waste too much gas," Erwin instructed the recruits. "You need to save it especially for the return flight."
The group, like me, was puzzled by such a statement. Levi, after a pause, raised his hand.
"Does that mean supplies are valued higher than the lives of comrades?" There was a challenge in his voice.
I turned sharply toward Erwin, feeling a wave of anger rising within me.
"Erwin, what are you talking about?!" I protested. "Levi is right! The lives of our friends are the most important thing! We are responsible for them!"
Erwin, entirely unruffled, looked at Levi.
"I told you, too many unnecessary movements," he said coldly. "Something is bothering you. Cast aside these sentiments, or they will quickly kill you."
Turning away, Erwin galloped off. Shock was written on the faces of the newcomers.
"Damn it! He’d dance on your graves if he had to!" Isabel burst out.
"Shh! They’ll hear you!" Furlan whispered to her.
Levi looked stunned.
"Listen..." I began, meeting his eyes, "Erwin is right in some ways, but he doesn't wish death on anyone. Forgive him. He has been through a lot and is willing to do much for the sake of humanity's salvation."
At the end of my sentence, Levi looked at me with such sadness in his eyes that I involuntarily flinched. Something in that look made me wonder.
We continued our journey. The sky grew heavy with clouds, rain began to fall, and a thick fog enveloped everything. Visibility dropped almost to zero. Even the flares could barely pierce the shroud. A nasty premonition pricked my chest.
"Erwin, perhaps we should slow the pace?" I addressed Smith, feeling a growing unease. The fog and rain severely limited our sight.
"Yes, perhaps," he agreed. "Though I had hoped to cross this plain more quickly."
Erwin raised his hand, signaling the other squads. The Scout Regiment split into several groups, fanning out across the terrain. Suddenly, Erwin, Furlan, and I spotted a Titan blocking the path of one of the units.
Erwin nodded to me, signaling that it was time to act. I took to the air using the ODM gear and was behind the Titan in the blink of an eye. A powerful strike with the blades—and the giant collapsed. Watching the monster fall with satisfaction, I landed near my horse and was back in the saddle.
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream of a Titan reached us. We rushed toward the sound, fearing the worst. What we saw made our blood run cold. The clearing was strewn with the mutilated bodies of soldiers. A bloody mess... Amidst this horrific scene stood the body of an Abnormal Titan. Furlan and Isabel... were dead. Newcomers who had only just begun their path in the Scout Regiment... And beside them, on his knees, sat Levi. His face was soaked with tears that mingled with the rain. He was crushed by grief, having lost his friends.
Tears gushed from my eyes. With difficulty, I dismounted and fell to my knees, unable to bear the sight. Clary and Alex, who turned out to be nearby, immediately rushed to me.
"Ellie, are you alright?" they asked in one voice, sitting beside me and holding me up.
The rain stopped, and the sun peered through the clouds. At that moment, Erwin approached Levi.
"Are you the only one who survived?" he asked in his usual calm tone, and then... he smiled. "What an expression on your face!"
I watched him in disbelief. Levi scrambled to his feet and, with a furious cry, lunged at Erwin, swinging his blade. Smith blocked the strike with his arm, but the blade still left a deep gash.
"I'll kill you!" Levi growled. "That's why I'm here!"
He threw a bundle at Erwin's feet.
"Proof of Lovof's illegal dealings," Levi said coldly. "Or rather, a forgery. The real one is likely already with Commander-in-Chief Darius Zackly. Lovof is finished."
Levi was shaking with rage.
"You bastard..." he exhaled. "So you knew everything?! You knew we wanted to kill you, and you still brought us along?!"
He wanted to lunge at Erwin again, but he was caught and pulled back in time. Levi fell to his knees, broken and devastated.
While I tried to recover from the horror I had witnessed, one question kept thumping in my head: 'Did they really want to kill Erwin?' Gathering my strength, I stood up and stepped forward; Clary and Alex remained behind, giving me some space. Approaching Levi, who was still kneeling before the bodies of his friends, I gently touched his shoulder.
"Stop tormenting yourself," the commander said quietly. We both turned at the sound of Erwin's voice. "Memories full of regret will only hinder your ability to make decisions in the future," he continued, looking at Levi. "And you will try to shift the responsibility onto others. That is a direct path to ruin. The outcome of any battle is unknown beforehand. A single decision only gains meaning when it becomes a stepping stone to the next one. The expedition continues. Levi, you're coming with us."
Erwin turned to me. In that moment, I felt a sharp desire to understand this man. Despite his brutal methods, I wanted to help him, to restore his faith in people.
"Listen," I said to Levi, "the decision always rests with us, even if we aren't sure it's the right one. And we mustn't forget about time. Even the deepest wounds heal eventually."
My gaze, turned toward Levi, was different from Erwin’s cold stare. In it, I hoped he saw understanding and compassion, a belief that even after the most terrible loss, one can find the strength to go on. We were already in our saddles, but Levi still stood motionless.
"Are you coming with us?" I called out to him. "We’re waiting for you." I gave an encouraging smile. Levi slowly rose, walked to his horse, and climbed into the saddle.
"Let's go," Alex said, and we turned our horses toward home. Levi rode beside me. I felt his gaze on me, as if he were waiting for more words of comfort or advice. Sometimes something flickered in his eyes that made me wonder. But I tried not to pay it any mind, fearing I might seem intrusive.