Tybur Warrior

Chapter 15 The 57th Expedition Part 3

"What? Why didn't he tell us, recruits and the other veterans about it?" Y/N asked

"I think there must be a reason why Commander Erwin kept this from us." Jean said

"Like what?" Y/N asked

"There's only one reason to not trust your comrades. A human like Eren who can transform into a Titan or perhaps a spy who's working with a person among us." Jean said and Y/N's eyes widen

"Annie... got caught...?" Y/N thought

"You both thought so too, right? Someone in the corps..." Jean said

"Yeah..." Y/N replied

"Yeah. I'm positive." Armin said

"You can't say this is right. If we knew there was a Titan privy to inside information, things would've gone differently. Like the case of your Squad Leader." Jean said

"No, he wasn't mistaken." Armin said

"Huh? What do you mean? Just how many soldiers do you think died in vain?" Jean asked

"Jean, it's simple to say what we should've been done in hindsight. However, nobody's been able to predict the end result, but despite that, the time for a decision will surely come. It's inevitable. The lives of a hundred comrades or the lives of all those within the walls... The Commander made his choice. He decided to cast off the lives of a hundred comrades. I haven't lived long enough to prove it, but there's something I'm certain of. If there are humans who can bring change, they're surely those who are capable of abandoning everything. People who, when required to surpass monsters, are capable of tossing aside their very humanity. People who are unable to abandon anything will likely fail to produce any change." Armin said

"It's the same as the line I believe. To defeat evil, I must become a greater evil. I will abandon all bonds to accomplish this dream." Y/N thought

Suddenly, a loud scream was heard from the inside of the forest.

"Annie?! I see." Y/N thought and the Titans started running inside the forest

Meanwhile...

"Ready the explosives!" Erwin shouted

"Erwin, they'll come from the south first. They're getting close." Mike said

"Wagon Escort Squad, intercept them!" Erwin shouted

The scouts went at the Titans, but the Titans just ignored them and continued running.

"Three Titans have slipped past!"

"Lance Corporal Levi!"

"Hey, you... you pulled something earlier, didn't you?" Levi asked the Female Titan while kicking her head

Levi killed the three Titans, but a small one got past him and ate the Female Titan's leg

"They're targeting the Female Titan?" Erwin thought

"Titans coming from every direction!"

"All soldiers, engage the enemy! Defend the Female Titan!" Erwin said

The scouts jumped in and they tried desperately defending the Female Titan from being eaten, but they failed miserably.

"All soldiers, retreat!" Erwin shouted

The scouts left the female Titan

"Assume the formation! Return to Karanese District!" Erwin said

Everyone had tired and disappointed looks on their faces.

"We've been had. Just look at you. Don't tell me you-" Levi was cut off

"This shows the enemy was prepared to abandon everything. To think they'd have themselves devoured to avoid leaking information." Erwin said

"Here we are, after everything we said at the trial... If we go back empty-handed, who knows what'll happen to Eren and us?" Levi said

"Let's consider that after the fact. We should concentrate on getting back with minimal loses first. For now, at least." Erwin said

"The air is clouded by the corpse's steam. This might hamper the use of smoke signals." Erwin thought

"I'll call up my squad." Levi said

"Wait, Levi. Resupply your gas and blades." Erwin said

"We're short on time. What I have on hand should last. Why?" Levi asked

"It's an order. Obey." Erwin said

"Understood, Erwin. I'll trust your judgement." Levi said

Back to Y/N and the others...

Y/N saw a smoke signal fired.

"We're withdrawing." Y/N heard Nanaba say

"They want us to withdraw and headback on horse." Nanaba said

"Ma'am!" Christa replied

"What? It's over already?" Jean asked

"Just what the hell is going on? How's Annie?" Y/N thought