I ended up waking up quite early this morning. As I was changing, I heard someone knocking frantically on my door.
" Estella ! Are you awake ?". Someone asked urgently.
Startled, I hurried to open it, finding Petra standing outside with a worried expression.
" Yes !". I replied, hastily putting on my jacket.
I stepped out of the room, joining Petra in the hallway.
" What's wrong ? Did Oluo bother you ?". I inquired, playfully but with a hint of concern when I saw her grave expression.
She managed a small smile," No, don't worry. But the two Titans we had captured were killed".
My eyes widened, and a surge of disbelief washed over me. We walked quickly to the courtyard, where everyone else had gathered, ready to depart.
" Hey, Stella". Eren greeted me with big dark circles under his eyes.
" Eren, you look exhausted...". I said sympathetically.
Eren sighed heavily," Yeah... Squad Leader Hange kept me up all night".
" Poor Jay... You can rest your head on my shoulder later if you like. In the meantime, we'd better get going". I suggested, mounting my horse and riding up toward Captain Levi.
" R-right !". Eren agreed, sounding a bit relieved.
We soon arrived in town to witness Hange crying their eyes out over the bodies of the two Titans. It was a heart-wrenching sight.
" Sawney ! Bean ! Tell me... Tell me this isn't true !". Hange shouted, their voice filled with grief.
Poor Hange... It hurt me deeply to see them like that.
" Our valuable test subjects... Was it a soldier ?". Gunther asked, his voice filled with concern.
" Yes. The culprit is still on the loose. Apparently, it all happened before sunrise. When a guard noticed, they got away with their 3DM Gear". Eld explained, his tone grim.
" So it was a premeditated operation by at least two people ?". Gunther wondered aloud, his brows furrowed in thought.
" Sawney !". Hange yelled in anguish.
Oluo, always quick to make sarcastic remarks, smirked," Look at that. Squad Leader Hange's going mad".
Petra and I exchanged glares before she elbowed Oluo in the ribs, making him huff in pain. I decided to approach Hange, placing my hand gently on their shoulder.
" I'm really sorry for what happened, Hange". I told them, trying to offer some comfort.
" That's... really... horrible". Hange managed to say between sobs, their voice filled with sorrow.
" We're going to catch the one who did this, and they will pay, don't worry". I stated firmly, my gaze shifting to the skeletal remains of the two Titans.
Hange nodded weakly, their energy drained from the emotional toll. I decided to give them space to grieve. Not many people would shed tears over Titans, and to be honest, I wouldn't normally either.
But Hange was genuinely passionate about their work, and it pained me to see them devastated.
" What's going on...?". I heard Eren mutter in disbelief, his eyes darting around the chaotic scene before us.
" I honestly don't know any more than you do. It's just a big mess". I told him, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease bubbling within me.
" Let's go. The Military Police Brigade will take over here". Captain Levi said, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension.
" R-right". Eren replied nervously, looking at me briefly before heading towards the Captain.
But before I could follow him, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, and the same happened to Eren. It was Commander Erwin, his steely gaze fixed ahead of us, toward the two dead Titans.
" What can you both see ?". He asked, his voice calm and commanding.
" Huh ?". Eren muttered with confusion, still processing the chaotic events we had just witnessed.
" Who do you think the enemy is ?". Commander Erwin inquired again, probing for any information.
" I don't know about that. I just know that, in addition to the Titans, we have a human who doesn't want us to learn more about the Titans for some reason. As if we don't have enough problems already". I replied, frustration seeping into my voice.
I glanced at Eren, who stood there with his mouth open, unable to answer. Commander Erwin nodded with an impressed expression on his face, before leaving to attend to his duties.
" Eren, close your mouth. You'll end up catching all the flies if you leave it open. You have to leave some for the others too". I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Eren closed his mouth and managed a weak smile, which made me laugh.
" Let's go and join the Captain. We have to go back to HQ". I said, gesturing for Eren to follow me.
Back at HQ, we found ourselves in the midst of fellow soldiers, each trying to make sense of the recent events.
Gunther spoke up, breaking the tense silence," In the end, we couldn't find a soldier who used their device without permission. Just who in the world...".
" Who knows ? I'm more worried about the recruitment assembly right now. I wonder how many recruits would be eccentric enough to enlist". Eld mused, concern etched on his face.
" Hey, Eren, Estella ! Are any of your comrades planning to enlist with us ?". Gunther asked, curious about the commitment of our fellow cadets.
I shrugged, unsure of what had become to the decisions of our former comrades.
Eren took a moment to contemplate the question before answering," Yes. Well, there were. I'm not so sure anymore".
To be honest, we couldn't be sure anymore. After what happened at the battle of Trost, many of our peers had likely changed their minds about joining the Survey Corps. I thought about Thomas and Mina, who had expressed a strong desire to enlist with us but had tragically lost their life. The others remained a mystery to me, and I couldn't help but worry about their well-being.
The conversation was interrupted as Captain Levi arrived on his horse, his commanding presence capturing everyone's attention.
" Assemble !". Gunther ordered, and we all gathered around Captain Levi.
" Get ready to leave". Captain Levi stated, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
" Yes, sir !". Gunther and Eld replied in unison, their discipline evident.
" Good morning, Lance Corporal Levi !". Eren greeted.
" Hello, Captain". I said, acknowledging his presence.
The Captain nodded, acknowledging our greetings," Listen, Estella, Eren. Stay within two horses of me. Don't forget the only reason you're not locked up is that I'm supervising you two".
" Yes, sir !". Eren replied, and I nodded in agreement.
" Let's go". Captain Levi ordered, and we rode through the night towards the place where the proclamation of the 104th Brigade of cadets would take place.
As we rode, the night enveloped us, and the stars twinkled in the dark sky above.
When we arrived at the grand plaza where the proclamation of the 104th Brigade of Training was to take place, anticipation filled the air. The stage was adorned with the emblem of the Survey Corps, and standing atop it was Commander Erwin Smith, flanked by a group of seasoned soldiers. Among them was Petra.
" I'm Erwin Smith, the Commander of the Survey Corps," Commander Erwin's voice echoed through the plaza, commanding everyone's attention." Today, you'll decide where you'll enlist. To be blunt, I'm here to recruit soldiers for the Survey Corps. I'm sure the latest Titan attack has made you fear the Titans and recognize the limits of your strength".
The crowd listened intently, their faces a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
" However, through this battle, mankind has made unprecedented progress in its struggle," Commander Erwin continued." The keys to this progress are Eren Jaeger and Estella Potter. Their willingness to risk their lives for mankind signifies their unquestionable allegiance to us".
A murmur rippled through the audience as they exchanged puzzled glances. The mention of our names had sparked curiosity and confusion.
" Furthermore, not only did they allow us to stop the Titans, but Eren Jaeger also provided us with a way to unveil the Titans' mystery !". Commander Erwin declared, emphasizing his point.
The recruits' faces displayed a mix of awe and bewilderment, unsure of what to make of this revelation.
" In the basement of his home in Shiganshina District lies the secret of the Titans, unknown even to him. If we can just reach that basement, we might find a clue that will aid us in overthrowing the Titans' century-long rule !". Commander Erwin proclaimed, his voice brimming with determination.
" We're that far ahead ? If we figure them out, we could win". I overheard a recruit whisper in amazement.
The Commander paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, ensuring that his words resonated with each recruit.
" We aim to reach that basement in Shiganshina District. But to that end, the recapture of Wall Maria is crucial. In other words, our goal hasn't changed. But now that Trost District's gate is unusable, we'll have to go around from Calaneth District in the east".
The recruits listened attentively, their eyes fixed on Commander Erwin as he explained the intricate details of our upcoming mission.
" The military route we spent four years preparing has been rendered useless. During those four years, we lost more than sixty percent of our men. Sixty percent in four years... It's an absurd figure". Commander Erwin stated solemnly, the weight of loss evident in his voice.
The recruits exchanged glances, realization dawning on them about the magnitude of sacrifice required.
" Those of you who join us will participate in an expedition a month from now, in which the predicted mortality rate is thirty percent. Most of you will likely die in four years. However, if you manage to survive, you'll be an elite soldier who can overcome all odds". Commander Erwin explained, his words hanging in the air, heavy with the truth of the situation.
The courtyard grew silent as the recruits contemplated the Commander's words, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty.
" If you are still willing to endanger your lives with us, remain here. Please, ask yourselves: Are you capable of offering your lives for mankind ?". Commander Erwin's voice reverberated through the plaza, challenging the recruits to confront their innermost convictions.
Well aware of the immense risks ahead, I wondered if many would join the Survey Corps after hearing such stark truths.
" That is all. Those of you who wish to enlist elsewhere may leave". Commander Erwin announced, his gaze sweeping across the diminishing crowd.
I watched as many recruits made their way to the exit, including Annie, who slipped away quietly. A pang of disappointment surged through me, for I had hoped to speak with her before she departed. Perhaps writing her a letter would suffice.
Within seconds, the courtyard emptied, leaving only a handful of determined individuals who remained steadfast in their decision.
" Could you... die if given the order to ?". Commander Erwin's voice cut through the silence, his penetrating gaze fixed upon the recruits.
" We don't want to die !". A recruit blurted out nervously, voicing the fears that were undoubtedly shared by many.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of the Commander's lips," I see. I like your expressions. Now then, I accept all of you who remain as new Survey Corps soldiers ! This will be a true salute! Offer your lives !".
" Yes, sir !". The resounding chorus echoed throughout the plaza, their voices filled with conviction.
In unison, they raised their right hands to their chest, executing a crisp salute. It was an epic sight, a display of unwavering resolve in the face of the overwhelming challenges that awaited us.
Suddenly, a firm hand grasped my shoulder, pulling me back. I turned to see Captain Levi, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
" You can't let them see you". He said sternly, pulling my hood over my head.
Confused, I nodded and replied," Right, thank you, sir."
As I readjusted my focus, the Commander's voice resonated once again, drawing my attention back to his final words.
" You've all done well to suppress your fear. Every one of you is a brave soldier. You have my deepest respect". Commander Erwin acknowledged, his words carrying the weight of sincerity.