The sun rose from the east, casting its first light over the rooftops.
After last night's training, Lock had collapsed into bed, falling quickly into a deep sleep.
Through the half-open window, he caught a glimpse of the towering city walls in the distance. The sight jolted him awake. Now wasn't the time to be lazy — not with what was coming.
He washed up, dressed, and stepped outside.
Two familiar figures stood waiting.
"Eren, Mikasa… what are you doing here?"
Mikasa, already showing the beauty she would one day grow into, stood quietly beside Eren, her gaze steady.
"Lock, my mom says you should come for breakfast," Eren said. "You haven't been over in a while."
"I'm busy," Lock replied with a faint smile.
"No matter how busy you are, you've still gotta eat. Come on — Mom and Dad are waiting," Eren urged.
Free food was something Lock was in no position to refuse.
It wasn't far; their families lived close by. Soon, they were stepping into the Yeager home.
Carla and Grisha welcomed him warmly. Since the death of Lock's parents, they'd treated him almost like family — especially Carla, who had always shown him the kind of care only a mother could give.
"Lock," Carla said, half-pretending to scold, "if I hadn't sent Eren and Mikasa to get you, you'd never show up."
Lock rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. "Work's been keeping me busy."
"Busy enough to never visit?" Carla raised a brow. Then, as if remembering something, her tone sharpened. "I heard from Eren that you're planning to join the Survey Corps next year. Is that true?"
Grisha's expression grew serious. Mikasa frowned slightly.
Only Eren looked guilty, avoiding Lock's eyes.
Lock took a breath. "Yes. I'm joining the Survey Corps."
"It's too dangerous. I don't agree," Carla said immediately.
Lock smiled faintly at her concern. In this world, he had discovered that he wasn't alone — not with people like Harry and Martha, and not with the Yeagers. Even Mikasa, usually reserved and focused on Eren, looked conflicted.
"You're still smiling? I'm serious," Carla pressed. "You're not joining."
Grisha finally spoke. "I don't approve either. You're thirteen now — fourteen next year. There are other paths you can take."
Lock's voice was firm. "No. This is what I'm doing."
"Why?" Carla asked.
Lock met their eyes. "I don't want to live like livestock inside the walls. The world is bigger than this. I want to see the endless ocean, the strange creatures that live beyond. And most importantly…"
He paused, scanning their faces. "…I want to know why Titans exist, and why they hunt us. Only by finding out can we truly live safely."
His gaze lingered on Grisha for a moment. The man's eyes flickered before returning to calm, but Lock caught it.
"The world outside…" Carla hesitated. She couldn't deny his words. The Survey Corps might be seen as reckless, but someone had to go beyond the walls, or nothing would ever change. She just didn't want it to be someone she cared about.
Looking at Lock's young but determined face, she found herself unable to argue further.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Then Eren blurted out, "Mom, Dad — I'm joining the Survey Corps too!"
"No!" Carla said instantly.
"Why? You were just convinced by Lock!" Eren protested.
"No reason. You're not going." She tugged sharply on his ear.
Eren groaned. "This isn't fair!"
Lock only turned his gaze toward the quiet Grisha, wondering:
What are you thinking right now?