Survey Corps Headquarters, inside the Commander's office—
"Have you finished your work?"
Erwin's voice was calm and composed, as always.
Compared to the former instructor, Keith, Commander Erwin was gentler, yet there was something in his stillness that demanded respect. A kind of quiet strength that reminded everyone why he was the one leading humanity beyond the walls.
"Yes, sir. I've completed my assignment," Lock said, straightening his posture and saluting crisply. "I request permission to rejoin the team."
Erwin's expression softened into a small smile.
"Welcome back, Lock."
Lock inclined his head slightly. "Sorry for the trouble, Commander."
"It's good that you understand." Erwin leaned back in his chair. "Don't expect any vacations this year. You've already used your time off."
There was no malice in the words—only measured discipline. Erwin had a clear sense of balance. Talented individuals like Lock were precious, but they also had to be kept in check.
Lock nodded earnestly. "Understood. It won't happen again."
"Good." Erwin's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Then let me be the first to congratulate you—on your return, Vice-Captain Lock."
"…Vice-Captain?" Lock blinked, genuinely surprised.
Erwin folded his hands on the desk. "I won't speak for the Military Police or the Garrison. But in the Survey Corps, rank is earned through merit. You should understand what that means."
Lock hesitated, then smiled faintly.
"So, in your eyes, I'm just another ambitious soldier trying to climb higher?"
Erwin's lips curved upward. "Ambition isn't a sin if it drives results. I believe you'll prove me right."
Lock nodded slowly, voice steady.
"I won't let you down."
"Good. Levi will be assisting me more directly for the time being. Until further notice, command of the squad will fall to you."
Lock met Erwin's gaze, understanding the weight of the trust being given to him.
The Commander had seen through him easily—through that burning hunger to ascend, that utilitarian desire to rise. Yet, at fourteen, such ambition could easily be mistaken for a youthful spirit. It was a convenient disguise.
As Lock left the office, the title "Vice-Captain" echoed faintly in his mind. It felt strange, almost unreal. But he didn't dwell on it. A title alone meant little. Power—real influence—was still far beyond his reach.
The hallway was quiet as he made his way toward the team dormitories inside the castle. The air carried the faint scent of soap and polish. Even after months away, the place remained spotless.
Lock smirked slightly. "Levi's obsession with cleanliness hasn't changed."
When he entered the common room, laughter and chatter filled the air. Gunther, Eld, Petra, and Oluo were sitting around the table, trading stories and teasing one another.
The moment they noticed him, all conversation stopped. Then, smiles spread across their faces.
"Lock! You're finally back," Eld said with genuine warmth. "We were just saying that if you ever get lured away by Hange again, the squad might collapse."
Oluo scoffed. "Tch. Kids these days—no sense of discipline. Always taking time off for nonsense." He leaned back dramatically. "I swear, when I was your age—"
Before he could finish, Lock reached into his pack and tossed a bottle toward him.
"Here. Try that instead of talking."
Oluo caught it mid-air, blinking. "Wait—this is… wine?"
Lock smirked. "Don't worry where I got it. Consider it a peace offering."
Oluo's eyes lit up like a child at a festival. "Oh, I definitely consider it accepted!" He tucked the bottle away quickly, afraid Lock might change his mind.
Petra burst out laughing. Even Eld shook his head, smiling.
"Bribing him with alcohol, huh? Smart move."
"Just maintaining squad morale," Lock replied with mock seriousness.
He set down the rest of his pack and started handing out smaller gifts—little trinkets and keepsakes from his time away. Each one was simple but thoughtful. Petra received a finely carved pendant, Eld a small compass, Gunther a reinforced glove for blade grip.
And, of course, there was one last item—Levi's gift.
A pair of neatly wrapped height-increasing insoles.
Lock couldn't help grinning to himself as he set them aside, waiting for Levi's return.
Hours passed, and the sun dipped below the windows. Levi hadn't appeared yet. By dinner, Lock began to wonder if he'd have to wait until morning.
Petra noticed his faint disappointment and smiled knowingly.
"The Captain's been working non-stop these days. Sometimes he doesn't come back until after midnight. You'll have to wait if you want him to see your little surprise."
Eld chuckled. "A gift for Captain Levi, huh? What did you make this time?"
"Height-enhancing insoles," Lock replied casually.
There was a pause. Then Gunther blinked. "Wait. You're serious?"
Oluo spat out his drink, laughing. "Oh, you're dead! You are so dead!"
Even Petra couldn't help giggling, covering her mouth. "Lock… you're really fearless."
Eld leaned forward, smirking. "I give it five seconds before he hits you."
The door creaked open.
"What's this about me hitting someone?" Levi's voice cut through the laughter like a blade.
The entire squad froze. The atmosphere instantly shifted from playful to petrified.
Levi stood at the doorway, his sharp gray eyes scanning the room. He wasn't angry—yet—but the slight furrow in his brow promised he was ready to be.
Lock exhaled slowly, steeling himself. The others gave him silent looks that clearly saidYourr funeral.
He rose, grabbed the small package, and walked toward Levi with a calm, almost innocent smile.
"Captain, I made you something."
Levi raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Not much. Just something I designed myself." Lock extended the wrapped box. "A pair of height-increasing insoles."
Levi stared at him for a long moment. The silence in the room stretched thin.
"Height-increasing… what?" His tone was low, dangerous.
Petra couldn't hold back anymore. She burst into laughter. Gunther doubled over. Even Eld bit his lip to keep from joining in.
Lock kept his expression perfectly straight, playing the role to perfection. "They're meant to reduce strain on your feet during long patrols, Captain. Added elevation is just… a side benefit."
Levi's eyebrow twitched. For a terrifying second, it looked like he might draw his blade.
Then, without a word, he took the box, opened it, examined the insoles, and tucked them under his arm.
"Thoughtful," he said simply.
Lock blinked. "…Thank you, sir?"
Levi turned away, expression unreadable. "Enjoy your laughter while you can. Rest time's over. We have a mission."
And just like that, the entire squad fell silent again. They scrambled to their feet, laughter fading into disciplined efficiency.
Oluo muttered under his breath, "He's totally gonna make you scrub the stables for this…"
Lock smirked faintly, following Levi out the door.
"Worth it."
That night, as the squad prepared their gear, Lock sat quietly for a moment, his mind shifting from humor back to purpose.
The title of Vice-Captain, the alliance with Grisha, the shadow of Marley's coming strike—everything was beginning to move faster.
But for now, in this rare moment of normalcy, surrounded by his comrades' laughter and Levi's cold discipline, he felt something that almost resembled peace.
Even if it won't last, he thought. I'll take it while I can.
---
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