The journey back was filled with danger, but with Captain Hange Zoë leading the way, the threat of confrontation was greatly reduced. Her keen instincts and years of battle experience allowed her to sense Titans long before they appeared—judging their direction and number from faint traces carried on the wind.
Lock couldn't help but imitate her, sniffing the air curiously as they rode. For all his effort, he managed only a small improvement in awareness—but the gulf between him and Hange was vast. With a sigh, he gave up and focused instead on strategy, turning his thoughts toward what lay ahead.
By the time their unit regrouped with other returning teams in the Trost District, the sun was already dipping low. From there, they rode on to the Survey Corps' temporary headquarters in the Stohess District.
In Commander Erwin's Office
"It's good that you returned safely," Erwin Smith said, rising from behind his desk as Hange entered.
Just as Lock expected, Erwin's expression softened with visible relief. The fall of their forward base was not mentioned—there was no blame, only quiet understanding. The Corps had endured enough loss already.
With Wall Maria gone, their priority now was maintaining stability within the walls and planning humanity's eventual counterattack. The royal government, shaken and desperate, had begun to take a sudden interest in the Survey Corps' operations.
Hange's return brought much-needed hope. Her intellect, her field experience, and her combat skill—second only to Captain Levi—made her indispensable.
Feeling Erwin's sincerity, Hange finally relaxed. The exhaustion in her eyes softened as she gave a simple, "Thank you."
Erwin nodded and placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "There's no time to rest. We're stretched thin, and I'll need your help on several matters."
"It's my duty," Hange replied crisply, saluting with resolve. "For the freedom of mankind."
"Let's work together, then," Erwin said before turning to Lock. "And you—thank you for your hard work."
Lock stepped forward and handed over a folded mission report. "Everything concerning the southern sector of Wall Maria and Shiganshina District is documented here. The situation is worse than expected. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to reclaim the land."
Erwin gestured for him to continue.
"The number of Titans inside Wall Maria increases daily. If the government intends to retake it, it must be done this year. By next year, our chances will be nearly gone."
Lock's words were calm but heavy with truth. Since King Karl Fritz withdrew humanity behind the walls, Marley had sent countless Pure Titans to the island over the decades. Nearly a century later, the number was staggering. Humanity's weapons and manpower were far too limited to wipe them out.
The Survey Corps remained the only branch capable of fighting Titans directly. The Garrison and Military Police were unreliable in the field—most soldiers could barely stand their ground, much less face a Titan head-on.
Lock's thinking was different: exterminating every Titan was not necessary. What humanity needed was control over the Founding Titan. If the Reiss family could be persuaded—or forced—to use that power, Titans could shift from being monsters to weapons of defense. But the royal family's isolationist doctrine ran too deep.
There was no choice left but to seize their fate through force.
"It's impossible to launch any operation this year," Erwin said, disappointment flickering across his face. The royal government was still paralyzed by fear and internal conflict. After a pause, he continued, "Any other discoveries?"
Lock nodded. "Yes. We encountered another intelligent Titan. For now, we're calling her the Female Titan. She didn't engage in combat—she withdrew toward Wall Maria, likely preparing to infiltrate Wall Rose."
Erwin's expression grew stern. "Including the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan, that makes three confirmed intelligent Titans. And there may be more."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Hange glanced at Lock, frowning in curiosity, but said nothing.
"Assuming Titans truly are transformed humans," Erwin said quietly, staring out the window at the gray sky, "then infiltration isn't just likely—it's already begun. Their purpose, however, remains unclear."
Lock nodded. "There's one more thing—the most significant discovery of this expedition."
Erwin turned to him. "Go on."
Lock's tone deepened. "A girl. She's… different. She's not an ordinary civilian. I believe she's key to understanding more about the Titans. She's here at the base."
Erwin's eyes narrowed. "Are you certain she isn't one of them in disguise?"
"Absolutely," Lock replied firmly.
After a long silence, Erwin finally said, "Then you'll be responsible for her. Can I trust you to keep her under control?"
Lock nodded once. "You can. But if we want her to trust us, Petra's help will be crucial. Ymir listens to her."
A small smile crossed Erwin's face. "Then I'll leave it in your hands."
Lock chuckled softly. "I'll do my best. Though Petra may not even realize how much Ymir depends on her."
He thought briefly about Ymir—technically over seventy years old, though still youthful in body after decades trapped as a Pure Titan. The thought of that existence—mindless, wandering, and eternal—sent a chill through him.
Erwin's brow furrowed slightly. "Are you certain about this approach?"
Lock nodded. "Trust can't be forced. It's better to let things unfold naturally. Ymir will choose the right path soon enough."
Erwin studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "If I didn't know your history, I'd think you were far older than you look."
Lock laughed softly. "Age has never been my strong point."
Erwin brushed Lock's hair aside, an almost fatherly gesture. "The future belongs to your generation, Lock. I have high hopes for you. Don't let me down."
"My resolve hasn't changed," Lock said simply.
"What a rare thing—to still hold onto that," Erwin murmured, a trace of admiration in his tone.
After they exchanged a few final words, Lock excused himself from the office.
Outside, the sun had begun to sink behind the rooftops. As Lock passed through the quiet streets near the Garrison barracks, laughter and familiar voices reached his ears.
Inside the Yeager home, Eren stood in the middle of the room holding three wooden sticks—two in his hands and one clamped awkwardly in his teeth—waving them around in mock battle. Armin looked embarrassed, while Mikasa observed with her usual calm, though a faint crease in her brow betrayed her disapproval.
Lock stepped inside. All three turned to him instantly.
"Lock, you're back!" Eren shouted, dropping the stick from his mouth and running forward.
Armin and Mikasa followed quickly, smiles lighting their faces.
"I'm back," Lock replied with a faint smile, resting a hand on Eren's head.
He couldn't help glancing at the scene he'd just interrupted. "Eren… what exactly were you doing just now?"
"Training," Eren said proudly.
Armin blushed, while Mikasa looked away, pretending not to be involved.
Lock sighed. "Two swords are enough. There's no need to bite one between your teeth."
Eren frowned. "But I saw you train like that back in Shiganshina once! I thought that's how you did it."
Lock froze, then noticed Armin's and Mikasa's awkward expressions. He quickly changed the subject.
"Are Carla and your mother home?"
"They went out, but Dad's here," Eren said.
Just then, Grisha Yeager stepped out from the living room, smiling warmly. "Lock, you're back. Perfect timing—I need to speak with you. Come with me. Eren, you and the others stay here."
"What? Dad, that's not fair!" Eren protested. "Lock just got back!"
Grisha chuckled. "You'll have plenty of time with him later."
Without waiting for more objections, he motioned for Lock to follow him out.
"See you later," Lock said over his shoulder before catching up.
The evening wind carried faint laughter from behind him—a brief moment of peace before the storm yet to come.
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