The journey back to base was far from peaceful. Titans appeared frequently along the route, but with the addition of the formidable Mike Zacharius, the danger was greatly reduced. His keen sense of smell and unmatched combat intuition allowed him to detect Titans long before they came into sight—an ability that left even Lock in quiet admiration.
Out of curiosity, Lock tried to mimic Mike's method, inhaling deeply as if he could sense something in the shifting wind. Though he managed to sharpen his perception slightly, the difference between them was vast. Eventually, he gave up, realizing that not every skill could be imitated. Instead, his mind turned toward strategy—the part of war he could control.
By the time their group reached the Trost District and rejoined other returning teams, the sun was already dipping low. Their next destination was the Survey Corps' temporary headquarters in the Elimiha District.
Inside the Commander's Office
"It's good that you made it back," Erwin Smith said, rising from behind his desk as Mike entered the room.
Just as Lock had predicted, Erwin's expression softened with relief the moment he saw Mike alive. The fall of the forward base had been a heavy blow, and though no one spoke of it openly, the guilt and loss hung in the air. Now, with Wall Maria still lost and the Corps in constant retreat, every surviving veteran was a lifeline.
The royal government's power had been shaken to its core. In this unstable period, the Survey Corps—bloodied but unbroken—had become humanity's last shield. And among them, Mike Zacharius, second only to Captain Levi, was an indispensable asset.
Feeling Erwin's sincerity, Mike's shoulders eased for the first time in days. He opened his mouth as if to say something long and thoughtful, but after a pause, he simply said, "Thank you."
Erwin gave a firm nod and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's embarrassing to say this right after your return, but there's no time to rest. The Corps is stretched thin, and your strength is needed."
Mike straightened, his expression solemn. "It's my duty. For humanity's freedom."
Erwin nodded, his gaze shifting toward Lock. "And you—thank you for your hard work."
Lock stepped forward and handed over a neatly folded mission report. "The information on the southern sector of Wall Maria and the Shiganshina District is all included. The situation is worse than we anticipated. Every day that passes makes recovery less likely."
Erwin unfolded the report but did not look down at it immediately. Instead, he gave Lock a brief nod, inviting him to continue.
"The number of Titans in Wall Maria grows with each passing day," Lock said calmly. "If the royal government truly intends to retake it, they must act this year. By next year, it might be too late."
He wasn't exaggerating. Since the days of King Karl Fritz, who withdrew humanity within the walls and erased their memories, the island had been a dumping ground for countless Pure Titans sent from beyond the sea. Nearly a century later, their numbers had become insurmountable. Even with the best equipment and training, humanity couldn't hope to eradicate them all.
The Military Police were ill-suited for combat; the Garrison struggled to maintain morale. Only the Survey Corps had the strength and will to fight beyond the walls. But even among them, casualties were endless.
Lock's strategy was clear: total extermination was not the goal. The true key was the Founding Titan. If the Reiss family could be persuaded—or forced—to use its power, the tide could shift. But the royal ideology was too deeply rooted in passivity and fear. Waiting any longer meant dooming humanity to extinction.
Erwin took a slow breath, his expression unreadable. "Given the current state of the government, launching an operation this year is impossible," he said, his voice steady despite the disappointment in his eyes. "For now, we'll consolidate our forces and prepare for the opportunity."
He placed the report aside and turned back toward Lock. "Did you encounter anything else out there?"
Lock nodded. "Yes. During our mission in Shiganshina, we came across another intelligent Titan. Due to her appearance, we're calling her the Female Titan for now. She didn't attack. Instead, she retreated toward Wall Maria. She likely intends to infiltrate Wall Rose."
Erwin's gaze sharpened. "The Female Titan… Including the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan, that makes three confirmed intelligent Titans. And possibly more."
The room grew silent. Even Mike's usual composure hardened into grim understanding. Erwin stepped toward the window, staring at the overcast sky.
"If Titans truly are transformed humans," he said quietly, "then they're already among us. Their infiltration isn't just possible—it's inevitable. The question is… what do they want?"
Lock met his gaze firmly. "We don't know yet. But there's something else—our most important discovery."
Erwin turned back. "Go on."
Lock's tone grew serious. "A girl. She's not an ordinary civilian. There's something about her… something we can't overlook. I suggest we secure her before anyone else does."
Erwin's eyes narrowed. "A girl, you say?" His mind was already racing ahead. "Understood. Prepare for immediate action. Every piece of information counts."
Mike gave a curt nod of agreement. The stakes were rising fast, and none of them needed reminding. Every decision now would ripple through humanity's future.
Outside, the wind howled faintly beyond the stone walls—a constant reminder of the world waiting to devour them. But within the Survey Corps, resolve was hardening once again. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it head-on.
Humanity's future would not be decided by fate—it would be seized by its own hands.
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