"Ymir's matter will not be reported. I've already explained this to Levi and the others. Because it's serious, only a few of us know for now. You understand what needs to be done." Erwin's sharp eyes locked onto Lock. "The main issue now is how to draw out those who have infiltrated the Walls from Marley…"
Lock nodded. "We can't be sure if they've entered the city yet. Even though Ymir described their appearance and formation, we're still passive. But if we can replicate their likeness, the problem is solved."
Erwin fell silent—not because Lock was wrong, but because he had been too precise. Everything Erwin had in mind had been laid out before he could say it. With no choice but to acknowledge it, he replied seriously:
"I thought the same. I'll trouble you then. Please draw their likenesses based on Ymir's description. They don't need to be exact—fifty or sixty percent similarity will do."
Lock's eyes sharpened. "So the commander intends…"
"Exactly. I'll issue a nationwide wanted notice for these people."
"Lure the snake out of its hole…" Lock murmured, then nodded. "I'll begin right away."
"Thank you for your hard work," Erwin said.
"This is what I should do."
Lock left the office. He agreed with Erwin's plan. Even though he already knew much about the Marleyan team and had shifted from passive to active, their very presence remained a huge hidden danger. If they did not surface, the fragile regime inside the Walls could be thrown into chaos at any time.
The initiative had to be seized.
As for Ymir, the fewer who knew her truth, the better. That meant Lock could not seek out a painter. He had to do it himself.
Erwin's reassurance almost made him laugh. Five or six points of similarity? If he wanted, he could sketch Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie with near-perfect accuracy. The problem was not ability but restraint.
And so, in the days that followed, Lock poured himself into the work. His progress shocked Ymir and Petra—he worked without rest, without food, almost possessed. Within five days, he completed portraits of Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie. His level could have reached ninety percent similarity, but he intentionally restrained himself, settling for sixty to seventy.
One could not reveal everything too quickly. A measure of concealment was always wise.
Even so, his skill stunned all who saw it. After three more days of preparation, and with the cooperation of printing houses and newspapers, the wanted notices were spread across the Walls.
In every district, from bustling cities to quiet villages, the faces of the three appeared under the Corps' seal.
The bait had been set.
Now came the question—would the prey bite?
The Survey Corps had gathered nearly a thousand soldiers in the Elumiha District, keeping only minimal detachments for garrison and stability. All others remained on alert. The atmosphere was tense, thick with anticipation.
Most soldiers did not know the reason, but they could sense it in the air. Something was coming.
For several days, nothing happened. The streets remained calm, life continued, and some began to think the notices had failed.
But Lock knew better. Reiner and the others could not ignore them. The moment they saw the sketches, even imperfect, their minds would leap to Ymir. Suspicion, fear, and urgency would follow.
And when that happened, they would be forced to act.
If the resemblance increased in future postings, their ability to hide would collapse entirely. They could not risk it. They had already seen the Survey Corps' strength firsthand. A reckless assault on the Walls would bring only disaster.
Without Marley's aid—aid they could not summon—their only option was to move in secret.
A choice had to be made.
Far to the north, in the Stoheis District of Wall Rose, three cloaked figures waited in line for relief bread. After receiving their rations, they turned toward an alley. As their eyes fell upon the notices pasted on the wall, their bodies stiffened.
Their hearts pounded.
Around them, civilians murmured with excitement:
"The Survey Corps is generous this time. Capture these three, and not only will you earn a fortune, you'll win the right to live in the interior!"
"Tempting, isn't it?"
"Talk is cheap. If you're serious, go find them!"
"Forget it. Luck decides these things. If I run into them, I'll act. I'm sick of living like this anyway."
"Same here. If the Walls fall again, we're finished. Better to live near the king, safe behind stone."
"Pity no one knows where they are. Who could find them?"
"Who knows. Maybe fate will decide."
The chatter buzzed on. The three cloaked figures lowered their heads and quickened their steps, disappearing into the shadows of the alley. Though the townsfolk noticed, no one thought much of it—already too absorbed in dreams of bounties and freedom.
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