The Survey Corps headquarters had officially moved into the capital.
The shift immediately stirred discussion among the citizens, but unlike years past — when mention of the Survey Corps invited scorn — this time the reactions were hopeful, relieved even.
The people had seen Titans breach the Walls.
They had seen the military police fail.
And they had seen the Survey Corps save them.
"We should've brought them here ages ago!"
"Now the Titans won't dare attack!"
"With the Survey Corps in the capital, maybe we'll actually survive the next emergency…"
Some chatted excitedly in the marketplaces.
"Did you read the newspaper today?"
"About the outside world?"
"Yes! They say there are wagons that move without horses, and ships that sail hundreds of people across oceans!"
"Impossible. That's just some writer's fantasy novel—"
"I'm not so sure. The government relaxed old restrictions. They're even encouraging invention now. Anyone who creates something useful can get a government job — and a reward!"
"…Really? The royal government announced it?"
"Yes!"
"Well… if that's true, I should look through my grandfather's notes. Maybe something there could help me…some wagons move now — freer, more open.
Not entirely safe, of course. Opportunists existed everywhere. But Lock didn't have the luxury to micromanage every corner of society. Time and practice would test which reforms worked and which needed fixing.
Survey Corps Headquarters — Entrance
Lock stood beside Levi, who watched the open courtyard with a tight expression.
"Thank you for your hard work," Lock said.
Levi didn't react at first. Then he glanced sideways.
"I hope your judgment is correct."
"The timing lines up," Lock replied calmly. "Marley should move soon."
Truthfully, he wasn't certain — but it was enough to push Levi toward Shiganshina. Once Levi arrived, the rest would fall into place.
Levi adjusted his cloak.
"If they come, I'll hold Shiganshina until your reinforcements arrive."
"I trust you." Lock's voice sharpened with sincerity. "But if it becomes impossible, prioritize survival. Bring back as many soldiers as you can. This won't be a short conflict with Marley. It'll be a war of attrition. We can't throw our lives away for a single district."
Levi nodded.
"I know."
He was quiet for a moment, staring at Lock intensely — as if searching for the reckless boy who once challenged him to spar with wide, determined eyes.
That boy no longer existed.
In his place stood the de facto leader of Paradis Island — not by title, but by the invisible weight he carried.
"...I'm leaving," Levi said softly.
He mounted his horse. The hundred soldiers selected for this mission gathered behind him — disciplined, battle-ready, a far cry from the soldiers the Walls once produced.
Lock stepped back, drawing in a breath.
"Come back alive."
Levi didn't look back.
"I will."
But inside, he whispered:
Don't disappoint me, kid.
The formation galloped out of the gate. Dust rose. The shadows stretched.
Lock watched until Levi and his squad vanished from sight.
Footsteps approached behind him.
"Lock — Kenny's been waiting in your office for a while now," Petra said, slightly breathless from rushing over.
Lock exhaled, rubbing his forehead.
"Thank you. It's been hard on you."
Petra folded her arms, annoyed.
"Not just me. Ymir and even Historia have been drowning in paperwork. You should thank them too — after all this chaos is over."
It was true. Lock was, essentially, the biggest "hands-off" commander the Corps had ever seen. After establishing direction, he dumped nearly everything else onto Petra, Ymir, and Historia.
They barely had time to eat.
If Oluo, Gunther, and Eld hadn't recently returned to assist with logistics, those three women might have collapsed.
But instead of giving them a break…
Lock had immediately sent Oluo and the others to join Levi in Shiganshina.
Petra had not forgiven him for that.
Lock grinned and lightly flicked her nose.
"I'll talk to them. Don't be angry. Come — let's see Kenny. I need to hear what he's thinking."
Petra's cheeks flushed instantly.
I'm not angry…"
But she followed him, step for step.
Lock didn't notice her expression. His mind was already shifting toward the next challenge.
Kenny doesn't wait idly. If he's come alone to headquarters… he wants something.
He pushed the thought aside as they reached the office door.
"Commander," the guard saluted.
Lock nodded and entered.
Inside the Office
Kenny Ackerman stood with his back to them, gazing out the wide floor-to-ceiling window. From here, one could see the entire courtyard — including the exact path Levi had taken moments ago.
Kenny didn't turn as Lock stepped in.
But Lock could tell from the tension in his shoulders:
He had been watching the entire farewell.
Whatever Kenny wanted — whatever he had come to discuss — had everything to do with Levi.
And everything to do with what was coming next.
Lock closed the door behind him.
"Kenny," he said.
"I'm here."
Kenny exhaled slowly, finally turning around, a small, unreadable smile on his lips.
"Well, kid…"
He tilted his hat.
"…looks like things are getting interesting."
The room fell into a taut silence.
The calm before the storm.
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