Hearing Chen Si's thunderous lightning display and his resolute declaration, the crowd was instantly stirred.
"…Brother…" Mikasa Ackerman gazed at Chen Si with deep emotion.
Chen Si noticed her , looked over, and smiled, giving her a slight nod.
"Humanity will prevail!" Many in the crowd shouted along, including Floch Forster.
"Humanity's victory is inevitable—but the question is, who is willing to take up this mantle? As long as the Survey Corps endures, humanity's hope will never be extinguished.
"Our objective is to reclaim Wall Maria. In one month, we will launch an expedition beyond the walls. Each expedition carries a casualty rate of around thirty percent.
"A soldier of the Survey Corps cannot rely on momentary passion alone—you must possess the resolve to face death. Ask yourselves: are you willing to give your lives for humanity?"
Chen Si watched as the fiery determination that had just ignited in many began to dim again.
He understood this approach. Joining the Survey Corps couldn't be an impulsive decision—otherwise, such people would only become burdens, the kind who would freeze in terror on the battlefield.
He had only stepped forward to make an appearance and build authority; he never intended for everyone to join. Those who left would join the other regiments—and later, they could still serve a purpose in the coming political upheaval. A single elite soldier was worth far more than a mass of ordinary ones.
"I've said my piece. Those who wish to join other regiments may dismiss," Erwin Smith said calmly.
The crowd retreated like a receding tide. Still, more people remained than expected.
Surprisingly, Floch stayed.
Chen Si glanced at him—his face twisted, sweat pouring down, teeth clenched. His legs felt as heavy as lead.
…Is following Chen Si really the right choice…?
Chen Si then looked at the others who remained, hesitating. Every face was filled with struggle.
"Ahhh!" Jean Kirstein and Floch suddenly roared at the same time, venting their fear and inner conflict.
"If you were ordered to die, would you obey?" Erwin asked coldly, his expression merciless.
"I don't want to die!" a soldier shouted.
"Is that so? Your expressions just now were quite good. Then those who remain… will become soldiers of the Survey Corps. This is the true salute."
"Dedicate your hearts!"
"Yes, sir!"
Those who stayed raised their hands in unison.
"The Survey Corps… this is seriously the worst," Jean muttered with a dark expression.
"So scary… I want to go back to my village…" Sasha Blouse said, teary-eyed.
"…Whatever… it doesn't matter anymore…" Connie Springer looked completely defeated.
"I want to fight alongside Chen Si…" Historia Reiss said, her pupils trembling before firming with resolve.
Hearing this, Mikasa frowned slightly and looked toward Historia.
"Everyone…" Armin Arlert was visibly moved.
"You are all brave soldiers. I respect you from the bottom of my heart," Erwin said sincerely, before turning and walking away.
"As expected of my friends," Chen Si laughed. "Come on, guys, cheer up! It's just killing a few Titans—look how scared you all are."
"Damn it!" Jean snapped.
"Chen Si, have you been secretly laughing at us this whole time?" Connie demanded angrily.
"Of course. Just look at you all—you were about to cry. Oh wait… someone actually is crying?" Chen Si glanced at Sasha.
He pulled out a sweet potato he had prepared earlier. A flicker of lightning passed through his palm—and in an instant, it was roasted.
"Ah, smells amazing. I wonder who wants to eat it~?" he teased, licking his lips.
In a flash, a blur shot forward—Sasha snatched the sweet potato and stuffed it into her mouth.
"Ah—so good!" she said, utterly blissful.
Historia suddenly threw herself into Chen Si's arms. He quickly caught her, gently patting her back.
"Well, well—haven't seen you for a few days. Missed me that much?" he teased.
"I did!" Historia said, her eyes glistening with tears.
"I missed you too." Unable to hold back after so long apart, Chen Si leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
Historia blushed deeply.
"Historia and Chen Si… they're together?" Mina said in shock.
Upon hearing this, Mikasa's entire body trembled. She clenched her fists tightly, her face darkening so much her features were almost unreadable.
"M-Mikasa… what's wrong…?" Armin asked, alarmed.
…Crap. I forgot Mikasa was here.
Chen Si's heart jolted—well, no use backing out now.
"Mikasa!" he said, opening his arms with a smile.
Mikasa instantly shot forward like a blur even faster than before. The force of her movement even blew Armin's bangs upward.
Caught off guard by her speed, Chen Si staggered slightly as she crashed into him.
"…Brother… you idiot!" Mikasa said, burying her face into his shoulder.
"Mikasa, don't worry. No one can ever replace your place in my heart," Chen Si said softly, stroking her back.
Mikasa's face flushed slightly.
Jean stood there with his mouth wide open, completely stunned at Chen Si holding one woman in each arm.
Reiner Braun also stared blankly at Historia in Chen Si's embrace, his mouth slightly open.
That night, the world gained two more broken hearts.