Chapter 4

Opening the door to headquarters, I spot Shadis and his shiny bald head, and walk over to him.

"What took you so long, huh?!"

"Busy." I role my eyes at the old man and cross my arms.

"Jesus, you're such a kid." Shadis stopped talking and gulped a large sip of water down and took a deep breath before resuming. "Seeing you all grown up and finally being a member of the Survey Corps, I couldn't be more prouder of you. I guess my job of being your guardian is officially over now." Lifting his gaze from the floor he looked into my eyes and then patted my head. I could see that Shadis was starting to get a little teary, but was fighting desperately to not let his emotions take over. I grab both his hands firmly and smile warmly at him. "You will always be my dad." Suddenly, Shadis lifted me up into the air without a care of what the surrounding commanders thought, and embraced me.

"You know that I'm not one to get emotional but eh...I wanted to say t-thankyou for being the light to my darkness. You gave me the strength to stand back onto my two feet, and to once again be the man that gave hope to others." For the first time, Shadis smiled at me. It was a smile of happiness that he and others had not seen for a long time. "And when you're out there kicking those titans ass, remember that I'm proud of you, and most of all, I believe in you. Always." I wipe a tear that slowly rolled down Shadis's face, and he immediately pulled himself upright, wiped the tears away, and returned back to his usual self. "Argh, enough of this emotional bullcrap! You, back to preparing for your expedition, no time to be messin' round!"

"Yes, sir yes!" I hug Shadis and then proceed to the exit where I turn around and give him a salute. Thank you for teaching me everything you did. I'll make it back safely. I promise.

Sitting stably on my horse, I double check that I had all my required equipment for the expedition, and then go through the long-distance enemy scouting formation in my head for the millionth time.

"Oi. Stop overthinking."

I lift my gaze up to the right and see Levi staring intently at me. How did Levi know what I was thinking?! "Sorry Captain Levi. I'm just nervo-."

"Stupid brat. Remember, this time, you're not alone anymore."

I stared at Levi for a couple seconds before I responded with a confused "Huh?"

"Figure it out yourself."

Before I could question Levi any further, I was interrupted.

"In mere moments, mankind will advance again! Show us what you're made of!" A squad leader yelled. At once, I along with all my fellow comrades raised our blades into the air, followed with a roar of agreement. With 30 seconds before the gates would open, I turn around to see Armin, Reiner, and Jean in their formation group towards the rear. Jean was teasing Armin who was shaking with absolute terror, whilst Reiner was sitting on his horse and staring angrily at his hands. Why is he acting so weirdly today?

"OPEN THE GATES!" Erwin yelled.

The arched concrete brick gate rolled upwards, and all that filled my eyes was how bright and beautiful the unknown area we called 'beyond the walls' was. For so many years, we humans had confined ourselves within these walls away from the beauty beyond.

"WE NOW BEING THE 57TH EXPEDITION. ADVANCE!" Erwin's voice thundered so loudly that I was confident that even the citizens within Wall Sheena would have heard. Immediately, the sound of a hundred hooves filled the air, and the Survey Corps members flew out on their horses into the open to begin the 57th expedition to plot a course from Karanes District to Shinganshima District.

The sun's ray that were usually shielded from the high walls almost blinded me, but felt so warm on my skin. Immediately, I had a feeling that today was going to be a successful expedition. No titans are going to get in our way. I'll slaughter them all, I swear.