Next chapter is here, folks! Apologies again for the delay, but I'm afraid updates will continue to be slow. I have a lot of things to deal with IRL at the moment, so I hope you guys can understand. In any case, this chapter was beta-read again by my good friend ARCEUS-master. He'll be my beta-reader for the remainder of the story as well. Muchos gracias, mi amigo; lo aprecio! :3
Enjoy the chapter!
~Shiranai Atsune: Yey! A new update! (...) I can't wait to read more!
Thanks for the kind words. :)
~Guest: Syrup-Waffle: I am inevitable.
You could not live without another chapter. Where did that bring you? Back to me. ;)
~Guest: Well worth the wait and a very satisfying conclusion to this arc. Great story.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D
~Guest: I can't wait to see Zeke reaction when he comes to paradise island. (...)
It's going to have a twist for sure. You'll find out at the end of this arc.
''Titans!'' Speech
''Titans!'' Thoughts
Just outside of Trost District, on a gloomy afternoon, a brown-haired teenager was silently grumbling to himself. He couldn't be any older than fourteen years old. His posture was somewhat lanky as he carried back home the wood that he'd just gathered. Sweat was pouring copiously down his back and forehead while his sore muscles were screaming out at him to rest for a bit. Letting out a deep sigh, he complied. He let the wood slid off from his back—which he had neatly tied together with some rope—and buried his axe into the ground next to him.
Sitting back against a tree just outside of wall Rose, he looked up at the sky. The dark grey clouds that had forebodingly gathered together only meant it was going to rain soon. ''There's no way the wood won't get wet now,'' he thought sourly. He knew he couldn't do anything about it, but it was still annoying. His mother needed the wood to turn on the stove to be able to cook, as well as ignite the fireplace that would provide a lot of warmth for the night. When the wood was wet, that was going to be almost impossible to accomplish. After all, at this time of the year, the winds were unforgiving, especially when your home wasn't isolated properly.
Ever since Frieda and Historia Reiss took over two years ago, a lot of things had changed. For one, the military had been completely reformed so most forms of corruption had completely wilted away. Another major change was the fact every adult male could vote now. The newly formed parliament was made up of different parties as opposed to only the royalty. These parties represented the people of Paradis and made sure Frieda's and Historia's power weren't absolute.
This new form of governance resulted in a lot of transparency, economic welfare and technological advancements. Still, even if a lot of people were reaping the fruits of these changes, the distinct gap between the rich and the poor continued to exist. Unfortunately for Jean Kirstein, he belonged in the latter category.
A scowl formed on his features when he felt the first cool raindrops of the day hit his face. The wind picked up in speed and soon, a rich downpour was wetting the earth below. ''I'll have to move again soon, or else I'll catch a cold,'' he thought to himself. Just as he stood up and gathered his belongings, he heard a small group of horses galloping in the distance, approaching him relatively quickly.
Looking up, Jean noticed they were military, but he couldn't quite make out if they were from the Survey Corps or the Garrison. ''They're probably from the Garrison, but what are they even doing all the way out here?'' he wondered idly. Not thinking about it any further, he patiently waited for the group to pass him so he could continue on his journey back home.
However, instead of speeding up, the small military squad started to slow down. From this distance, Jean could see their green capes billow with the wind in an awe-inspiring manner. Thousands of raindrops bounced off of their equipment while the horses neighed because of how treacherous and muddy the road had become. Jean perked a brow as he realized they were actually from the Survey Corps. He'd always admired their bravery, but found their goal incredibly pointless and wasteful. He couldn't fathom how they'd ever win against these giant, man-eating monsters and gain any ground for humanity.
However, things had changed. New weapons had been invented in a very short period of time to deal with the titans outside the walls. If Jean had to believe the newspapers, Paradis would be proclaimed titan-free in about a year. Shaking his head to get rid of these thoughts, he brought his full attention towards the captain of the group, who'd cloaked his face rather brilliantly.
He assumed they were slowing down because of the weather, or if they did completely stop, simply to ask him for directions because he was a local. So, when they actually did, he bowed respectfully and waited for them to speak up first.
''Oi,'' the captain said in a deep and imposing tone, not revealing his face yet, ''you wouldn't happen to be from Trost District, would you?''
Jean was quick to respond, though he did notice he found the captain's voice funny, as if he was a lot younger than he acted. ''I am, sir,'' he revealed.
''That's good.'' The captain nodded in approval. ''You're Jean Kirstein, right?''
As if the howling of the wind and their imposing appearances weren't making these warriors intimidating enough already, then surely the fact that this captain knew his name brought a whole new layer of fear inside Jean's body. A visible shiver traveled through his spine as he nodded his head up and down, too frightened to speak up or ask how he'd possibly know that.
The faintest of grins edged on the captain's face as he dismounted his trusty steed, his boots splashing muddy water everywhere as he landed on the soggy ground. Now that Jean looked at him, he was actually taller in comparison. The captain brought his hands to his hoodie and slowly pulled it back, revealing a face every inhabitant of Paradis knew by heart.
''N-no way!'' Jean stuttered. ''You're Eren Yeager!''
Eren smiled as he nodded his head. ''I am. I've been waiting for this day for a long time now, Jean. I need you back at my side, so I have an offer for you that you can't refuse.''
Utter confusion ran through Jean's head; not only because Eren was talking to him like they'd known each other for years, but also because Eren Yeager of all people approached him. ''I don't understand,'' he babbled quickly. ''I'm just a simple peasant. How can I be of any importance to you?''
A knowing glint appeared in Eren's eyes; something he was notorious for. ''You will see in due time. For now, I need to know, are you interested in serving her majesties and the Survey Corps under the leadership of Levi Ackerman, Hange Zoë and Erwin Smith?'' he asked in an unwavering tone.
If there's something that Jean had always wanted, then it was to escape his mundane live and see more of the world. Especially if he could mean something for humanity in the long run and make a name for himself. ''Yes, I am, Mr. Yeager, sir!''
The amount of respect he gave him made Eren chuckle for some reason. Jean just dismissed it as his eagerness to serve and didn't make any comment on it. Instead, he took Eren's outstretched hand and shook it vigorously. ''It's settled then. The training will be rigorous, but I've got a feeling you'll pass it without a hitch. Call it a gut feeling,'' Eren said mysteriously, his kind smile never wavering.
He patted his horse before mounting it again, giving Jean a salute that was usually reserved for high ranking officers, before he continued to be on his way.
Jean watched them go with a stunned expression on his face, not believing that he just got enrolled in the army, and in the Survey Corps no less, one of the most prestigious jobs he could get. Still, there was only thing on Jean's mind as he looked at the Survey Corps disappearing over the rainy horizon. ''Did he… did he just wink at me when he was patting his horse!?''
The downpour from earlier had dwindled down into a light drizzle. It was the kind that gave a wonderful smell of freshness to nature that the brown-haired girl liked so much. She was currently hiding in some tall bushes, her hair tied into a neat ponytail while her bow and arrow were cocked. ''Steady… steady…'' she told herself, easing her breathing and closing one eye to aim properly.
The current weather conditions were perfect for a good round of hunting. The rain ensured her scent was perfectly masked even if the wind was at her back, meaning the unfortunate doe further up ahead couldn't possibly smell her. It also gave her an extreme boost in her accuracy; whatever happened, her family was going to eat well tonight.
The girl held her breath for a few seconds and then released the string on her bow, firing off the arrow with lethal intent. It zipped through the air, the wind further boosting its velocity until it reached its target. The doe had no time to react before the arrow pierced her side. A feral screech rang through the air as the doe began to bleed. In a wild panic, she sprinted off, leaving an obvious crimson trail behind as she disappeared into some nearby foliage.
Sasha Blouse smiled brightly at her shot. ''Direct hit! You still got it in you, girl,'' she praised herself as she hung her bow on her back. Standing up to her full height, she walked to the spot where she hit the doe. From the amount of blood that she was losing, it was obvious to Sasha the doe wasn't going to hold out for long.
She followed the trail silently for about a minute until she found the doe's final resting place. She had bled out rather quickly, and from the clean shot, Sasha deduced the arrow she had used hadn't gone to waste. ''Perfect, now let's get you all ready,'' she thought while grabbing her pocket knife and holding it between her teeth. She needed to prepare this doe first before she could take it with her back home, otherwise it would be way too heavy.
Like a skilled butcher, she began to cut open the doe, starting from her throat all the way to her underside. She was careful and worked meticulously to remove the doe's internal organs without cutting too deeply into it, otherwise most of the meat would get infected with stomach fluids or other substances that would make it inedible.
While she was working so intensely on her kill, she noticed someone else had joined her from afar. Her sharp ears had picked up on the sound of footsteps almost immediately. She hummed as she closed her eyes, not stopping what she was doing as she spoke up. ''If you don't want an arrow between your eyes, I suggest you either reveal who you are, or leave back the way you came from,'' she threatened, with the steadfast tone in her voice making it perfectly clear she wasn't joking.
Her distinct, southern drawl echoed throughout the woods with authority unexpectedly coming from a fourteen-year-old girl, but Sasha Blouse was well experienced with people who came from outside of her village to hunt game around these parts. Especially if said game was already shot and ready for the taking.
''I'm an ally,'' the voice revealed, sounding slightly surprised. Sasha assumed because she'd found him out so quickly. That, or he was surprised she didn't show any fear whatsoever. Either way, from his voice she could deduce he was a teenager around her age. It was why she didn't raise her guard and idly continued cleaning her doe.
''You're not from Dauper, are you?'' she said in a somewhat accusatory tone, clearly knowing the answer already, but just looking for confirmation.
''I am not,'' the voice replied neutrally.
''Then I'm not interested in whatever it is you are after. Leave,'' Sasha commanded bluntly. Frankly, she was tired of people coming from all over the place and hunting the game that was supposed to be for her village. Dauper had always been a self-sustaining town where everybody knew each other. She was never really fond of outsiders who—in her mind—tried to throw dirt on its name.
''What if I'm actually after furthering Paradis' future and, by extension, Dauper's future in turn?'' the voice questioned smoothly.
For the first time, Sasha halted. She closed her eyes while cleaning her knife and pocketing it again so she could turn around. ''Who are you?'' she asked in the general direction of the voice. She'd be lying if it didn't interest her a bit. Ever since the coupe d'état two years ago, Dauper had benefited a lot from the changes it had brought along with it. She couldn't really deny the fact of the added prosperity she'd been experiencing along with her family.
Everything stayed silent for a while, until the voice revealed himself by stepping forward and into her line of sight. Sasha's jaw dropped the moment she recognized him. Her heart sped up, her breathing quickened and she clasped her cheeks with her hands, her hunter instincts completely melting away as she was face to face with the young man who started the coup himself. ''This isn't happening!'' she squeaked, giggling madly before regaining herself a bit. ''Eren Yeager!''
Eren had to control his laughter as he nodded his head. Sasha felt a little lightheaded and had the huge urge to run up and to give him a hug. Miraculously, she did not, and opted just to hop up and down in place. ''You're like my biggest idol!'' she said happily. ''I can't believe I'd ever meet you!''
She wanted to say more, but then realized how she reacted to him before and felt immediate embarrassment overtake her. She bowed down quickly, her cheeks reddening noticeably in the process as she apologized to him profusely. ''Please forgive me for earlier, that whole putting an arrow through your forehead and the rudeness. I seriously had no idea I was talking to you.''
Eren waved it off. ''It's quite all right. The reason why I'm here is because of you anyway, Sasha Blouse.''
This revelation had the hot blush on her cheeks intensify considerably, this time for a completely different reason, never mind the fact he knew her name. ''M-me?'' she reiterated cutely with a soft stutter.
''Yes,'' Eren responded honestly. ''I need you on my team at the Survey Corps. Your sharp wit and excellent sharpshooter skills will be very beneficial to me.''
Sasha was ecstatic. She couldn't believe Eren Yeager wanted her on his personal team. Even though she noticed he wasn't telling her everything, there was no doubt in her mind that he had good intentions. ''I'd love to join your team at the Survey Corps!'' she responded resolutely. ''So long as there's good food!''
Eren's mirth rang through the cold air at her response, his laughter contagious as Sasha giggled with him in tandem. After a while, it died down into controlled chuckles, a bittersweet smile coming on his face. With a fond and almost apologetic look in his eyes, he whispered, ''I've missed you so much…'' more to himself than to her. Sasha still heard him, though, but didn't comment on it. Eren almost sounded nostalgic, like he was going to burst into tears at any moment. But as soon as it came, it was gone again. ''Perfect!'' he said quickly afterwards, perfectly hiding his earlier sentiments. ''Then it's settled. Now then.'' He nudged her gently and pointed at her doe.
''Shall I help you finish cleaning that?''
Evening had fallen on Paradis island, which made the temperature drop even further. Most people had found the warmth of their homes and had their fireplaces lit by now. A young teenager with brown, shaved hair was humming a happy tune to himself, idly doing the dishes for his sick mother. His younger brother was practicing his reading and writing with his father in the basement below, while his little sister was currently clawing at his legs like a bored feline.
''Big bro,'' she whined in a puppy voice, ''are we going to play soon?''
He laughed at her impatience. She'd been repeatedly asking him that for the last five minutes. ''Sunny,'' he responded playfully, giving her a gentle pat on her head, ''I'm almost done with these chores. Afterwards, we can play all evening if you want.''
''But that still takes too long!'' She pouted and crossed her arms cutely. The little she-devil knew her brother had a soft spot for her adorable behaviour. ''You can finish them later!'' she suggested quickly, like she'd found a big revelation, tugging at one of his arms.
He muttered something under his breath along the lines of why he was so weak, before giving in reluctantly. His father would probably kill him for not finishing the chores he'd given him, but he couldn't possibly deny his sister. ''All right then, Sunny.'' He sighed dramatically and pretended to be annoyed with her, which only elicited joyful giggles as she dragged him out of the kitchen and into the living room.
When he saw the old, worn, wooden toys her sister had already neatly placed on the ground, Connie Springer knew already what time it was. ''Oh no!'' he wailed out theatrically, ''anything but this, Sunny, please!''
Sunny burst out in a fit of giggles again, knowing fully well her big brother was joking. She ushered for him to sit down between the toys, while she sat opposite of him with much excitement in her twinkling, brown eyes. She grabbed the toy that resembled an equine somewhat and started to make galloping sounds, moving it closer to Connie by making it jump up and down.
Connie instinctively grabbed the knight that he knew was supposed to be the bad guy before sliding it in front of Sunny's equine toy, blocking her path. ''Stop! Fiend!'' he bellowed exaggeratedly, moving the knight a little as if the toy was speaking. ''Who dares to cross me, the Black Brute?''
Sunny tried to contain her giggles as she responded in an elegant tone. ''It's me, the queen of the Greenlands. I was just going home for my daily tea!'' Her voice cracked cutely as she tried to pitch it in a higher tone than what it already was.
''Hah!'' Connie thundered back, making Sunny shriek in joy, ''a talking horse can't be the queen of the Greenlands! I ought to slay you for assuming that I am a fool! But I still need a trusty steed to carry my tired legs through these lands, so it works out!''
''Noooo!'' Sunny cried out joyfully when her brother launched himself on her and started to tickle her sides, her shrieks of laughter echoing through the home. ''Yes, you will do nicely, your tickle muscles still work!'' Connie continued on in his deep, villainous voice, laughing alongside her.
The duo was interrupted by a gentle knocking on the door. Normally, this wouldn't raise any alarm, since Ragako village was very small. It could've easily been one of the neighbours asking for something. However, the cackling sound emitted by the burning of multiple torches made Connie react very cautiously. ''Sunny, stay here,'' he whispered to her seriously.
The knocking came again in that same, gentle tone. Connie decided to test the waters. ''Who's there?'' he asked. A pause, before a young, masculine voice responded, not unkindly.
''Survey Corps. No need to be afraid. I'm looking for Connie Springer. Do you know where I can find him, perhaps?'' The voice suggested he had no idea he was speaking to Connie Springer right now, but Connie saw through that easily. Something in that voice was relieved and excited the moment he'd heard him speak. Cleverly so, Connie played it dumb.
''There's no Connie Springer living here. I believe you've got the wrong home,'' he replied very convincingly. He gave a sideways glance to his little sister, who had hidden herself partly behind a table, her head peeking out of her hiding spot occasionally to look if Connie was still doing all right.
There was a larger pause from outside, before the voice responded very kindly. ''Does it help if I told you that I'm Eren Yeager, Connie?'' The fact that whoever was at the other side of the door didn't bother hiding anymore that he knew he was at the right location made Connie's muscles tense up a little bit, never mind that he claimed to be none other than Eren Yeager himself.
''If you really are Eren Yeager, what business do you have that you're in Ragako village at this hour?'' he asked, not convinced yet whatsoever.
''I'm putting together the old team,'' the voice replied honestly, ''and that means it was inevitable I was going to end up at your door someday. I need you, Connie.''
A weird sense of déjà vu seemed to hit Connie. The voice was talking complete nonsense, yet for some reason, it seemed awkwardly credible. ''What are you talking about?'' he replied anyway, his voice getting shaky.
''I think you know what I'm talking about. The others have felt it too, whether consciously or unconsciously. It's no coincidence I've been able to recruit everybody so far. I need you on my team in the Survey Corps to prepare for the freeing of the Eldians outside of Paradis Island.''
It was a completely ludicrous prospect in Connie's mind, but for some reason, he still opened the door to see Eren Yeager standing in front of him, complete in his Survey Corps attire. He wanted to react shocked, but instead, he steeled himself and gave Eren a solid nod. ''I'm in,'' he said resolutely.
''I'm glad,'' Eren responded with a warm smile. ''I assume your family is doing well?'' he looked past Connie to see Sunny staring at him with big, interested eyes, still hiding but not really putting much effort into it anymore.
''Mom's been sick, but she's steadily recovering,'' Connie replied, like he was talking to a long-time friend. Which, unbeknownst to him, he actually was. It felt so natural that it was almost nauseating. Eren seemed satisfied, his warm breaths making little clouds of air appear against the cold wind.
''Tell her I said hi.'' With that, Eren turned around with his torch in hand to illuminate his path back through Ragako village, while his small group of Survey Corps members followed his lead. ''Oh, and Connie?'' Eren yelled back.
''Yes, Eren?'' Connie replied automatically.
''Take good care of her. It's great to see you again.''
He watched them silently mount their horses until they drove off in the cold night. Only when Connie closed the door again, he realized how odd that experience just was. ''Still,'' he mused as he gave his little sister a warm hug. ''I don't think anything would've changed the outcome.''
That night, Connie dreamed of people he'd never seen before, yet were so familiar to him at the same time that he could swear he had spent a lifetime with them. Frankly, he hadn't slept so well in ages.
As a handpicked second in command by Eren Yeager himself, Hange Zoë was more than ecstatic to learn everything about the titans and the powers that surrounded them. Like she had expected, Eren hadn't disappointed her even in the slightest. For two years, not only had he taught her everything he knew about these man-eating monsters, but he also used her great intellect to their advantage in designing new weapons.
She'd upgraded the vertical maneuvering equipment so it was more durable and reliable, invented the Thunder Spears—like she would in the future, just sooner—and made prototypes of rapid-fire guns with the help of Grisha, Annie, Reiner and Bertolt. Paradis Island was going through an accelerated and forced industrial revolution to make up for the technology disadvantage they have over all the surrounding nations.
Hange knew the reason why Eren wanted to move so quickly; Marley was at war right now with the other nations. They could ill afford to defend themselves if they got attacked by Paradis as well. The incredible amount of valuable resources on the island meant that they had a unique trading position with the other nations as potential allies. The only tricky part was preparing everything and making sure the Eldians in Marley weren't going to pay the price because of it.
That's why Hange was waiting for Eren at the moment in one of the meeting rooms of the Military Police Brigade, deep inside Wall Sina.
Next to her, a young man with bowl-cut blonde hair was nervously squirming in place, slowly fiddling his index fingers. He couldn't be older than Eren, and a bead of sweat rolled down his cheek as he eyed Hange from the corner of his eyes. She gave him a kind smile. ''Why are you so nervous, Armin? It's not like we're meeting with Levi or anything… or worse, could be with Erwin!'' Hange spoke a little loudly. ''It's just Eren!''
Armin released the breath he was holding. ''It's not that, but the assignment Eren has for us. He's so… different than from before. Even after two years I'm still not quite used to it,'' he admitted with an awkward laugh. ''His boisterousness knew no bounds and his fuse was short. He lost all of that completely.''
Hange understood where Armin was coming from. ''You're afraid the trust he has in you is misplaced.''
Armin nodded his head solemnly. ''I'm just fourteen. What if I'm not cut out for the task? I have no military experience, nor am I a titan shifter. What justifiable reason does Eren have to take me aboard this mission and help him further Paradis' goals other than that I'm his childhood friend?''
For a moment, everything stayed silent, until Hange started to laugh rambunctiously. Armin flinched at her sudden outburst of mirth while she slapped her knee like she'd heard the funniest joke.
''Eh?'' Armin squeaked in an effeminate voice, not comprehending what was going on.
''Oh, Armin, you're very funny!'' Hange bellowed and gave Armin a pat on the back rather roughly, causing the young teen to squeak haplessly. He would've lied if he said it didn't sting for a moment. ''Eren is the most calculated person I have ever met. Do you think he shared his entire story with you without a reason?''
''N-no, I mean…'' Armin stuttered before he was cut off.
''Of course Eren has a good reason to give you this important task!'' Hange now scolded him, making him shrink in his seat. ''Don't doubt yourself! You're a very clever boy.''
''I—thank you?'' he replied. Honestly, he couldn't get height of the woman next to him whatsoever. One thing was for sure, though. Hange always had his best interest at heart when it came to his mental well-being, and he could appreciate that a lot. She was one of the most trustworthy people he knew.
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when the door to the meeting room was opened and no one other than Eren Yeager stepped inside. He gave both Hange and Armin an official salute before sitting down. ''I'm sorry for being so late. This week was kind of hectic for me. There was a rumor of a breach in wall Maria, so I had to check up on it and make sure there weren't any titans roaming around. I also had to prepare for this meeting, because it's a very important one,'' he explained.
Hange kept her more overzealous behaviour in check after seeing Eren start the conversation off so seriously and instead opted for her more military and professional one. ''I assume all the preparations are met then?''
Erren nodded his head. ''I've started to recruit my elite team of warriors which will be trained under Levi's command alongside Oluo, Eld and Petra. It'll be a grueling two years of preparation to make them battle ready.''
''So, where do we come in, then?'' Armin questioned curiously.
A smile crossed on Eren's face; he didn't have to be a genius to figure out how uncertain his best friend was. ''Well, my trainees don't only need physical training, but educational and tactical training as well. As the lead scientist of this island, Hange will teach them all about technology and using the latest weapons in combat efficiently, while you, Armin, will teach them about battle formations, strategies and the titan's weak points.''
Immediately, Armin turned as white as snow and balked. ''M-me!?'' he stuttered. ''What can I possibly teach them what you couldn't? I have no experience!''
''You are right,'' Eren admitted, ''that's why you'll be training alongside the team as well. If you don't have experience, then you'll gain it.''
If the situation was less formal, Hange would've snorted at the appalled face Armin was making. He looked ready to faint then and there. As it stood, she actually pitied him a lot. Eren really put him in the spotlights, and it seemed Armin was far from ready for it.
''However,'' Eren continued, ''I know how imposing of an important task this is. That's why you'll be doing an internship under the direct tutelage of Erwin Smith for the first six months. Afterwards, he'll be shifting more in the shadows and let you do the work instead. He'll help you every step of the way.''
This seemed to calm down Armin significantly. He actually gave a half-hearted smile at how cleverly Eren had set this entire thing up. After a short silence, he nodded his head. ''I think I can do that.''
''Great, I have no doubt in my mind you will succeed, Armin!'' He turned his attention back to Hange. ''Will it be clear what you have to do as well? Obviously, field training is something I'd like you to be part of too.''
''No problem, Eren! Then I can finally show off all my inventions and start to use them for real!'' Hange said excitedly.
''Good,'' Eren responded, ''that's one reason I requested to see you two. The other reason is the third part of the training I have in mind for our brand-new trainees.'' The way how he emphasized the word 'third' almost sounded mischievous. He tapped his fingers on the table smoothly as he continued.
''You see, there's another reason why I chose these particular three people on my team other than knowing their capabilities as extremely good soldiers, once they properly develop their skills, that is.''
When Eren didn't immediately go on—leaving them both in suspense—Hange couldn't help but blurt out her thoughts. ''Well! Tell us then!''
Armin too was thinking of what other reasons Eren could have that he would recruit these three, but when he couldn't think of anything, he just gave him a questioning stare.
''My father,'' Eren then finally said, ''has been working very hard these last two years to recreate the anti-titan serum he invented. It requires an active part of a medicine that's not found on Paradis island, which he used the first time around. He's not there yet, but closing in. Meanwhile, however, I still have three very shiny titan powers sitting on my shelf, just waiting to be used.''
Immediately, both Armin and Hange knew what Eren was implying. Their eyes turned to saucers as Eren explained further. ''The third part of their training will be done by Annie, Reiner, Bertolt, Ymir and Dina. The former three have a lot of experience wielding the power of the titans, while the latter two can show them the ropes of actually controlling them. We'll be having six people with titan powers, myself included, going up against Marley's three. We'll have a near decisive numerical advantage.''
It seemed like Eren's intuition was limitless. He was preparing a ruthless and lightning fast assault on Marley, there was no way they'd ever expect it.
''So, this…'' Hange thought to herself, very impressed and at a loss for words for the moment, ''is the true powers of the titans.''
That's all for now, people! New arc has started! Did you guys like it, love it, hate it? Please leave a review! Also, yes, Jean, Connie and Sasha will each get a titan. We have Grisha's attack titan, Reiner's armored titan and Bertolt's colossal titan. Leave a comment as to who you think will get which titan and why. I'd love to read your opinion on it!
Next chapter will be a more light hearted one, mainly focusing on Eren's and Mikasa's growing relationship. I'll wish everybody a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! :D Enjoy the holidays and I will see you guys in 2020! Until then! ^^
~Syrup-Waffle