Attack on Titan: A wolf Among Sheep

Chapter 1: "Shadows of the Titan Moon: The Immortal's Sorrow"

…

Earlier…

A young man sat at the edge of Wall Rose, the silver light of the moon illuminating his somber face. He looked no older than 28, yet the depths of his eyes held centuries of wisdom and sorrow. This was Fen, the lone immortal destined to never age.

His gaze fixed on the distant ruins of Shiganshina District, he remembered her – the girl with a laugh like the pealing of bells and eyes filled with stars. In his centuries of existence, she was the one human who had managed to steal his heart.

Her name was Lilia. She was the daughter of a simple baker, but to Fen, she was the world. For a brief moment, in the grand tapestry of his life, he had known what it was to be human, to be vulnerable.

But that was years ago, and Lilia was no more. He was once again alone, doomed to eternal solitude. His heart ached at the thought of her, his sorrow echoing in the quiet night.

Shiganshina was a painful memory, yet he found himself drawn to it, an immortal haunted by the ghosts of his past. His usually guarded expression was now filled with longing and regret. His secrets, his true nature, remained hidden under the moonlit night, but his pain was all too human.

…

Now…

Fen had lived within these walls for a while, appearing to the world as nothing more than a brooding young man. His heart was heavy with loss, his gaze always distant, lost in past memories. Yet, he never let anyone too close, his true nature always a closely guarded secret.

As the day's hustle began to settle down, Fen found himself at the local tavern, a glass of ale in his hand. Around him, people laughed and shared stories of their day, unaware of the centuries-old werewolf in their midst.

An old soldier from the Garrison, drunk on cheap ale, was recounting tales of his glory days. Listening to him, Fen felt a bitter smile tugging at his lips. The humans were so focused on the threat of Titans that they failed to see the true monsters living among them.

He had lived many lifetimes, seen the rise and fall of civilizations, but he was helpless when it came to protecting those he cared about. The memory of Lilia's smile, the sound of her laughter, only served as a harsh reminder of his failure.

With a heavy heart, he raised his glass in a silent toast to the lost love of his immortal life, his gaze once again drifting towards the ruins of Shiganshina. He was a stranger among humans, a monster with a human heart, carrying the weight of his immortality and the sorrow of his past.

…

The memory unfolded, clear as crystal. It had been a bright, beautiful day in Shiganshina. Fen had woken up early, excited to spend the day with Lilia, who would always greet him with a basket of freshly baked bread and her radiant smile.

They had planned to meet by the river that flowed by the district's edge. It was their little sanctuary, a place of laughter, whispered secrets, and stolen moments. But as Fen approached the rendezvous point, the earth trembled beneath his feet. His heart pounded, not out of excitement but out of dread.

Suddenly, the once peaceful day turned into a nightmare. The peace was shattered by a deafening crash, and Fen looked on in horror as the colossal titan made its first appearance, breaching Wall Maria.

Chaos ensued as the district flooded with titans. Cries of fear and pleas for mercy echoed around him, but all he could think of was Lilia. He sprinted through the winding lanes, his immortal strength making him a fleeting shadow amidst the devastation.

He arrived at the bakery just in time to see it crumble under the weight of a grotesque titan. His heart shattered as he dug through the wreckage, each stone he removed revealing more of the grim scene. He found them huddled together, their bodies lifeless and cold. Lilia, the baker, and his wife were all gone.

In that moment, Fen felt a sorrow he had never known before. He held Lilia's lifeless body, her eyes wide open in terror, her beautiful smile replaced by a mask of fear. He howled, a guttural sound that resonated with the pain of his immortal heart.

The Marleyans had crossed a line, but what could he do? He was just one creature against a world of humans who invited their own destruction. As he stood amidst the ruin of his lost love, he questioned the cruelty of human nature, of his own nature. Could he have changed anything? Or was this devastation an inevitable part of the human cycle?

With the fall of night, Fen left Shiganshina, carrying the weight of his failure and loss. He swore he wouldn't let anyone close again, wouldn't let himself feel such pain. And so began his life within the walls, a stranger among humans, a werewolf haunted by the echoes of his past.

…

Fen's sorrowful reverie was shattered as a distressed cry echoed through the tavern. He snapped out of his painful memories, his senses shifting back to the present. His ears, sharp as an animal's, picked up a fearful plea. "I said no thank you! Now please let go of me!"

His eyes followed the source of the commotion. Across the tavern, a group of clearly inebriated Military Police were causing a ruckus. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a sleazy grin, had a tight hold on the barmaid's arm. His slurred words carried across the room, "Come on, darling, I know you fancy me."

Fen's eyes narrowed. He could feel his blood simmering beneath his skin, the wolf within growling at the blatant display of disrespect and aggression. He reminded himself of his vow to remain uninvolved, to not draw attention to himself. But as he looked at the terrified expression of the barmaid, he remembered Lilia, remembered how helpless he felt when he couldn't protect her.

Before he knew it, Fen found himself standing, the sorrow in his eyes replaced by a cold resolve.

Fen strode across the room, each step echoing a quiet but palpable authority. Standing a head taller than most men there, his icy gaze silenced the immediate bystanders. But the drunken military police, caught in the throes of their inebriated revelry, failed to notice the changing atmosphere.

The lead officer turned, his bleary eyes narrowing on Fen. A sloppy sneer twisted his features as he drunkenly inquired, "And what's your business here, stranger?" The stench of alcohol wafted from his breath as he stumbled forward, shoving Fen clumsily.

Fen remained unmoving, as sturdy as a rooted tree, his gaze never leaving the officer's. "Release her," he ordered, his voice calm but layered with an underlying threat.

The officer, obviously too drunk to grasp the severity of the situation, let out a boisterous laugh. His comrades chimed in, their intoxicated guffaws filling the increasingly tense room. Emboldened, the officer pushed Fen again, more forcefully this time, his grubby hands leaving a damp stain on Fen's shirt. "And what if I don't, pup?"

Fen, though struggling to keep the wolf within him contained, managed to maintain his stoic facade. "You will regret it," he cautioned, his voice barely more than a whisper yet holding a promise of impending retribution.

The police officer, fueled by the liquor coursing through his veins, misread Fen's warning as a challenge. With a grunt, he sloppily hurled his mug of beer at Fen, drenching him in the frothy liquid. The sudden silence was deafening as Fen stood there, soaked, the drops of beer trickling down his clothes and pooling onto the floor.

The tension in the air was almost palpable. The wolf within him bared its teeth, incensed and impatient. Fen's clothes clung to him, heavy and sodden, the tangy smell of ale assaulting his senses. The triumphant smirk on the officer's face was the final nudge.

Fen reacted with a speed that was a blur to human eyes. One moment the officer was reveling in his petty victory, the next he found himself airborne, Fen's hand clutching his collar, lifting him effortlessly. Fen's grip was steel, his arm unwavering as he held the officer a good foot above the ground.

"I warned you," Fen's voice was a low growl, resonating in the silence of the tavern. The once cocky officer's face drained of color, his earlier bravado replaced with fear. His comrades, their drunken confidence dissipated, backed away, unable to process the sudden turn of events.

Then, as quickly as it had started, it ended. Fen released his grip, and the officer crumpled onto the floor like a discarded puppet. He turned to the barmaid, her eyes wide and scared. "Are you unharmed?" His tone had lost its harshness, softening considerably.

The barmaid, still visibly shaken, nodded slowly. "Y-yes," she stammered, her eyes darting between Fen and the officer now slumped on the floor. "Thank you, I…"

Before she could finish, a loud crash echoed throughout the tavern as one of the officer's cronies, mustering up his misplaced courage, picked up a wooden chair and smashed it over Fen's back. The force of the blow splintered the chair into fragments, showering the floor with shards of wood.

The crowd gasped, expecting Fen to react, or at least stagger under the impact. But he did not move. His body remained as solid and unyielding as if he was carved from stone. He did not even flinch.

The silence that followed was chilling. The drunken military police officer, panting heavily, stared at the unbroken man in front of him, his arm still raised from the swing. The sight of Fen, standing tall and unscathed, his back to the man who had just smashed a chair on him, filled the room with an uncanny sense of awe.

Fen turned slowly, his icy gaze meeting the shocked stare of the officer. His voice was calm, but the threat in his tone was clear. "I believe I gave you a fair warning. You should have taken it."

With that, he turned his back on the men again, focusing on the visibly shaken barmaid. The tavern was eerily quiet, everyone held captive by the unfolding scene, their drinks forgotten and conversations halted. Despite the chaos, Fen maintained his composure, the promise of what he was, hidden beneath his human guise, only whispered in the silence.

With the tension in the room at its peak, the remaining military police, encouraged by their intoxicated bravado, each made an attempt to take Fen down. Their actions, however, ended up being nothing more than futile gestures against the immovable force that Fen had become.

The first man lunged at him, his fist aiming for Fen's face. With a speed that was almost preternatural, Fen tilted his head just enough for the punch to land on his cheek. There was a sickening crunch, and the man recoiled, clutching his hand in agony. The expression on his face was one of sheer shock - it was as if he had tried to punch Wall Rose itself.

Another man tried to tackle Fen from the side, hoping to use his weight to bring him down. But his attempt was as effective as a bird trying to move a mountain. He bounced off Fen, landing clumsily on the floor, his pride bruised more than anything else.

A third man drew his blade, slicing it in Fen's direction. But Fen sidestepped the blow with grace, the blade swishing through thin air. In a swift motion, Fen disarmed the man, the blade clattering loudly onto the floor.

One by one, each man tried to bring Fen down, only to be thwarted effortlessly. He was a specter, an immovable object, and their drunken bravado quickly deflated, replaced by an unsettling fear. The barmaid watched in amazement, the memory of their unruly behavior quickly overshadowed by their humiliating defeat at the hands of the stranger.

Despite the flurry of attempts to subdue him, Fen remained unhurt, a calm amidst the storm. His face was devoid of any emotion, his icy gaze coolly assessing each of his opponents. He stood tall and formidable, an unyielding figure in the chaotic tavern. It was a spectacle that would forever be etched in the memories of the patrons. A man who felt no pain, who could not be moved, and who held a presence as unyielding as the walls that protected them from the Titans.

In the midst of the chaos, the lead officer, who had initially accosted the barmaid, managed to retrieve the discarded blade from the floor. Seeing an opportunity, he crept up behind Fen, his courage bolstered by desperation and a foolish belief that he could end this.

With a swift yet shaky movement, he drove the blade towards Fen's side. It took more effort than expected, like trying to stab through a thick hide rather than a human's flesh. The blade sunk into Fen's side, earning a low growl from him that was more beast than man. A wolf's snarl that echoed menacingly around the room, freezing the blood of those who heard it.

Fen's reaction was immediate. With an almost nonchalant gesture, he reached down to his side and ripped out the knife, blood glistening darkly on the blade. He flung the weapon away, the metal singing through the air before it embedded itself into a wooden beam.

With his free hand, Fen turned and seized the offending officer by the throat. His grip was iron, constricting the officer's airflow and causing his face to turn a sickly purple. Despite the pain radiating from his side, Fen's strength was undeterred.

"I believe I was clear," Fen growled, his voice a low rumble that resonated through the silent tavern. "You. Will. Regret it."

Then, with a swift, uncompromising motion, Fen slammed the officer into the nearest wall. The impact rattled the glasses on the nearby shelves and the officer slid down the wall, unconscious before he hit the floor.

Fen turned back to the barmaid, his cooling form the rage, but composed. His icy gaze softened a bit as he met her eyes. Despite the wound in his side, he gave her a reassuring nod. It was a silent promise - no more harm would come to her tonight.

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, the barmaid hurried over to Fen, concern etched into her delicate features. "You're hurt," she said, her voice quivering slightly as she gestured towards his side. "We need to find a doctor…"

But as she reached out towards him, her hand hovering hesitantly over the torn fabric of his clothes, she stopped. Her eyes widened in shock and confusion as she watched the deep wound on his side closing before her very eyes. The torn fabric of his clothes seemed to knit itself back together, removing any evidence of the violent altercation.

Fen, feeling the swift recovery of his body, looked down at his side, realizing that his secret had been exposed. A soft sigh escaped his lips. He had been too careless, and now the barmaid had witnessed something beyond the realm of human understanding.

Before he could say anything, the distinctive footsteps of military police could be heard outside. The chatter and clinking of armor hinted that they were investigating the source of the commotion. Fen could hear their confused discussions, the worry in their voices evident.

Fen looked back at the barmaid, an apologetic look in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

The barmaid, still shocked, shook her head slowly. "No, I… I should be thanking you," she said, her voice still trembling, but her gaze steady. "You saved me."

Just as she finished her sentence, the door to the tavern swung open. A group of military police stepped inside, their faces set in hard lines as they surveyed the room. Their eyes fell on the unconscious men on the floor, then drifted towards Fen. In the silence, the healing wound and the regenerating fabric on Fen's side had become imperceptible, allowing Fen a moment of respite. His secret was safe… for now.

…

Skipping ahead, Fen found himself seated across from the stern-faced superior officer of the Garrison. The room was austere, filled only with the necessary furniture. The officer's cold gaze bore into Fen, his seasoned intuition hinting that there was more to this stranger than met the eye.

"So, you're the one who caused all the commotion at the tavern, huh?" the officer began, his voice gruff. He scrutinized Fen closely, trying to read the calm, composed man seated before him. "Quite a scuffle from what I've heard."

Fen nodded slightly, acknowledging the officer's words. "I did what I had to do to protect an innocent," he said, his voice even and composed.

"Hmm, very noble," the officer retorted, his voice heavy with skepticism. "But there's something that doesn't add up."

The officer paused, locking his gaze with Fen's. "Multiple witnesses claimed that one of the Military Police officers stabbed you, yet... here you are, without a scratch."

Fen's gaze remained unfazed, his icy blue eyes meeting the officer's without hesitation. "People tend to exaggerate when they're drunk," he replied, maintaining his calm demeanor.

The officer leaned back in his chair, his scrutinizing gaze still fixed on Fen. He knew there was something off about this situation, but without any tangible evidence, he couldn't prove anything. His experienced eyes told him Fen was not a typical civilian, but he had no idea how extraordinary the stranger truly was.

The superior officer's gaze continued to bore into Fen, as if trying to peel back the layers of mystery that surrounded him. After a moment of silence, the officer leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desk between them.

"And what is your full name?" the officer asked, his voice steady. "First, middle, last - the complete thing."

Fen regarded the officer for a moment before responding. "Fenrir," he stated, his voice firm and resolute. His icy gaze met the officer's, holding it steady.

"Just... Fenrir," he added, leaving no room for further questions. The name, an ancient one rooted in Nordic mythology, was synonymous with the monstrous wolf, a creature of enormous power and ancient lineage. But the officer seemed to perceive none of this significance.

The officer arched an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his gaze. It was an unusual name, and the lack of a family name was even more peculiar. "Just Fenrir, huh?" he echoed, jotting down the name in his notes. He looked back up at Fen, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

"Yes," Fen confirmed, his voice unchanging. "Just Fenrir."

The silence that fell between them was heavy, filled with unspoken questions. However, Fen offered no further information, and the officer was left with an enigma wrapped in a mystery. An ordinary man, with an extraordinary name, involved in an extraordinary event - and that was just the surface. As for what lay beneath, only time would tell.

The officer studied Fen for a moment longer before shifting the line of questioning. "Where did you come from?" he asked, his pen poised over the paper as he prepared to jot down Fen's response.

Fen, his gaze slightly unfocused as if lost in memory, rubbed a ring hanging on a chain around his neck. His thumb traced the intricate carvings on the band with an unconscious familiarity. "I arrived with the other refugees from Wall Maria," he replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I was in Shiganshina District when the Colossal Titan broke down the wall."

The officer's pen scratched against the paper, noting down Fen's words. He glanced up at the mention of Shiganshina, his gaze sharp. "That was a tragic day. A lot of people lost their lives," he commented, a somber note creeping into his voice.

"Yes," Fen agreed, his gaze distant. "Many did."

His fingers continued to caress the ring, a physical testament to a past filled with love and loss. He didn't share the significance of the piece of jewelry, nor did he mention the girl whose memory it symbolized. He held on to Lilia's name like a secret prayer, a bittersweet reminder of a time before the world had crumbled around them. His face remained stoic, but a glint of sorrow passed fleetingly through his eyes, unseen by the officer but palpable to Fen himself. The love he had for Lilia was a silent vow, an unspoken promise - a bond even death couldn't sever.

The officer, having taken note of Fen's distracted demeanor, decided to steer the conversation back on track. He cleared his throat, pulling Fen's attention back from the realm of his memories.

"Back to the incident at the tavern," the officer started, his tone becoming more official, "my men reported that the involved Military Police were intoxicated. We need to get the facts straight for the official record. You were defending the barmaid from their advances, correct?"

Fen nodded, his gaze meeting the officer's squarely. "Correct. They were harassing her. She asked them to stop, but they didn't."

The officer nodded, scribbling down the information in his notes. "And when you intervened, they became aggressive."

"Very," Fen affirmed, his gaze cool. "One of them even threw his drink at me."

The officer looked up at this, a flicker of surprise in his gaze. "I see," he said, noting this down as well. "And then the fight broke out?"

Fen nodded once more. "They attacked me. I defended myself."

The officer sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. The behavior of the Military Police had been a recurring problem. "It seems the Military Police overstepped their boundaries once again," he muttered, frustration seeping into his voice.

"Quite," Fen agreed, his tone dry. He watched as the officer finished writing down his statement, his expression thoughtful. Despite the volatile situation, Fen couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Perhaps this incident would serve as a wake-up call, a reminder to the Military Police about their duties and responsibilities. As much as he preferred to stay under the radar, he would not stand by when injustice was served.

After a moment of silence, during which the officer appeared to be mulling over the information he had gathered, he finally looked up to meet Fen's gaze again. His face bore an expression of decision.

"Considering the circumstances and your statement, there's only one course of action I can recommend," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "You should present your case directly to Commander Zackly. He'll be interested to hear of this."

Fen inclined his head slightly, his gaze steady on the officer. "You believe he will listen to my side of the story?"

"I do," the officer affirmed. "Your case is unusual, but the facts should speak for themselves. Besides, the issue of misconduct within the Military Police has been a growing concern. Your testimony could shed some much-needed light on it."

He paused, studying Fen carefully. "However, I advise you to be completely honest with the Commander. Zackly is a man who values truth above all else."

Fen simply nodded in response, understanding the gravity of the situation. He would be walking a tightrope, exposing himself to the scrutiny of the highest-ranking officer in the military. Yet, if it meant justice could be served, he was willing to take the risk. His icy gaze met the officer's, determination burning within.

"Very well," Fen finally said. "I will meet with Commander Zackly in the morning."

The officer nodded, a hint of respect gleaming in his eyes. "I will arrange the meeting. In the meantime, try to get some rest. You'll need it."

And with that, the interrogation came to an end, leaving Fen to brace himself for the storm that was coming. A face-to-face meeting with Commander Zackly was not something to be taken lightly, and Fen knew he had to prepare for it. But for now, he had a quiet moment to himself, a moment to remember Lilia and the love they shared, before the dawn of the new day.

…

The morning sun cast a soft golden glow across the bustling military headquarters. Soldiers hustled and bustled around, running errands, practicing drills, preparing for another challenging day. Somewhere amidst the chaos, the trial of Eren Yeager had just concluded, creating an air of tense uncertainty within the military ranks.

As Eren was led away, Fen found himself stepping into the spotlight. He was led into the courtroom, the same place where just moments ago, Eren's fate had been debated. The place was still abuzz with the aftermath of the trial. He could feel the eyes of the high-ranking officials and soldiers lingering on him, curiosity and skepticism playing out on their faces.

Fen remained undeterred, his posture relaxed yet assertive. Commander Zackly, an imposing figure of authority, was seated at the front, his piercing gaze already studying Fen with interest.

"Fenrir, is it?" Zackly started, his voice firm and steady. His eyes, old yet sharp, were fixed on Fen, studying him like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

"Yes, Commander," Fen responded, meeting Zackly's gaze evenly. The room, filled with the murmurs of discussion and whispers just moments ago, fell into silence as Fen began to speak.

He retold his story just as he had done the previous night, describing the incident at the tavern, the intoxicated Military Police, the harassment, and the subsequent fight. He was careful to provide as much detail as possible, leaving no room for doubt or speculation. His voice, calm and steady, resonated through the courtroom, commanding the attention of all present.

The silence that followed his account was heavy, the air thick with anticipation. Fen kept his gaze fixed on Zackly, waiting for the commander's response. It was out of his hands now; all he could do was hope that justice would prevail.

Commander Zackly, having allowed Fen's tale to unfold in its entirety, finally leaned back in his chair. His scrutinizing gaze remained on Fen, thoughtful yet undeniably piercing. A quiet tension hung heavy in the air as the room fell into silence, all eyes awaiting the Commander's response.

"There is one detail, Fenrir," Zackly finally said, his voice clear and firm, "that has drawn particular attention. Multiple witnesses reported you were stabbed during the altercation. A deep wound to the side, they claimed. Yet, you stand here unscathed, no trace of an injury. Some accounts went as far as to say the wound and your clothing... mended... in a matter of moments."

His words echoed in the silence of the room, eliciting a murmur of incredulity and skepticism amongst the gathered officers. Some exchanged questioning looks, others stared at Fen, trying to reconcile the seemingly impossible with the man standing before them. Fen, however, remained composed, his guarded gaze locked with Zackly's.

"I believe there's been some misunderstanding," Fen began, his voice steady despite the weight of the room's attention. He had anticipated this line of inquiry and chose his words with caution. "As you well know, the officers involved had been drinking heavily. It's likely their recollection of events... may not be entirely accurate."

Murmurs rippled through the audience, some officers nodding thoughtfully, others looking less convinced. Yet, Commander Zackly remained silent, his piercing gaze still focused on Fen. Amidst the confusion and conjecture, it was clear that this saga was far from over.

Commander Zackly listened intently to Fen's explanation. His gaze never strayed, and his expression remained guarded, betraying nothing of his thoughts. As Fen finished, a fleeting silence hung in the air, soon broken by Zackly's thoughtful voice.

"But it wasn't just the officers, Fenrir," Zackly began, leaning forward slightly, his intense gaze fixed on Fen. "Multiple witnesses from the tavern, civilians, recounted the same extraordinary events. And the chair..." His voice trailed off for a moment as he glanced at the report on his desk, "the chair that was smashed against your back, it shattered upon impact, yet you remained unmoved, as if you were made of stone."

Murmurs rippled through the room again, glances exchanged and eyebrows furrowed in a mixture of disbelief and fascination. Fen's claim had just been countered with a collective witness testimony that was hard to dismiss.

Zackly continued, his gaze still on Fen, "You said you're from Shiganshina District, like Eren Yeager." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It raises an interesting question... Could you be like him? Is there a possibility you are... a Titan Shifter?"

The courtroom erupted in whispers and gasps. Some looked at Fen with wide eyes, others with suspicion. Fen, for his part, maintained his guarded expression. He had walked into this knowing that his life would not be the same, regardless of the outcome. The question now was how to navigate through this new twist.

As Zackly's last sentence fell upon the room, the gathered spectators erupted into a chorus of whispers and exclamations. Each character present at that trial seemed to be holding their breath, their eyes wide with shock or narrowed in suspicion as they turned to scrutinize Fen.

Mikasa Ackerman's eyes, usually stoic, widened in surprise before quickly regaining their normal composed demeanor. Her gaze flickered to Eren for a moment before returning to Fen, studying his every movement and expression.

Armin Arlert blinked rapidly, his mind no doubt racing to process this revelation. The always calm strategist looked visibly shaken, his hand absent-mindedly fumbling with his jacket as he watched Fen.

Levi Ackerman, the stoic and inscrutable Captain, shifted slightly in his seat. His icy gaze, always alert and watchful, remained unblinking as he studied Fen, as if trying to dissect his secrets with a glance.

Eren Yeager himself seemed shocked, his mouth hanging open slightly as he stared at Fen. His hands balled into fists, eyes blazing with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

Fen's demeanor seemed to shift ever so slightly at the word "Titan." His eyes flashed with an emotion that could only be described as pure disgust. His hands clenched, knuckles turning white, and the mere mention of Titans seemed to evoke a visceral reaction in him.

Commander Zackly noticed this, his gaze narrowing slightly as he observed Fen's reaction. The room grew quiet once again, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. Each person held their breath, waiting for Fen's response.

The room, on edge with Zackly's insinuation, waited with bated breath for Fen's response. Fen remained silent for a moment, his icy gaze unwavering. Then, with a deep breath, he began to speak, his voice steady despite the weight of the accusation.

"Make no mistake," Fen declared, the intensity of his words piercing the palpable tension. "I am no Titan. I bear no relation to those monsters, nor do I harbor any desire to." His tone was vehement, filled with a bitter loathing that left no room for doubt. "Especially not after witnessing their atrocities first-hand."

There was a pause as Fen swallowed hard, and a noticeable shudder ran through his body. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, layered with a grief he'd managed to conceal until now.

"Shiganshina...the day the Colossal Titan attacked," he began, his voice filled with a raw emotion that sent chills down everyone's spine. "I lost my...Lilia. She was crushed under the rubble when the Titans attacked." His gaze, for a moment, looked distant, as if revisiting the painful memory. "So, to answer your question that you haven't yet asked... No, I have no affiliation with the Titans."

Fen paused again, breathing deeply as he tried to regain his composure. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper. "It's just...bad memories."

The room fell into a somber silence as Fen's words echoed off the walls. His pain was palpable, and it was clear that the Titans were a personal tormentor. His denial was fervent, resonating with a depth of emotion that seemed to confirm his truthfulness. Yet the mystery of his miraculous healing still hung in the air, an enigma waiting to be unraveled.

As Fen's raw testimony echoed through the room, the tension was palpable. Just when it seemed as though the room couldn't grow more intense, a sudden exclamation rang out. One of the military police officers, panic etched across his face, pointed a shaky finger at Fen.

"Liar!" he shrieked, his eyes wild. His hand moved in a blur, and the sharp report of a gun filled the air.

Time seemed to slow as the bullet hurtled towards Fen. There was a collective gasp as the bullet struck him in the head. Yet Fen did not flinch. There was a sound of something metallic hitting the floor. Fen, without changing his stoic expression, spat out the bullet onto the floor.

For a moment, there was only stunned silence. Everyone in the room stared in disbelief. Fen, who had been so calm, so composed, looked on, his eyes meeting Zackly's.

"Do whatever you have to do," he said, his voice steady and calm amidst the chaos. "Just remember that I am not your enemy here."

His words echoed in the silent room, as everyone processed what had just happened. Fen had not only survived a direct gunshot but had seemed largely unaffected. His secret was out. He was not just an ordinary man. The gravity of the situation was heavy, as all eyes turned to Commander Zackly, waiting for his response to this unexpected turn of events.

As Fen's true nature became apparent, the room filled with various reactions from those present.

Levi's usual cool exterior was unfazed. His eyes, however, held a flicker of curiosity as they shifted from the bullet on the floor to Fen, who stood untouched after surviving a direct gunshot.

Hanji, having just rushed into the room following the noise, looked positively thrilled by this unexpected development. Their eyes shone with an academic hunger as they regarded Fen, the gears in their mind clearly spinning.

Erwin's stoic expression faltered, eyebrows lifting in surprise. His gaze was locked on Fen, deep in thought. Even as the commander of the Scout Regiment, he couldn't have anticipated this. His mind was already strategizing, thinking of the potential benefits and risks this revelation could bring.

Nile Dok was white as a sheet, his eyes wide and mouth agape as he stared at Fen. The confident, authoritative figure of the Military Police was lost, replaced with a man who was clearly out of his depth.

Commander Zackly was silent, his expression neutral but his eyes revealing a depth of contemplation. He surveyed Fen with a discerning gaze, mentally preparing himself to navigate this unexpected curveball.

Mikasa and Armin shared a look of shock. Mikasa's hands tightened on her scarf, eyes wide as she absorbed the unbelievable scene before her. Armin, although visibly surprised, was quick to regain his composure, his analytical mind visibly processing this new information.

Eren's eyes were wide, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of the table. He stared at Fen with a mix of shock, fear, and a curious sense of kinship. He wasn't alone in his 'abnormality', after all.

Jean and Connie wore mirrored expressions of shock. Jean's mouth was slightly agape, his eyebrows knit together as if refusing to believe what he had just witnessed. Connie's face was even more confused, his brows furrowed as he tried to comprehend the situation.

Each one reacted in their own way, yet all were united in their shock and curiosity. The room held its breath, waiting for Commander Zackly's next move.

With the room still absorbed in stunned silence, Commander Zackly finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Fenrir," he began, his eyes never leaving the immortal man. "Given your... unique abilities, you present a significant opportunity for humanity. A chance we can't afford to waste in our current predicament."

The room held its breath, every eye on Zackly. He paused, his gaze measuring Fen's reaction.

"I suggest you join the Scout Regiment," he continued, his tone decisive. "Your apparent immortality could be instrumental in our fight against the Titans. I have a feeling you've seen more of the world, endured more hardships than any of us could ever imagine... And that's why you've been so guarded till now."

Zackly paused, letting his words sink in. His gaze shifted back to Fen, offering him a nod of understanding. "But know this, you won't be forced. The decision is yours, Fenrir."

The room erupted into a frenzy of whispers and murmurs. They all looked at Fen, awaiting his response. Zackly's proposition was a game changer, and the decision Fen would make could turn the tide of their war.

After a long, tense moment, Fen nodded. A simple, subtle motion, but one that held a world of meaning. His icy blue eyes met Zackly's in silent agreement, confirming his decision.

The room fell into another stunned silence before erupting into a new wave of hushed whispers and wide-eyed glances. The immortal man, Fen, was now part of their ranks. This decision held both unknown risks and immeasurable opportunities, and the magnitude of it was not lost on anyone present.

Commander Zackly nodded back at Fen, an air of relief visible in his expression. "Very well, Fenrir. Welcome to the Scout Regiment." His voice held a solemnity, acknowledging the profound shift this decision implied.

With those words, a new chapter began not only in Fen's immortal life but in humanity's fight for survival. The world behind the walls had just become a lot more intriguing.