It's the big day.

I rummage through my room, fixated on finding that red armband. If it was an average white one, I wouldn't be bothered. It's not as if it's anything I could take pride in. Nothing was appealing about food flying from all angles at me when I ventured out in public. Insults too, in rapid streams. The occasional degrading spit from some passersby added to the indignity. To think that such trouble stemmed from a simple piece of cloth was absurd. I didn't blame them though. How could they know I was any different from the island devils?

But now, things are different. My unquestionable loyalty to my homeland was finally recognized, enough to overlook the lineage that lurked beneath my skin. The transition from white to red signaled a shift in not just my status, but an entire society's perception of me. Acceptance, respect, and recognition - these were the gifts wrapped within the deep crimson of the armband. The disbelief still lingered, even now. And it was all thanks to Zeke.

I sneak a peek outside the window and spot people starting to assemble. My heart races as time is of the essence, pounding like a relentless drum. I couldn't be late. I promised it to them.

I yank open the closest drawer, muttering under my breath, muttering, "Shit! Where is that damn armband?". Even though I've rummaged through it several times in the past few minutes, I can't help but hope it would magically materialize.

"Yeager," the sudden call snaps me out of my thoughts, causing a shot of surprise to run through me. Magath appears in the doorway, his perpetual stern expression etched onto his face ever since he was assigned as the head of the Warrior unit. Whenever he paid me a visit, it usually foreshadowed either a reprimand or a promotion.

I raise my right hand in a salute. "Chief."

"The ceremony is about to begin. Are you too busy renovating your room?", His gaze drifts towards the pile of clothes scattered carelessly around.

"I don't have my armband, sir. I must've misplaced it somewhere," I reply, almost embarrassed. It was a huge honor to receive one of those and it wouldn't be surprising if losing it gives off the impression of a lack of gratitude toward the nation.

His expression was as hard as granite, sizing me up before presenting a red armband. It's unclear if it's the lost item or a replacement. "You left it at last night's meeting," he places it gently on my nightstand, feet firmly planted. He had a ceremony to take part in, yet he was blatantly lost in thoughts as he closed up to the window. His arms locked behind his back.

I decide to fill the quiet silence. "Chief..? Surely, you didn't just come all the way here only to hand me an armband."

"You're correct."

I position myself beside him, following his eyes to the four children the entire ceremony is dedicated to. Today marks the end of the Warriors' training and the beginning of their service to Marley. A smile creeps up to my lips, their tireless efforts finally paid off. I barely have time to register Porco lunging at Reiner before Magath speaks again, "They'll be dispatched tomorrow at sunset."

"What?" I stare at him in disbelief. "But Zeke said-"

"Zeke said that it would be months before their deployment," Magath finishes my sentence, But General Calvi begged to differ on this timeline. As we converse right now, many Middle East nations are expressing skepticism about Marley's international power. Our military is resolved to eradicate such doubts, and harnessing the untapped fossil fuels of Paradis seems like the perfect strategy to bolster our defenses."

He is right. But that couldn't be worth sending out four newly appointed warriors. "What else do they hope to gain?"

"The Founding Titan. You know as well as I do that he needs to be retrieved."

This brought up another challenge. For Marley, seizing the power of the Founding was as good as declaring victory. But if their warriors fell during this mission, it would all be pointless.

"Chief, they're not ready." I said quietly, eyes observing Bertolt's futile attempts to break out the fight between Reiner and Porco.

"I agree."

General Calvi respected Magath's opinion, perhaps he could change his mind if he put in a word for everyone's sake. "Then why not object? I'm sure he'll take what you say into consideration if-"

"He will not wait. He's against any challenge to Marley's authority. Being seen as a vulnerable country exposes us directly to possible assaults."

I stay silent.

"You are right though. He did take some things I said into consideration such as the fact that sending these kids on their own isn't ideal."

The realization slowly dawns on me. All I can muster is an "Oh."

"It was your brother's idea. These kids are brimming with potential but as it turns out," he motions toward the window, "they're prone to impulsive actions. Losing their powers would be a significant setback for Marley, something we can't afford to risk."

"Why me though?", I can't help but ask. After all, I'm not even a warrior. If anything, these children in their titan forms could do a better job at protecting me.

"Have I ever taught you to doubt yourself?", he points out. "I trust you to stay alive, and so does your brother. You may not be a warrior, but we both know you're one of the best leaders we've got. I bet you've got their respect already. They're ready to follow you."

The way he rebutted each point with a compelling counterargument left the impression that the decision was mine to make. "So, what's holding you back? Use your executive power and just give me the order."

"I don't think there's a need," he nonchalantly replies. "You were already planning on doing it, weren't you?"

My eyes were still trained on the warriors. They interact with an audience of Marley citizens, exchanging handshakes repeatedly until Reiner catches my gaze and excitedly waves. Bertolt follows suit from the stage, his grin wide as can be. Annie offers a more guarded smile.

Zeke spared me the heavy training warriors have undergone by becoming one himself, automatically granting me the same status as him. But it came at a cost - his life is now shortened to 13 years. It felt unfair living an honorable Marleyan life when he was paying such a heavy price. I despised discussing his remaining time, so much so I stopped keeping track.

Now, these kids are subjected to the same fate. If they only have 13 years to live, I want those to be lived out to the fullest. And the best way to ensure this is to render this mission a success. They'll be praised and never talked down upon. They're the nation's pride. And mine.

After a moment, he adds, "Besides, although your main task is leading them the whole way through, leave the fighting to them. They've been rigorously trained for any scenario. You, on the other hand, should gather as much intelligence as possible on how things work from the inside. Defeating these devils may prove arduous if we can't even wrap our heads around how their civilization survived this long."

"I'm in," I affirm, though he isn't surprised and doesn't even look at me. The silence around Theo Magath can feel suffocating. The festivities continue outside, and honestly, I would prefer to be anywhere but here.

I head toward the bedside to fetch my red armband.

"Isla," his voice halts my action mid-way, "You don't need it. You're a Marleyan. Act like one."

I blink in surprise, managing to whisper a soft "Yes, sir," in response, struggling to conceal the stir of emotions his words elicited.

I exit the room, a smile spreading through my face in the process. There is no point in suppressing it as I usually do. I don't know what tomorrow will hold so I might as well enjoy this day while it lasts.