Attack On Titan: Wings Of Crystal
Chapter 68: Brave Volunteers
Three years ago, before the raid on Liberio, the Anti-Marleyan volunteers, led by Yelena Oppenheimer, arrived on the shores of Paradis Island with the scout ships sent by General Magath to investigate what it was that caused the Warriors to fail in their mission.
One ship had been sent in first but hadn't been heard from for three hours. The soldier in charge of the operation orders teams 2 and 3 to prepare to land as well. These Island Devils have somehow managed to defeat their Warrior Unit, including the Winged Titan. They needed to find out what they were doing now and relay it back to Marley.
Suddenly, without any warning, their ship was lifted out of the water by the Attack Titan. All hands held onto the railings to keep themselves from going overboard. Eren hoisted the whole ship on his back, holding it up in the same position Eren Kruger did when he utilised the Attack Titan for the final time, something Eren Yeager foresaw in his vision of the past.
The crew feared for their lives. The Attack Titan could tear their ship in half and kill everyone aboard with no issue. But that wasn't Eren's intention. Instead, he carried the ship ashore and beached it in the rocks, preventing them from sailing away. The Marleyans saw this as a fate worse than death. Being stranded on the island of devils.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen of Marley! Welcome to Paradis Island!" A very excited Hange runs out of hiding and stands proudly at the edge of the cliff, calling out to the stranded. "Nice to meet you, I'm Hange. And it's an honour to welcome guests who've sailed from oh so far across the sea to come here. The trip must've left you exhausted so why not join us for some tea?"
How she was addressing them angered the proud Marleyans. She was toying with them. But Ludwig was intrigued by Hange's personality. This was his first visit to Paradis and the first of its inhabitants he'd laid eyes on. If they were all as cheerful as her then maybe they'll get along just fine.
He soon spots Levi holding a Marleyan man hostage. A talented chef named Niccolo. Levi was holding a blade to his back. He was the ship's head chef who mastered cooking exotic meals from other lands. Hange just playfully places her arm around his shoulder, acting like they are good friends.
He pleaded with the commander to forget about him and gun the devils down while they still can.
"Huh?! What are you saying?"
"He's saying he doesn't wanna be a part of your shitty skit." Levi bluntly answered.
The commander stands up and aims his rifle at the new leader of the Scouts. "Know this, you wretched devils! Marley doesn't negotiate with filthy bloods like you! And we're certainly not gonna sit down with you and drink the pig piss you call tea!"
"Aw, are you sure about that? Maybe you should be more polite unless you wanna piss off the Titan looming behind you."
The soldiers slowly turn around at the Attack Titan who was just menacingly standing over them. Its glowing green eyes fixed on them like a hunter stalking its prey. Ludwig was able to get a good look at Eren and was in awe. Its appearance strongly resembles the Winged Titan minus all the feats he added to it. Unlike the others, he wasn't afraid of Eren. Instead, he was inspired. It was the same feeling Yelena had when she gazed upon the Beast Titan for the first time.
Despite the threatening Eren looking down on them like the ants they are, the commander was insistent that Marley would never surrender to the likes of them. This was Yelena's time to step forward and take over this operation.
Hange quickly ducks behind a rock to avoid getting shot at. But surprisingly, nothing happened. A shot was fired but it never came from the soldier's rifle. It instead came from a small, sleek-looking pistol held by Yelena. She gunned him down before he even had a chance to pull the trigger.
Everyone was shocked by this sudden turn, even the Scouts hiding behind the rocks didn't see this coming. Is a Marleyan soldier turning on their own? It seemed out of character according to what they'd learned about them from Grisha's books.
Several soldiers aimed their guns at her but failed to anticipate many others sided with her. The Anti-Marleyan Volunteers dropped their cover and made their true intentions known to the loyal Marleyans. They had no choice but to put down their guns and surrender.
Yelena glances over her left shoulder to her uncle and gives him the all-clear to commence negotiations with the people of Paradis. All eyes fell on Ludwig as he approached the front of the ship. The sound of his cane hitting the deck echoed throughout the beach as he closed in on them, dressed up in his trench coat and fedora.
He gently removes it from his head and greets Hange politely. "Hange, we'd like to accept your invitation. Let's all sit down and have some tea. I look forward to discussing business with you, one scientist to another."
Hange and the others were at a loss for words. This was totally unexpected. Hange only said those things as a joke knowing what the Marleyans' reaction would be. She never expected someone to actually take her offer seriously.
Ludwig turns around and looks at the Attack Titan once more. "How I've longed to finally meet you, Eren Yeager."
Once introductions were out of the way, Yelena and her volunteers were welcomed onto the island by the Scout Regiment. The three leaders, Yelena, Ludwig, and Onyankopon were invited into Hange's tent for tea whilst the others were kept under watch by the Scouts.
Eren, Mikasa, Jean, Sasha, and Connie were positioned outside of Hange's tent with an overview of the camp. Though Ludwig claims they wish to help, it doesn't mean they could be trusted.
"That big lady shot and killed her captain without a second thought. What do you think she's hoping to do?" Connie asked Jean without taking his eyes off the tent.
"Can't say. But even if she's on our side, we obviously can't just trust her… There's also something about that old man that worries me."
Connie would've asked Sasha her thoughts on these volunteers, but she was too busy drifting off into dreamland, prompting Mikasa to tug on her hair to wake her up. It was late and they'd been awake for hours on end, but not a single one of them could afford to doze off now while a possible enemy was in their midst.
"We were lucky," Eren spoke out from behind them. "We managed to intercept that ship by pure chance. If Marley comes to this island in full force, we're finished. We've gotta do something."
The others glanced back at Eren for a moment before returning their gaze towards the camp. But Mikasa continued to stare at him. At this point, a whole year had passed since Armin died. After the Battle of Shiganshina ended, Eren was a complete mess after learning that the man responsible for killing him was immortal as well as all-powerful. Mikasa was able to keep her composure and stayed focused on searching for the Yeager family basement. Back in Trost, she showed composure when Armin told her Eren had died in the mouth of a Titan. Like Armin before him, she did manage to calm him down and refocus him on the task at hand.
For so long she questioned how Lazarus seemed to be better than her. How he claimed the number 1 spot amongst the 104th graduates and seemed to best her in combat. Now she finally knows why. It was because he was genetically engineered to be the perfect killing machine, both as a human and a Titan.
But Eren refused to accept that. Everything has a weakness, including Lazarus. It was just gonna take some time for him to figure out what it was. Time he feels he doesn't have enough of now that he knows he has seven years left to live thanks to the Curse of Ymir. He wanted to ensure his remaining friends get to live long lives before then, as well as make sure Lazarus loses everything. If he can't kill him, then he will make it so he wishes he was dead.
Meanwhile, inside the commander's tent, Hange was looking over the pistol Yelena used earlier. She was fascinated by the design. To Marley, this weapon was standard issue. Nothing special. But to her eyes, it was a wonder of ingenuity. She looks through the barrel of the gun despite Levi's warnings that there are still bullets in the chamber. The last thing he wanted was for her to lose her other eye.
Ludwig couldn't help but chuckle at Hange's curiosity. It was like watching a child discovering something new for the first time. He had no idea these people were sorely lacking in modern technology. It's a wonder how they were able to beat the Omega Warrior Unit for so long.
"Oh, I see now. So that's why your guns can shoot so many bullets." Hange commented as she was fiddling with the ammo cartridge and gun trigger.
"If you think a simple standard-issue pistol is fascinating, you haven't seen anything yet," Ludwig responded proudly. "I would be more than happy to show your people more of what we have to offer."
"All in good time, Doctor." Yelena interrupted, pretending that she and him weren't related.
Before arriving on the island, Yelena instructed that they keep the fact that they're related a secret from the other volunteers and the people of Paradis. If word got out that she was Marleyan then negotiations with Paradis would be difficult, if not impossible. And she needed to gain their trust to help Zeke carry out his plan.
She fabricated a story about being a citizen of another homeland like Onyankopon whose only desire is to avenge her people by allying with Marley's greatest enemy. Whatever Ludwig tells them is down to him as long as he doesn't blow her cover story.
"The Marleyan Army is comprised of fifty divisions. Each is made up of 20,000 troops. That comes out to a million soldiers in total." She began explaining as she drank Paradis's tea. "Then there's the Marleyan Navy. It's divided into three fleets with 21 battleships each. Marley has been developing new weapons too. They're making strides in the feat of aerial warfare."
The mention of Marley having a million soldiers caused Hange to stop fiddling with the pistol and pay attention. She was about to question what the word "aerial" means. But Levi kicks her leg, forcing her to act like she knows what they're talking about. He didn't want them to think they were weak.
But Ludwig can see right through them. It was obvious they didn't know anything about the modern world. This island was stuck in a primitive age. They might as well be compared to cavemen. It sickens him. Not Paradis themselves, but the fact that they're forced to be left behind while the rest of the world moves forward. Eldians are the start of a new age. The key to humanity's evolution. They deserved to be treated with respect.
"In other words, they're making flying ships which can circumvent walls by attacking from the sky." Onyankopon picked up from where Yelena left off.
Hange quickly stood up from her chair and reacted in shock. "WHAT?! THEY'LL ATTACK FROM THE SKY!"
"Keep it together, three eyes." Levi kicked her again.
Hearing those words frightened Hange. She and the rest of her people had already been on the receiving end of an attack from the sky on multiple occasions thanks to the Winged Titan. She assumed nothing could top that. "But if Marley truly has the military capabilities you've just described to us, why haven't they sent an invasion force in the past year?" She asked, trying and failing to hide her fearful expression.
"There are two primary reasons," Yelena answered. "The first is the Pure Titans Marley released here. They pose a serious threat to a landing force, even if that force is armed with the latest weaponry. They were originally taken here to keep you Eldians confined within your walls. But in more recent times, they've served as Eldia's first line of defence."
"You don't say? Well, isn't that funny?" Levi commented.
"But it'll be morning shortly, and day is when Titans become active." Ludwig continued on her behalf. "Which tells me that if we're still here drinking tea in the wilderness beyond the walls, you must've killed all the Pure Titans roaming around. Is my assessment correct?"
"And what if it is? You gonna take that intel back to Marley?" Levi accused.
Yelena's eyes widen as if she were insulted he would even think like that. "Never. It's amazing. I am in awe."
"So, what's the second reason?" Hange asked Ludwig to prevent the discussion from going south.
"Marley is occupied. It's at war with an alliance of several nations. They can't be bothered to deal with Paradis now." He pauses momentarily as he takes another sip of his tea. "You have defeated the Omega Warrior Unit, including their most powerful weapon, The Winged Titan. Though they were able to maintain their hold on their Titans, the fact that you forced them to retreat shows that you are a force to be reckoned with. It's because of the powerful Titans they possess that no nation in the world would even think about challenging them. I was the one who convinced them to go to war, offering them my assistance in exchange."
"Why you? You're just one old man." Levi coldly insulted him. "What could you possibly have to offer?"
"I'm glad you asked, Captain." Ludwig stands up from his chair and looks down at him and Hange. "Before we go further into discussion, there are some things you need to know about me. First of all, of the three of us here, I stand as the only Marleyan. I once served as Marley's greatest scientific mind, providing them with various weapons they still use today. And the second is… I am the man who created The Winged Titan."
Hange and Levi's eyes widen with shock. They suspected he was Marleyan but they weren't expecting him to come out and say it to their faces. But the reveal of him being the creator of the Winged Titan, aka the greatest threat they've ever faced, they did not expect. Standing before them was the man who unleashed the beast that laid waste to their home in the name of Marley.
Levi had half a mind to grab the fully loaded pistol on the table and shoot him right here and now. But Hange grabs his hand, ordering him to keep his cool for a change. Ironic considering her reactions earlier.
Ludwig proceeded to explain everything to him about Eden's Nest, the Tybur Family recruiting him and his team, and the many experiments that went down there, including the False Founder Project.
He didn't hold back on any of the details. He told them everything that went on in that lab, from the brutal methods they've employed to stabilise the subjects, to the aftermath of each injection. Even Hange was overwhelmed by the number of gory details he delved into. Eventually, he explained to them how Lazarus managed to become the only survivor due to his royal blood, which finally filled in the gaps the military needed to understand their greatest foe.
"… Keep in mind I was only doing what I was paid to do. What my creation was used for was down to Marley and the Winged Titan's host. Neither of them even know I'm still alive. They think I perished in the explosion in Odiha." He finished explaining.
There was a long pause until Hange was finally able to snap out of her daze and get back to the business at hand. "So, how did you end up with Yelena?"
"I fled to the Middle East in hopes of getting away from it all. They found out who I was and brought me before the council of the various nation leaders. They asked for me in the hopes I would provide them with valuable intel. Instead, I offered them an opportunity to rise against their Marleyan oppressors with a weapon greater than the Titans. Unfortunately, they were too impatient and went to war before I could finish the weapon. Once again, I had to flee the country to keep my research out of enemy hands. Yelena's group found me and filled me in on their plans to ally with you. I agreed to join because I wish to help you rise up against Marley."
It took a while, but Hange was starting to wrap her head around this whole ordeal. As a scientist herself she knows what it's like to be forced into doing research for the prosperity of their nation. Ludwig was only being used for his brains by Marley to construct unbeatable weapons. And when Marley's enemies caught wind of his presence. They forced him to do the same thing. Now he was offering to do the same for them of his own free will. She would never openly admit it, but Ludwig did appear to be the greatest mind between the two of them. There's so much she could learn from him if they agree to join forces with the volunteers.
She asked Yelena if they were undercover agents from some of the nations Marley conquered who infiltrated their army because they have some sort of grudge against it. But she dismissed it as speculation. They weren't agents, they were just people who lost their homes to Marley and their Warriors. They were forced to join their army as slaves of war.
The hope that they could eventually strike back faded more every day. That is until they've met Zeke. People feared the Beast Titan as much as they did the Winged. But to Yelena, he looked like something else entirely. A God. One that gave hope to the powerless. She confessed that their mutiny was carried out at the express command of Zeke Yeager.
Now it was Levi's turn to express shock when it was revealed that this Zeke Yeager not only carries the same last name as Eren but is also the same Beast Titan that massacred his men and managed to escape him. The same man he promised Erwin he'd kill. And these supposed volunteers are working with him? He's more convinced than ever that they cannot be trusted. Especially the tall, Marleyan creator of The Winged Titan.
Ludwig leans in closer to get a good look at them both. Levi reacted in a disgusted manner. He needed to show them that he and the volunteers were their only hope of surviving this war against Marley. "I'm not like the other Marleyans. Ever since I was a child, I've always had a deep fascination with your race, just as you've had a deep fascination with Titans, Hange… I see your people as gifts from God rather than devils that need to be purged. I want to see the Eldian Empire rise and claim its rightful place in the world. It's been a dream of mine and my partner's since we started working together. He died before he had a chance to see our dream come true. It is my duty as a devoted scientist to see the world enter a new era. Hange. Levi, allow us to share with you our knowledge of the outside world. Let us drag Paradis out of the past and catapult it into the future."
A day later, Hange reported everything they'd learned from the volunteers to Queen Historia, Commander Pyxis, Premier Zachery, and the other military higher-ups. She reads out Zeke Yeager's requests to save the Eldian people as well as Doctor Oppenheimer's requests for a lab to continue his research on the Atomic Bomb he'd never gotten the chance to finish in the Middle East.
Some of the higher-ups understandably think it's absurd that they'd even consider working with the Beast Titan. The same Titan that turned the occupants of Ragako Village into Titans and brought the Scouts to near extinction. They had every right not to trust him. They know his only goal was to steal the Founding Titan from them. He failed to do it by force, so now he's trying to obtain it through diplomatic means.
And Ludwig to them is just another filthy Marleyan. One who is responsible for birthing an unbeatable force. Hange claims he is the key to Paradis's future, providing them with all they need to gain a fighting chance against their larger, more technologically advanced, enemy.
"Zeke Yeager claims to have an actionable plan that can solve all our people's problems at once. And to carry this plan out we will need two assets. The Founding Titan and a Titan possessing royal blood. He says that with both the world can be saved. However, he will only reveal the details of his plan if his conditions have been met."
Eren instinctively looks away from the window and stands up in response to Zeke's requests. He tells them that Zeke is telling the truth. The Founder's power has always been completely impossible for him to use. The only exception was when he touched a Titan with royal blood. The Smiling Titan. Back when he was captured by the Warriors he only saw it as the Titan that killed his mom. But through his father's memories, he recognised it as his first wife, Dina Fritz. Zeke's mother… and Lazarus's aunt. Zeke was the second to discover a way to get around the Vow Renouncing War that he learned from his mentor, Tom Xaver. He knows how to awaken the millions of Titans sleeping in the walls. How to start the Rumbling and crush the world.
The only reason he'd kept quiet about it until now was because he was concerned for Historia's safety, fearing the military would turn her into a Titan. Losing Armin had affected Eren far more than anyone could understand. Because of his death, he was more determined than ever to keep the friends he had left alive for as long as possible.
Keeping this a secret puts Eren in bad graces with Hange and the others. Now the possibility of the Rumbling is known to everyone in the room.
"If everything that you are saying is true, then Zeke's secret plan holds up," Hange answered.
"You trust them? Have you lost your mind, Hange?!" Nile responded.
"The fact is we can't risk letting these Marleyans roam the island freely. If we were smart we'd hang them!"
"No, that's not an option." Hange calmly replied. "If we want to protect Paradis from Marley's survey ships, we need the volunteers' help. If Doctor Oppenheimer is as great as Marley claims he is, he may be able to provide us with weapons that could match, if not surpass, The Winged Titan."
"And you believe him?!" Nile intervened once again. "You told us that Lazarus is immortal. No weapon in the world can kill him. What makes you think we stand a chance this time?"
"Because Zeke has provided the Doctor with his old research he discovered in the ruins of The Eden's Nest. Research connected to the False Founder Project the Winged Titan was born from. With that, Ludwig claims he might be able to create more Titan powers just like it. But to do so we have to allow him access to our research and resources." She almost hesitantly explained, anticipating what the masses' response would be.
"WHAT?! You wanna give a Marleyan access to our resources?! You really have lost it!" A random officer lashed out.
"I know how it sounds, but it's a small price to pay to gain an advantage over our enemy. Yesterday he showed me a schematic for a powerful explosive he calls The Atomic Bomb. This weapon is hypothesised to unleash an explosion twice as powerful as the Colossal Titan. This weapon inspired all of Marley's enemies to band together and start a war with them, believing they had a chance against the Colossal and Winged Titans. He never got to finish his masterpiece, but he says he is willing to try again."
"And what does he want in return for this generous help he is giving us?" Pyxis asked, intrigued by the idea behind this Atomic Bomb.
"He says he only wishes to be a part of the new world we will create once we've defeated Marley. He wants to see our civilisation thrive."
"Sounds like bullshit to me." One of the officers muttered to himself.
"Those damn Marleyans can't be trusted! How do we know this Ludwig guy won't use this bomb against us?!" Another demanded of her.
"I will personally observe him as he works, make sure he doesn't try anything. I want to get inside his head and learn what he knows. To do that I have to agree to his terms." She turns to address the Premier and the Queen. "I propose we release the volunteers and welcome them as allies in this war. If Erwin were here I believe he would've done the same thing. We need all the allies we can get if we're to rise against Marley."
The council take a moment to think over Hange's proposal. All the higher-ups were still divided on what they should do with the volunteers and Zeke's plan. They carefully thought through all the pros and cons before coming to a decision.
Pros, they'll gain new advanced weaponry, equipment, and even ways of traversal if they share their knowledge with them. They will also learn more of the secrets behind how Titans work and come up with better ways to combat them. They can finally get the upper hand over the enemy that has been one-upping them for years.
Cons, they may have an ulterior motive for offering their assistance. Giving them access to their secrets would mean the end of them if they were to report them back to Marley. There was also a chance something could go wrong with the development of The Atomic Bomb which would lead to disastrous consequences, resulting in the destruction of whichever town it was built in and the deaths of thousands of people. And if Marley were to launch an attack around that time, they'd be completely defenceless.
This felt like the biggest gamble Paradis had faced yet. The only time they paid off was when Erwin was in command. But with him gone, their chances of things going well for them were slim. What should they do? Do they put their faith in Zeke, Ludwig, and the other Volunteers? Or do they dispose of them and what may be their only chance to strike back against Marley?
The raid on Liberio was the answer to those questions. Of course, they said yes. The idea of possessing advanced technology, knowledge of the outside world, and a powerful bomb was an opportunity they couldn't pass.
As soon as the decision was made, the Volunteers shared with the Scouts everything they knew about the outside world. It's many different cultures, technologies, religions, traditions, and much more. Most of it they never could've imagined had they not seen the evidence presented to them.
As per his request, Ludwig was shown all of the military files and hardware throughout Paradis's history. He was deeply fascinated with the technologies they've come up with despite their lack of advanced knowledge and resources. The ODM gear in particular was a concept he admitted was a genius solution to battling the Titans.
With Hange's permission, he offered to make his own improvements on the island's defences as long as she held up her end of the bargain and provided him with his own laboratory within the military HQ.
Ludwig felt proud working alongside someone as intelligent as he was after so very long. The team he was assigned to lead in Eden's Nest were smart but they lacked an open mind. Too blinded by their Marleyan pride to see the possibilities. But Hange seemed different. Her passion for science and learning as much about the outside world was something to be admired. He and Felix felt the same way about Eldians and Paradis.
Over the past couple of months, Ludwig was able to come up with new ideas for Paradis's military. Ideas like better firearm class ODM gear, and improved range of Thunder Spears. And an idea for a launcher of a massive Thunder Spear missile that contained a Titan-sized net. The same one used to capture The Winged Titan during the Liberio Raid.
Levi watched from the sidelines as Hange was laughing alongside her new partner/mentor figure. Ludwig laughs alongside her, reacting to the story Hange told about the two Titans she named Sawny and Bean and how she treated them like pets.
"Hahaha. You really found Titans that fascinating?"
"Of course. Is that wrong?"
"Not at all, my dear. I laughed because you reminded me of myself when I was a child. I felt the same way towards you Subjects of Ymir… Honestly, the world is too stupid to see how amazing your kind truly is. I'd give anything in the world to be like you."
Hange's smile fades upon hearing that part. It was hard to imagine a Marleyan saying they wished he was more like her, a being who could be turned into a Titan by a power everyone fears. She couldn't tell if he was being genuine or just saying that to please her.
"You see, Hange, I believe that we all exist for a reason. God made humans around the world different to make things more interesting, like Onyankopon's dark skin. Scientists like us don't usually believe in the supernatural or religion. But I know God exists." He turns to Hange. "Because he blessed you Eldians with the power of the Titans, and the rest of the world is jealous. That's why they're so keen to wipe your race out. If they can't have power then no one should. They call you the spawn of the Devil. I call you gifts from God."
Hange was at a loss for words. He was being serious. The look on his face was one of inspiration and wonder. Nobody could fake that look. Many others have seen that same expression on her face several times, she knows better than anyone how genuine it is.
"You really believe that? What about your people?" She questioned him.
"Marley was never my home, and they are NOT my people! My parents treated me like they would an Eldian the moment I told them my true thoughts. The brass laughed at me and Felix, calling us mad scientists. And the rest of the world only listened in exchange for my knowledge… You Eldians are my people now, and I will gladly destroy Marley to see this civilisation thrive." He answered determinedly.
Hange was unsure how to respond and attempted to avoid continuing this discussion by getting back to work on studying the blueprints for the Atomic Bomb displayed on the table in front of her. She is convinced that Doctor Oppenheimer is on their side, though the rest of the higher-ups remain unconvinced.
Especially Levi. He never trusted Ludwig from the moment he revealed his true self to them in the tent. Hange teased him that he only disliked him because he was taller than him. While he would admit that was one of the reasons, it wasn't just that. Whenever he looked into Ludwig's eyes it felt like a snake was looking back. He wasn't buying the whole "I like you Eldians because you are gifts from God." nonsense. Everybody wants something.
Zeke obviously has a hidden motive for helping them. His actions during the Battle of Shiganshina have shown he doesn't give a damn about anyone on this island. He couldn't even bother to learn the name of the village he infected with his spinal fluid. But Ludwig seems to claim he cares for their well-being. But why would the man who created the Winged Titan help those his creation had been sent to destroy?
"You may have fooled everyone else, Oppenheimer. But not me. I don't trust any of you guys because you're all working for that bearded bastard. Whatever it is you're planning, I will figure it out."
A momentary flash image of Erwin appears in his mind, shocking the captain out of his thoughts. Why would he think of him now of all the time and places? Was it guilt for failing to carry out his final orders? Because he's now forced to watch over the same man who shredded him and his soldiers to pieces? Or was it something else?
"Erwin… What would you do if you were here? Would you have had the same suspicions as me? Would you have been able to see what Hange can't?" He clenches his fists, angered by the reminder of his failure to capture one enemy shifter and bring any of their comrades back to life. "Damn that Oppenheimer! Why did he make it so no one can steal The Winged Titan's power?! Or unkillable for that matter?! So many lives lost because of HIS weapon!"
Levi decided to leave the room and continue watching from outside the window. He couldn't stand watching those two getting along. He felt a little betrayed seeing Hange lose herself in her deep fascination with Ludwig's research. It was similar to when he learned Michael had betrayed them. He often wondered how the others would feel when they saw him again when they carried out their plan to invade Liberio. He already knows where he stands. The second he sees Michael and the other Warriors, he will cut them down.
On top of the new weapons and defences being built, a port was being constructed on the southern shores of the island to welcome any potential allies. Thanks to Ludwig's connections, the island was able to reach out to the nation of Hizuru, one of the nations the Marleyan scientist helped in past and agreed to help Paradis's growth.
Progress has been fast since the Marleyan engineers decided to help out. Mikasa was surprised they'd even agreed to help at all. At first, they were too suspicious to cooperate with any of them, but as soon as they decided to gradually set aside the labels they had for one another and worked to see each other as people, they were able to reach an understanding.
With that understanding came new opportunities. The members of the 104th got to try out seafood for the first time, cooked by Niccolo. After taking the first bite of a lobster, Sasha's tastebuds triggered her ravenous hunger to take over and began scoffing down as much of it as possible. The food was so different and unappealing to the others, but to her, it was the greatest thing she'd tasted in years. It was so good she couldn't help but cry tears of joy and call the chef a genius, causing him to blush. Nobody had ever praised his cooking this much before. Especially not an Eldian.
While everyone was having a good time eating foreign food, Eren was busy shooting bottles with a rifle. Mikasa was standing beside him, worried he wasn't enjoying himself like the others were.
Eren had nothing to be excited about. All he could think about was Armin and why he was unable to prevent his death. The scene of his Pure Titan body getting ripped apart from the inside kept on playing over and over again in his head. It was another horrific memory added to his collection. A collection of people he cared about dying while he watched, powerless to do anything to stop it. All of those deaths are connected to the Omega Unit.
"Eren… do you think it's a good idea to go along with Yelena's plan?" Mikasa asked out of the blue, causing Eren to miss his next target. He lowers the rifle and glances over to her on the right. He didn't even answer, he just stared at her.
"What I mean is, do you think threatening the world with The Rumbling is the best way to protect the Eldian people? If we did that, we'd be forcing the world to live in fear of us. Acting like the devils they think we are."
Eren remained silent and directed his eyes back down the scope of the rifle at the tin can sitting atop a wooden block.
"I feel like if Armin were here he'd say something like that. He'd also suggest talking with them first. If we fix the world's misconceptions about us then threats won't be needed." She explained, believing that would be something Armin would tell him.
"Armin is dead." Eren finally spoke up in a deadpan manner, as if he'd accepted what happened but still felt guilty for being unable to stop it. "What makes you think he'd ever think something like that? You can't! No one can. Only Armin knows how he thinks, and Lazarus took him away from us."
"I know. But there's nothing we can do to stop him." Mikasa attempted to reason with him.
"That sounds like you've given up on trying." He coldly responded as he fired another bullet and managed to hit the target this time. "The world sees us as monsters because we can transform into man-eating Titans. That's no misconception."
"But still, there are some Marleyans who like us."
"How many? Most of the Marleyans we've captured are still glaring at us from their prison cells."
"That's true for now. But given enough time, their opinions can change. Doctor Oppenheimer seems to like us." She reminded him.
"And the other Marleyans treated him like shit because of it. In the end, the Marleyans only respect those who are more like themselves. Anyone different gets stepped on." He fires another bullet at the last target, successfully knocking it over. Eren then places the rifle down and turns towards Mikasa.
"Do you still wanna do it?"
Mikasa looks up at him with confusion. "Do what?"
"After what Oppenheimer told us about the Crystal Titan, do you still wish to wield its power?" He repeated himself. "Anyone in your family who inherits the Crystal Titan will lose all sense of free will. They become slaves to the Founder and those with royal blood… After Armin died, you said you'd do anything to help me avenge him. But are you willing to sacrifice your freedom to do it?"
Mikasa's eyes widen with shock. She'd almost forgotten that vow they made after discovering Grisha's hidden basement and the three journals. At the time avenging Armin was all she could think about. She thought she could be more useful to Eren if she possessed her clan's Titan. But all that changed when she learned the cost of controlling such a powerful weapon. All that confidence had turned to doubt. She did promise to help and protect Eren no matter what, but giving up her own free will and succumbing to the voices of her ancestors? She's unsure her mind could handle it.
But she couldn't find the strength to say no to Eren. She feared refusing would give him the wrong idea and he'd view her as too weak to stand up against Lazarus and avenge Armin. She tried to show him she was strong, but Lazarus always seemed to be too much for her to handle. Like some of the others, she began to think there was no point in trying if he couldn't be killed.
But Eren refuses to let him win. Somehow, he'll find a way to make his life a living hell. For now, Mikasa responded with a "yes", agreeing to lose herself to the will of her ancestor, Joseph Ackerman, and use the Crystal Titan's power to aid Eren in his goals. As long as he gets what he wants, she's willing to accept her fate.
In the year 852, two years before the Liberio Raid, the port was finished and open to the outside world. Yelena instructed her uncle to get into contact with one of the old allies he'd worked with in the past to come to Paradis with the intention of forming an alliance. The contact was Kiyomi Azumabito of the nation of Hizuru.
The construction of the Atomic Bomb would not be possible without their cooperation. Paradis does not have the resources needed to construct such a powerful explosive. Whether they'll agree to help him is up for debate.
While Yelena was in Marley, acting as a spy for Zeke when it came to Lazarus and Michael, Ludwig remained on the island to oversee its progression. Ever since he'd agreed to stay, Paradis has had a huge surge in technological development. Some of the other Eldians started to trust him a little while most of them were still on the fence, not forgetting he is still a Marleyan as well as the Winged Titan's creator.
By the time Yelena returned, she was pleased with how much progress had been made since her departure. She knew she made the right call to put her uncle in charge.
She and her crew stood face-to-face with the Scout Regiment next to the water. Doctor Oppenheimer was standing with the Scouts next to Hange.
"Welcome back, everyone." He greeted them kindly. "How was your trip?"
"Very long, as usual, Doctor. How was your time on the island?" She asked.
"It was… eventful. I have learned so much from them as they did from me."
Yelena nods and turns her attention to Eren next. "Eren, it's been a year now. I haven't seen you since you picked up our whole ship. I look forward to working beside you."
"Too bad." Levi intervened, standing in front of him. "You won't be working with Eren directly. This meeting is as far as we're willing to go."
"More than enough for me." She turns away from the crowd to truly marvel at the completion of the port, holding her arms out to the side like she's praising this accomplishment. "This is an auspicious day. The port is complete at last, and we're about to meet our first foreign visitors from the sole nation that is friendly to Paradis, Hizuru. Their special envoy is Kiyomi Azumabito."
"Ah, so she's accepted my request. Excellent." Ludwig spoke out and approached the dock, standing beside his niece. The two of them watch as they see a ship far off in the distance heading towards the island.
Ludwig glances around to address Hange. "Looks like I'll be delivering on that bomb I promised you after all, Hange."
After arriving, the Azumabito Clan met up with the Scouts and the Volunteers. Ludwig was the first to greet Kiyomi and kisses her hand as a show of respect.
"Lady Kiyomi, it has been too long."
"Indeed, Doctor Oppenheimer. Hizuru is still indebted to you for all the knowledge you have given us on the Marleyan military. It kept them out of our nation for quite some time."
"The fact that you've come means you wish to finally repay that debt by helping my new allies." He assumed.
"Our clan has no love for Marley. Zeke has already informed me of his plan to save the Eldian people. We have come to help with this plan in any way we can… As well as the other thing you told me in your letter." She glances over Ludwig's shoulder and sneaks a peek at the Scouts. "Which one of them is it?"
"Follow us back to the capital and I will show you." He responded.
The Azumabito Clan follow the Scouts and the Volunteers to the capital within Wall Sina. Once there, Kiyomi presented the Scouts with a black cloak that had their family's crest on it. The same symbol worn by the assassins who tried to capture Michael when he was a boy, the day he first awakened his Crystal Titan powers.
Mikasa was shocked to see them bear the same symbol she had. It was given to her by her mother a long time ago when she was a child. All this time she only knew of the Ackerman blood she inherited from her father. She never even questioned if she'd inherited something else from her mother.
Eren persuades her to show the tattoo of the symbol to Kiyomi, revealing that she is one of them. But Mikasa hesitated, remembering the promise she made to her mom that she'd keep it a secret. But it was fruitless now that she'd shown it to Eren when they were just kids.
Kiyomi was astonished. Ludwig did tell her the truth in his letter. Mikasa is not only of Ackerman blood, but one of her clan. She approached her newly discovered clan member and shared with her the history of her clan.
Over a century ago, Hizuru Shogan was an ally of the Eldian Empire. The entire Azumabito have traced their lineage back to his son who was on good terms with King Fritz and often visited the island. After the Great Titan War, their once proud nation was left defeated and in disarray. And amiss the chaos and confusion a child fathered by the Shogun's heir had been left behind on the island. Mikasa was the only direct descendant of the family that once ruled their nation.
Kiyomi saw Mikasa as her nation's only hope. She then reveals that her clan had been after the Crystal Titan for decades, hoping to use the crystals it produces to restore their family's wealth. Originally, they wished to gain access to Paradis's Ice Burst Stone reserve. It was a special fuel source that only existed on Paradis and was created by the Crystal Titan power. If her clan obtained this power, they would have an infinite amount of precious resources that would return her nation to its former glory.
This was a perfect opportunity for Hizuru. Not only will they have an heir to their nation in the form of Mikasa, but because of her Ackerman blood she'll be able to control the Crystal Titan and make Hizuru truly independent. Not even Marley could overthrow them.
In return for Mikasa as the new Crystal Titan, Hizuru would provide the Scouts with travel to Marley via airship as well as the tools needed to build the island into a more civilised society.
It would be a win-win for both parties, but it was up to Paradis to decide if they would ever agree to it. A massive sit-down takes place within the meeting hall. With Hizuru sitting on the right and Paradis on the left. Historia sat at the head of the table, acting as the decider. The time for diplomacy has begun.
"This is a historic day for both our nations. And it's worth noting that this day would never have come if not for the men who brought us together. I'm speaking, of course, of Doctor Ludwig Oppenheimer." Ludwig gave a little wave as all eyes fell on him briefly. "And Zeke Yeager. We conversed with him in secret. And before he agreed to facilitate this meeting, he negotiated with us on behalf of your island."
She thinks back to how that meeting with the War Chief went down. It took place sometime after the Omega Unit returned to Marley. Zeke had Kiyomi meet him in the remnants of the old car factory above where Eden's Nest was in Odiha. It was the middle of the night. The room was dimly lit by a fire Zeke started in an old fuel barrel.
He and Kiyomi were sitting on a couple of old chairs he'd found and dragged inside so that they would be comfortable as they discussed business. Three men in suits were standing behind Kiyomi, acting as her bodyguards. A necessary precaution until they understand his true motivations.
"Thank you for meeting with me." He started slowly, though he decided to skip the small talk and get right into it. "First of all, take a look at this."
He reaches down the left side of his chair and pulls out a piece of an old Paradis ODM gear. Judging by Kiyomi's reaction, he assumed she was familiar with the device.
"That's odd. Do you recognise this? It's top secret in Marley." There was no response from the Asian woman. Zeke continued his explanation. "Well, as you may know, this Omni-Directional Manoeuvrability Gear is an Anti-Titan weapon made on Paradis. This piece doesn't belong to Marley. I acquired it myself from one of their soldiers… This particular soldier also happens to be the current Crystal Titan."
The mention of that creature's name sparked another reaction out of Kiyomi, which was exactly what Zeke was expecting. He already knew about Hizuru's failed attempt to infiltrate Marley, track down the Crystal Titan's host, and seize him. They ended up losing three of their best fighters that night and had no leads on where the Crystal Titan may be next… Until now.
"This equipment needs a special type of fuel to operate. They call it Ice Burst Stone. It's become exceedingly rare since Paradis lost the Crystal Titan. But you already knew that, didn't you? Your spies managed to track the Crystal Titan to Marley after discovering the previous user, Noah Suurvalta, travelled to Paradis to break the Titan's curse. You sent three men to retrieve the next host while he was still a child. All those years of being undercover and they failed to bring him to you." He explained in a whisper-like tone.
Kiyomi just glared back at him, not even acknowledging one of her guards who'd just taken Michael's old ODM gear from Zeke's hands. She and her clan had wanted to get their hands on the Crystal Titan for a long time. For centuries, Marley has been using seven of the Ten Titans to invade and conquer other nations. Having the Crystal Titan under their control would not only restore their wealth but make their nation bigger and better than any other. She thought she had the advantage due to the world believing the Crystal Titan to be a myth. Not even Marley believed it existed. But she gravely underestimated the young Michael and the actions of the Ackermans themselves.
"What if I told you I could get you the Crystal Titan?" He asked, catching Kiyomi's attention. "As luck would have it, my old friend, Lazarus, shares a personal connection with the Crystal's host. And thanks to his efforts, he now fights on behalf of Marley, or so he says." He muttered that last part to himself.
"My spy tells me the two of them may be trying to form a resistance against Marley from within. This jeopardises my plans to revive the Eldian Empire. I already have a plan in mind to deal with Lazarus, but when it comes to Michael I'm gonna need your help… Here's what I want you to do…"
The flashback ends as Kiyomi explains Zeke's plan to the others. "Zeke Yeager's proposal was that we ally ourselves with and assist Paradis in exchange for protection and the properties of the Crystal Titan. We believe the crystals it produces will return our nation to its former glory. It's a rather tempting offer. And we agree that young Mikasa should be the one to wield this power on behalf of both of our nations. We suspect that in this modern era, a treasure like Ice Burst Stone could change the world and create a fortune in the process."
It was just as Ludwig predicted. During his time spent working for Hizuru, he knows what kind of people they are. A bunch of money grubbers. He knew this meeting would go well because of it.
Mikasa was unsure of this proposition. She did agree to become the next Crystal Titan but only to protect Eren. She never agreed to provide a nation she'd never known about until now with infinite riches. She wonders if Eren is against this idea as well. Although Kiyomi hadn't mentioned taking her back to Hizuru with them once she obtained Michael's power, she had a feeling this was what she truly wanted.
"Hold on." Historia interrupted. "So Zeke Yeager asked you to assist us. What would you assist us with?"
"As I'm sure you're aware, he has concocted a plan to protect Eldia and the world. We're here because this plan can only succeed with Hizuru's assistance. It calls for a three-point course of action which would allow you to defend yourselves with your so-called Rumbling. This would begin with a test run of The Rumbling. You will unleash a fraction of the Titans in your walls, enough to display their potential for all the world to see. That will buy you time with which to modernise and strengthen your army so as to render the Rumbling unnecessary. You are a hundred years behind the rest of the world. Doctor Oppenheimer may've pushed you forward a few decades, but Hizuru will ensure you catch up. Until then, you must be able to shake the Earth by maintaining The Founding Titan and having a Titan of royal blood. That's the third point of this plan."
Kiyomi's detailing of Zeke's plan triggers a negative response from Eren. This was something he was desperate to avoid since he first discovered how the Founding Titan's power works. Zeke's plan to activate a small-scale Rumbling to scare off other nations for the next 50 years was – at this point in time – the only plan they've got. The big downside was that Historia would have to inherit the Beast Titan from Zeke as well as birth as many children as possible so they would always have a Titan of royal blood and therefore always do The Rumbling.
Hange was also hesitant about this idea. Even with all the advanced weapons she'd helped develop with Ludwig, she fears it won't be enough to make The Rumbling no longer an option. If they choose to rely on Zeke, they will have to continue the practice of Titan inheritance for generations.
"…I understand, and I am ready," Historia uttered, drawing everyone's attention to her. "If The Rumbling is essential to our survival, I'll do my part. I will inherit the Beast Titan from Zeke Yeager."
Everyone was both surprised and burdened by Historia's decision. A wiser queen would've carefully thought through a decision as big as this. But she agreed to it knowing what'll happen to her. She'll be forced to breed and bear many children with her blood as well as shorten her life to thirteen years. And that same fate will fall upon her children too.
Enraged, Eren stands up from his chair and voices his disgust towards this plan. He was 100% against this idea and would never agree to it even if there was no other way.
Desperate for an alternative, she turns to her new colleague/mentor figure and asks him for his thoughts on the debate. Ludwig clears his throat and rests his elbows on the table before answering.
"I can see this plan working out in favour of this island as a whole, but all it would do is drive Eldians to push this problem onto their descendants." He turns to Commander Pyxis. "You once asked me what it is I wanted in return for sharing my knowledge with you. I said I wanted to see Marley fall and Eldia rise. This world is as much your birthright as it is the rest of the world."
Eren's eyes widen upon hearing that, prompting him to look in the old scientist's direction. Ludwig then addresses Historia. "Your Highness, what if I told you there was another way to threaten the world into not attacking the island without using a small-scale Rumbling?"
"You have an alternative solution?" She asked in an almost relieved tone.
"Yes. In fact, if we manage to pull it off, we won't even need The Rumbling."
Ludwig proceeds to explain to the council the concept of The Atomic Bomb, giving them a speech identical to the one he gave the leaders behind the Mid-East Allied Forces. Many of the higher-ups were shocked that he was even able to think up such a powerful weapon.
Back in the Middle East, he was unable to successfully deliver a fully functional bomb and instead gave the Allied Forces a dud, allowing Marley to gain the upper hand. Before he was picked up by Yelena, he was forced to abandon all the past research he invested in the bomb. If he were to construct one for Paradis he would have to start again from scratch.
"How long would it take to build this bomb?" Pyxis asked.
"It's hard to say. I guess it depends on the resources and number of men involved. I had very little of both in the Middle East. It took a whole five years for me to put one together, and even then, it wasn't perfect… However, with the research Hange has shared with me on your technology, and your reserve of Ice Burst Stone, I might be able to construct one in two. But that's a mighty big maybe, so I can't make any promises. I'm a scientist, not a miracle worker."
Nile Dok, the Military Police commander, scoffs at Ludwig's response. "Not a miracle worker, huh? The fact that you were able to create a flying, immortal Titan seems pretty miraculous to me. We've all seen what your creation can do."
"Then you should know how determined I am to right my wrongs." He pauses momentarily and stands up from his chair. He's not sure how everyone will handle what he's about to tell them, but he feels it's the best alternative compared to Zeke's plan.
Yelena told him what his true intentions were. The small-scale Rumbling was only a small piece of the puzzle. The bigger picture was Zeke's Euthanisation Plan. Using the Founder to alter the bodies of the Subjects of Ymir and make them incapable of reproducing. Yelena doesn't know this, but Ludwig is completely against this plan. His dream was to see people with the power of the Titans become the new norm for humanity, not slowly erase them over the next hundred years. It was a repulsive plan. The only reason he's going along with it is because Zeke is essential to his own plans. And he needed Eren's support for it to work. He wouldn't get it by letting Historia take Zeke's place.
"I haven't been completely honest with all of you. I lied when I told you the Atomic Bomb was the greatest gift I can give you. The truth is that the bomb's only intended purpose is to cripple Marley's military. As destructive as I imagine it to be, it won't be enough to scare the world into leaving your island alone."
"So, you're saying The Rumbling is our only option then?" A random officer assumed.
"Not at all. I do have a better way… I need to restart the False Founder Project." Everyone in the room whispers to each other, reacting negatively towards this idea. They all know what this project was and its relation to The Winged Titan.
"The Winged Titan is Marley's most powerful weapon. With it, and the other Titans they possess, they are unstoppable. Therefore, the best way to combat them is with more Titan powers of our own making. I plan to use my research of the project to create more Titan powers identical to Lazarus's… Imagine it, an army of Winged Titans filling the skies, raining down fire on the entire nation. You'll be able to eliminate all of your enemies whilst frightening the rest of the world. As effective as a small-scale Rumbling may be, all that will be accomplished is blind destruction on the path towards the intended target. With more Winged Titans under your control, all attacks will be precise and unavoidable."
He turns to Eren and Hange, giving them a reassuring smile. "And the best part, they don't require a Titan of royal blood or the Founding Titan to work… So, what do you all think?"
The whole room fell silent. Everyone at the table thought long and hard over Ludwig's idea. On paper, it sounded like a better plan, and it felt less complicated compared to Zeke's. To this day many Paradians haven't forgotten the terrors The Winged Titan rained down on them from the safety of the sky. It would be poetic justice if they could unleash that same terror a thousand times over towards Marley. They wouldn't need the Founder or royal blood to work and those who gain this power won't end up dying in thirteen years. It sounded too good to be true.
Unfortunately, Ludwig did not have the resources he needed to revive the False Founder Project. With all his data destroyed in the Odiha explosion, the only copy of the secret he had left was locked away in his mind. He also needed a lot of Titan serum to even get started, which was something Paradis didn't have. He'd also need the spinal fluid of all Ten Titans to make it. Another issue was finding subjects strong enough to handle it. But he didn't know at this point that royal blood was the key component for its success.
To everyone's surprise, Eren was the first one to agree to this idea. He was desperate to avoid Zeke's plan. A plan that would buy them salvation at the price of broken walls, trampled land, and children bred to be slaughtered like livestock. Staking their survival on the threat of The Rumbling was a dangerous move. Ludwig's plan felt like the best option. It also provided him with the best course of revenge against Lazarus. If there were more like him he wouldn't be so unstoppable anymore. He'd be truly powerless.
As his words ran through their minds, the higher-ups started to recognise Eren's take on the idea. It sounded like they were agreeing to it. Ludwig turns to Eren and smiles, thankful he was the first to neglect Zeke's plan and put his faith in him instead. That action alone shows that he has won Eren over as his most trusted ally. Eren doesn't know it yet, but the two of them have shared the same desire for the world. Only time will tell if he can persuade him to follow through on his vision for the future of the Eldian Empire.
To Be Continued