Nava gazes at the clusters of stars with a sense of wonder. It appears as though she can hear them beckoning her name as they twinkle in the nocturnal expanse. The starlight evokes a sensation of soaring through the vastness of space. Until this very moment, she had never comprehended the tranquility it could bring. This must be the essence of what individuals refer to as "silent ecstasy."
The notion crosses her mind as to whether it is too late to make a wish. After all, it is not an everyday occurrence to witness the night skies with such clarity. Nava smiles at her idea. However, what should she wish for? What occupies the thoughts of individuals when they make a wish? If there were someone else present, they might ponder the same question. Yet, Nava finds herself without anyone to consult. It is solely her, and all her acquaintances are sound asleep, as is everyone else.
Perhaps she could wish to possess the same level of confidence as her Brother? No, that would not be suitable. Alternatively, she could aspire to be as strong and courageous as her sister? Alas, that would not suffice either. She requires something more than mere strength to navigate through her daily challenges. Perhaps there are other qualities she could wish for, in addition to confidence.
Suddenly, her attention was captivated by something she caught sight of in the periphery of her vision. From a distance, in the depths of the canyon below, she discerns an orange radiance emanating. This glow intensifies rapidly with each passing moment. She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to gain a clearer view; the luminosity grows increasingly brilliant, until suddenly, a burst of vivid red light illuminates the entire expanse beneath her. In the blink of an eye, it vanishes from sight completely, yet continues to emit a faint glow against the somber, desolate landscape.
Nava gracefully descends from the rock, gliding towards the radiant orb in the far distance. She lands noiselessly at the rim of the crater, her gaze meticulously surveying its contents. Electricity sizzles and crackles around the crater, casting an uncanny play of shadows upon the stones. Nestled in the heart of the crater lies a figure adorned in verdant armor, motionless upon the earth.
"My word," Nava ponders silently. "They appear to be injured. I ought to descend and ascertain their well-being."
Nava's heart pounds with anticipation as she carefully descends into the pit, ensuring she avoids any projections or loose rocks that may cause her harm. Once inside the pit, she briskly approaches the fallen figure. Their face is concealed by a helmet crafted from gray metal, while their chest is protected by green armor. Even at such close proximity, she can barely discern their eyes through the visor. Their hands are covered by short gloves, lying motionless at their sides. A utility belt, brimming with various items and grenades, is fastened around their waist. Additionally, they don sturdy boots.
With utmost care, Nava reaches out and gently places her hand on their shoulder. However, there is no response. She attempts to shake them, hoping for even the slightest twitch in reaction. As anticipated, there is no discernible movement.
"Excuse me, may I inquire about your well-being?" Nava inquired gently. However, the individual displayed no signs of response.
Their chest remained motionless. She approached closer, delicately positioning two fingers near their neck to assess their pulse. It took a few moments to detect a faint pulse beneath her fingertips, but after a brief interval, she unmistakably felt the rhythmic flow of blood coursing through the stranger's physique.
They are alive.
Now that they have regained consciousness, Nava finally had the opportunity to delicately raise her arm and place it around the stranger's shoulder. With great care, she lifts the stranger off the ground and carries them while ascending out of the crater. Upon reaching the summit, she gracefully leaps into the air. However, the additional weight on her shoulder causes Nava to feel a slight ache in her arms from the strain of carrying the unconscious stranger.
Fortunately, her arms still functioned quite effectively, rendering their use unnecessary. Unbeknownst to her, the armored stranger softly murmurs incoherently under their breath. Nava can barely discern their mumbles through the confines of the helmet.
"Kill… Kill them… Must… Kill them all."
(ATTACK ON TITAN)
Reign Of Fire V:
Berserk Mode
A true warrior is not defined by their pursuit of glory amidst the chaos of battle. Instead, they are driven by an unwavering devotion to the cherished ideals and individuals that stand steadfastly behind them, providing unwavering support and inspiration. It is this profound sense of duty and love that propels them forward, enabling them to face any challenge with unwavering resolve and unwavering determination.
- An Unidentified Night Sentinel,
Following the battle of the Hell Invasion's second wave.
(ATTACK ON TITAN)
William observed with great attention as he surveyed the surroundings of Shiganshina, only to witness an overwhelming influx of soldiers emerging from every conceivable direction. He cast his gaze upwards and beheld a procession of titans trailing closely behind the soldiers, each one distinct in its own peculiar shape and size. However, it was a peculiar sight that caught his discerning eye: a black, square-shaped device affixed to the side of certain titans' temples, seamlessly integrated into their very skin.
Fortunately, everyone has successfully evacuated from the heart of Shiganshina. This has left him alone with the assailants who are responsible for the havoc they have caused. He finds himself facing legions of soldiers, titans, abnormals, ignites, and the Barrage Balloons sailing from above.
William tightly clenches his fist in anticipation. He is unaware of the identities of these individuals, nor does he have any interest in their origins. The only thing he has learned since his return here is that they pose a potential threat to the thousands of individuals behind him. In fact, they are just as malevolent as the monsters he has been eliminating for countless ages, particularly the demons.
However, they posed no threat to him whatsoever; they couldn't even begin to compare to the demons. They were simply insignificant flies in comparison. Flies that he would derive immense satisfaction from eliminating.
The soldiers halted at a distance of ten feet from William, aligning themselves in a disciplined formation. Each one of them held their firearms in a relaxed manner. The soldiers in the front row gracefully moved aside, making way for a man who stepped forward.
This man, an average-sized warrior, stands at a height of 170-cm and weighs approximately 65kg. He possesses a muscular yet lean physique, a fitting build for someone of his remarkable agility, despite his unassuming appearance. His eyes are of a light brown hue, while his hair remains a shade of light blond, neatly styled in a short, slicked-back fashion. His eyebrows are thick and gracefully arch upwards at the outer edges, complementing his small, meticulously groomed goatee. He is attired in a black uniform adorned with a few gray stripes around the shoulders and several more descending along the thighs.
"Hello there," the man greeted with a smug smile. "Quite a wonderful day this is, is it not?"
"…" William stared blankly at him.
The man chuckled. "Well, let's quickly get into introductions; my name is Tyler Cage, head captain of the Hinotōchi army, and we have come to take Shiganshina as our new personnel base. Of course, we knew we wouldn't have any room for the inhabitants of the wall so, we thought it was best that we… "clear them," out of our property."
William's gaze intensified beneath his helmet, while a vein gradually protruded on his temple. He had only recently encountered this gentleman, and yet his aversion towards him and his army had multiplied exponentially.
"Phase one has been successfully executed, leaving us with the task of eliminating one final impediment in our journey," Tyler stated, extending his hand and gesturing towards William. "By impediment, I am referring to you. However, I am inclined to be amiable today, so you may choose to depart like a well-behaved dog, or meet your demise on bended knee. The decision is yours to make."
William did not dignify Tyler with a response.
Tyler smiled and suddenly burst into laughter.
"Well, gentlemen, observe what we have here. It appears that someone is attempting to play the role of the hero and hold their position. If that is not an act of foolishness, I am uncertain what would qualify." Tyler stated, his smile growing wider. The laughter of the group of soldiers resonated through the atmosphere.
William glanced up at the Barrage Balloons. Those legions of airships could potentially be carrying over ten-thousand containers of Ignited titans. Additionally, they may also be equipped with small explosive charges that will be dropped from the aircraft, ensuring the destruction of anything they land on. This further emphasizes the importance of neutralizing them.
His eyes swiftly scanned the town, shifting from one titan to another. The survivors who have evacuated still require sufficient time to escape, and William is acutely aware that he cannot allow any of these titans to elude him. However, it is crucial to note that they are not the sole adversaries he will encounter.
William glanced at each and every one of the colossal gray titans, standing stoically behind the walls of Shiganshina. Their cold gazes were fixed upon him, even after breaching the wall. Though their eyes were concealed by enormous charcoal hue helmets, William could sense their unwavering scrutiny.
William smiled sinisterly and internally.
Tyler may have an army, but William has faced worse; and he has his own trump card.
William extended his arm towards his back, graciously accepting a luminous, fiery orb in the palm of his hand. The vibrant orange flames gracefully surged and receded, steadily increasing in magnitude and intensity before vanishing in the blink of an eye. A scarlet halo enveloped the sphere, resembling a safeguarding ring.
With a single, fluid movement, he delicately implanted the sphere into his chest. The incandescent sphere gracefully passed through his chest, gradually dissipating into thin air. Already, he could sense the pulsating power of the orb coursing through every vein and sinew of his being.
William drew a breath through his nostrils, exhaling gently through his mouth as he closed his eyes. In an instant, his eyes fluttered open, and his entire body became cloaked in a fiery crimson aura, undulating in the form of blazing spikes. He experienced a gentle warmth cascading down his arms and legs, causing his muscles to subtly swell.
The radiant aura expanded and ascended, manifesting into a majestic fiery beacon. The brilliance of the beacon was so intense that it compelled all present to shield their eyes. Furthermore, the ground trembled with great force, akin to the occurrence of an earthquake.
The beacon instantly descended and the crimson aura returned its original form. William swiftly retreated his boot, powerfully kicking from his heel, and propelled himself forward. Leaving behind a giant, bowl shaped crater as both feet slammed into the ground. He lunged forward with incredible speed, leaving behind a gust of wind.
In the blink of an eye, William vanished.
The atmosphere was silent.
Tyler's heartbeat fluttered, and he felt a familiar rush of adrenaline. Even the birds that were flying over Shiganshina had gone silent.
Tyler cast a quick glance over his shoulder, only to find that the others had also taken notice of the prevailing silence. Some of the soldiers cautiously surveyed their surroundings, clutching their rifles tightly, while others fixed their gaze upon the rooftops. The titans, too, swiveled their heads, their eyes scanning the area in search of the armored figure that had mysteriously vanished from their sight.
In a gesture of unity, Tyler raised his hand in a circular motion, beckoning the others to draw nearer. They promptly gathered around him, their rifles poised and ready, aimed at the encompassing town. The sudden and all-encompassing silence that enveloped them sent an eerie shiver down the spine of every soldier present. Tyler, in all his years of service, had never encountered such a phenomenon. The town appeared so serenely tranquil, as if it were holding its breath in perfect harmony. This inexplicable stillness caused beads of perspiration to form on Tyler's palms, while his heart pounded relentlessly in his ears.
"What the hell was that?" One of the soldiers whispered.
"Shhh," Tyler hissed.
"No, seriously, what was-"
In an abrupt and startling manner, the sky erupted akin to a volcano, discharging fire and smoke into the vast expanse of the heavens. The scorching winds, with a resounding roar, descended from above, enveloping the surroundings. Clouds of smoke gracefully billowed through the town of Shiganshina.
With a swift and instinctive motion, Tyler lowered himself as the hot air surged past him. Amidst the rows of their fellow soldiers, one of them emitted a piercing scream. The deafening explosions reverberated through their eardrums, causing immense discomfort. A dense and noxious fog of black smoke lingered in the atmosphere.
Tyler glanced upward just in time to witness the flickering flames billowing out from the sides of each Barrage Balloon. The noses of the numerous airships tilted downward, descending gradually towards the ground. As they all collided, the air was engulfed in yet another eruption of multiple explosions.
Tyler's heart sank.
Every single Barrage Balloon was utterly obliterated.
William reappeared and forcefully collided with the soldier who stood farthest from Tyler. The Hinotōchi soldier, caught off guard, had only a moment to utter a cry before William firmly grasped his head and effortlessly separated it from his shoulders with a seemingly nonchalant twist. Tyler, taken aback, observed in astonishment as the armored warrior moved with such swiftness that he appeared as a mere blur, discarding the severed head and swiftly advancing towards the soldier.
In Tyler's gaze, William swiftly knocked down the soldier with a kick of such intensity that it shattered bones upon impact with the soldier's chest. He then deftly maneuvered his body to deliver a powerful backhand strike to another soldier's face. The sheer force of the blow created discernible ripples in the air before propelling the man through said air, soaring over his squad mates and forcefully embedding his body into the wall. The impact caused bricks to explode and descend to the ground.
William retrieved his super-shotgun and skillfully dispatched a trio of soldiers with the forceful impact of buck-shells. With a swiftness that could rival that of an extraordinary titan, William deftly maneuvered his weapon to eliminate another soldier with a precise second shot from his double-barreled firearm. This display of prowess left the multitude of soldiers in a state of astonishment.
Amongst the chaos, one Hinotōchi soldier, whether through reflex or deliberate action, managed to discharge a shot towards the armored assailant. For a fleeting moment, Tyler entertained the notion that the soldier's attempt had succeeded, until the very same soldier, who had unleashed a barrage of bullets at the assailant, was met with a relentless onslaught of brilliant blue-white energy blasts to the sternum. The soldier, had he been capable, would have surely emitted a cry of agony, but alas, by the time the signals of pain reached his brain, his lungs had already been transformed into ethereal blue vapor.
The soldiers gazed upon the armored monster with a sense of horror, as it advanced towards them without any visible signs of injury. Some of the men, in their fear, dropped their rifles and made the decision to flee rather than confront the wrath of this bipedal creature. Unfortunately, one soldier was not quick enough. William seized him by the shoulder and forcefully threw him to the ground.
William, who stood tall above the pale-faced soldier, then brought his foot down upon him. Like a mallet striking the earth, he stomped his boot upon the soldier's head with great force. Blood painted the ground beneath William's boot and fragments of bone scattered in different directions. The Hinotōchi soldier did not even have the opportunity to cry out for assistance from one of his comrades.
William sprinted terrifyingly fast to catch the next Hinotōchi soldier by the face, but not before blowing away the first with a burst of deadly blue white energy to the face. Turning his head to a steaming bloody stump in an instant. Pulling the soldier he had grabbed with his weight, William slammed the back of their skull to the ground. He drew his arm back and punched through the poor soldier's head with a practiced ease.
The soldier's skull was delicately fractured by the sheer force of William's punch. Blood erupted from the gaping wound, splattering onto William's chest armor. The man's eyes rolled back into his head, his fingers twitched momentarily before life departed from his hollowed body.
With a faint crack and a flash of blue light, he retrieved his cherished and revered weapon: the BFG. Taking utmost care, William patiently awaited his targets to reach the appropriate distance. Once they were in position, he discharged the BFG, and a ball of crackling green energy emerged from the device's end. Passing through the group of soldiers, the ball struck them with tendrils of green lightning, causing them to contort their bodies in horrified agony, just moments before the green sphere erupted.
Tyler was able to perceive the impact of the explosion from his current position. Despite the considerable distance, the dazzling emerald radiance of the detonation temporarily deprived him of his vision. Once his sight was restored, Tyler found himself in a state of utter astonishment. There was no trace left of his comrades, the hundreds of titans, or even the colossal beings. Not even a speck of ash remained. At present, only he and William endured.
Tyler shifted his gaze in a state of profound horror towards William, who was now advancing towards him with his super-shotgun firmly grasped in his hand. The armored warrior deftly opened the ejector, reloading it with another set of shells, all the while maintaining a determined stride towards the captain, who was visibly shaken by the sight.
In a rare moment, Tyler found himself rendered speechless as he gazed upon the imposing presence of the armored warrior. His countenance, once marked by pride, confidence, and arrogance, underwent a profound transformation, giving way to an overwhelming sense of sorrow and remorse. Tyler felt an urgent plea welling up within him, only to be abruptly silenced as his head was obliterated into a mist by the projectiles that pierced it. With an air of detachment, William stood motionless, observing as the lifeless form gradually crumbled to the ground, while wisps of steam emanated from the twin barrels.
Good riddance, William thought.
William turned away and started towards the gate.
Grisha Yaeger found himself in a state of disbelief as he processed the events that had just unfolded before his eyes. In the aftermath of the onslaught, he was left speechless, unsure of how to truly comprehend the situation. Perhaps he felt a sense of relief, knowing that this man had taken it upon himself to protect them. Or perhaps he was filled with awe, witnessing the extraordinary physical prowess of a mere mortal that surpassed the limits of an average human being. Gratitude overwhelmed him, knowing that this man had saved his wife's life. Yet, alongside these emotions, there was an undeniable sense of terror that gripped Grisha as he beheld a man who embodied both an unstoppable force and an impenetrable fortress.
As Grisha observed the battle unfold, he was struck by the callous manner in which the Titan Slayer took lives without a hint of care or consideration. The sheer magnitude of destruction was deafening, leaving Grisha to ponder whether there was even a man behind that formidable suit. And he was just one man, against many.
Eren experienced a profound sense of awe as he witnessed the remarkable exhibition of swiftness and extraordinary power, seamlessly intertwined in a captivating performance of annihilation. The individual known as the Titan Slayer possessed unparalleled prowess, exhibiting an absence of trepidation, and, even though it may appear implausible, he was regarded as a Hero—Eren's Hero, to be precise. This Hero, who valiantly rescued his mother, prompted Eren to ponder whether there were others who shared similar attributes.
Carla was indeed filled with terror at the sight she beheld, but her awe and wonder were equally profound. Never before had she witnessed such a remarkable exhibition of skill and unparalleled strength. It was a power that surpassed the capabilities of any mortal being, surpassing even the mightiest of titans. The soldiers, as well as the titans who had instilled fear just moments prior, were vanquished by an indomitable warrior.
In spite of their utmost endeavors to resist, the Slayer demonstrated himself to be swifter and more unyielding. He stood alone against a multitude, yet emerged victorious against all odds; they were mere jesters in his presence, and he had unequivocally proven it. Carla comprehended that he embodied humanity's fury.
However, that was not her primary concern. While the masses were simultaneously awestruck and terrified by the Slayer, Carla stood as the sole individual amidst the throng who harbored apprehension for him. All that immense power, all that boundless rage, and she couldn't help but ponder over the factors that shaped the Titan Slayer into the person he is today.
Armin stood closely by Mikasa's side, his lips trembling with a fear greater than any he had experienced before. He made a concerted effort to disregard the boisterous chatter that surrounded him in the present moment. The notion of a man capable of subduing a Titan, despite its towering height being more than four times his own, simply defied comprehension.
Such inconceivable violence, such unbridled fury, such immense power and brutality. Even after briefly witnessing the Slayer conjure weapons seemingly out of thin air and shatter the face of a soldier with his bare fists alone, Armin remained uncertain, to the fullest extent, of the authenticity of what he had witnessed.
Armin's heart was resounding within his chest, and it required every ounce of his determination to refrain from seeking solace in Mikasa's presence due to fear. However, despite the immense strain on his nerves caused by the circumstances, the fair-haired individual was equally grateful for the protection provided by the Slayer against both the assailants and the titans. Undoubtedly, having such an extraordinary individual on their side would undoubtedly contribute to a reduction in the mortality rate. Now, he merely had to offer his prayers that no man would dare provoke the Slayer's wrath.
Mikasa was the sole individual who did not succumb to terror in the face of the transpiring events. Nevertheless, it would be disingenuous of her to deny her astonishment at the remarkable prowess and fortitude exhibited by the Titan Slayer. The Slayer engaged in combat with the poise and composure befitting a genuine warrior, remaining composed amidst adversity, displaying unwavering concentration, and refusing to allow fear to impede his actions.
The Slayer's courageous exhibition brought forth a recollection within Mikasa's thoughts. It reminded her of the occasion when she endeavored to summon the bravery necessary to thrust her blade into the man who was asphyxiating Eren. She recollected how her body ceased to be her own, as she became entirely composed, attentive, and prepared before delivering the decisive blow to the man. This memory lingered within her consciousness for an extended period of time.
All present observed in a state of hushed silence as the Titan Slayer proceeded to stride deliberately and portentously out of the rear entrance of the gate. Beneath one of his arms, he bore an unconscious man. Remarkably, he appeared unaffected by the weight, as if the burden were more of an inconvenience than a physical exertion.
The armored figure gracefully descended to one knee, gently placing the unconscious man upon his back. Within the gathering, three children and a woman hastened towards the motionless individual. With tears welling in their eyes, they promptly knelt beside him.
"Darling, wake up!" The woman pleaded.
"Daddy! Daddy!" The little girl cried.
"Daddy, please, please don't be dead!" The little boy begged.
The cries of the family were silenced by the Titan Slayer, who raised his hand in a commanding gesture. The onlookers watched as the Slayer reached down to his utility belt and retrieved a vial filled with a blue fluid. Carefully uncorking it, he poured the aforementioned fluid into the palm of his gauntlet. Gently rubbing both gauntlets together, the Slayer placed one on the head of the unconscious man and the other on his chest.
The man's entire body was enveloped in a radiant blue glow. The intense brilliance of this spectacle instinctively compelled everyone to shield their eyes. After a brief moment, the luminosity subsided, prompting everyone to lower their arms. The Titan Slayer then retrieved his gauntlets, and together with the family, he gazed upon the still unconscious man.
Everyone's minds were blown.
The man's cuts and deep wounds were gone.
The gentleman awakened with a sudden intake of breath. His eyes widened, and his chest rose and fell rhythmically. He gradually assumed an upright position and directed his gaze ahead. Upon turning to his right, he was met with the warm presence of his beloved family. Before he could articulate a single word, his wife and children enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace. Laughter and tears intermingled as the husband found himself overwhelmed with astonishment.
The wife glanced up in time when the Titan Slayer stood up. She smiled tearfully. "Thank you."
The Titan Slayer stared at her blankly.
Upon witnessing the miraculous occurrence, the survivors commenced their embarkation onto the vessel. In order to guarantee that the boat would not be burdened by excessive weight, they discarded any items that might impede its progress. Grisha and his family were the third group to embark.
As the final contingent of individuals made their way onto the boat, the bridge was raised by the two soldiers stationed aboard. The survivors on the opposite side, upon perceiving this development, were immediately seized by panic. A few attempted to push through, but were met with a line of soldiers standing in formation, resolutely obstructing their further advance.
The survivors began to express their panic in overdrive.
"Hey! What the hell?!"
"Wait!"
"Hey, what are you doing?!"
"The ship's full. It's leaving!"
"Please! Please, at least take my child!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't!"
One soldier in line turned his gaze towards the boat. "Go!"
The vessel slowly sails forward.
In due course, the panic of the survivors escalated exponentially, as the atmosphere became inundated with shouts and screams. A few of the children had already succumbed to whimpering and tears, while the mothers endeavored to pacify them to the best of their abilities. Certain individuals attempted to leap onto the boat, yet their efforts proved unsuccessful.
The Titan Slayer, to say the least, was not at all pleased.
An ear-splitting gunshot reverberated through the air. The super-shotgun, with its imposing size, was a sight to behold, especially considering how effortlessly the Slayer wielded it with a single hand. Smoke billowed forth from the barrels of the weapon.
A hush fell over the entire gathering.
The Titan Slayer's gaze briefly shifted to the boat that sailed forward, then back to the survivors who were now staring at him. He walked a few steps until he stood five feet before them. After a minute of silence he spoke.
"Where is that boat 'headin?" The Titan Slayer asked.
Dodging through the crowd, Ilse Langner stepped forward and stood before the Slayer.
"It's heading to Wall Rose, about one mile from here." Ilse replied, gesturing with her pointer finger, indicating a particular direction. The Slayer shifted his gaze towards where Ilse had indicated.
The Slayer nodded in thanks and proceeded to move forward. He gracefully passed by the remaining populace, making his way through the verdant field. He paused momentarily and cast an expectant gaze over his shoulder, awaiting the response of those present.
Initially, confusion clouded the minds of everyone, until Ilse took the initiative to be the first to follow in his footsteps. The family that the Slayer had aided were the next to trail behind Ilse, and soon after, another group joined the procession. Gradually, the surviving populace began to follow the Slayer as he confidently led the way. Even the surviving soldiers from the esteemed Garrison Regiment, accompanied by Hannes and an injured Hugo, closely followed suit.
Upon returning to the vessel, Eren's gaze remained steadfastly fixed upon the Titan Slayer. Never once did he divert his attention from him. His mind continued to be consumed by a profound sense of admiration and astonishment towards the Slayer.
Future Eren was observing him too.
The melodious symphony of crickets resonated from the verdant grass. Ian found himself succumbing to the tranquility of the present moment, as if he were effortlessly gliding atop the ethereal surface of time, where the passage of events ceased to exist. Nowhere else could one find a place quite like this, where solitude reigned supreme, accompanied solely by the celestial stars that adorned the heavens, the gentle caress of the air upon his skin, and the vast expanse of the eternal night sky above. The harmonious chorus of the crickets enveloped his senses, eclipsing the cacophony of noises emanating from the bustling thoroughfare nearby. With arms crossed and eyes gently shut, he embraced the serenity that enveloped him.
He occupied his mind with reminiscences of his childhood, a time when angling in the river was his veritable abode. Both of his progenitors shared the same ethnic background as him. Ian, in particular, inherited his mother's eyes and hair, while his father's heart resided within him.
His father would frequently accompany him to a serene and secluded location by the river, where they would sit side by side on a boat and engage in the activity of fishing together. This occurrence, although not of great significance, was subject to a time constraint, as an extended stay would cause his mother to experience concern. On occasion, they would return home with a substantial fish, which would then be prepared for their evening meal. However, the recollection of that particular night seemed to be distant and intangible, as if it had never transpired.
From the tender age of seven, Ian was cognizant of possessing the heart and vigor of a soldier. This innate soldierly spirit propelled him towards assuming a leadership role within an esteemed and select unit. Ian typically exhibited a demeanor characterized by strictness and brevity, yet in less intense circumstances, he would willingly engage in conversations with his fellow soldiers. Furthermore, he harbored a profound trust in his comrades and dutifully adhered to the directives of his superiors. It was customary for him to engage in open and candid discussions with his comrades when formulating strategic plans.
Ian gazed up at the stars adorning the night sky. His mind meandered to the events that transpired at Wall Maria. Upon receiving word that the titans had breached Wall Maria, he and his comrades were taken aback, struggling to comprehend the reality of it all. For centuries, humanity had thrived, sheltered by the protective walls, and yet somehow the titans had managed to infiltrate.
However, what truly astounded Ian and his squad, surpassing even the initial shock, was the expeditious sealing of the breach upon their arrival. Furthermore, they were enlightened as to the identity of the individual responsible for this remarkable feat: the Titan Slayer. A towering, formidable figure, clad in impenetrable armor, capable of vanquishing titans without the aid of ODM gear.
Ian crossed his arms. He didn't voice his opinions, but he believed Hannes and Hugo were telling the truth about the mysterious figure that saved the populace of Shiganshina. Ian understood that Hannes and Hugo were alcoholic addicts; not once had they ever lied to him about anything nor would they make their story up. His squad-mates, Rico Brzenska and Mitabi Jarnach, didn't believe the story one bit.
In Rico's perspective, she believed that the story was evidently fabricated. It appeared to be a nonsensical discourse on science fiction and similar matters. While the act of sealing the wall was plausible, the notion that a single individual single-handedly slaughtered hundreds of titans was undeniably preposterous.
Mitabi harbored skepticism upon initially hearing the story. Similar to Rico, he was not easily swayed and firmly believed that the soldiers had succumbed to madness as a result of witnessing titans devouring humans. Mitabi, being the type of individual he was, did not subscribe to the belief in fairy tales.
Ian gently tapped his shoulder, contemplating the situation at hand. While he sympathized with his two comrades, he could not overlook the massive boulder obstructing Shiganshina's path. The remarkable feats accomplished by this enigmatic individual made Ian ponder the boundless possibilities that awaited beyond their current predicament. Whether this intervention was deliberate or accidental, Ian felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the mysterious figure's assistance in safeguarding Maria.
Nevertheless, he couldn't help but wonder about their intentions going forward. Would they choose to return to their place of origin? Were there others like them? And most importantly, where did they originate from? Ian's mind was inundated with these pressing questions, but he deemed it prudent to postpone seeking answers until a more opportune time.
Ian blinked and looked down.
Fifty meters below him, he saw an ocean of black fragments advancing towards the wall's gate.
He leapt from the wall's precipice and swung his way down with the ODM gear. Upon descending to the ground, he landed in front of a cloaked individual that stood before him. Ian stood upright and stared at the cloaked figure.
The enigmatic figure stood at an impressive height of seven feet, adorned in a cloak of darkish charcoal hue, which bore the unmistakable marks of bloodstains. In each hand, they firmly grasped a firearm that Ian had never laid eyes upon. Beneath the cloak, he discerned the presence of an unfamiliar suit of armor.
Ian parted his lips, as if to say something but paused when someone started approaching him. He redirected his gaze to two that he recognized instantly. Hannes and Hugo dodged through an ocean of people until they stood before Ian.
Hannes waved his hand with a tired smile. "Hey."
"Hannes?" Ian stared blankly at him. "What're you—what's going on? Why are all these people here?"
Hannes and Hugo exchange knowing glances. Hannes sighed and scratched the back of his head before looking back at Ian.
"I'll keep it short; Wall Maria was attacked by an unknown enemy," Hannes said, crossing his arms. "Titans got inside, again, many people died. Soldiers too. But on the bright side, the deaths had been minimized." He pointed his thumb at the cloaked figure. "All thanks to this guy."
Ian shifted his gaze back to the cloaked figure.
The Titan Slayer stared back.
In the modest office space, Erwin Smith was seated upon his chair, engrossed in the pages of his book. His countenance remained devoid of any discernible emotion as he perused the text, occasionally casting a fleeting gaze towards the clock. The audible ticking resonated prominently within the tranquil atmosphere, yet it failed to disturb his equanimity. At least, not in his case.
He had grown accustomed to being interrupted solely by the rhythm of his own heartbeat and the occasional squeaking of his desk and chair. It required more than the ticking of a clock to truly unsettle him.
His focus was diverted from the clock by the sound of footsteps. Erwin glanced up at the door just as it swung open with grace. Ilse entered the room and offered a salute as she stood before him.
"As you were," Erwin said politely. "So, Ilse Langnar, right?"
"Yes sir." Ilse replied.
"Very well. If you're here to report to me about the falling of Wall Maria, there is no need; I am well aware." Erwin flipped the next page of his book. "What I'm more interested in, is the person that saved millions of lives and brought them back to Wall Rose. Can you tell me that?"
Ilse nodded.
"Start from the beginning." Said Erwin.
"Well, about six days ago, I took part in the 34th Expedition outside of the walls," Ilse began. "In command of the left flank of the second brigade. On the way back, my squad and I encountered titans. I lost all of my squad-mates, horses were gone too. I even abandoned my broken mobility gear and ran north. I lost my horse outside the wall in Titan-controlled territory. I've been running for days without any plan or hope for survival. I ran with the only hope that I may reach the wall without encountering any titans. Except I did encounter one."
"At first I thought my life was over, until I made a shocking discovery. For the first time in human history, the titan spoke to me. I tried asking about its nature, where it came from, its purpose, and in the end I got no answer."
"Due to the stress of the situation and everything I've gone through, I lost my composure and lashed out at the titan. Which was a mistake. Even while I was still writing I accepted death, though my tears that trickled down my cheeks betrayed my bravery. I should've died right there and then. But I was saved."
"At first, I thought it was one of the soldiers from the Garrison Regiment, or a surviving Scout from the Scout Regiment. But it was neither of the two. I was saved by a man. I witnessed him tackle a titan with their bare hands and killed it effortlessly. I really didn't know what to make of him, other than what was obvious. He's silent and only speaks when necessary. His name was William."
"William?" Erwin repeated with a raised brow. "That's his name?"
"Yes," Ilse replied with a nod. "Though the people he saved back in Wall Maria tend to call him Titan Slayer, that's his real name. I've also learned that he came from a place called Argent D'Nur. I honestly was unfamiliar with the name, I've never heard of a place like that."
"I see," said Erwin.
Silence erodes through the office.
"Anything else?"
"Well, I've learned that he's the most terrifying force of destruction I have ever seen."
"Why is that?"
"Because me, every soldier at Wall Maria, and all the people who have survived had witnessed his fight against legions of soldiers and titans. Despite the numbers, William was able to defeat every single one of them without a problem."
Erwin cast a brief glance in her direction. "Is he in your company? I would be delighted to make his acquaintance."
"Actually..." Ilse averted her gaze towards the floor. "He just left."
Erwin blinked at her, his countenance devoid of any emotion.
"Really?" Erwin inquired.
"Yes, sir," Ilse responded. "Once the survivors had been safely escorted within the confines of the walls, William turned away. I endeavored to persuade him to stay, but he paid me no heed whatsoever, as if I were invisible. Now, none of us possess any knowledge of his whereabouts."
Erwin hummed and nodded his head. It is indeed regrettable that the Titan Slayer has strayed from their midst. If the reports regarding his abilities are accurate, his inclusion in their ranks would undoubtedly be the most noteworthy acquisition.
"Very well, if that is the extent of your report, you may take your leave," Erwin stated.
Ilse promptly saluted and gracefully pivoted towards the door. She swung it open with finesse, then closed it behind her as she made her exit. Erwin found himself alone with his thoughts, his gaze drifting downwards as he gently stroked his chin.
Titan Slayer, William, Argent D'Nur, Erwin thought. I do hope we meet in the near future…
Erwin proceeded to read his book in silence.
To be continued...
A/N: Well young readers, that concludes the first arc of this story. Gotta admit, I had fun writing the battle between the Slayer and the army, I originally wanted to make the battle longer but I wanted to get this arc, along with the chapter done so I can focus on other projects I haven't touch in a while. Oh and just to reassure some young readers, I haven't forgotten about Marley! Because of the Slayer's introduction to the world of Attack On Titan and his interference that has officially altered the cannon events, things are gonna get crazy from here on out.
I also plan for Eren to still inherit the Shingeki. But one thing's for sure, it will be difficult for Grisha to convince Carla. I could only imagine her reaction when he tells her that Eren has to eat him in order for him to inherit the power.
Now, as much fun as I had writing this story, I'm gonna take a break from it for a while. Not because I'm burn out but so that I can focus on others stories I hadn't update in a while. In the mean time you young readers can think up your own theories of what the second arc would probably be. I honestly don't know what the second arc will be so i'll be taking my time thinking and planning.
We're going strong with the number of chapters that had been published! I want to thank everyone again for the support and love you guys have for this story. I honestly don't deserve it but still, thank you. With all of that said, I'll be taking my leave. See you in the next chapter!