Chapter One
Living Death
The sun was beginning to set behind the colossal walls of Orvud District, casting long shadows that stretched across the cobblestone streets. Inside the inner sanctum of the Survey Corps headquarters, a group of new recruits sat in tense silence. They had all heard the stories—the tales of bravery, sacrifice, and the terrifying Titans that roamed beyond the walls. But for this new generation, the reality of their mission was just starting to sink in.
Ansel, now a seasoned trainee, stood at the front of the room. His presence was commanding, his eyes a mix of determination and lingering sorrow. Next to him stood Otto and Leni, both of whom had risen to legendary status within the trainee Corps. Their faces were etched with the experiences of countless tumbles on the ODM gear, their bodies bearing the scars of their struggles.
"Welcome to the Survey Corps," Lyra began, her voice steady but intense. "You are here because you have shown promise, because you have the potential to be humanity's next hope. The world outside these walls is more dangerous than you can imagine, and it will take everything you have to survive."
Her heart pounding in her chest, she had dreamed of this moment for years, ever since the Titans had destroyed her village; to recruit others into the corps. Her emerald eyes burned with a mixture of strength and resolve.
After the introductions, Lyra led the group outside to the training grounds. The recruits were to undergo their first test—a simulation of a Titan encounter. As they moved through the exercises, Ansel found himself struggling to keep up. His ODM gear malfunctioned, sending him spiralling to the ground. He gritted his teeth and stood up, determined to prove himself.
"You need to focus," a voice said from behind him. Ansel turned to see Lyra watching him with a kind but critical eye. "Your mind is your greatest weapon. Use it."
That night, as the recruits settled into their barracks, Ansel couldn't sleep. He replayed the day's events over and over in his mind, haunted by the thought of failing. He had to succeed—there was no other option.
Meanwhile, in the heart of District Omarid, a clandestine meeting was taking place. High-ranking officials and military leaders gathered around a table, their faces grave. A map of the territories beyond the walls lay before them, marked with new and ominous symbols.
"We've received intelligence about a new threat," Commander Elke announced. "The Jaw spotted the cart heading straight for us. The attack will have seen memories of future past about us and our location."
"So, it's going to attack us?" the higher-up asked.
"Almost certainly," Elke Stated, "but probably with multiple Titans,"
Back at the barracks, Ansel finally drifted into a restless sleep, unaware of the impending danger. He dreamt of his village, of his family, and of the Titans that had destroyed everything he loved. When he awoke, he knew that Their fight was just beginning.
Lyra's words echoed in her mind: "It will take everything you have to survive."
As dawn broke, the recruits were roused from their beds for another day of gruelling training. Lyra steeled herself. She would become stronger, faster, and smarter. She had to—because humanity's fate rested on their shoulders.
Outside the walls, the Titans creeped closer, their eyes gleaming with a malevolent intelligence. The battle for survival was about to begin again.