Chapter Two
The reckoning
The dawn light filtered through the narrow windows of the barracks, casting a pale glow on the sleeping recruits. Ansel awoke with a start, his heart still racing from the night's haunting dreams. He quickly dressed and joined the others outside, where Lyra and the instructors were already waiting.
"Today, we push you further," Lyra announced, her eyes scanning the group. "You will learn what it means to face a real Titan. You must be prepared for anything."
The recruits were led to the outskirts of the training grounds, where a series of lifelike Titan dummies loomed over them. Each dummy was equipped with moving parts and realistic features to simulate an actual encounter. Ansel felt a chill run down his spine as he stared up at the grotesque figures.
Lyra demonstrated the proper technique for using ODM gear against the dummies, her movements fluid and precise. "Focus on the nape," she instructed. "It's the only way to bring them down."
As the recruits took turns practicing, Ansel struggled to maintain his balance. His gear malfunctioned again, sending him crashing into the ground. Frustration and self-doubt gnawed at him, but he forced himself to get up and try again.
"Remember what I told you," Lyra said, approaching him. "Your mind is your greatest weapon."
Ansel nodded, her words giving him a renewed sense of determination. He took a deep breath and launched himself into the air once more. This time, he managed to strike the nape of the dummy with precision, feeling a surge of triumph.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of intense training and gruelling exercises. By the time the sun set, the recruits were exhausted but resolute. Ansel felt a sense of camaraderie growing among them, each shared struggle forging a stronger bond.
Meanwhile, in District Omarid, Commander Elke and the high-ranking officials continued their urgent discussions. The new intelligence about the approaching Titans weighed heavily on their minds.
"We must prepare for an immediate attack," Elke insisted. "We cannot afford to be caught off guard."
Plans were quickly set into motion. Reinforcements were called in, and defences were strengthened. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone braced for the impending threat.
Back at the barracks, Ansel and the other recruits were gathered for a final briefing before lights out. Lyra's expression was serious as she addressed them.
"We've received reports of Titan activity near the walls," she informed them. "This is not a drill. We must be ready to defend our home at a moment's notice."
The recruits exchanged anxious glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Ansel clenched his fists, determination hardening within him. He wouldn't let fear control him. He would fight for his fallen family, for his friends, and for the future of humanity.
As night fell, the barracks were filled with a tense silence. Ansel lay awake, listening to the distant sounds of preparation outside. His thoughts drifted to Lyra's words, and he resolved to prove himself worthy of the Survey Corps.
Outside the walls, the Titans drew closer, their forms moving with an eerie, unnatural grace. Their eyes glowed with malevolent intelligence, driven by a singular purpose: to breach the walls and annihilate humanity.
The first cry of alarm pierced the night, jolting Ansel and the others from their beds. They scrambled to gear up, adrenaline surging through their veins. The time had come to face the enemy.