Chapter 1557: Lazarus: “Birdcage”

Eliza, Layla, and Leela had experienced a moment of apprehension when Eren had nearly attacked the Rankers with his summoned creatures.

The lives of the Rankers present on the battlefield were meant to serve as the sacrifice Eliza required for an immediate restoration of her Sage ranking upon revival. Had they perished before the barrier's activation, Eliza's plans would have been jeopardized.

For a brief moment, Eliza entertained the notion that Eren might have betrayed her at the last moment to thwart her Sage ranking restoration. However, Eren's last-minute decision to withhold his summoned creatures from attacking the Rankers preserved Eliza's designs.

Eliza had to acknowledge Eren's ruthlessness and unambiguous approach. He had staked the entire fate of the Lazarus Project to deceive Garos and the five other Sages. She chuckled, then commented on Eren's remarkable mindset.