章 2: The Plains of Paradis

Chapter 1. The Plains of Paradis

* * *

Commander Magath stood on the deck of the ship, his eyes fixed on the shrinking silhouette of the island as it disappeared into the horizon.

The weight of the mission pressed heavily on his shoulders, but despite the widespread doubt, he knew its significance was undeniable.

The vice commander approached him, a folder clutched in his hand. "Here are the documents you asked for, sir," he said, handing over the file with a respectful nod.

Magath took the folder and opened it, his eyes scanning the first page.

[List of Warriors in the Paradis Mission]

1. Reiner Braun

- Evaluation: An excellent candidate with strong leadership qualities and willpower.

- Special Skills: Exceptional physical strength and endurance.

- Mission Suitability: Demonstrated outstanding results from the beginning; suitable to inherit the Armored Titan.

- Additional Information: Highly trusted within the team, known for maintaining composure in crisis situations. Reiner has shown consistent reliability and an unwavering commitment to mission objectives.

2. Bertolt Hoover

- Evaluation: Consistently achieved high marks since the start of training.

- Special Skills: Superior reflexes and situational awareness.

- Mission Suitability: Despite being introverted, his combat abilities as a Titan are exceptional; suitable to inherit the Colossal Titan.

- Additional Information: Adheres strictly to orders during missions and operates with a strategic mindset. Bertolt's calm demeanor under pressure makes him a dependable asset in high-stakes scenarios.

3. Annie Leonhart

- Evaluation: Achieved outstanding results from the beginning of training.

- Special Skills: Unmatched hand-to-hand combat skills.

- Mission Suitability: Lacks teamwork but this does not significantly impact mission performance; suitable to inherit the Female Titan.

- Additional Information: Displays a strong sense of individualism but performs missions with thoroughness and precision. Annie's combat prowess ensures effectiveness in direct confrontations.

4. Shiniro

- Evaluation: Initially showed poor performance but has since excelled in all areas.

- Special Skills: Exceptional intelligence and situational judgment.

- Mission Suitability: Maintains good relationships with peers but becomes cold and ruthless when it comes to mission objectives; suitable to inherit the Jaw Titan.

- Additional Information: Although he is known for his positive attitude and humor, Shiniro has developed a cold and calculating demeanor when tasked with mission objectives. His intellectual capabilities and situational awareness are beyond his years, making him a critical strategic asset.

Magath's thoughts lingered on Shiniro. 'Cold when it comes to the mission...'

He remembered how Shiniro had transformed from one of the weakest trainees to the best.

The boy, known for his jokes and positive attitude, had developed a cold, calculating side when it came to mission tasks.

His intelligence and situational awareness were exceptional for someone his age.

This mission... Sending four young warriors to retake the Founding Titan.

No one in the higher ranks of the military truly believed it would succeed.

But there was still a glimmer of hope.

With Shiniro on the team, maybe, just maybe, this mission could be possible.

Magath closed the folder and, with a solemn expression, whispered to himself, "I wish you good luck."

* * *

Shiniro woke up with a start, the first rays of dawn just beginning to light up the horizon.

The chill of the early morning air bit at his skin as he quickly moved around the camp, shaking each of his comrades awake.

"Everyone, wake up! Pack your stuff and get ready to leave!" he ordered, his voice carrying an urgency that cut through the morning stillness.

Reiner groaned, rubbing his eyes and sitting up slowly. "What's the rush, Shiniro?" he muttered, still half-asleep.

"No time for questions. Just move," Shiniro snapped back, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He could feel a sense of unease in the pit of his stomach, pushing him to hurry.

Annie, still drowsy, began to gather her things with a frown. "Why so early?" she mumbled, but she complied nonetheless.

Just then, a low rumble started beneath them, growing stronger with each passing second.

The ground beneath them began to shake violently, causing everyone to freeze in place. Shiniro's eyes widened in surprise and alarm. "What the...?"

Suddenly, from the ground emerged a titan. It wasn't as large as some they'd encountered, but its presence was no less menacing.

Its grotesque form loomed over them, casting a long shadow.

The titan immediately locked onto one of the warriors and charged.

Shiniro followed its trajectory, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized who it was heading towards.

"ANNIE!!!" he shouted, his voice filled with panic.

Annie, caught off guard, stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide with terror.

She seemed unable to move, rooted to the spot.

Without a second thought, Shiniro sprinted towards her, his feet pounding against the shaking ground.

He reached her just in time, shoving her out of the way as the titan's hand came crashing down.

The impact sent him sprawling, and the next thing he knew, the titan's massive hand had closed around him, lifting him off the ground.

The immense pressure caused his ribs to crack painfully, a sharp, searing pain shooting through his chest.

"Shiniro!!!" Reiner screamed, his voice filled with horror and desperation.

Shiniro struggled in the titan's crushing grip, his vision blurring from the pain.

He looked up to see the titan's gaping mouth getting closer. Panic surged through him as he realized he was moments away from being devoured.

"Shit!" he thought. "This is the only way..."

With a determined look, he bit down hard on his finger, feeling the familiar sting.

A thunderous explosion of yellow lightning and organic matter erupted from the sky, causing the titan to lose its grip on him as it recoiled.

In a blinding flash, Shiniro transformed into a titan, roaring.

The ground shook even more violently as his titan form emerged.

The Jaw titan had appeared.

* * *

Shiniro, exhausted and barely able to stand, staggered out of his titan form.

His body was drenched in sweat, and each breath he took was a struggle.

He could feel the sharp pain in his ribs but forced himself to remain upright.

As the steam from his transformation dissipated, Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie came running towards him, their faces etched with worry.

"Shiniro, are you okay?" Reiner asked urgently, his eyes scanning Shiniro for any visible injuries.

"I'm fine," Shiniro replied, his voice hoarse and strained. He winced slightly but tried to mask the pain.

Annie's normally stoic expression softened as she looked at him. "You... you saved me," she said quietly, a rare hint of worry in her voice.

Bertolt added, "We owe you, Shiniro. That was incredible. I don't know how you managed to react so quickly."

Shiniro nodded slightly, his eyes drifting to the steaming titan body behind him.

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. "Ymir," he thought bitterly.

The titan he had just killed was Ymir from the original AoT. But now, since he was the Jaw Titan, Ymir couldn't become human again.

The realization weighed heavily on him, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it.

Reiner shifted uncomfortably, guilt evident in his eyes. "So... sorry, Shiniro. I... I didn't know what was going on and... and—"

"Enough," Shiniro cut him off, his tone cold and firm.

He couldn't let them see how much pain he was in.

"We continue going," he said, his voice steady despite the agony coursing through him. "Our plan is to arrive at Wall Maria by the end of the day. Let's go."

With that, he turned and walked away to continue packing his stuff, his movements stiff but resolute.

His mind was focused solely on the mission ahead. Everyone else stood speechless, taken aback by Shiniro's adamant words and unwavering determination.

Reiner looked at Bertolt and Annie, who both nodded silently. They understood the urgency and the need to follow Shiniro's lead.

There would be time to process everything later.

The group moved with a renewed sense of purpose, their steps quickening as they followed Shiniro.

His silent strength and determination gave them the courage to push forward, despite the exhaustion and fear gnawing at them.

And soon they could see in the distance, a wall long as a trail of ants.

They were near wall Maria.