Chương 965: 41
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the horizon, the valiant members of the Survey Corps meticulously readied themselves for the imminent expedition that lay beyond the colossal wall. This highly anticipated journey, much like its predecessors, drew forth a multitude of spectators from far and wide, forming an ocean of humanity eagerly awaiting the departure of the brave soldiers through the towering gate.
Among the crowd, a fresh batch of cadets, brimming with anticipation and nervous excitement, stood in awe, their eyes fixated on the seasoned scouts as they made their final preparations. The atmosphere was electric, charged with a palpable mix of admiration and encouragement, as the onlookers erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices merging into a symphony of support that reverberated through the air.
Perched atop his steed, Levi's piercing gaze swept across the exuberant crowd, their thunderous applause reverberating through the air.
Echoes of admiration filled his ears as countless voices hailed him as the epitome of "Humanity's Strongest Soldier." Yet, amidst the clamor, skepticism etched itself upon Levi's countenance, for he harbored grave doubts in his heart. Even if the masses bestowed upon him such a prestigious title, Levi never found solace in its lofty praise, never truly embracing the notion of himself as the unparalleled paragon of might.
"You know," Hange whispered in a conspiratorial tone, her voice carrying a hint of mischief and amusement, "they wouldn't be cheering for you like that if they knew how much of a clean freak you are," As she gracefully guided her horse to a halt beside Levi, he emitted an exasperated groan, his eyes meeting Hange's with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
Thoughts raced through his mind, his quick wit ready to conjure a retort, but before he could utter a word, Hange averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of pink. Caught off guard, Levi's eyebrow arched in perplexity, unable to fathom the source of her sudden unease.
On most occasions, whenever the Survey Corps embarked on a perilous expedition into the treacherous domain of the Titans, it was an unwavering tradition for the indomitable Levi Squad and their seasoned leader, Commander Erwin, to fearlessly spearhead the charge, inspiring their comrades with their unwavering resolve.
However, today's expedition held an unexpected twist as the winds of change swept through the ranks. It was the Mike Squad who surged ahead, their determination radiating from their every stride. With resolute hearts and unyielding spirits, they now assumed the vanguard, while the remaining soldiers received an unusual directive to disperse and attack the enemy from various directions, withholding their assistance from the Mike Squad.
The other teams would scatter around, but Mike Squad would attack the place where everyone expected the most amount of Titans to be; many scouts had been concerned since Mike Squad would be miles away, way too far for support to arrive in case they needed to retreat, but they still followed Erwin's plan, many quickly saying the commander knew what he was doing.
With a rhythmic creak, the massive Gate of the outer wall of Wall Rose embarked on its ascent as if awakening from a long slumber. As the gate gradually rose, a cascade of dirt cascaded down its weathered surface, like the remnants of forgotten battles.
Each particle of soil, released from its ancient hold, danced in the crisp air before gracefully settling upon the ground below. Finally, the gate fully opened, revealing a world beyond the safety of Wall Rose. At that moment, Erwin seized the reins of his silver steed, his grip firm and resolute
"Expedition to Wall Maria starts!" With a resounding shout that echoed through the air, Erwin announced the commencement of the long-awaited mission to Wall Maria. His voice carried the weight of determination, fueling the spirits of the brave soldiers gathered around him. As the sound of his proclamation faded, Erwin's spurred boot met the flank of his gallant steed, urging the creature into motion.
The horse, spurred on by the swift kick and the adrenaline coursing through its veins, surged forward with an unyielding determination. Following closely behind, a formidable horde of over a hundred scouts set off on this perilous journey, their hearts filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. In the midst of this fervor, Squad Mike swiftly broke away from the pack.
Their steeds galloped ahead, effortlessly covering the ground and distancing themselves from the rest of the group. With each passing second, the gap between Squad Mike and their comrades grew wider.
As Mike galloped forward, his senses heightened to a crescendo. His eyes, like vigilant sentinels, scanned the terrain with unwavering focus while his nose, an olfactory maestro, detected the faintest whiff of danger in the air. Riding alongside him, his trusted team matched his pace, their horses thundering like a symphony of raw power. With every thunderous beat of their hooves, the ground beneath them shattered into fragments, a whirlwind of earth and dust trailing in their wake.
As the group pressed forward on their treacherous journey, their eyes widened as they stumbled upon a quaint yet formidable village nestled in the heart of the wilderness. This seemingly idyllic hamlet was teeming with Titans, their massive forms casting ominous shadows across the landscape.
Mike felt his heart skip a beat as he surveyed the scene before him, his gaze narrowing with determination. With a firm resolve, Mike spurred his trusty steed onward, its powerful hooves pounding against the earth as they raced through the village, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
As he glanced back at his comrades, a sense of urgency etched upon his face, he bellowed a command that resonated with unwavering authority, "I will lead the charge! Cover me, and don't you dare Die!"His words hung in the air, echoing through the stillness of the village, as his team of soldiers nodded in unison, their expressions filled with a mixture of fierce determination and unwavering loyalty. Amongst them, Nanaba, with her steely resolve and piercing gaze, exuded an air of utmost seriousness.
As Mike rode atop his trusty steed, his gaze fixed firmly ahead, his hands tightly gripping the handles of his ODM Gear swords. With a swift and decisive pull of the trigger, an anchor shot forth from his box, swiftly finding its mark against the sturdy wall of a nearby house.
A burst of gas erupted from his ODM Gear, propelling Mike forward through the air, his heart pounding with both anticipation and determination.
Like a fearless soldier in the face of danger, he hurtled towards the towering Titans that loomed ominously before him. Amidst the chaos, one of the grotesque creatures locked its gaze onto Mike, its eyes gleaming with a ravenous hunger. Its massive mouth opened wide, revealing rows of menacing teeth glistening with droplets of saliva as if salivating at the prospect of devouring its next victim.
Mike's piercing gaze narrowed, his eyes reflecting a mix of fierce resolve and unwavering bravery. Gripping his hand with an iron grip, he sank his teeth into his own flesh, unleashing a torrent of crimson as blood erupted from the deep wound.
Meanwhile, the Mike Squad positioned a hundred meters away, watched in awe and trepidation as their comrade underwent an astonishing transformation. The air crackled as a bolt of golden lightning hit Mike. And then, in a symphony of earth-shattering might, the Beast Titan emerged. A primal roar, resonating with both fury and authority, thundered forth from the newly transformed entity, reverberating through the vast expanse of land.
A thunderous spectacle unfolded as a formidable force of over twenty Titans, their towering frames casting ominous shadows across the desolate village, advanced relentlessly toward the Beast Titan.
With a primal roar reverberating through the air, the Beast Titan, adorned with mighty muscles and a crown of matted fur, braced itself for the impending clash. Crouching low, it propelled itself forward with a flurry of powerful strides, each footfall resonating with raw determination and undeniable strength.
The ground trembled beneath its weight as it closed the distance with astonishing speed, closing in on the encroaching horde of Titans. With a breathtaking leap into the fray, the Beast Titan soared through the air, its massive form arching gracefully before descending upon its adversaries. Its razor-sharp claws, gleaming like polished steel, sliced through the air with deadly precision, severing limbs and rending flesh as easily as a hot knife cuts through butter.
The cacophony of screeches and roars mingled with the sickening sound of tearing flesh, creating a symphony of chaos and destruction. Meanwhile, the Mike Squad stood steadfastly by the Beast Titan's side, their unwavering loyalty unwavering and their weapons poised to strike.
With unwavering focus, they scanned the battlefield, their keen eyes trained to detect any sign of danger.
As the Titans advanced, attempting to exploit any opening or weakness, the Mike Squad sprung into action, their movements fluid and precise. With their unmatched skill and unwavering resolve, the members of the Mike Squad swiftly dispatched every Titan foolish enough to try and flank the Beast Titan.
.
.
Amidst the chaos and turmoil of the relentless battle, where clashing swords and thunderous war cries filled the air, there stood a lone scout. An ominous titan lurked in the shadows, patiently awaiting its prey. Without warning, the monstrous creature pounced upon him, its massive jaws clamping tightly around the lower part of his body, ensnaring him in a grotesque display of power and brutality.
Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his veins, the scout's spirit remained unyielding, for he was driven not only by physical agony but also by an overwhelming surge of anger that consumed his every thought. As the titan mindlessly savored its gruesome feast, gnawing upon his flesh, the scout's legs became mere fragments of his former self, their presence fading away into the abyss.
With a defiant glare in his eyes, the scout summoned every ounce of strength he had left, managing to wheeze out his words amidst the excruciating pain. His voice, tinged with determination, pierced through the chaos of the battlefield, reaching the towering titan that loomed before him. Blood, crimson and viscous, trickled down from his battered lips.
Yet, undeterred by his injuries, he mustered the courage to address his adversaries, his voice trembling but resolute. "Just you watch, you devils," he declared, his words echoing with a mix of defiance and righteous fury. "One day... one day, you All will fall," he proclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand warriors.
As the scout's desperate words spilled forth, pleading for the titan's attention, the creature remained aloof, a distant glimmer in its vacant gaze, as it nonchalantly gnawed on the lower half of the human. A surge of fury surged through the scout, its intensity growing by exponential measures, fueling a fire within him that refused to be quelled.
Though immobilized from the waist down, his determination remained unwavering, his arms serving as his sole means of defiance. With a trembling hand clutching one of his trusty blades, he raised it high above his head, its glinting edge poised for battle.
As the scout's voice wheezed through his blood-soaked lips, his trembling body remained defiant, the weight of his words echoing in the air. With his vision blurring and fading, a testament to his waning strength, "One day you will all fall to Captain Levi," The sound of his raspy breaths mingled with the distant battle cries, creating an eerie melody amidst the chaos.
Despite the searing pain coursing through his veins, he mustered the last remnants of his courage and raised his blood-stained blades even higher, a symbol of unwavering determination. With a primal yell that reverberated through the battlefield, he lunged forward, thrusting the sharp, gleaming tip of his weapon into the cheek of the towering titan.
In that fleeting moment, the titan, momentarily distracted from its grisly feast, turned its grotesque gaze towards his meal.
As the titan eagerly devoured its prey, relishing in the taste of human flesh, a sudden interruption shattered the ambiance of its gruesome feast. In a swift display of agility and precision, an anchor, launched from the powerful ODM gear, found its mark and firmly lodged itself into the titan's formidable neck.
The titan, startled by the unexpected intrusion, instinctively prepared to turn its head, hoping to shake off the unwelcome impediment. However, before it could even execute its intended movement, a blur of motion streaked past its vulnerable nape, slicing through its flesh with ruthless efficiency. A crimson geyser erupted from the titan's severed nape, spraying the surrounding air with a chilling cascade of blood.
The head of the beast, almost completely detached from its massive body, hung precariously by a literal thread of sinew. Caught off guard and robbed of its vocal cords, the titan was unable to muster even a single groan of anguish before succumbing to the inescapable embrace of death.
Levi landed effortlessly on the rooftop of an eerie, decrepit building. His eyes fixated on the titan whose nape he had just ruthlessly sliced through. Determined to ensure its demise was permanent, Levi's relentless gaze pierced through the chaos and destruction that surrounded him. With unwavering resolve, he cautiously approached the fallen titan and confirmed its lifeless state.
Satisfied with his victory, he examined the blade that had been wielded with unmatched precision, the very weapon that had severed the monstrous creature responsible for devouring one of his loyal comrades.
Restless and ravenous, these titans found themselves drawn towards him, their lumbering steps belied by an air of deliberate intent. The captain promptly detected the encroaching peril. His eyes, sharp as a falcon's, narrowed with a mixture of vigilance and resolve, yet his countenance remained unyielding, a facade of unflappable composure.
With a calculated awareness, he observed the initial titan's approach from his right flank, a towering mass of brawn and sinew, while simultaneously tracking the second titan's relentless advance from his left, a formidable figure almost matching the stature of its counterpart, albeit marginally shorter.
Positioned strategically on a wooden roof, he awaited the arrival of the first titan, aware that time was of the essence. As if in a synchronized dance, the creatures approached, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground below.
With his keen eyesight, Levi saw the first titan closing in, its monstrous form eclipsing the horizon. In a thrilling display of anticipation, he braced himself, knowing that his every move would determine the outcome of this perilous encounter.
Just as the first titan's thunderous footsteps reverberated through the air, the second titan loomed in the distance, threatening to disrupt Levi's calculated plan. But Levi seized the opportunity before him. Sensing the imminent danger, he sprang into action with remarkable speed and agility.
He leaped from the wooden roof, narrowly evading the titan's outstretched hand that barreled through the building materials in a destructive frenzy. Undeterred by the chaos unfolding around him, Levi utilized his ODM Gear to propel himself through the air with unparalleled grace. The wind whistled in his ears as he effortlessly maneuvered through the battlefield, swiftly circumnavigating the titan with an almost supernatural finesse.
With unparalleled precision, his anchors shot out like lightning bolts, finding their mark and firmly piercing the vulnerable nape of the Titan. A symphony of determination and agility flowed through his veins, propelling him forward with unwavering speed and unwavering focus. The Titan, oblivious to the captain's swift and strategic evasion, was caught off guard, its massive hand left grasping at thin air.
Levi released the gas from his ODM gear, propelling himself through the air. As he spun, his hands tightened their grip around his razor-sharp blades, becoming extensions of his very being and swirling and twirling through the battlefield. In a breathtaking display of mastery, he swiftly sliced through the first titan's vulnerable nape with effortless grace.
With a swift and calculated movement, Levi launched his anchor toward the massive, grotesque stomach of the towering Titan. In a breathtaking display of agility, he propelled himself through the air, skillfully maneuvering between the Titan's legs, evading its grasping hands that sought to snatch him away.
Levi swiftly fired another anchor, this time aiming for the vulnerable nape of the Titan's neck. Utilizing the powerful burst of gas from his ODM Gear, he propelled himself with remarkable speed and precision toward his target – the Titan's weak spot. With a single fluid swing of his razor-sharp blade, Levi effortlessly severed the Titan's nape, severing its connection to life. As the severed head crashed to the ground, Levi gracefully descended, landing on the sturdy wooden rooftop with a resolute thud.
As his weary gaze fixated upon the bloodstained hilt of his blades, the only thing that truly mattered to him at that moment was the dark, viscous titan blood that had seeped into every crevice. A twisted mixture of fascination and disgust coursed through his veins, compelling him to clench his teeth in an instinctive reaction of repulsion, the metallic taste of revulsion lingering on his tongue.
"Levi!" The Lieutenant's head snapped up, his senses tingling at the familiar sound of his comrade's voice permeating the air. Another scout gracefully descended from the heavens, gracefully landing behind him with a near-silent thud.
Levi's greeting lacked any hint of warmth as he mustered a curt "Eld." His voice, devoid of the usual warmth that accompanied his welcome, conveyed a singular determination, his attention consumed by the imminent battle that lay ahead. "How is the fight going?"
Eld's response resonated with a calm, steady tone, indicating inner tranquility amidst the chaos surrounding them. "Not as bad as usual," he replied, his words carrying a sense of reassurance. "It seems Mike has taken care of a lot of them. I Wonder how he is doing. It's been over three hours since we started this expedition,"
As Levi's anticipation grew, on the verge of questioning the whereabouts of Erwin, an enigmatic silence was shattered by an authoritative voice that sliced through the still air, instantly seizing the attention of everyone present. "Captain! I've brought reinforcements!" Petra called out to her squad captain, running up to meet him.
Levi's head snapped up, instinctively drawn to the familiar voices of his squadmates echoing through the air. As his piercing gaze scanned the desolate surroundings, he saw Titans approaching. Near them were multiple titans, each one an abomination of twisted flesh and bone.
To his right, a hulking titan roamed the streets, its gigantic frame casting a haunting shadow over the dilapidated buildings. Its grotesque head effortlessly peered over the tallest structures as if mocking the feeble attempts of humanity to resist its dominance. On his left, Levi saw two more titans, their misshapen forms mirroring one another in their horrifying symmetry.
"Petra!" Levi's authoritative voice boomed through the air, urgently directing her attention to the injured soldier lying helplessly below. With a swift nod, Petra acknowledged her comrade's command.
As Levi's piercing gaze shifted toward Eld. The battlefield echoed with the sounds of clashing swords and the thunderous footsteps of the colossal Titans. His voice carried a sense of unwavering determination.
"Eld, rally whoever remains by your side and launch a relentless assault on the Titan on the right flank! I will clean the other two,"
It didn't take long for Levi to take care of the Titans, he knew they were once humans, but he knew it needed to be done.
Levi gracefully descended onto the apex of a towering edifice, savoring the victorious moment. As he stood on the rooftop, a gust of wind swept through his hair, carrying away the remnants of the intense battle.
Yet, as the adrenaline gradually subsided, his attention was drawn to a peculiar sensation emanating from his outstretched hand. A tingling warmth, almost like a subtle caress of fire, prickled his skin, immediately capturing his focus. Curiosity mingled with trepidation as his gaze traveled downwards, fixating upon his hand.
And there it was, an unwelcome sight that caused his stomach to churn in dismay. The titan's blood had marred the purity of his immaculate blades, leaving an indelible stain upon his hand.
A grimace of disgust twisted his features, his lips curling into a disapproving sneer. "Tsk," he hissed through gritted teeth, the sound barely audible over the whistling wind. In an act of swift disdain, he hastily wiped his hand against the vibrant green expanse of his flowing cape, ridding himself of the offensive residue.
In the eerie stillness of the abandoned town, a hushed tranquility settled, broken only by the piercing cries of the weary scouts who had managed to survive. Levi cast his eyes upon the desolate landscape, his gaze sweeping across the crumbling buildings and overgrown streets.
No towering Titans loomed in the distance, their monstrous silhouettes absent from the horizon. It was a sight that filled Levi with conflicting emotions, a mixture of relief and trepidation, for it hinted at the possibility that the relentless battle may have reached its long-awaited conclusion, or at the very least, a respite from the relentless onslaught.
Down on the bustling streets below, Petra, her heart pounding in her chest, gracefully dropped to her knees beside the fallen scout, whose prone body bore the gruesome marks of the titan's savage jaws.
Blood, like a macabre river, flowed relentlessly from his wounded legs, staining the pavement in a crimson hue mirrored the horror of the scene. In that harrowing moment, Levi descended from the nearby house, his agile form landing with a resolute thud just a few meters before Petra. His piercing gaze locked onto her.
"Petra," Levi called out, his voice a steady yet commanding presence amongst the chaos. "How is his condition?" With unwavering composure, Petra lifted her gaze to meet Levi's, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and unwavering determination.
Cradling the injured scout's head gently in her hands, she spoke with a voice laced with both gratitude and admiration. "I believe he will survive, Captain," she replied, her words carrying the weight of hope. "He's fortunate that you saved him," As if to emphasize her point, she pressed a pristine white cloth against the soldier's abdomen, watching as its purity gradually transformed into a vivid scarlet.
As the wounded soldier lay on his back, a searing pain shot through his body, causing him to wince involuntarily. However, amidst the agony, a glimmer of hope ignited within him as he caught sight of the distinguished figure of Captain Levi making his way toward him.
Determination surged through his veins, pushing him to gather every ounce of strength he could muster. With great effort, he raised his trembling arm, bringing it to his heart and making the salute, a gesture of unwavering respect for his captain. Through gritted teeth, he managed to utter the words that resonated with profound gratitude, "Captain Levi, Thank you,"
"You want to thank me, then survive. You have your bride waiting home for you, Jonas." Levi spoke with a commanding voice towards the wounded soldier. The soldier's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope, his thoughts drifting to his beloved bride, patiently awaiting his return to their humble abode. In that fleeting moment, a flicker of strength coursed through his weakened body, causing a smile to slowly grace his lips.
However, their exchange was abruptly interrupted, abruptly silenced, as the thunderous sound of hooves echoed in the distance, growing louder with each passing second. Curiosity sparked within their eyes as they turned towards the source of the commotion, their gazes falling upon the figure that emerged from the horizon.
It was Erwin, the Commander of the Scouting Regiment, mounted atop a majestic white steed, its mane flowing in the wind like a banner of freedom. Erwin's countenance remained impassive, unmoved by the situation's urgency that compelled him to ride with such unwavering determination.
The intensity in his eyes mirrored the urgency of his mission as if burdened with news of utmost importance.
With a firm grip on the reins of his majestic steed, he halted abruptly, creating a cloud of dust that settled around him. The gravity of his words hung heavy in the atmosphere as he declared, "All of you, gather your things! We're retreating."
The shockwaves of Erwin's unexpected order rippled through the ranks, reaching Petra like a lightning bolt. Her wide eyes mirrored her disbelief as she exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of astonishment and concern, "What!? Retreating?!"
Levi tilted his head slightly, his piercing gaze fixed upon Erwin. A flicker of irritation danced across his features as he questioned, his tone tinged with a hint of frustration, "Erwin, we haven't even made it to Shiganshina yet, and we're already retreating. Are you trying to say that my troops died in vain?" His words hung in the air, a challenge awaiting a response. "I'm sure you have a good reason for this," he added, his voice laced with begrudging respect, acknowledging Erwin's strategic prowess.
As the words escaped Erwin's lips, his expression remained stoic, unyielding to the gravity of the situation. "The Titans are after the town!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with urgency.
"It's been reported that they've started moving northward as a group." His words echoed in the air, each syllable dripping with the weight of despair. "It's just like five years ago when Shinganshina was attacked," he continued. "And some of our scouts had picked up on Armin's flare." As Erwin's explanation hung in the air, every scout within hearing distance knew what awaited them.
"If it's the same as 5 years ago..." continued Erwin, staring north with narrowed eyes. "Gather all the equipment and round up everyone. We need to start moving back to the Trost district immediately!"
Levi mounted his steed and embarked toward the city of Trost. Determination etched upon his face, he charged forward, his every fiber pulsating with a fierce resolve. For far too long, the Armoured and Colossal Titans had lurked in the shadows. But now, with a burning desire for justice, Levi vowed to obliterate them like insignificant ants, avenging the countless lives they had mercilessly snatched away.
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