As time passed, without interference from Marley, the Pure Titans alone proved no match for Lock's relentless advance. Once the interior of Costello District was cleared, the Titans outside the wall kept rushing toward the breach—but each one was cut down before it could enter.
Day after day, the defensive line held. And then, at last, the long-awaited moment arrived.
The massive boulder—large enough to seal the breach—was finally transported into the district. For everyone gathered on the walls and in the streets, it marked a turning point.
"Finally… It's going to be blocked. That hole's been an eyesore since the operation began."
"Once it's sealed, Costello District will truly be liberated!"
"I never thought we'd live to see this. We actually defeated the Titans. It's unbelievable!"
"Yeah, the march here was brutal. We fought for our lives every step of the way… but reclaiming our home, taking back what we lost—it's the best feeling I've ever had!"
"All of this is thanks to Captain Lock!"
"That's right! Without Captain Lock, none of this would've been possible!"
"Captain Lock is incredible!"
"Long live Captain Lock!!"
The cheers rippled through the ranks of soldiers and volunteers, rising like a tide. A few figures in the Volunteer Corps uniforms subtly moved through the crowd, skillfully guiding the conversations to keep the praise flowing in Lock's direction.
Everything was unfolding in his favor, like a fishing reel pulling the catch closer.
Meanwhile, Lock stood on top of the city wall, his cape fluttering in the wind. His gaze was fixed on the distant horizon where the boulder approached, pulled by a coordinated team of soldiers and equipment. Outside the walls, Survey Corps squads were engaged in final skirmishes, intercepting any Titans that dared draw near.
His expression was calm, but in his eyes burned a focused intensity. As soon as that breach was sealed, the district would be secured.
The recovery of the Costello District carried enormous weight. It would become a fortified bridgehead in the north—a frontline defense against future Titan incursions. But beyond strategy, the psychological impact was just as significant.
The victory would restore the people's faith. It would ease tensions within the Walls, giving refugees space to live and rebuild.
And for Lock himself, this was an opportunity to solidify his reputation.
Before long, under the watchful eyes of thousands, the boulder reached the breach. A team of engineers and soldiers rushed forward with ropes, pulleys, and anchor mechanisms. Coordinating their efforts, they slowly maneuvered the massive stone into position.
The crowd collectively held its breath.
Then—
With a deep, grinding sound, the boulder slid firmly into place, sealing the gap that Titans had poured through for years.
Cheers erupted from the walls and streets alike.
"Lock, we did it!" Petra cried, her face lit up with joy.
Around them, soldiers, volunteers, and civilians began to shout and embrace one another.
For the first time in a long while, they saw tangible hope. Humanity had not only survived—they had won.
The liberation of the Costello District was no longer a dream.
And this would not be their last victory. From here on, they would continue to push forward, reclaiming more land, more freedom.
Lock watched the celebrations quietly, his eyes drifting toward the horizon. "Once this is finished," he murmured, "it's almost time to move on."
A part of him yearned to see the world beyond Paradis Island—to learn how the world had developed beyond the sea.
But he knew reality would not allow that. Not yet. Only when Paradis was secure and strong could he venture beyond the Walls openly, to meet the outside world on equal footing.
Falling behind invites destruction.
Weakness is original sin.
Compared to the global powers beyond the island, Paradis remained fragile. The only reason Marley and the other nations had not invaded outright was the deterrent of the Founding Titan. Without it, this island could have already become a colony of foreign powers.
The thought made Lock uneasy. His responsibilities stretched far beyond this single district. There was so much to change, so much to prepare—and all of it required one irreplaceable resource: time.
Sensing his mood, Petra hesitated briefly before stepping closer. She reached out and gently took his hand.
"Lock, don't shoulder everything alone. You have us. Ymir and I—we'll help you."
Ymir, standing nearby with her arms crossed, snorted. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just helping to save my own skin, not because I like you or anything." She avoided Lock's gaze, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Lock, still focused on the distant horizon, didn't look at them but replied softly, "Thank you."
Petra smiled warmly. Ymir rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. For a moment, a quiet understanding passed between them.
The boulder was secured without incident, and the city erupted into celebration. Lock didn't dampen their spirits; he announced a banquet to commemorate the victory.
Many of the buildings in the district had remained untouched, stocked with supplies abandoned during the fall. These resources now became provisions for the soldiers and volunteers who had reclaimed the city.
No one objected. They had earned it. After all, this was their land—stolen by Titans, now taken back through blood and courage.
But triumph never lingered for long.
By noon the next day, the army was on the move again. The remaining stray Titans in the northern outskirts were swiftly hunted down, completing the district's liberation. From there, Lock's forces linked up with Erwin's eastern front and began marching south to face the most difficult recapture battle yet.
This time, the soldiers were different. With experience under their belts, both Corps members and volunteers moved with more confidence and coordination. Their fear of Titans, once overwhelming, had tempered into grim determination. Their formations held. Their strikes were cleaner. Casualties dropped dramatically.
Lock's remarkable achievements spread swiftly to Wall Rose through messengers. It wasn't long before the news reached the royal government.
As the de facto ruler within the Walls, Rod Reiss received the report.
"They actually succeeded?" Rod muttered, visibly shocked.
Moments later, a rare smile crossed his face. "Not bad… You didn't disappoint me—or the resources we invested."
The successful reclamation of the Costello District was an unexpected boon for the royal government. For Rod, it meant restored territory, increased morale among the populace, and strengthened defenses. But beyond practical benefits, it challenged a long-standing belief.
For years, the royal family and much of the military had lived in awe—and fear—of the Titans' power. Few had imagined that humanity, without divine intervention, could seize land back by force.
Lock's success had shaken that foundation.
Meanwhile, within the Walls, the citizens didn't analyze the political ramifications. They simply celebrated.
Joy spread through villages and barracks alike. For the first time in decades, humanity had struck a decisive blow.
And this was only the beginning.
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