"According to training protocol! Each squad is to be deployed to designated sectors!"
"Under command of the Garrison Regiment, you will carry out supply runs, relay messages, and assist in Titan suppression!"
The Garrison officer barked instructions from the podium as the entire 104th Cadet Corps stood assembled. Every one of us was being thrown into battle.
"The vanguard will be led by Garrison Strike Teams!"
"Cadet squads are to form the middle guard for support and counterattack!"
"Rear guard will consist of elite Garrison units!"
"Latest intel confirms: the advance unit has been completely wiped out!"
"The outer gate is down! Titans have breached the wall! Which means the Armored Titan could appear at any moment! If it breaks the inner gate, that will be the end!"
Each word from the officer sent a fresh wave of terror washing over us.
"The vanguard is currently engaging the Titans!"
"The objective of this defense operation is singular: Hold Wall Rose until all civilians have evacuated!"
"…And let me be clear—desertion is punishable by death!"
"Be ready to lay down your lives! DISMISSED!!"
With that, the officer turned, and our fates were sealed.
We had to prepare our gear, refill our gas, and await deployment.
Cadets were organized and assigned by class to support the vanguard in waves.
Based on my original squad, I was supposed to be with Eren and the others.
But just as I was heading out to regroup with them—
"Cadet Sandra."
A dark-haired Garrison soldier suddenly stepped in front of me.
I raised my hand in salute and placed it over my heart. "Yes, sir!"
"You will not be joining your assigned squad. You've been reassigned to the newly-formed Vanguard Strike Unit. You are to proceed to the eastern perimeter immediately."
It was a direct order. There was no room for refusal.
"But, sir… Why?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Wasn't I assigned to the middle guard?"
"We've reviewed your instructor's formal evaluation from training," he replied flatly. "The vanguard needs you. Gear up. You deploy now."
And with that, he was gone.
I couldn't believe it.
Of all places, they had put me on the frontline—where the death rate was the highest.
Was this fate?
Was the world trying to kill me off early?
To reunite me with my mother's soul?
"…Sandra…"
Armin's pale face appeared beside me. He must've overheard the entire exchange.
In the distance, Mikasa had just finished speaking with Eren. She'd seen the conversation between me and the officer, but hadn't heard what was said. Now, she was murmuring something to Armin with a deeply troubled expression.
"…You must not tell anyone."
My voice was cold. Calm. I forced Armin to promise.
He looked like he wanted to object—his face drained of color. But as soon as he met my eyes, he nodded. He understood. I'd promised I'd come back alive… but he had to keep this secret.
"Sandra? That officer earlier? You told Armin not to say anything? Why not?" Eren had walked over with Mikasa. He looked suspicious… and worried.
"Ah—yeah, sorry, you caught me," I said lightly, as if it were no big deal. "I was lucky enough to get reassigned to a supply post at the city tower. Thought you guys might get jealous, so I asked Armin to keep quiet."
The lie rolled off my tongue flawlessly.
"I see… Still, be careful out there," Eren said with a firm nod.
"Mm-hmm. I've got to swing around to the rear to join the supply crew. And you guys… no. You have to survive."
I gave them my brightest smile under the blazing sun, the kind that hides everything beneath it.
"Sandra…!"
Just as I activated my Vertical Maneuvering Gear to take off, Mikasa called out. I froze for a split second—did she suspect something?
"…You must come back alive," she said, her voice filled with quiet, unwavering concern.
"…I will."
And in front of the three of them, I launched upward, soaring over rooftops, boots tapping rapidly across the shingles as I sped off into the chaos.
"Alright, let's go too, Armin," Eren said, taking a deep breath, the weight of a soldier's resolve now resting on his shoulders.
Deployed alongside Eren in Squad 34 were:
Armin Arlert, Thomas Wagner, Mina Carolina, Nack Tierce, and Millyus Zermusky—all members of the same unit.
Meanwhile, Mikasa had been assigned to an elite unit to protect retreating civilians.
The four childhood friends—
Each scattered to their assigned posts.
Some into relative safety.
Some into danger.
And one…
into near-certain death.
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