Wall Rose.
Because of the sudden appearance of the Colossal Titan, the graduation assignments for the 104th Training Corps had been postponed. Now that the battle was over, the breached wall had been sealed by Eren using a giant boulder, the Titans inside had been cleared out, and the battlefield had been roughly cleaned up, there was finally time to proceed with the assignments.
Still, after everything they had experienced, many trainees were no longer the same as before. Their mindsets had changed, and naturally, so would their choices.
At that moment, everyone was gathered in the square, standing in small groups and talking while waiting for the commanders of the three corps to arrive.
"Hey, shorty." Ymir turned to Lillian. "Where did you sneak off to the other day? You disappeared for a whole day."
Lillian glanced at her. "Didn't realize you cared about me that much."
"Hah? It was Krista who noticed." Ymir smirked. "She even cooked lunch specially for you, but you were nowhere to be found."
"Ymir!" Krista tried to stop her, but Ymir easily slipped away, grinning with a hint of smugness. "So I ate your share too, hahaha."
Lillian fell silent for a moment, then looked at Krista. "I just went out wandering that day. Too bad. I'll try your cooking next time."
"Um…" Krista lowered her gaze, her hands clasped awkwardly in front of her. "It wasn't anything special… just ordinary food…"
Her cheeks grew slightly warm, so she quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, I wonder how Eren is doing."
"Didn't the Survey Corps take him?" Ymir said. "He'll probably be fine. They were there that day anyway. Still… that Titan power really is something, being able to lift a boulder that huge."
"Yeah…"
Even though it was Eren, Krista still felt uneasy. Ever since he transformed, she had a strange sensation around him, as if she had known him from long ago.
She shook her head to push that feeling away.
"After this, a lot of people have decided to join the Survey Corps," she said.
"You sure about 'a lot'?" Ymir laughed, pointing at a group not far away. "Look over there. It's been almost a week and their legs are still shaking."
Lillian glanced over. She was right. Even after some time had passed, the psychological trauma of seeing Titans devour people wasn't something that faded quickly.
In reality, most soldiers who had witnessed that horror would never again have the courage to fight Titans directly. This was also why many chose suicide when they realized escape was impossible — death by their own hand felt easier than facing that nightmare.
At the same time, such extreme brutality forced people to think. Why, under such conditions, did a group called the "Survey Corps" still keep fighting? Were they not afraid? And if they were afraid, why did they continue?
Some people would join in search of that answer. Others would join out of determination or conviction. Either way, anyone who chose the Survey Corps had extraordinary courage.
Ymir looked at Krista and suddenly said, "Then I guess you're joining the Survey Corps."
"…Yes." Krista nodded firmly.
Ymir sighed. "Seriously… someone as cute as you going to such a dangerous place. What if something happens to you?"
Lillian spoke up, "Then you can protect her."
"Don't you think I already know that?" Ymir shot him a glance, then suddenly hugged Krista tightly and rubbed her cheek against hers. "Of course I'll stay with my Krista."
"Ymir, the Survey Corps is really dangerous. You shouldn't join just because of—"
"Training Corps, fall in line! Assemble in front of the platform!"
The instructor's shout interrupted her. Everyone quickly began to line up.
Ymir looked at the worried Krista and suddenly smiled gently.
"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it… for myself, because—"
She stopped there and said no more.
"Let's go. Time to line up."
Because you are my anchor. Without you, I cannot live.
---
The three corps commanders took the stage one after another.
The Garrison commander simply recited prepared lines about protecting the walls and the people, which made many trainees drowsy.
The Military Police commander spoke only briefly before stepping down.
In truth, what they said hardly mattered. Everyone already knew how assignments worked.
Those who were afraid of death and ranked outside the top ten went to the Garrison.
Those in the top ten who were afraid went to the Military Police.
Those who were not afraid went to the Survey Corps.
So the real focus was always on the Survey Corps.
They had to persuade the fearful to become fearless. In past years, they relied on words like "honor," "duty," and "sacrifice" to recruit new soldiers. Otherwise, the corps would collapse within a few years.
But this year, the Survey Corps recruitment speech took an entirely different approach.
"I am Erwin Smith, commander of the Survey Corps. On this day when you choose your future corps, I must once again encourage you to join us. However, after the recent Titan attack, all of you should now fully understand the terror of Titans and the limits of human strength."
"Yet, through this battle, humanity has taken an unprecedented step toward victory — and that is thanks to Eren Yeager. There is no doubt that he is our comrade. His actions in battle have proven this. Not only did we stop the Titans' advance using his power, we also gained a method that may allow us to uncover the true nature of Titans."
The trainees were shocked.
Lillian thought to himself that this followed the original story — Erwin intended to use information to lure out hidden Titans within the walls. Since the Warriors could not allow the people inside the walls to learn about Marley, they would have to act.
It was a brilliant plan, but extremely risky.
"Beneath Eren's old home in Shiganshina District, there is said to be a secret even he does not know about — a mystery related to Titans themselves. If we can reach that place, we may gain clues to break the Titans' hundred-year dominance over humanity."
Hm…?
For a moment, Lillian felt as though Erwin had glanced at him while speaking.
"To reach that basement, we must reclaim Wall Maria. But since the southern gate of Trost can no longer be used, we will have to take a longer route from the east, through Karanes District. The main march route we spent four years preparing is now completely useless."
After saying this, Erwin began to describe the terrifying realities that made many trainees pale.
"Over these four years, more than sixty percent of the Survey Corps have died. Sixty percent in four years — a shocking figure. This year's recruits will also be required to participate in an expedition beyond the walls in one month. The probability of death is roughly thirty percent. In all likelihood, four years from now, all of you will be dead."
"However, those who overcome this trial will gradually become outstanding soldiers with a high survival rate. After hearing this grim reality, those who are still willing to stake their lives to join us, please remain where you are. Ask yourselves honestly — can you truly dedicate your hearts to humanity?"
"That is all. Those who wish to volunteer for other corps are dismissed."
"Commander… wasn't that intimidation a bit excessive? At this rate, no one will stay…"
Erwin said nothing. His eyes were fixed on the crowd, carefully observing the expressions on every face.
"I… I don't want to die…"
One by one, trainees began to turn and leave. The mass of people flowed away like a tide, while those who remained stood frozen in conflict and struggle.
Krista clenched her fists tightly, forcing herself not to tremble — but she still couldn't stop shaking completely.
What about him…?
She looked toward the spot where Lillian had been standing, hoping to find some kind of emotional support, some kind of anchor.
But she froze.
She saw Lillian's expression remain completely indifferent as he turned around without hesitation and walked away with the departing crowd.
"Li… Lillian…?"
From behind, Ymir narrowed her eyes as she watched him leave, gazing at his back in silence for a long moment.