Chapter 14: Attack On Titans, Part 3

I encountered Armin, as usual, being bullied by the neighborhood kids.

After chasing them away, I offered a hand to Armin, who was sprawled on the ground.

“Are you okay, Armin?”

“Y-Yeah, it didn’t hurt that much.”

“Let me brush you off.”

“Thanks.”

Armin glanced at Eren’s face.

He was amazed that someone so different from him could exist.

Eren always rescued him.

He was so strong, effortlessly handling multiple opponents.

Armin envied him. He wished he possessed such strength.

It was jealousy.

Even though jealousy brewed within him, Eren’s genuine kindness made it seem insignificant.

Eren was his friend, an irreplaceable friend.

“Armin, can you show me that book again? The one about the ocean outside the walls!”

Armin’s face lit up at the mention of the outside world.

“According to the book, beyond the walls lies a vast expanse of saltwater, so much that merchants couldn’t collect it all in a lifetime. It’s called the ocean!”

“I want to see it someday.”

“Me too, Eren! If I ever get out, I’ll definitely search for the ocean!”

“Then tell me all about it when you see it, Armin.”

“What are you talking about, Eren? We’ll see it together!”

“Oh… Right!”

Armin, I’m sorry, but I’ve already seen the ocean.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see it with you.

I’ve always been alone.

Naturally, I saw the ocean alone as well.

So perhaps, seeing the ocean with you would be like seeing it for the first time?

Seeing it with people I cherish.

That might be the true meaning of seeing the ocean.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that.

About wanting to see the ocean with you.

Mikasa, Armin, you two have found a place in my heart.

In the depths of my once empty heart.

Therefore, I will never lose you.

I want to keep seeing your smiles.

“Eren, it’s getting late. Shall we head back?”

“Yes. See you tomorrow, Armin.”

“Yeah, have a good night, Eren!”

“You too.”

I returned home after parting ways with Armin.

I was greeted warmly.

“Eren, where have you been?”

Mikasa asked, and I replied with a smile, “I was with Armin.”

“Really? Then you must have been talking about the outside world again.”

“That’s right. Let’s go together tomorrow, Mikasa!”

“Okay!”

As we chatted, Carla called from the kitchen, “Eren, wash your hands when you come in.”

“Yes!”

Although I was in Eren’s body, I didn’t disobey her.

I honestly couldn’t understand.

How Eren could disobey such a wonderful mother.

If I had been born with parents, would I have rebelled like Eren?

It was a difficult question.

My values were shaped by being an orphan.

Not by growing up with parents like most people.

Still, I was beginning to understand.

The meaning of having parents.

It was a blessing.

Having people who unconditionally supported you against the world’s pressures.

I was grateful to experience this, even if it was through Eren’s life.

“Eren, are you crying…?”

Mikasa’s question startled me. I touched my face, realizing I was indeed shedding tears.

“Ah…”

“Don’t cry, Eren.”

Unlike our first meeting, this time, Mikasa embraced me.

“You have me. I’ll always be on your side.”

“Always?”

“Always.”

Her words stemmed the flow of tears.

Damn it, being comforted by a child as a grown man. How embarrassing.

So, to salvage my pride, I said, “Me too, Mikasa. I’ll be on your side until the day I die.”

“Really?”

Mikasa’s eyes widened.

“Really.”

I answered with a serious expression, wanting her to believe me.

She responded with a radiant smile.

“I like you, Eren!”

“Y-Yeah.”

Damn it, I stuttered. My composure was crumbling.

I glanced at Carla, who was smiling.

I wanted to die.

The next day, the three of us – Armin, Mikasa, and I – gathered for lunch.

“Armin, how do you plan to go outside? It’s forbidden for ordinary people to leave the walls.

Short trips are allowed, but venturing far enough to see the ocean is prohibited.”

“Of course I have a solution!”

“What is it?”

“Joining the Survey Corps!”

“Pfft…”

I spat out my water.

Armin had concocted such a reckless plan.

“Armin, that’s a terrible idea. Do you know how dangerous the Survey Corps is?”

Armin retorted excitedly, “Of course I do! But without taking risks, we can’t achieve anything! Everything I want to see is beyond the walls!”

He was right.

I had always taken risks.

I had faced countless battles, teetering on the brink of death numerous times.

“You’re right, Armin. Without risks, there are no rewards.”

“That’s what I thought, Eren! I knew you’d understand!”

I felt a silent pressure from my side. It was Mikasa.

She was likely worried about my agreement.

Don’t worry, I had a plan.

“I’ll join the Survey Corps too.”

“What?”

Armin was surprised.

“Eren, you don’t have to take such risks! I can go alone…”

I raised a hand to interrupt him.

“Armin, we made a promise yesterday. To see the ocean together.

So I’ll join the Survey Corps with you.

That’s what promises, and friends, are for, right, Mikasa?”

“Sigh… Being with you two idiots makes me feel like an idiot too. But what can I do? You’re both precious to me.”

Mikasa declared, “If you’re going, I’m going too. How can you leave me behind? Aren’t we always together, the three of us?”

“You’re right…”

Armin conceded.

Thus, the three of us resolved to join the Survey Corps.