Chapter 21: Attack On Titans, Part 10

“Do it. If you want to die.”

When Eren’s words pierced his mind, Reiner, ironically, thought of his mother back home.

‘She wasn’t a good mother.’

Reiner had always wanted to give up.

From the day he entered the Warrior Cadet program to inherit one of the Nine Titans, every day was a struggle.

He lacked talent, which made it even harder.

But his mother’s expectations and brainwashing kept him going.

‘Reiner, you can do it. You’re my son, after all. I believe in you. I believe you’ll inherit one of the Nine Titans.’

Hearing those words, Reiner had only one thought.

‘But, Mother…’

The inheritors of the Nine Titans had a lifespan of 13 years. And that was the maximum. Considering the constant danger they faced, it could be even shorter.

That’s why Reiner was sorrowful.

What was the meaning of happiness achieved through his sacrifice? Shouldn’t a family be happy together? He wanted to ask her.

But when he met his mother’s eyes, he realized he could never voice those words.

‘This is wrong. That look in her eyes…’

Reiner saw the look of a mother proud of her son. In that moment, he had to be the head of the family, not just a son.

‘I’ll do it.’

With newfound determination, Reiner trained harder than ever, putting his life on the line to earn higher marks.

Fortunately, his lack of talent was somewhat compensated by his death-defying resolve.

‘Mom, I’ve been selected as a final candidate!’

‘I’m proud of you, my son. I always believed in you.’

Selected as a final candidate, Reiner was overjoyed. He would soon inherit one of the Nine Titans, ending his family’s confinement and suffering as Eldians.

Honorary citizenship.

Only one step remained to shed the discrimination they faced as non-Marleyan Eldians.

Then, despair struck.

He overheard the assessors discussing him.

‘Porco is a better fit for the Armored Titan than Reiner.’

‘Yes. Reiner’s loyalty is unmatched, but he lacks any particular talent.’

“Ah…!”

Reiner was devastated.

His efforts had been for nothing.

‘Mother…’

Ironically, his mother was the first person he wanted to see.

He took a leave that day and visited her, only to realize it was a mistake.

‘Reiner, you missed your mom, didn’t you? It’s dinnertime. I’ll prepare your favorite meal.’

Seeing his mother’s bright smile and offer to cook his favorite food, Reiner resolved to do his best, no matter what.

After eating, Reiner returned and trained with even greater fervor, pouring his entire being into it.

And his efforts were rewarded.

“Congratulations, Reiner Braun. You are the inheritor of the Armored Titan.”

Reiner collapsed, overwhelmed with relief.

But that didn’t matter. What mattered was that he had been chosen.

According to the original assessment, he should have lost to Marcel’s younger brother, Porco, which made his victory even sweeter.

His relentless efforts had overcome even talent.

Seeing Porco’s disbelief made him feel even more accomplished.

“Impossible! How am I inferior to him! Why is Reiner the inheritor of the Armored Titan, not me!”

Yes, I had overcome my limitations.

With sheer effort.

Not long after, Reiner inherited the Armored Titan.

‘Finally…’

He was overcome with emotion, finally possessing the power he had so desperately sought.

His first mission arrived.

“Reiner, scout Paradis Island. You’ll be accompanied by Bertolt, Annie, and Marcel. Prove your loyalty to Marley!”

“Yes sir!”

Reiner, Annie, Bertolt, and Marcel, inheritors of the Armored, Female, Colossal, and Jaw Titans respectively, set off for Paradis Island.

They camped for the night on their journey to the walls, as there was no need to rush.

They set up tents and sat on blankets, initially engaging in lighthearted conversation about what they would eat upon their return.

However, as time passed, the conversation shifted to their mission, and the mood grew heavy.

They retired to their tents, but Reiner couldn’t sleep.

‘Soon… I’ll see the devils of Paradis Island.’

Reiner, like the people of Paradis Island, was an Eldian, a descendant of Ymir, capable of transforming into a Titan.

However, Reiner despised Eldians. He had been indoctrinated since birth in Marley to believe that Eldians were responsible for the massacre of countless people.

“Reiner, are you awake?”

Marcel’s voice came from outside the tent.

“Yes.”

“Come out. Let’s talk.”

Since he wasn’t sleepy, Reiner opened the tent and stepped out.

“Alright, what do you want to talk about, Marcel?”

Marcel’s expression was unusually somber. This was strange, considering they were about to eliminate the descendants of devils and return home in triumph.

“Let’s take a walk, Reiner.”

“Alright.”

Feeling uneasy, Reiner followed Marcel. When they were far enough from the tents, Marcel stopped.

“I can tell you now.”

“What are you talking about, Marcel? Why did you bring me all the way out here?”

Reiner was anxious, and his fears were confirmed.

Marcel was crying.

“Why are you crying…?”

“I’m sorry, Reiner. I manipulated the assessment. So that you, not my brother, would inherit the Armored Titan.”

Reiner grabbed Marcel’s collar.

“What nonsense are you talking about! Are you saying my inheritance of the Armored Titan wasn’t due to my own efforts, but because of you, Marcel?!”

“I’m sorry, Reiner.”

“Don’t apologize, answer me, Marcel!”

“I couldn’t let my brother live a shortened life. Only one family member needed to inherit a Titan for the whole family to receive honorary citizenship. I’m sorry, Reiner. If it weren’t for me, you could have lived a little longer.”

Why are you saying that? It makes everything I’ve done meaningless!

Reiner sank to his knees.

An unknown emptiness gnawed at his heart.

‘What was the meaning of everything I’ve done…?’

As he despaired, a memory surfaced.

‘Mom! When I grow up, I want to be amazing like you!’

A childhood memory he had long forgotten.

But he couldn’t help but focus on it.

He wanted to know what his mother had said in response.

His mother’s voice echoed in his memory.

‘Reiner, you don’t have to become someone amazing. You were born into this world! That alone is already amazing.’

Ah, yes. I remember now. I heard those words as a child.

‘Thank you for being born, Reiner!’

Mother, thank you. Because of you, I can stand up again.

Reiner looked at Marcel, who was also on his knees.

“Marcel, there’s no need to apologize. This was all my choice.”

Yes, it was all his choice. He didn’t need anyone’s pity.

He was the one who started this story.

“Let’s go back, Marcel. It’s late. We need to get up early tomorrow.”

“Thank you… Reiner.”

“If you’re grateful, buy me a meal later.”

For the first time, a smile appeared on Marcel’s face.

“Alright, Reiner. When we get back, I’ll treat you to a feast.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Of course.”

That dawn, Marcel was devoured by Ymir, who had been lying dormant in the ground.

‘Ah, I remember now. I had forgotten the reason I needed to return.’

Reiner spoke, “Eren, just as you have a family to protect, I have a family to protect too. So let’s settle this, Eren. Let’s see who’s stronger.”

Seeing the surprise in Eren’s eyes, Reiner bit his tongue.

[Titan Transformation]

Fzzzzzzzt!

Lightning struck.