Chapter 41: Attack On Titans, Part 15

“Hmm, when will they make their move?”

In the original story, Reiner and Bertolt weren’t captured at this point.

They had taken Ymir back to Marley, retrieved Pieck, the Cart Titan, and Zeke Yeager, the Beast Titan, and returned to Paradis Island.

However, Reiner and Bertolt were currently imprisoned, unable to communicate with Marley.

It was only a matter of time.

If they remained out of contact for too long, Marley would assume they had been captured or killed.

With their families held hostage, Marley would prioritize retrieving them, assuming betrayal was less likely than capture or death.

Zeke and Pieck, along with other potential forces, would arrive soon.

What should I do?

Not much.

I had already taken control of Paradis Island. Once Wall Maria was reclaimed, there wouldn’t be much left to do.

The only remaining task was to identify their likely landing point. I could ask Annie, Reiner, or Bertolt.

“Now that we’ve had a good meal, let’s reclaim Wall Maria.”

I decided to proceed with the operation immediately.

Only mindless Titans remained in Wall Maria. It wouldn’t be a problem.

‘In the original story, many died to reclaim Wall Maria.’

But now, they were all alive and well.

Everyone seemed content, not just from the delicious barbecue, but also from the knowledge that they wouldn’t die.

The new recruits were also present.

All but one of them would die during the Wall Maria operation in the original story.

And Marlowe, Hitch’s love interest, had become my fan.

“Eren Yeager! I joined the Survey Corps to see you! Could I have your autograph? I’ll treasure it!”

“Sure, I can do that.”

As I signed his notebook, the other recruits approached.

“Me too, please!”

“Me next!”

Mikasa stepped forward, blocking their path.

“Don’t approach him, girls.”

She brandished her blade, threatening the female recruits.

There was no need for such hostility. None of them were as beautiful as Mikasa. I wouldn’t be interested.

But Mikasa was scary, so I only signed autographs for the male recruits.

“Sorry, girls, I can’t sign for you. My apologies.”

When I first arrived in this world, I believed a Demonic God needed an imposing demeanor. But I had learned that true authority stemmed from actions, not words.

As long as I protected them, the people of Paradis Island would support me, regardless of my speech.

So I no longer bothered with maintaining a facade.

In retrospect, I had gone through a brief chuunibyou phase.

An embarrassing memory best forgotten.

“Alright, line up for autographs.”

After the signing, we finally set off to reclaim Wall Maria.

We arrived at Wall Maria.

Titans still roamed within the walls.

“Eren, we’re counting on you.”

Commander Erwin spoke, and I nodded, biting my hand.

[Titan Transformation]

Crackle!

Lightning flashed, but it didn’t faze me.

This wasn’t even a battle. The power difference was too vast.

As the Titans swarmed me, drawn by my presence, I drew the White Soul Sword from my inventory.

– Roar!

A 10-meter Titan charged.

I caught it mid-stride.

I tossed it aside and severed its nape with my sword.

Then, ten more Titans attacked.

Slice Slice

I cut them down like pencils, their bodies falling around me.

Too easy.

This wasn’t even a warm-up.

Erwin and Levi watched from afar.

“This is…disheartening. All those comrades who died…their sacrifices seem meaningless now. We just needed him.”

“No, their sacrifices weren’t in vain. We wouldn’t be here without them.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Yes, Levi. We now know the truth. That the Titans were once human, that our true enemies lie beyond the sea… Chuckle”

“Why are you laughing?”

“My apologies. I couldn’t help it.”

“I asked why you’re laughing.”

Erwin smiled.

“I made it this far because I believed we would uncover the truth someday.”

“While the truth is different from what we expected, isn’t it enough? Knowing the secrets of this cruel world makes our comrades’ sacrifices worthwhile.”

“Perhaps…”

“The fight isn’t over, Levi. This time, we fight humans, not Titans. Will you fight alongside me, Levi?”

“Heh.”

“Why are you laughing?”

“That’s a ridiculous question. Who else would I fight with, if not you?”

“You’re right. That was a foolish question.”

That day, Levi and Erwin vowed to fight together against the humans beyond the sea.