Glory For Mankind | AOT [book 1]

Ch.26:Deal's A Deal

After collecting the bodies of their fallen comrades in the Battle of Trost, it was later reported that a total of 207 soldiers were listed as either missing or killed in action. On the other hand, there were at least 97 soldiers were among those who were injured.

Erwin had both Levi and Ruvik accompany him to the cellar where Eren was being kept before attending the court case. If Ruvik could name the case anything--besides a huge hassle--it would be a custody battle.

"Is this really where there keeping him?" Levi muttered in disgust.

Erwin was leading them down the stairs with his back facing them as they headed down. "Are you peeved by this?"

Levi answered. "I understand the kid can turn into one of them, but is it really necessary to lock him away?"

"It shouldn't be a surprise, really." Ruvik spoke up. "It's normal for the big wigs to find stuff like this rational."

"Wouldn't you both be cautious of this discovery?" Erwin interjected. "We can't blame for not wanting to risk the citezens' safety. No one knows what to expect."

"You mean they don't know anything." Levi fired back. "As always." He muttered under his breath.

"But he trusts one of us." Erwin stopped walking and turned his head to Ruvik, staring at him over his shoulder. "He trusts you, Ruvik, right?" He asks.

Earlier, Erwin asked Ruvik questions about the Eren, what he was like during training, his ambitions, his temperament, etc. He told him everything he knew about Eren and did his best to leave nothing out.

"From what you shared about the boy, I'm positive Eren will comply willingly." Erwin stated. "However, another thing we need to regard is whether or not we can trust him..." Erwin glanced at Ruvik. "Tell us, do you believe what the boy is saying is true, Ruvik? That his father's basement holds the secrets to the titans?"

"Yes."

Levi scoffed. "Despite the weird fact that he doesn't remember the whereabouts of Doctor Jaeger or anything after that? Sounds like a load of bullshit, if you ask me."

Ruvik sighed. "Eren is as hard-headed and stubborn as they come, but I can assure you both that he isn't a liar. I know I can trust him. His loyalty will lie with us. All you have to do is ask him."

"I hope you're right about that." Levi grumbled.
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They made it to the cell that held Eren, and two MP's were posted there for guard duty.

Apparently, Eren was still unconscious after he passed out when he sealed the wall. He was also lying in a bed that was vertically towards the bars. Both of his wrists were handcuffed with chains. The three waited, but eventually, Eren's green eyes opened. He looked around the cell in confusion, still waking up from his slumber.

As he watched, Ruvik decided to speed up the process by making their presence known. "Rise and shine, sleepy head."

Eren immediately faced the direction of his voice, finding not only Ruvik but also the current Commander of the Scout's and Humanity's Strongest, all standing on the other side of the bars of his cell. "Where-- Where am I?"

Erwin was ready to answer. "I think that much is obvious. Let's say we're in a dungeon. You are currently in the custody of the Military Police." The blonde commander explained. "We were granted permission to see you only just now."

Eren was still trying his best to digest all of this information when Erwin decided to reveal a key he had in his hand. The same key that belonged to Grisha, Eren's father. "W-Where did you get that?!" The Cadet asked.

"Off of you. Don't worry; you'll get it back." Erwin answered before pocketing it away from view. "Let's talk now. Specifically the good doctor's cellar back in Shiganshina. Pretty big secrets in there, right? About the titans?"

"Yeah, I think so. That's what my dad said at least." Eren replied honestly.

Levi spoke up. "Must suck having your dad and your memory MIA at the same time. Unless, of course, that's just a cover story."

"Enough." Erwin firmly said. "We've been over this already. We know he has no reason to lie." He redirected his gaze from Levi to Eren. "And that's all we know. How 'bout you shed a little light for us by telling us your intentions?"

"M-My what? What do you mean?" Eren questioned.

The blonde further explained the layout of his strategy of using his titan ability to help reclaim Wall Maria and how they can reach Doctor Jaeger's cellar in the process. "That's why I'm asking your intentions. They could be the key to turning the tide forever. You could save us."

Eren paused at the gravity of the question, feeling pressure build up the more he thought about it.

Levi was growing impatient. "C'mon. It's an easy question, so answer it. What the hell is it you wanna do?"

Eren was breathing heavily. Ruvik wasn't sure if it was out of anxiety or anger, but Eren gave them his answer. "I want to become a member of the Scouts and slaughter every titan that crosses my path!"

Levi acknowledged the confidence in the boy's answer. "Huh, well played. You weren't kidding about him, Ruvik. The kid's got fire in his eyes."

Ruvik chuckled. "He sure does."

The Ackerman walked closer to the cell bars. "Alright, then, I'll take responsibility for him. Let the higher-ups know what's going on. Not that I implicitly trust him, of course. It's more of a matter of me trusting myself to deal with him," Levi clarified. "Kill him if I have to. The big wigs aren't likely to raise a stink. My record more than speaks for itself; I'm pretty sure."

Eren's eyes widened at what he was hearing.

Ruvik smirked at the expression on Eren's face. "See, Eren? I told you I'd save a spot with the Scouts."