You are my Soul

☾hapter XL

Third person POV :

Trost District :

After encountering Shadis, Hange and Levi rushed to inform Erwin about Keith's revelations. Inside the room, apart from Erwin, Hange, and Levi, Eld, Gunther, and several others also gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

" In other words," Erwin began, echoing what had been relayed to him earlier," Eren's father, Grisha Jaeger, might very well have hailed from beyond the walls".

Hange nodded, her eyes reflecting a deep intrigue," Yes... And he possessed the power of the Titans, akin to Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt. However, unlike them, he seemed to harbor a desire to aid those within the walls".

A man, arms crossed, chimed in with a hint of skepticism," If he was so interested in the Survey Corps, it would've been nice if he'd helped us out a bit more".

Hange contemplated for a moment," I'm not sure... Considering what else he knew, it's possible that Dr. Jaeger was aware of the truth hidden within the Reiss family's ideology. Maybe he chose to keep it concealed, fearing the royal government's discovery.

But the moment Wall Maria was breached," Hange continued," he headed straight for the Reiss family, the true leaders of the royal government, and committed that act of madness. After infiltrating the walls, he likely continued his investigation of the royal government".

" In any case," Hange mused, " he must have possessed an incredible resolve to do what he did. It was this very man who wished to show his ten-year-old son, who aspired to join the Survey Corps, the contents of the basement in their house—a room that, with his dying breath, he claimed held everything. What do you think could be in there ? Something he was forbidden to reveal...". Hange's voice trailed off in contemplation.

Erwin, who had remained silent until now, added thoughtfully," No. Something he couldn't disclose, even if he wanted to. In other words, the memories of the world erased by the First King Reiss from our minds. That's what I'd like to believe... But mere speculation won't provide us with answers".

A man cautiously interjected," Maybe there's no need for speculation. We have Anelise Pierce, who might uncover what only the First King knew".

Levi shot the man a withering glare, causing beads of sweat to form on his brow.

" That's a definite no," Erwin responded sternly." I won't reconsider that decision".

Eld and Gunther surveyed the room, their eyes locking onto various individuals who nodded in understanding.

Erwin sighed before addressing them all," Today, we are prepared. The operation to retake Wall Maria is scheduled for two days from now. So, if we wish to uncover the basement's secrets, let's go. Isn't that the Survey Corps way ?".

Most of the room's occupants began to smile, buoyed by Erwin's resolute words.

A man spoke up as he readied to leave," I'll handle the team assignments, in secret, of course".

Another soldier interjected," Could we at least have some red meat today, though ?".

" Yeah," Eld chimed in with a grin." We ought to remind those youngsters that they can rely on us".

Gunther turned to Hange with a question," What about Commander Shadis ? He withheld vital information".

Hange, still harboring anger towards Shadis, scoffed," Leave him be. He's not worth the little time we have".

A soldier playfully teased," I'm surprised, Hange... You used to have quite the crush on him".

" Shut your stupid mouth". Hange retorted firmly.