Time Travel Second Chance

Chapter 9

The night of the ceremony of choosing drenches the surroundings in an eerie ambiance, with flickering torches casting elongated shadows that dance across the solemn faces of those gathered. Above, the stars twinkle, a distant witness to the weighty decisions about to be made. Erwin, his voice commanding yet tinged with an underlying urgency, steps forward.

"Greetings," he begins, his words cutting through the stillness. "I am Erwin Smith, commander of the Survey Corps, known to some as the Scouting Regiment. Tonight marks the moment where each of you must choose your path within the military. I stand before you to implore you to consider joining the Scouts. In blunt honesty, we are in dire need of every capable recruit we can muster. Over the past four years, we've witnessed the sacrifice of sixty percent of our forces during expeditions beyond Wall Rose—a chilling reality that cannot be ignored. Moreover, the recent assault on Trost has left our established battalion routes rendered useless, a setback we cannot afford. However, amidst the chaos, there is a glimmer of hope—three Titans emerged as unexpected saviors in Trost's darkest hour."

Mikasa's brow furrows with determination, her thoughts consumed by the absence of Eren, Historia, and Taka—their whereabouts shrouded in uncertainty. It is this relentless pursuit that drives her towards the Survey Corps, a beacon of hope in her quest to reunite with her comrades.

Erwin presses on, his voice unwavering despite the weight of uncertainty that hangs heavy in the air. "For a century, our understanding of our enemy has been shrouded in mystery. Yet, over time, slivers of truth have emerged. Five years past, we uncovered the existence of Titans endowed with intelligence—beings with a singular goal: humanity's annihilation. The Colossal and Armored Titans stand as harbingers of this looming threat. Yet, just last week, a revelation shattered our preconceptions—an intelligent Titan emerged, not as an enemy, but as a savior. Witnesses attest to its valor, thwarting Titan assaults before they could even begin. Its motives, however, remain an enigma. We are uncertain whether it fights to protect humanity or simply opposes its Titan brethren. Nonetheless, it presents a potential ally in our struggle."

Armin's gaze flickers with newfound contemplation at Erwin's words, a spark of insight igniting within him. Around the assembly, murmurs rise once more, the gravity of Erwin's revelations sinking in amidst the uncertainty of the night.

Erwin's voice pierces through the lingering silence, his words weighted with the urgency of their mission. "Henceforth, our primary objective within the Scouts is to locate these elusive Titans. Though its motives may diverge from its brethren, we must approach it with the same caution. Yet, our knowledge remains incomplete, and we require every able hand to pursue this endeavor. If you choose to stand with us, to dedicate your hearts and lives to the cause of humanity, then stand your ground. Those who seek a different path may depart."

As Erwin's declaration hangs in the air, a ripple of response courses through the assembled graduates. Some cast glances of fleeting curiosity toward the notion of the Rogue Titan, while others remain steadfast in their resolve to pursue alternate avenues. The grim reality of the Scouts' mortality rate, laid bare by Erwin's admission, weighs heavily on their minds.

Mikasa's keen observation notes the departure of several familiar faces, including Jean and Marco, their footsteps echoing the divide within their ranks. Annie's departure does not escape her notice, her inscrutable demeanor adding to the complexity of the moment. Yet amidst the exodus, a steadfast few remain, their resolve unwavering.

Among them, Connie, Sasha, Reiner, Bertolt, Mina, and others stand resolute, driven not only by duty but by a deeper conviction—a commitment born from the indomitable will of Eren himself. In their unwavering gaze, Mikasa finds solace, a silent reassurance that they are not alone in their struggle.