chapter 18 | out of reach

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THREE YEARS LATER

BEYOND THE VAST EXPANSE of the azure sea lay Marley, bathed in perpetual warmth and radiance. Nestled along the sun-kissed coastline, the nation gleamed like a gem, its buildings adorned with pastel hues that glowed softly under the golden embrace of the sun. Narrow cobblestone streets wound through the heart of the town, lined with fragrant trees and vibrant grass that cascaded over whitewashed walls.

To Armin, this new land was a catch waiting to be discovered, its every corner and crevice an invitation to explore. As Hange and he wandered through the sun-drenched streets, he marveled at the vibrant colors that seemed to pulse with life.

Even though Armin's heart yearned to discover every secret Marley held, he knew he had a mission to fulfill. He had an objective: to find the library nestled somewhere within this town, learn more about the outside world they'd been kept away from, and possibly learn about whatever happened to that one traitor who infiltrated their walls.

As years passed, Armin's face matured, the once youthful features giving way to a more defined jawline and a deeper set of eyes. He decided to cut his hair shorter, opting for a more practical style, yet he couldn't bring himself to part with his signature blonde bangs, which still framed his face with a touch of familiarity.

His big blue eyes remained as bright and captivating as ever, reflecting the depth of his experiences and the wisdom gained from growing up.

His eyes scanned for signs that would lead him to his destination, "Right there!" He points at the extensive building that stood a few feet away from them. Though neither of them could read the letters presented on the sign in front of the building, the image of stacks of books shown on it was a dead giveaway.

Armin and Hange walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone streets as they made their way toward the library. Being the smartest of the Scouts, the two of them were sent to scavenge for a library or a place to gain more information about Marley.

Armin's eyes flickered with curiosity as he took in the unfamiliar sights, Hange, even though they were older and more seasoned, moved with a gleeful gaze, guiding them through the bustling streets.

Hange notices his wandering gaze and gives a knowing smile. "It's quite something, isn't it?" they remarked, their voice tinged with amusement.

Nodding, Armin refocused his attention, "Yeah," he replied, determination hardening his tone. "To think this was a sea beyond us this whole time."

They continued in silence for a while, the towering spires of the library growing larger with each step. The ancient building stood as a beacon of knowledge and history, its grand facade promising the wealth of information within.

As they approached the entrance, Armin felt a sense of awe wash over him. With a gentle movement, he removes his hat, allowing the air to hit the back of his neck.

judas | armin arlertWhere stories live. Discover now