Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 50: Levi Squad Strikes Back

Sparring with the Female Titan wasn't Eld's version of a good idea. So many things could go wrong where a fourteen-meter Titan was concerned. Accidents that could result in permanent injury or death. He and the others got lucky in the Forest of Giant Trees. Oluo, on the other hand, wasn't.

He mentally kicked himself for these thoughts. He was a member of Levi Squad, the Elite Squad. So what if there were risks? They were going up against Titan Shifters for God's sake, and this was the best way to get experience. As long as he and the others didn't let their emotions blind them like last time, things would work out.

"So, any tips when it comes to her?" Gunther asked. "Never got the chance to fight her."

"Go for the tendons in her legs," Petra advised. "She moves quickly, so that would be our best shot."

"Right. Of course." Swallowing his anxieties, Gunther focused on the trees when they entered the forest. While the branches could be stood on, he could tell they wouldn't support his weight very long. They lacked the thickness the Forest of Giant Trees had, meaning a certain Titan Shifter could shatter them.

While Gunther knew that killing her was out of the question, mutilating the bitch sounded very therapeutic. He knew Oluo would appreciate that. All he needed to do was strike the areas that would hurt her the most.

Petra took comfort in seeing the green cloaks on the branches around them. Levi stayed true to his word. She had a feeling Mike was there somewhere, though she couldn't see any of their faces. The wrath of the Scout Regiment was waiting to be unleashed.

She hoped it wouldn't come to that. Too much had happened for them all to take a huge step back. For now, she needed to have faith that nothing would go wrong. She owed Levi at least that.

"Feels weird that we're about to be taught by a teenager," Eld noted.

Gunther snorted. "She may look like one, but she isn't a kid."

"The only thing I find weird is that we're going to train with a Titan," Petra added. "Never thought that would happen when I enlisted."

"Don't think anybody did," Eld mused.

Then, the trio spotted their quarry leaning against a tree. Were it anybody else, it was a sign of impatience and arrogance. In Annie's case, it was a way of biding time. "I was going to ambush you, make this as real as possible. They said no."

She doesn't even sound like a kid. Gunther thought to himself as he was the first to draw his weapons.

Annie easily took notice of that action. "You're tempted to run me through, aren't you? Prevent a catastrophe like a transformation from happening." She flicked open the blade on her ring. "Rarely does anyone get that luxury. Best case, the transformation incinerates you. Worst case? Slowly burning to death. Your best bet is an acoustic round to make me lose focus. What happens next... you'd better hope my death is instantaneous."

Petra narrowed her eyes, her hands gripping the hilts. That dangerous tone in the Shifter's voice only served to increase her anxiety.

"Cut open my nape if you can." Annie slashed her fingers, fire engulfing her yet again.

"Scatter!" Eld ordered, taking to the trees.

Gunther and Petra quickly followed his lead just as the Female Titan was beginning to emerge. Last time, they underestimated her, but never again.

Before the Titan was completely formed, Gunther made the first risky move, charging straight for her.

"Gunther, get back!" Petra yelled, eyes wide.