Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 43 •

"Sirs," a Garrison soldier said, stepping forward and reading off of a small piece of paper, "We have determined the Reiss Titan's position. It is southwest, fast approaching Orvud District. At this rate, it'll reach the Walls before dawn."

The Garrison commander, Carsten, said, "Understood. Commander Erwin, I'm sure everyone here would like to hear what you have planned. How can we evacuate the people in such a short time?"

Erwin said confidently, "That's not part of the plan. The people of Orvud District will need to stay exactly where they are."

Carsten grasped Erwin's jacket and shouted, "What the hell are you thinking, Erwin?! If we don't get these civilians out of the city, they'll die by the thousands! That hulking monstrosity will be a stone's throw from the Wall by morning!"

Hange said, "That Titan is an abnormal."

Carsten growled, "And what is that supposed to mean?!"

Hange explained, "The Titan in question behaves strangely. Unlike most Titans we encounter, it's only attracted to large groups of people, hence the word 'abnormal'. Put simply, given the choice between a few soldiers next to it and a distant, but densely populated city, it will choose the city." She adjusted her goggles.

"So," she said calmly, "if we were to evacuate the population of Orvud District to the interior of Wall Sina, the Titan would change its course. It would destroy the Wall and anything in its path. If left unchecked, it would make for the city with the greatest population density, Mitras. The ensuing rampage would deliver a devastating blow to humanity." She turned to the young Scouts of the 104th Cadet Corps.

"As we rode to Orvud District, we had Eren Jeager attempt to use his recently-discovered power to control Titans, but it was unsuccessful and Rod Reiss' Titan didn't react in any way."

Erwin said, "If we're going to stop this thing, it'll have to be outside the walls of Orvud District. For that to happen, we require the citizens here to act as bait; however, this doesn't change the fact that our first and foremost duty as soldiers is to protect the people."

He turned to the rest of the group and said, "In the event that we're unable to halt the target, we'll take measures to minimize civilian losses. We'll announce a district-wide evacuation drill tonight. That way, the people will be gathered away from the outer wall, ready to escape, if the battle is lost."

Carsten grimaced. He growled under his breath, then said, "Fine. It seems there's no other choice."

Erwin said, "The body of this Titan is the largest we've ever seen. As such, it presents an easy target. Our wall-mounted cannons should prove to be highly effective, but if we can't bring it down with artillery, the Scout Regiment will throw everything we have at it."

A long pause followed. Soldiers were glancing back and forth between each other. Carsten once again grimaced. He said, "Very well."

Erwin said, "Excellent. We'll go over positions and our planned actions quickly so we can get to our places before sunrise."