𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝒶𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃 (𝐿𝑒𝓋𝒾 x 𝒪𝒞)

Chapter 25 : The Mechanical Giant

The heavy gates of Wall Sina, usually guarded by soldiers in uniform, were now closed and barred, blocking all access inside. A palpable tension filled the air, adding a layer of nervousness to an already fraught situation. The guards were on edge, their hands resting on their weapons, their eyes darting anxiously around.

Levi, Hanji, Auruo, and Marie had taken refuge in a small building near the walls, their minds alert to the strange phenomenon that had just occurred. Moblit, Hanji's assistant, had been sent on a mission to inform Major Erwin Smith of the situation. He had not returned since, which heightened the group's anxiety.

Inside the building, Marie had withdrawn into a small side room, away from prying eyes, to change. She could still feel the coolness of the holy water on her skin, a strange sensation that made her shiver. She removed her soaked dress, her fingers trembling slightly, before slipping into a more modest and practical outfit that Levi had brought her: a simple shirt and a long skirt. She caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror, trying to catch her breath, her mind still clouded by everything that had just happened.

In the main room, Levi was giving a quick report on the situation to Hanji and Auruo. "The gates of Wall Sina are closed," he said tersely, his piercing gaze scrutinizing their reactions. "No one can enter or exit."

Hanji furrowed her brows, a glimmer of worry in her eyes. "And why would they do that?" she asked, her voice lower than usual, a rare note of seriousness breaking through her typically cheerful tone. "What's going on inside?"

Levi shrugged, looking annoyed. "No idea. But something big is definitely happening."

Auruo, standing nearby, interjected with a slightly sarcastic tone, trying to mask his nervousness. "Great. We're stuck outside while things are going on in there. Another wonderful day with the Survey Corps."

Hanji shot him an amused look, but the gravity of the situation prevented her from joking. "Where Erwin, Nile, and Pixis are for their meeting... If the gates are locked, it can't be a good sign. We need to warn the Major at all costs."

Levi nodded, his expression hardening. "Moblit is already gone to warn Erwin, but he hasn't come back yet. And even if he manages to get past the guards and the closed gates, we don't know what state he'll find them in there."

Hanji crossed her arms, thinking quickly. "We need another plan. We can't just stand here doing nothing while everything unfolds."

Marie finally emerged from the room where she had changed, gently tugging at her shirt to adjust it. She immediately felt the weight of their gazes on her, especially Levi's. She glanced at him briefly, seeking comfort in his eyes, but all she found was a cold, focused determination.

Auruo, trying to lighten the mood, said with a nervous smile, "We could try to jump over the walls, but I doubt our legs are strong enough for that."

Hanji sighed, ignoring his attempt at humor. "Levi, do you think there's a way to bypass these blockades?" she asked, hoping for a positive response.

Levi thought for a moment, his dark gaze fixed on the imposing gates of Wall Sina. "Maybe. But it's going to take us time. And if Erwin is really trapped in there, we need to move quickly."

Marie took a deep breath, stepping closer to the group, her face displaying an unexpected resolve. "Then let's do it. Let's find a way through. We need to know what's happening in there, and fast."

Hanji nodded, her face lighting up with an approving smile. "Marie is right. We don't have the luxury of staying idle. Let's find Moblit and do everything we can to get in."

Levi cast one last look at the closed gates, his mind rapidly calculating the various options. "All right," he finally said. "But be ready. What's happening inside could be far worse than we imagine."