Echoes from the Paths

Chapter 14

The air around Utgard Castle buzzed with tension as Zeke's Beast Titan stood, towering above the battlefield, casting a long shadow over the broken ground.

The Scouts scattered across the battlefield. The mighty Colossal Titan slowly recovered and loomed above, steam hissing from its form, its intense heat warping the air around it. In the midst of the chaos, Zeke's Beast Titan sized up the threat before him-Bertholdt's towering form could incinerate entire squads in seconds. Zeke's brow furrowed. He knew he had to think fast; the Scouts wouldn't last long against an enemy of this scale.

'How do I neutralize him quick ?' Zeke pondered, assessing Bertholdt's towering figure. ' The Colossal Titan's overwhelming strength and size meant close combat was nearly impossible. I need to target his weak spots quickly and keep him off balance', he calculated, his Beast Titan hurling rocks at Bertholdt's ankles with deadly accuracy, each blow sending tremors up the Colossal's body.

Bertholdt took notice of Zeke's relentless barrage, but just as he shifted his attention, a squad of Scouts flew in, their ODM gear propelling them around his head, trying to distract him. Among them, Zeke caught sight of a few Scouts whose faces were pale with fear, their hands trembling even as they gripped their gear.

One young soldier lost control, his path veering directly toward Bertholdt's face, the heat dangerously close to searing him alive. In a split-second decision, Zeke reached out, catching the Scout in his Beast Titan's massive hand and bringing him safely to the ground before the searing steam could engulf him.

"Get to cover! Leave the Colossal to me," Zeke's voice rumbled, sending the soldier scrambling to safety.

The Beast Titan backed up, watching as Bertholdt stomped forward, the ground splintering beneath his massive feet. Zeke eyed the Colossal Titan's knees, calculating the precise angle. 'If I can weaken his legs, Eren and the Scouts will have a chance to strike from below.'

With a powerful swing, Zeke hurled another volley of large stones at Bertholdt's knees, the impact cracking the joints and causing the Colossal Titan to sway. Just then, two more Scouts flew into range, aiming their grappling hooks around Bertholdt's legs in a risky maneuver. Their faces were tight with fear, but they held their positions, desperate to aid the cause.

The Colossal Titan noticed them, lifting a massive arm to swat them away. Without a second thought, Zeke lunged forward, snatching both Scouts from harm's path and placing them on the ground nearby. "You're needed elsewhere!" he commanded, his gravelly voice brooking no argument. They nodded, scared and dazed but grateful, and quickly retreated to a safer vantage point.

Above, Bertholdt let out a frustrated roar, the steam around him intensifying as he prepared to unleash another wave of searing heat. Zeke's eyes narrowed. 'He's preparing another steam blast; I need to keep the Scouts clear'.

"Everyone, fall back!" Zeke bellowed as he charged forward, drawing Bertholdt's attention again. The Beast Titan grabbed a massive tree trunk, using it like a battering ram to slam into Bertholdt's calf, his strength forcing the Colossal Titan to shift his balance.

Nearby, Commander Erwin watched the battlefield, his eyes sharp as he tracked Zeke's efforts. "Scouts, support the Beast Titan! Keep up the pressure on the Colossal!" Erwin ordered, his voice echoing across the clearing. Sasha, Krista, and Connie nodded while Ymir nodded with a conflicted expression, swinging into action around Bertholdt's legs, their blades finding finally cutting the soft joints which were weaker.

In the distance, Eren continued his brutal assault on Reiner's Armored Titan, his War Hammer powers striking crystal tendrils into Reiner's body, leaving cracks along the armour. Reiner was reeling, his movements slower, desperate.