Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

Offer Your Lives

The courtyard of the military compound was illuminated by the pale glow of the moon, casting long shadows over the gathered recruits. The atmosphere was heavy, the silence punctuated only by the faint rustle of uniforms and the occasional nervous whisper. All eyes were fixed on the stage where Commander Erwin Smith stood tall, his commanding presence radiating across the assembly.

Erwin stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tense air. "I'm Erwin Smith, the Commander of the Survey Corps. Today, you'll decide where you'll enlist. To be blunt, I'm here to recruit soldiers for the Survey Corps."

The recruits listened, their faces a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Jeiden stood among them, her hands clenched into fists, her heart pounding in her chest.

Erwin continued, his tone unwavering. "I'm sure the latest Titan attack has made you fear the Titans and recognize the limits of your strength. However, through this battle, mankind has made unprecedented progress in its struggle. The key was Eren Jaeger. His willingness to risk his life for mankind signifies his unquestionable allegiance to us. Furthermore, not only did he allow us to stop the Titans, but he also provided us a way to unveil the Titans' mystery!"

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The recruits exchanged glances, their minds racing with the implications of Erwin's words.

"In the basement of his home in Shiganshina District lies the secret of the Titans, unknown even to him," Erwin declared, his voice rising with conviction. "If we can just reach that basement, we might find a clue that will aid us in overthrowing the Titans' century-long rule!"

Bertolt shifted uneasily, his face pale. "Huh...?"

Reiner leaned closer to him, his brow furrowed. "His basement?"

The crowd erupted into quiet chatter.

"We're that far ahead?" one recruit whispered. "If we figure them out, we could win."

Jeiden's eyes narrowed as she listened, her thoughts racing. Even if it's to recruit soldiers, how could he reveal this much? Or... is there something else? What is the commander trying to smoke out?

Erwin's voice broke through her thoughts as he continued. "We aim to reach that basement in Shiganshina District. But to that end, the recapture of Wall Maria is crucial. In other words, our goal hasn't changed. But now that Trost District's gate is unusable, we'll have to go around from Calanes District in the east."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the recruits. "The military route we spent four years preparing has been rendered useless. During those four years, we lost more than sixty percent of our men. Sixty percent in four years... It's an absurd figure."

Jeiden felt a lump form in her throat. She glanced around at the faces of her fellow recruits, their expressions growing more strained with every word.

Erwin's tone grew heavier, the gravity of his words sinking in. "Those of you who join us will participate in an expedition a month from now in which the predicted mortality rate is thirty percent. Most of you will likely die in four years. However, if you manage to survive, you'll be an elite soldier who can overcome all odds."

The recruits stood frozen, the weight of the decision pressing down on them like a physical force.

"If you are still willing to endanger your lives with us," Erwin said, his voice unwavering, "remain here. Please, ask yourselves. Are you capable of offering your lives for mankind?!"

The silence that followed was deafening. Jeiden's heart pounded in her chest, her resolve tested by the weight of Erwin's words.

As the recruits began to shuffle nervously, Darius Zackly stepped out from the side, his face a mixture of concern and mild disapproval. "Commander," he said quietly, "don't you think you went too far? You might've scared them all off."