My Hero

Chapter 35

"YOU FOOLS! All these years you spent inside the walls under cover, and for what? To be foolishly exposed and run away from a fight!"

"I apologize, Chief."

"Your apologies won't fix a thing! The only reason I haven't killed you on the spot is because replacing you and training someone all over again will be a hassle. But don't think you'll get off easy! What about you? Nothing to say?"

"It's... my fault, Chief."

"Do you think I care whose fault it is? I want results. The people inside the walls need to be annihilated at all costs. But since you're both incompetent, I will have to take matters into my own hands. Prepare for a journey back."

"Yes, Chief."

---

"Oi, Desi, what are you doing out here alone?"

"Captain Levi! I apologize; I didn't hear you approach."

"How do you expect to fight on the battlefield when you don't even sense your enemy?"

"Ah, you're right... I will try harder."

"Tch, what's the matter with you anyway? Aren't you supposed to be discussing the plan with the other brats?"

"I did... but there were some issues... and we ended up at each other's throats." I moved my gaze down and away from the captain.

"Let me guess—Eren Yaeger. He's an idiot, no doubt about it, but why do YOU look so down? You should be in there kicking some brains into him."

A weak smile made its way onto my lips. "I guess so, but I don't like to use violence."

"Yeah, I know, and it's annoying. Maybe that's why Erwin likes you."

"Maybe."

The captain sighed. "Listen to me. You are a soldier, a good one. I think you can accomplish a lot, but while you're at it, you need to earn the respect of people around you. And you won't do that by sitting out here alone."

"Captain Levi... Are you trying to comfort me?"

"Where did you get that idea from?! It's highly unpleasant to deal with the issues of a bunch of brats all the time, so make sure I don't have to do this again."

"Yes, Sir! And...Thank you, Sir!" I smiled at the captain and headed inside.

---

Desi's back was turned to him, so she couldn't see it when Levi smiled back. "Silly kid."

---

"What is this all of a sudden, Erwin? A joined mission between the Survey Corps and the Military Police?" Nile Dok was quite surprised, but he also knew Erwin Smith too well and was highly suspicious of the reason behind his request.

"Don't look at me like that, my friend. It hurts me to see how little trust you have in me."

"Pff, don't make me laugh. Who the hell would believe that with the smirk on your face?" Erwin Smith only laughed in amusement at Nile Dok's comment. "Seriously, Erwin, what's going on? You are plotting something again, aren't you?"

"There is nothing going on. I just figured it would be a good training exercise for both parties, that's all."

"You are a terrible liar; you know that? Be careful what you do; otherwise, it might get you into big trouble."

"Don't worry about me. As long as everything goes according to plan, my absence won't change a thing."

"Whatever makes you sleep better at night." Nile Dok thought about it for a bit. "Alright, I will lend you some of my officers."

"Thank you, my friend. I do have one request, though."

"And what would that be?"

"The ones we borrowed from you during our expedition outside the wall have had enough for a while. I don't want to put too much pressure on them, so it will be nice to see some new faces."

"Uh-huh, something else?"

"Annie Leonhart needs to be among those officers."

---

"Is everyone prepared to leave?"

"Yes, Sir."

"How about you?" Captain Levi turned to the members of the Military Police.

"We're ready."

"Good. Let's head out."

I looked at Annie and attempted something like a smile, but she just ignored me. Typical Annie. We never really liked each other anyway. 'Don't worry, Annie, after this mission you will like me even less.'

We all followed the captain. Our pretend mission was all about setting up bases around Wall Rose in case of an emergency Titan wall breach. It was actually a very important task, and we were to do our best while also keeping an eye on Annie and moving towards our main goal. If we could finally capture a titan-shifter, there were many things we could learn, and we needed that knowledge to aid humanity. No, no ifs. We HAD to capture her at all costs. I believed we could do it.

---

We were scattered throughout Karanes District. We had our 3D maneuver gear on, just in case. Besides, it made moving around much easier and faster. Even our best horses couldn't always provide the necessary speed. I had finished setting up a base, so I scouted around for the others. I saw Armin setting up one himself and decided to join him. "Hey, Armin." I waved at him and moved closer.

"Oh, hey, Desi. Do you need something?"

"Ah, no, I just came to help you."

"That would be great! Thank you."

"No worries."

While assisting him, I leaned a bit closer so no one else could hear. "How is the situation?"

"So far, everything is going according to plan. She doesn't seem to suspect anything, but we can't be too careful. Sasha and Connie have volunteered to spread the rumor around."

"Ah, that actually sounds perfect. Out of all of us, I think they will look the least suspicious."

"Yes, I think the same way."

I went back to speaking normally. "You look quite nervous; are you feeling alright?"

"Ah, yes, I'll be fine. I'm just..." Armin made a brief pause. "Worried about possible Titan attacks, you know. With everything that's been going on recently, it's no wonder. Who knows, there might be another traitor among us."

I didn't have to look behind me to know there was someone from the Military Police in close proximity. Nice save, Armin! I joined in. "Hmm, that is possible. I mean, there's no way Reiner and Bertolt were working alone. I don't even want to think about what it's like to be tortured underground. I am sure right now they regret their actions."

I could hear the two members of the Military Police, who were now whispering among themselves. Bingo!