The cold wind brushed against Adam's face as he stood before Commander Erwin. The offer to join Levi's Squad had been extended to him, alongside Eren. Unlike Eren, who accepted without hesitation, Adam felt conflicted.
"You're refusing?" Erwin asked, raising an eyebrow.
Adam looked down briefly before nodding. "I feel… unworthy. I still have a lot to learn. I'd rather stay with the others and analyze the situation from the outside."
Levi, standing beside Erwin, gave him a sharp look. "You have talent, Adam. More than most I've seen. But if that's your decision…" Levi trailed off, glancing at him one last time before walking away.
Mikasa and Armin were waiting for Adam after the meeting. "So?" Mikasa asked in her usual flat tone.
"I'm staying with you guys," Adam replied with a small smile.
Mikasa didn't say anything, but Adam noticed her shoulders relax slightly. Armin smiled in relief. "That's good. We need each other."
With that decision, Adam remained with the main Survey Corps unit, staying with Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Sasha, Conny, and the others.
A few days later, the expedition beyond the walls began. The main goal : bring Eren outside to lure the Female Titan, who was suspected to be someone within their ranks.
As they rode across the vast plains, Adam stayed silent, observing his surroundings. From the start of the expedition, something felt off.
"Why are we moving in such a weird formation?" Jean whispered beside him.
Adam didn't answer immediately. He noticed that the soldiers ahead were beginning to turn into a large forest.
"This seems like a trap," Adam muttered.
"A trap?" Mikasa, who overheard, turned to him.
"Yeah. Commander Erwin must be planning something."
Before they could discuss further, a scream erupted from the rear lines.
"Titan! A strange Titan!"
Adam turned and saw the figure he had expected all along. The Female Titan.
The monstrous being sprinted with incredible speed, crushing anyone who stood in her way. But that wasn't the most terrifying part—this Titan fought like a human, blocking attacks, dodging, even predicting her opponents' movements.
"Damn it," Adam muttered, realizing how dangerous this situation was.
The soldiers inside the forest were ordered not to move. They could only hear the sounds of battle echoing from within. Mikasa gripped her sword tightly, impatience clear on her face.
Then, a scream rang out.
"Eren has been captured!"
Adam's blood ran cold. He turned to see the Female Titan retreating into the forest—holding something in her grasp.
"No… No way!" Jean gasped.
Mikasa immediately moved. "I'm going after him!"
"Don't be reckless!" Adam grabbed her arm.
"Let go!" Mikasa look at him, but Adam didn't budge.
"We can't fight that Titan without a plan. If we die, who will save Eren?"
Mikasa hesitated for a moment before reluctantly lowering her arm.
Adam took a deep breath, then looked at Mikasa and Jean. "Listen, we can't just wait for orders. If we stay here, we're just spectators."
Jean frowned. "So, you have a plan?"
Adam nodded. "I'll go after her. Mikasa, come with me. The rest of you, return and report the situation. I can't ask everyone to risk their lives."
Jean gritted his teeth but eventually nodded. "Don't die."
Adam smirked. "I have no intention of doing so."
Adam and Mikasa launched themselves using their ODM gear, pursuing the Female Titan.
"If we only chase, we'll never catch her," Mikasa said.
Adam focused on the Titan's retreating figure. "You're right. That's why we need to cut her off."
They swung forward at full speed. Mikasa, desperate to save Eren, moved aggressively, while Adam remained cautious.
As they drew closer, the Female Titan suddenly stopped and turned to face them.
Mikasa attacked without hesitation, aiming for the nape.
"Don't be reckless!" Adam warned, but it was too late.
The Female Titan swiftly raised her hand, swatting Mikasa aside. She crashed into a tree but managed to hook her gear before falling.
Adam seized the moment. With precise movements, he swung toward the Titan's face and slashed at her eye.
The blade struck true, causing the Titan to roar in pain.
Mikasa saw the opening and attacked again, slicing off several of the Titan's fingers.
Eren, trapped in the Titan's grasp, slipped from her grip.
"I'll catch him!" Adam shouted.
With a precise maneuver, Adam swung down and caught Eren's unconscious body before they hit the ground.
But the Female Titan wasn't done. She raised her arms, preparing to fight again.
"Run!" Mikasa yelled.
Adam bit his lip but knew this wasn't the time to fight. Carrying Eren, he and Mikasa retreated toward the main force.
The Female Titan didn't chase them. She simply stood there, watching.
Returning to the Troops
Adam and Mikasa finally reunited with the main force. Levi and the others immediately approached them.
"You succeeded?" Levi asked, his sharp gaze scanning them.
Adam nodded and carefully set Eren down.
Commander Erwin studied them with calculating eyes. "You made a bold decision, Adam."
Adam gave a small smile. "I just didn't want to lose a friend."
Levi sighed. "Then you need to get even stronger. Next time, you might not be this lucky."