That night, the Titan named Oda completed its final mission.
It confirmed what the Survey Corps suspected: Titans can feel pain, though their reactions are far slower than humans'.
As for the fatal weak point… only the back of the neck seemed critical.
Even when Hange Zoe drove a spear deep into Oda's heart, the Titan barely flinched. That alone spoke volumes.
Of course, with only one subject, nothing could be declared as a final fact. The results remained inconclusive, but their significance was undeniable.
It established a precedent: the Survey Corps could now capture living Titans for research.
This breakthrough eased some of the Corps' lingering fear toward Titans—effectively killing two birds with one stone.
The next afternoon, after leaving a few personnel to continue improving the base and assigning Moblit's team to defend it, Captain Keith led the return journey.
What came back was not just supplies and weapons, but the remains of comrades.
Though this expedition counted as a partial success, thanks to Lock's arrival, the mood remained grim.
Nearly 200 soldiers were lost—veterans who had braved countless missions outside the Walls, elite members of the Corps.
Their friends, siblings, sons, fathers…
How would their loved ones react to this devastating news? How could they face their gazes again?
Each soldier carried a heavy heart.
But duty allowed no time for grief.
As a red signal gun fired to the right, they stiffened, drew their blades, and prepared for battle.
Beyond the city walls, there was no protection—only themselves and each other.
Snikt.
Lock's blade cut clean across a Titan's neck, nearly severing its head. He landed lightly on its shoulder, emotionless.
"Oluo," Lock said, glancing at the man perched on the opposite shoulder. "I win again."
Tsk. "Luck," Oluo replied with a smirk, though his eyes betrayed respect.
No doubt having Lock as an ally increased their safety immensely. Though Oluo's chances to shine alone were fewer now, he accepted it as a necessary compromise.
Without wasting words, they returned to their horses and caught up with the group ahead. Both remained alert, prepared to support whichever team faltered.
Levi remained close to Keith and Erwin—the two strongest in single combat—while Lock and Oluo were assigned as flexible support. Their coordination only grew sharper with every mission.
Oluo, once eager to lead the charge, adapted quickly to being Lock's assistant. The unspoken understanding between them was simple: Lock led, Oluo followed.
Two days passed.
At last, the faint outline of the city walls appeared on the horizon.
A quiet sigh of relief spread.
"I'm back," Lock murmured.
But unlike the others, he didn't relax. His shoulders tensed further.
He hadn't met Reiner or his men outside the Walls. The catastrophe couldn't be prevented in advance. Now, all he could do was brace for it.
"I will never let anything happen to you," Lock said with grim determination.
His hand clenched the reins so tightly that they squeaked.
Petra, ever concerned, moved to comfort him, but Eld cut her off quietly:
"Let him think on it himself. Don't disturb him now."
Oluo and Gunther nodded in agreement.
Petra hesitated, then stayed silent.
What none of them knew was that Lock had already noticed their subtle shift in attitude.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. A bit of warmth flickered in his chest.
Unbeknownst to Lock, Captain Keith, Vice Captain Erwin, and Captain Levi—three of the Survey Corps' most esteemed leaders—were discussing him at the front.
"In his first mission outside the Walls, Lock single-handedly defeated 15 Titans and assisted in taking down five more," Erwin observed, impressed. "His observation, tactical execution, and battlefield decision-making are exceptional."
Keith nodded in agreement. "He deserves proper training. His accomplishments alone qualify him for promotion."
Levi remained stoic, though a flicker of approval passed his eyes.
But when their thoughts turned to Lock's young age—and the royal government's hostility toward the Survey Corps—a shadow crossed their faces.
Levi quietly spat.
"Disgusting…"
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