In the end, Lock did not confront Grisha immediately, feeling the timing was not right.
But what was certain was that the Survey Corps could not take action for the time being.
At that moment, in the Corps headquarters, in the head of the Corps' office~
"Are you going to ask for leave again?"
Looking at Lock with a surprised expression, Erwin said seriously, "I want to know the reason."
"I have things I must accomplish."
Lock looked directly into Erwin's eyes.
He admired the captain from the bottom of his heart.
Erwin had devoted his body and soul to the cause of human freedom, without selfish motives.
Erwin nodded and said, "In that case, go do what you must. Remember to report to me when you return."
"Thank you~"
After expressing gratitude, Lock glanced at Levi, who hadn't spoken, turned, and walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.
After Lock left, Levi finally asked, "Why did you agree to him?"
"Why not?" Erwin replied calmly.
Without waiting for further questions, he shifted the topic:
"What do you think of what Lock just proposed?"
"A wise giant… This is a very bold idea."
Levi responded.
"It is indeed bold.
According to our long-standing understanding and research of Titans, they should have no consciousness, only an instinct to chase and eat humans.
But the appearance of the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan this time was a serious wake-up call."
Standing up, Erwin spoke with conviction:
"We have long been misled to believe Titans cannot think. Why not consider that they do?"
"That makes sense… but what about the other point?"
Thinking of the second possibility proposed by Lock, even Levi couldn't hold back his astonishment.
His surprise was beyond words.
"Could the Titans be transformed humans…?"
Erwin turned to gaze through the window at Lock, who was walking toward the base exit.
His eyes were filled with amazement.
"This is an extremely bold idea.
If Lock hadn't proposed it, I might never have thought of it in my lifetime.
But…"
Retracting his gaze to Levi, Erwin continued, "Levi, you're shaken, aren't you?"
"Yes~"
Levi agreed without hesitation, took a deep breath, and said:
"Eyewitness reports say both the Colossal Titan and Armored Titan disappeared inexplicably in the end.
They didn't fly away, nor burrow underground.
Only one explanation remains."
"They are human beings!!!"
"I think it's very likely…"
His eyes sharpened further. Levi said again, "If this is true, those damn warriors may have already infiltrated the walls!"
"Infiltrate the wall…
Perhaps there are many scenes beyond the wall we've yet to discover?"
Erwin's eyes burned with intense light.
A glint of murderous intent flashed in Levi's eyes:
"Some scenes aren't for admiration."
Suddenly, a system notification sound rang in his mind, causing Lock to briefly pause as he walked.
But he quickly recovered and proceeded toward the house where Alan and others lived.
In his heart, he thought with a slight complaint:
The acting is fine.
I was clearly giving them advice, and everything I said was true.
The two so-called "guesses" were carefully crafted by Lock to present to Erwin.
With his understanding of Erwin and knowing the Captain's ability to accept seemingly absurd but deeply logical theories, Lock knew they would be well-received.
As long as they understood the situation in advance, the Survey Corps would avoid many mistakes and save lives.
This would greatly benefit Lock's plans.
I just don't need to look for Reiner and the others right now.
If he could find them later, everything would be much easier to control.
While thinking, Lock returned to his home.
It was a two-story cottage, now occupied by Alan, Uncle Harry's family, and Lock himself.
As soon as he entered, he heard a quarrel between Alan and Aunt Karal.
"Have you decided to join the Survey Corps again?"
Lock smirked but ignored the dispute and went straight to his room.
His room faced the one where Grisha and Karal stayed, allowing him to observe Grisha's every movement.
As a doctor with excellent medical skills, Grisha was considered one of the high-end talents within the wall.
His income was not small, and having treated many influential figures, his reputation and network of contacts were strong.
Even now, with the loss of a large living space and a massive influx of displaced people into the Rose Wall area, finding a job remained manageable for Grisha.
After all, people would continue to be born, grow old, fall ill, and die.
Talents like him remained highly sought after in any world.
However, Lock could clearly sense that Grisha had been absent-minded during these days.
The exact time when Grisha obtained the power of the Attack Titan is unknown.
But Eren is already ten years old this year.
Based on calculations, Grisha shouldn't have much time left and should act soon…
Knowing this, Lock did nothing for several days but observed every action Grisha took from the shadows.
Not only did he want to prevent Grisha from obtaining the Founding Titan power,
but he also aimed to discover the secret base of the Reiss family, which was crucial to his plan.
That day, after breakfast, Grisha left as usual.
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