"What?!"
Grisha stepped forward without caring for his safety, raised his hands helplessly, placed them on Lock's shoulders, and said excitedly:
"Are you sure that was Dina?!"
No wonder Grisha acted like this.
If there was one person he felt most guilty about in his life, it was his first wife and revolutionary comrade, Dina Fritz.
Now that he heard Lock had seen her, even as a Pure Titan, it was enough to excite Grisha.
Because this meant Dina was at least still alive, and not executed by Marley.
"I've seen the photo of you and her.
According to your notes, Eldians injected with Titan spinal fluid will become Pure Titans, but their appearance—even subtle expressions—will remain similar to their previous form…"
After a pause, seeing Grisha nod in agreement, Lock continued:
"Based on this, I'm 90% sure the Pure Titan wandering near your home is Aunt Dina…"
"My home…
Lock, you said Dina was near my house?!"
Grisha's excitement grew.
His eyes became bloodshot, full of hope.
Lock nodded.
"Yes. She was near your home.
Uncle Hannes was there at the time.
You can verify it yourself."
"Dina…"
Grisha slowly loosened his grip on Lock's shoulders.
His hands drooped, his eyes became empty, as though he turned into a zombie.
Memories flooded back—how he met Dina, fell in love, got married, and had children.
Seeing this, Lock did not interrupt.
He knew it was best to give Grisha space to process.
Nothing he could say would be more helpful than letting Grisha calm himself.
After some unknown amount of time, a system voice rang out:
"Ding, the host successfully used acting skills and eloquence to win over a heavyweight ally, Persuasiveness +1, Leadership +1!"
"Forehead… this works too?!"
For a moment, Lock was confused.
He looked at himself, found no obvious changes, but knew it must be beneficial.
He didn't dwell on it and focused his gaze back on Grisha.
At this moment, Grisha, having recovered his usual clear-headed expression, said firmly:
"Lock, I can help you, but I have one condition."
"What condition?"
Lock already had an answer in mind.
Without hesitation, Grisha said:
"I want you to restore Dina to human form."
"Deal."
Nodding, Lock extended his hand.
"Pleasure to cooperate."
"Pleasure to cooperate."
Their hands clasped tightly.
Their eyes met, resolute and determined.
In essence, their goal was the same.
Even if Grisha hadn't proposed it, Lock was prepared to dedicate time and effort to restore Dina.
Only those with royal blood could fully activate the Coordinate's power.
Only the complete version of the Founding Titan could assist Lock.
Beyond that, both Lock and Grisha wanted to liberate the Eldian nation.
The only difference:
Lock did it mainly for himself,
Grisha did it for the wrestling.
Naturally, Lock wouldn't say this aloud.
Although Grisha had sensed something, he didn't feel disgusted.
For Eldians in Marley, life was miserable.
Regarded as "descendants of devils," their status was no different from slaves.
Their demands were simple.
They only wished to be treated equally.
But Marley refused, forcing independent-minded Eldians to form the Restorationists.
Grisha believed that as long as Marley's policy didn't change, the Restorationists would keep existing—even if they were hunted down.
Because freedom was the world's greatest treasure.
Having formed the alliance, Lock and Grisha knew they couldn't linger near the Reiss manor.
Undetected so far, they began walking toward the city, discussing the details of their cooperation.
"Lock, how will you proceed?"
Grisha asked.
He looked at the unusually young boy beside him with curiosity.
He used talliedk, but now realized he never truly understood him.
"The wall isn't chaotic enough yet.
This 'wall-breaking' operation is just the beginning.
Marley's soldiers must have infiltrated the wall.
Their goal is likely the same as yours—to seize the Founding Titan.
They'll act soon."
Lock explained confidently.
"Did you deduce that from the technical details in my notes?"
Grisha's eyes showed surprise.
He continued seriously,
"Marley doesn't know who holds the Founding Titan.
The Reiss family is careful, rarely appearing in public, always operating behind the scenes.
If we want them to act, we need a way to draw them out."
"Hard…"
Thinking of the Reiss family as 'cowards' and 'autistic,' Lock felt a headache coming.
If Risa didn't have royal blood, even swallowing the Founding Titan wouldn't let her activate the Coordinate.
If she hadn't used some trick to get their attention, Lock wouldn't have tolerated this group of utopian dreamers.
"I know it's difficult,
but there seems to be no other way to lure them out," she whispered.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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