Stoheis District – Survey Corps Temporary Base, Commander's Office
"Sorry, we failed to capture those two," Lock reported firmly.
Hearing this, Erwin waved his hand calmly. "The main objective of this mission has already been achieved. After this battle, those Titan warriors from Marley won't appear inside the Walls again for some time. What lies ahead now are our internal problems."
Lock noted Erwin's composed expression—he had already made up his mind. Seeing this, Lock didn't press further and nodded in acknowledgment.
"You should rest for now," Erwin said with a faint smile. "I'll have someone notify you when a new mission arises."
"Yes, Commander."
Lock saluted and turned to leave. Unbeknownst to him, Erwin's sharp gaze followed his back—part admiration, part wariness.
In Erwin's mind, memories of Lock's involvement in recent operations resurfaced. Again and again, Erwin realized: the Corps had been following Lock's strategies, whether directly or indirectly. This latest operation had unfolded almost entirely according to Lock's plan.
A chill tightened in Erwin's chest. On paper, Lock was one of their own—but the possibility of other motives couldn't be ignored.
If events ever unfolded in the worst possible way, the consequences would be catastrophic—for the Survey Corps, and for the millions within the Walls. Lock had ability, vision, growing prestige, and most of all… he was young.
"I hope my worries are unfounded," Erwin muttered to himself before turning his attention back to the battle report.
The list of casualties and damage was long. His brow furrowed; for the first time, a wave of fatigue hit him.
Meanwhile, Lock had exited the office and was walking through the garrison grounds. The aftermath of the battle was everywhere—wounded soldiers groaning in pain, bodies covered by white sheets. The air was thick with grief.
"Did I make the wrong call?" he thought quietly, gazing up at the gray sky.
He could have reduced the losses by pointing out the Titan Warriors' weaknesses, proposing better preparations, and offering tactical upgrades. If he had done so, fewer soldiers might have died.
But he hadn't. Doing too much would draw further suspicion from Erwin. And the Survey Corps had grown in strength too quickly. Even the royal government's attitude toward the Corps had begun to shift.
In this atmosphere, standing out too much was dangerous. They were soldiers, not rulers. Many things could only be thought, not acted upon openly.
Lock exhaled slowly, pushing the thoughts aside. What was done was done. Now, he had to execute his long-term plans. The first step: building a core of trustworthy subordinates—preferably starting from youth.
Veterans like Oluo, Eld, and Günther held more seniority than him. Their current loyalty was based on personal respect and hierarchy, not absolute trust. During the battle, they had even questioned his orders and broken formation. That couldn't happen again.
"I hope Eren and the others grow up fast," Lock muttered.
But this was still Year 845. Eren and his generation were three years away from joining the Cadet Corps, plus two more years of training. Five years total—far too long.
Time was short. Lock knew he needed to find capable, loyal people much sooner.
With that in mind, Lock returned to his team's quarters. Petra was still unconscious, recovering from her injuries and transformation.
"Lock, you're back. Did the Commander say anything?" Eld approached him immediately.
Lock smiled faintly. "No. It looks like we'll have a short rest period. Use the time wisely."
All three—Eld, Oluo, and Günther—were battered. Oluo, in particular, had reopened old wounds in the last fight. Eld and Günther weren't in great shape either.
Hearing Lock's words, the three exhaled in relief. If they were sent out again so soon, it would be a death sentence.
"Go get some rest," Lock instructed. "Ymir and I will look after Petra."
They didn't argue. After a brief exchange, they left the room and closed the door behind them.
But once they were outside, their relieved expressions faded. A heavy silence settled between them.
"Captain Lock seemed… angry," Oluo whispered nervously.
Eld and Günther exchanged grim looks and nodded.
"If I were him, I'd be furious too," Eld admitted. "We shouldn't have broken formation like that."
"If we'd been with him during the interception, Petra might not have been injured," Günther said quietly. "And maybe we could've captured those two damned Titans."
Regret weighed on all three of them. They could feel the distance in Lock's tone earlier. Once trust cracks, mending it is far from easy—sometimes impossible.
Their hearts grew heavier the more they thought about it.
Inside Petra's room, Lock walked to her bedside. She still lay unconscious, her breathing steady but shallow. Ymir sat nearby, uncharacteristically quiet, staring blankly at Petra.
Lock let out a soft sigh.
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