In the following days, the Stohess District gradually returned to a fragile calm. The residents began trickling back to their homes. Though many were still haunted by the battle between the Survey Corps and the Titans, they had nowhere else to go. Uprooting themselves to another district was impossible for most, and so they stayed, comforting themselves with the fragile idea that the worst had passed.
The massive breach in the wall, left by the Armored Titan's impact, was hastily repaired overnight. Though the wall would need to be reinforced and reconstructed properly later, for now, it was sealed well enough to keep out any Pure Titans roaming beyond.
For the Survey Corps, their mission in Stohess was over.
While there had been unexpected complications, the operation's results were still within acceptable margins. They had successfully captured the Female Titan, and civilian casualties were relatively low. Even their own losses had not exceeded forty percent—a grim figure, yet far better than many of their past expeditions.
However, the battle had been fought without notifying the royal government. Titans rampaged within the city, and most of the Corps' forces were mobilized without prior approval. For this, Commander Erwin would inevitably face questioning, if not punishment.
Still, there was no one in the Survey Corps capable of replacing him. Bringing in someone from another branch of the military would spark unrest—few would follow an outsider, and Erwin's leadership was irreplaceable. So while consequences were certain, his position would remain secure for now.
Lock, like the others, couldn't avoid what was coming. But for the moment, the focus was on returning home.
After several days handling cleanup and post-operation procedures, the Corps formed a convoy and began the journey back to their headquarters.
Lock rode in the middle section, leading his squad and guarding the wagon where Ymir was seated. She was a special case—during this sensitive period, absolutely nothing could be allowed to happen to her.
Ahead of Lock's position was the heavily secured carriage containing Annie Leonhart. Her capture had been the mission's most significant outcome. She was bound tightly, encased, and unable to move.
At the head of the convoy, Captain Levi personally led the escort around Annie's carriage. Inside with her sat Hanji Zoe, keeping constant watch. The three strongest fighters of the Survey Corps—Levi, Hanji, and Lock—had been positioned in a tight defensive triangle around her. That alone revealed just how valuable the Female Titan was.
While several members of the Corps had fought Annie in Titan form, very few had witnessed her human identity being exposed. Most didn't know that the Female Titan and Annie were the same. This knowledge was intentionally kept secret; panic would spread like wildfire if word reached the public too soon.
This secrecy extended to most soldiers as well. Oluo Bozado and Gunther Schultz, riding alongside Lock, were among those in the dark. Their curiosity about the mysterious prisoner was obvious.
"Who's inside that carriage?" Oluo muttered, frowning as he watched the steady movement ahead. "It's got the three strongest soldiers guarding it. Whoever it is must be serious."
Gunther nodded, equally puzzled. "I can't think of anyone we captured. When did this even happen?"
"Exactly. No clue." Oluo's eyes narrowed.
Lock heard their conversation but remained silent. Some truths, he knew, were heavier than most could handle. Revealing Annie's identity now would only lead to confusion and panic among the troops.
The convoy passed through the streets of Stohess, watched by throngs of citizens. Fear still lingered in their eyes, but so did awe. The Survey Corps had fought Titans within the walls and lived. For many, it was the first time they'd witnessed such power firsthand.
Then, just as the convoy reached the entrance of Wall Sina, it slowed to a halt.
A group stood blocking the gate—soldiers whose uniforms were distinctly different from any of the four military branches. Their posture was rigid, their presence cold and calculating.
Oluo frowned. "Those uniforms… I've seen them before."
Gunther's expression hardened. "The Interior Military Police. Human control unit."
"Great," Oluo muttered, his tone laced with disdain. "Why are they here?"
Eld Jinn rode up quickly from the rear, his face serious. "Lock, these guys are trouble. Be careful what you say around them."
The Interior Military Police were a special force under direct control of the king. Unlike the regular Military Police, they didn't answer to the Gendarmerie command. Their mandate was to maintain "order" inside the Walls—especially by eliminating internal threats to the royal government. Their equipment was superior, and their tactics ruthless.
Among the Survey Corps, their reputation was one of fear and disgust. Whenever they appeared, blood followed.
Lock nodded slightly. "I know."
His gaze moved to the figure leading the unit ahead—a tall man with a cowboy hat, long coat, and a grin that carried danger like a blade. He was speaking to Commander Erwin.
Kenny Ackerman.
So it's him already, Lock thought. Kenny the Ripper. The last of the Ackermans outside the Corps. His combat skills rival even Levi's. I didn't expect to see him this soon.
Lock glanced toward Levi. To his surprise, Levi's face showed nothing—no flicker of recognition, no change in expression. Only cold, measured interest. The tension between them was invisible to most, but Lock could sense it.
Negotiations at the gate didn't take long. Kenny stepped aside, allowing his men to approach the carriage containing Annie. It was clear that this was no casual inspection. Lock's sharp eyes scanned the rooftops. They appeared empty, but he knew better—Interior Police marksmen were likely positioned in hidden spots, ready to act at a moment's notice.
"They're taking no chances," Lock thought grimly. "Looks like the Reiss family has made their move. I wonder how they plan to handle Annie."
The convoy grew silent. Every soldier felt the shift in the air, though few understood its cause. What lay ahead was no longer simply about Titans, but about the hidden power structures inside the Walls—the kind of threats that didn't rely on brute strength, but on control, manipulation, and assassination.
For Lock, this was a reminder: the war wasn't just outside the Walls anymore. It had already crept inside.
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