In front of the Jaw Titan, the Armored Titan's plating was a joke.
After tearing off his forearm, Roger had intended to press the attack—but the Armored Titan's right hand lashed out to interrupt.
Roger refused to risk the Jaw Titan's hair being grabbed.
The long mane wasn't his choice; he thought it hampered combat. But the Jaw Titan naturally had it, and even if torn out, it would always grow back.
Hair wasn't just clumsy—it was a liability, an easy handle to be yanked. Roger would give Reiner no such chance. After ripping the arm, he leapt away, creating distance.
Steam hissed from the stump. The Armored Titan was regenerating, but his plated body meant the process was painfully slow.
In battle, once that armor cracked, the fight was already over.
Roger knew. Anderson had taught him much about Titans—though the man's motives remained a mystery, his lessons proved invaluable.
Reiner panted. This was his second transformation in a row, his earlier flailing wasting energy. He could still fight—but against the agile Jaw Titan, he was reduced to taking blows.
"Annie!!"
Reiner called.
He knew—if this dragged on, he'd lose.
The Armored Titan roared, its bellow echoing like thunder.
---
All across Shiganshina, refugees clutched their ears, screaming.
Even the Survey Corps staggered under the sound.
Thanks to the Jaw Titan, the number of Pure Titans had already thinned, and the Corps had managed to rescue many civilians.
But when Titans fought each other, the soldiers could do nothing but watch.
Erwin studied the clash, his mind racing, theories surging.
Hange was enraptured. She had never seen anything like this—two Titans, clearly distinct, fighting like warriors.
With Erwin's theory—"Titans are humans"—her excitement nearly boiled over. Her gaze at those around her grew manic.
"Wow—"
Hange nearly lost herself. She longed to leap forward, to touch the Armored Titan's plating, to press her hand against the Jaw Titan's claws.
At that moment, Commander Keith arrived with a squad.
"What's the situation, Commander Erwin?" Keith asked, blades stowed.
"Commander, I suspect both these Titans are intelligent. And one of them may be the escapee—Roger Eikam."
"Is that so…"
Keith rubbed his thinning scalp, troubled.
He turned to watch the duel.
"Can we capture them?"
The soldiers shook their heads.
"Then we can't let them inside. We must protect humanity's survivors," Keith said, introducing a newcomer. "Erwin, this is Commander Pixis, Garrison's chief. Coordinate with him."
"Yes, Commander." Erwin nodded, then turned to Pixis. "Commander Pixis, I request the immediate sealing of Wall Rose."
"…And why, Commander Erwin?"
"As I told Commander Keith, I believe the Titans are among us, seeking to infiltrate through this breach."
"I see…" Pixis thought. "But what of the innocent refugees? Will you leave them to die outside?"
"Exactly, Erwin," Keith added, weary. He could not watch more innocents perish.
"Then search within Rose," Erwin replied coldly. "Root them out there."
Pixis frowned, then relented. "Very well. But first, we must evacuate the refugees—even if some among them can transform."
"Understood."
---
Roger had heard the Armored Titan's call.
It wasn't rage—it was summoning.
He scanned warily. The Warrior unit couldn't have sent just Reiner. Others would follow.
The Colossal wasn't suited for close combat. The Cart lacked offense. The Beast Titan was worthless. Aside from the War Hammer rumored to be held by the Tybur family, only the Female Titan fit.
And if it was the Female Titan—then her agility rivaled his own.
He remembered sparring against the previous one, Poi—her techniques dismantled his attacks, nearly killing him underfoot.
If it had been inherited, the wielder could only be—
Annie. Annie Leonhart.
Her martial skill was terrifying. Roger had never fought her directly, but he'd seen her take down peers in an instant.
If she was here, she would be a formidable opponent.
But where?
Roger searched, eyes darting, though the giant's perspective left blind spots. Annie's stealth rivaled his own—more so now, hiding within the battlefield's chaos.
In a back alley, crouched behind a refuse heap, Annie caught her breath, her small frame folded tight.
Unlike Reiner's recklessness, she had waited—searching for a killing chance.
But Reiner was faltering. Time had run out.
No more waiting.
"Damn it!"
Annie stood, twisting the ring on her finger. The hidden blade slashed her thumb. Blood welled. Power flared.
BOOM!!
Light thundered down, flooding her body. Bone knit, flesh wove, the towering frame took form.
The Female Titan emerged in full view, settling into her fighting stance.
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