They were all outstanding Survey Corps soldiers who had survived expedition after expedition, each one battle-hardened.
These soldiers were highly skilled, especially when using Vertical Maneuvering Equipment, which they handled as naturally as fish took to water.
Atop the wall.
The observant Armin discovered traces of a campfire.
"This is... evidence of a campfire..."
A thought suddenly entered Armin's mind. They had to be nearby. Bertholdt and Reiner had to be somewhere close. He raised the blade of his Vertical Maneuvering Equipment high, signaling the others.
At the same time, everyone else was acting according to the plan.
But one thing puzzled many of them.
That was—
Not a single Titan was in sight.
Even so, Captain Levi ordered them to proceed according to plan. This battle concerned humanity's fate; there could not be the slightest mistake.
The plan continued.
Eren Yeager had already reached the destination. With a thunderous crack and a flash of lightning, Eren completely transformed into a Titan. The most important person beside him was Lin Yan. He was the main force protecting Eren, without question.
They all believed Lin Yan would be able to protect Eren.
But no one had expected things to go so extraordinarily smoothly. They had not even suffered a single Titan attack.
Eren successfully sealed the first breach.
This greatly lifted everyone's spirits.
"Keep watch on the surroundings."
Squad Leader Hange shouted loudly.
Although the first step had succeeded so smoothly, the real battle had only just begun. They absolutely could not let one success make them careless.
"Everyone, stay alert."
Every battle-tested Survey Corps soldier was exceptional, especially gifted people such as Squad Leader Hange and Captain Levi.
"We're moving toward the inner gate. The enemy may attack while we're on the move. Everyone, put on your hoods and hide