Preparations on both sides
In the Shiganshina district, atop the Wall Maria, a new group of Soldiers appeared, dressed in white uniforms, wearing domed steel helmets, and carrying long spears.
These Soldiers unloaded batches of supplies from the boxes carried by the Cart Titan, who were lying on all fours.
The rank insignia on their shoulders indicated that these Soldiers were Marley Soldiers, not Eldia vassals, but genuine Marley Soldiers.
At the edge of the city wall, Zeke, wearing Trench Coat, seemed to be deep in thought. The coffee he was holding was still steaming, and the rising steam fogged up Zeke glasses.
"War Chief Zeke, everything's almost set up. Any further requests?" Reiner's voice was somewhat low. Zeke put down his coffee and said, "Reiner, you seem to be in a bad mood lately?"
Judging from Reiner's appearance, he had indeed become visibly dejected. Of the original four Marley members, only Reiner remained. Marcel, Annie, Bertholdt... Thinking of this, Reiner couldn't help but clench his fists.
It's all because I'm too cowardly and useless. Marcel once said that he was only able to become the Armored Titan because Marcel belittled Porco and praised him in front of his superiors. As for me, I'm the loser, always have been!
A faint brown glint flashed in Reiner's eyes.
"Was this city wall really built by demons from within the island? How is that possible?" Several Marley Soldiers carrying supplies whispered among themselves.
"What are you all chattering about?" a Major, Major Marley Officer, asked with a frown.
"Captain Coris!" Several Marley Soldiers immediately saluted the Officer.
Upon closer inspection, the Marley Officer Coris Corliss appeared to be quite young, with very sharp eyes. Unlike other Marley Officer, Coris carried a Rifle tightly wrapped in a moisture-proof cloth.
"Captain, we're just wondering how this wall was built. We don't know how the demons on the island managed it. Even the best engineering company in Marley probably couldn't have done it," several Marley Soldiers explained to Coris with grins.
Soldiers familiar with Coris knew that this officer was a very easy-going Officer who often mingled with his subordinates.
The Soldiers aboard the Destroyer "Tranquility," led by Coris, knew Coris's character very well.
In the battles against the Rebels in the Far East colonies a few years ago, Coris's Marley Third Fleet was surrounded by the enemy Fleet. Less than an hour into the battle, the flagship was sunk by the Rebels.
With half of the engines of the Destroyer "Tranquility" destroyed and all Officer the rank of lieutenant and above killed in action, Coris stepped forward and revived the morale of the Soldiers. The "Tranquility," dragging its nearly destroyed hull, led the charge towards the enemy Fleet.
The remaining Marley warships, as if finding their backbone, followed the "Tranquility" and broke through the encirclement.
As a result, Coris famous overnight and was even promoted from lieutenant to Major, becoming the new Captain of the "Tranquility".
When Coris heard his subordinates mention the demons on the island, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hidden memory suddenly surfaced in his mind.
After calming himself down, Coris said, "Alright, enough chit-chat, don't let this delay the mission."
"Yes!"
After reprimanding his Coris, carrying his Rifle, walked over to Zeke.
Zeke noticed the newcomer, took off his glasses, and wiped the fog off them with a handkerchief.
"Captain Coris, we'll have to trouble your navy again this time," Zeke said politely.
Coris replied amiably, "War Chief Zeke, you're too kind. We're just following orders. The Ministry of Defense's orders are to cooperate with you in this operation, so please don't worry."
Zeke was somewhat surprised by Coris's attitude, because, in any case, most of the Marley Officer didn't have a good impression of the Eldians, even when it came to the Marley Titan Warriors.
Since inheriting the Beast Titan, Zeke has encountered many Marley Officer, and Zeke can see a hint of disdain or contempt in Officer eyes.
This was the first time Zeke had ever seen Marley Officer like Coris before, whose eyes held no discrimination or prejudice.
"Haha, our operation will definitely succeed." Zeke extended his hand and shook hands with Coris, but did Zeke really think that way?
Zeke glanced over and noticed the Rifle on Coris's back, saying, "I've heard that Captain Coris is a Captain, but why isn't Coris equipped with any new weapons? I see the other Soldiers have all changed into their new gear."
Coris glanced at the long gun on his back. "The new equipment was allocated by the Ministry of Defense, but for me, the old buddy is still more reliable."
Zeke smiled, about to say something, but suddenly felt a pang of fear and, to Coris's astonishment, ran to the other side of the city wall.
As if sensing something, the commander of the Marley Soldiers, Reiner, turned to look at the distant Wall Maria.
"Is he here? Eren, are you calling me? We should meet him. We've all been deceived by Father." Zeke murmured to himself, gazing into the distance.
Boom!!! Amidst the shocked gazes of the surrounding Survey Corps Soldiers, Yago pierced his palm in the open ground. Amidst Yellow Lightning and steam, the fifteen-meter-tall Fate Titan roared to the sky, its originally scarlet eyes now turning into a strange emerald green.
Annie was not far away, gripped her cloak tightly. Yago's roar made her feel inexplicably uneasy; it was a very strange feeling.
"A giant! Titan? Yago is Titan!" Marlo and Hitch stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with horror.
At that moment, on the back of the Fate Titan's neck, Yago's eyes also flashed with emerald green light, "War Chief Zeke, are you ready? It's time to meet!"
(Happy New Year! Welcome the Year of the Rabbit! May your days be prosperous and Muzi Spring Festival joyful. Wishing you all the best and a Happy New Year!)