Bertolt slowly walked toward Chen Si. Along the way, the forest began to burn, turning into a vast sea of flames. The Survey Corps could not get anywhere near him and withdrew.
"Erwin, things have gotten troublesome," Hange said, pushing up her glasses.
"Chen Si didn't appear at the scheduled time, and Levi's attempt to kill the Colossal Titan went wrong too. This plan will probably fail. Get ready to retreat, Erwin." Hange looked at the sea of flames before them. They could barely even get close now.
"No! All soldiers, listen up! Circle around the areas where the flames are fiercest and find places where the fire is weaker! Chen Si and Eren's safety must be guaranteed!" Erwin shouted.
"Erwin!" Hange tried to stop him.
"Chen Si and Eren are the only foundation we have left for fighting back in this cruel world. We cannot abandon them! Everyone, charge with me!"
"Yes, sir!"
Dozens of Survey Corps soldiers darted through the sea of flames.
Annie, who was digging flesh out of Eren's body, suddenly sensed something hurtling toward her from behind. Chen Si turned into a streak of lightning and slammed into the Female Titan's nape.
Annie quickly covered her nape with both hands and used Hardening, but Chen Si still smashed through it. He drew his blade and instantly sliced away the Female Titan's nape, exposing Annie inside.
Chen Si thrust his blade in to dig Annie out, only for it to snap on the spot. Annie had already activated her hardening inside the Female Titan's nape, completely encasing herself.
A Hardening Crystal with Annie sealed inside appeared before Chen Si.
"Annie, what you did to the Titans at the Survey Corps camp, and causing Eren's mother's death... I can't turn a blind eye to those things. I'll