Reiner stared in horror at the long blades held by the soldiers who had suddenly appeared.
Damn it! Has the Survey Corps developed a new type of blade? I can't drag this out any longer. Once Chen Si and Levi get here, I won't be able to escape.
Reiner turned back and gazed longingly at Annie inside the Hardening Crystal on the ground.
"Annie? What's going on here?" Jean looked down at the Hardening Crystal, utterly baffled.
"I don't know. It looks like something the Armored Titan uses to capture people," Mikasa said flatly.
Historia swooped down and landed beside Annie. She raised both blades and slashed at the Hardening Crystal. With a crack, both of her blades snapped.
"Ah! I can't break this crystal open!" Historia shouted to the others.
"What? Damn it! Everyone, surround Annie and protect her!" Jean immediately ordered.
"Roar!" A Titan's bellow reached their ears.
"Another Titan's voice. Is it Eren?" Armin asked anxiously.
Mikasa stared urgently toward the sound coming from deep within the forest, then glanced at Annie below her. She hesitated, torn.
"Mikasa! Go save Eren, Chen Si, and the others! They're already locked in a fierce battle with the Colossal Titan. Leave the Armored Titan to us-we'll hold him off," Armin said, his eyes filled with fear and his teeth clenched.
"Everyone... I'm counting on you!" At those words, Mikasa immediately turned and rushed deeper into the forest.
Jean gritted his teeth and glanced back at Mikasa.
"Chen Si Squad! Prepare for battle!" Jean shouted.
Just then, more than a dozen Titans appeared along the western perimeter and surged toward the Armored Titan.
This is bad! Reiner gritted his teeth and took one last look, tears slipping from the corners of his eyes. Annie, Bertolt, I'm sorry!
Everyone braced for battle,