"The recovery of the bodies is mostly complete. There are about eight bodies we couldn't recover," a soldier reported to Erwin.
"Not even any body parts?" Erwin took the casualty report and leafed through it.
"Besides the bodies we couldn't recover because Titans swallowed them, some of the others were in such a state... considering their last wishes, it would be better not to bring them back..."
"List them as missing," Erwin ordered.
"A few Titans have started appearing on the outskirts of the forest. They haven't reached us yet," the soldier said, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
"Relay the order to every squad. Move out immediately and prepare to return inside the Walls." Erwin handed the report back as he gave the order.
"Commander Erwin! I can't accept this! Ivan's body is right there! We should go recover it immediately!" Two soldiers stepped forward, one of them shouting at Erwin in agitation.
"Don't you know there are plenty of Titans near those bodies? You could just cause more casualties!" Erwin's messenger snapped.
"Ivan was from our hometown. We've known his parents since we were children. We can't accept just leaving him behind like this," the two soldiers continued.
"Are you children having an argument?" A cold voice rang out.
"Captain Levi..." The two soldiers instantly fell silent.
"Isn't the fact that he's dead enough? Whether there's a body or not, dead is dead. Nothing will change that," Levi said coldly.
"Ivan and the others have already been listed as missing. That won't change. Give it up." With those cold words, Erwin turned and left.
Levi paid the two no further attention, turning to leave with Erwin.
"You..." His face contorted, one of the soldiers was about to shout angrily after Levi and Erwin.
"Dieter, do you think those