After the banquet, in a tower at the Training Corps camp.
Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie gathered together, each wearing a different expression. Annie looked as composed as ever.
Sensing the silence hanging over them, Reiner spoke first:
"After watching him for three years, I haven't seen anything as special about Eren as Zeyechuan claimed. Apart from his extraordinary willpower, both Chen Si, our top graduate, and Mikasa, who ranked second, are much stronger than him.
So all we've gained is proof that Zeyechuan's intelligence isn't that reliable." Reiner sighed, deeply worried.
Annie glanced at Reiner. She did think there was something unusual about Eren, but beside Chen Si, he seemed far less remarkable, so she did not argue.
Originally, Annie had been meant to infiltrate Wall Sina and carry out reconnaissance, but the more experienced Pieck and Zeyechuan, who could turn invisible, had taken over her assignment.
"What are we supposed to do? Marcel hasn't contacted us in three years. Miss Pieck will probably return to Marley once she's finished surveying Wall Sina. Will it be just the three of us then?"
Bertolt clutched his head in his hands, overwhelmed with anxiety.
Reiner gritted his teeth and said:
"Marley has to stay on guard against attacks from the Mid-East Allied Forces at all times now. Miss Pieck can't stay for long, and the war chief certainly can't come. We have to act as soon as possible. We must draw out the Founding Titan."
Annie nodded. She desperately wanted to finish the mission and return to her father. Their lives were limited, and five of their thirteen years had already slipped away.
Elsewhere.
On a street outside the Training Corps camp.
Chen Si sat down on some steps along the street, breathing in the fresh air and letting the smell of alcohol dissipate. He looked at the faint lights lining the street, then raised his head to the brilliant stars overhead.
Chen Si felt a little homesick. His past had not been particularly tragic. Even if he had never come to this world, he would have lived a good life.
In short, with a full belly and a few drinks in him, night had fallen, and he was feeling a little emo...
Mikasa quietly came over and sat beside Chen Si. She gazed at the starry night sky with him, resting her head gently on his shoulder.
Mikasa treasured this peaceful night. She knew nights like this would soon become scarce. All she wanted was to stay with Chen Si forever.
"The air here is so fresh, and the stars are so bright and clear," Chen Si said slowly, lost in the view.
"Couldn't you see stars like this before, big brother?" Mikasa asked softly.
"The air back home wasn't this clean, so I couldn't see stars this bright." Chen Si smiled faintly, a thousand emotions stirring in his heart.
"Where is your hometown? You don't have to tell me." Mikasa asked curiously. She had wanted to ask for a long time, but had always feared stirring up painful memories.
Chen Si remained silent for a long while, then pointed at the stars overhead and said:
"Very far away. Probably as far away as those stars."
Mikasa stared at Chen Si's moonlit profile. She did not quite understand, yet somehow felt that she did.
"I want to see your hometown," Mikasa said wistfully.
Chen Si paused, then gave a bitter smile and said:
"Let's hope so."
"We'll definitely go. Together." Mikasa looked straight into Chen Si's eyes, her gaze shining with resolve.
Chen Si studied Mikasa's earnest expression and delicate face. Her little upturned nose looked so luminous and flawless in the moonlight.
"Yes, definitely. Together." In truth, Chen Si held no hope at all.
"Pinky promise!" Mikasa held out her little finger.
Chen Si froze, momentarily caught off guard.
"Did you forget? You taught me when we were little. Back then, you said you wanted me to be your wi..." Mikasa said, reminiscing.
"Pinky promise, pinky promise." Chen Si held out his finger. When he had first arrived in this world, he had enjoyed teasing and flirting with Mikasa whenever he had nothing to do. He had even called her his wife.
Later, though, his sympathy for Mikasa had led him to stay by her side as an older brother who acted as her guardian.
The moment Chen Si hooked his finger around hers, he caught her hand and pulled her into his arms. Leaning close to her ear, his breath warm against it, he said:
"Mikasa, do you want to be your big brother's wife, then? Wouldn't that be a little improper?"
Chen Si's teasing instantly turned Mikasa's normally composed face scarlet. Since losing her family, very few things could stir her emotions anymore.
Except the man before her, her older brother in name, wearing that shameless grin.
"N-no, I don't..." Mikasa muttered, then regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth.
"Actually, rather than a brother... I..." Mikasa seemed to gather her courage and was about to correct herself.
"Chen Si! You're amazing! After that speech of yours, even that guy was too embarrassed to keep going on about joining the Military Police Brigade! You're practically my hero!"
Mikasa was interrupted by Eren, who suddenly burst onto the scene, beside himself with excitement. She could hardly continue now.
Chen Si, however, had picked up on something. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, but he pretended not to know. Sometimes, that unspoken, indefinable attraction was the most enjoyable part.
"That's right, Chen Si. Your speech changed a lot of people's minds. I think far more people will volunteer for the Survey Corps this year than usual," Armin said, coming over with Eren.
"Those who want to join will join. I only strengthened the resolve they already had," Chen Si said with a smile.
"I'm joining the Survey Corps too," Armin suddenly said.
"Hey, Armin, your theory grades are so good. You're perfectly suited to working behind the lines," Eren said.
"I won't hold everyone back. I want to fight alongside you," Armin said, his gaze firm.
"With me around, nothing's going to happen to any of you three. Just follow behind your top graduate and watch," Chen Si declared arrogantly.
Neither Eren nor Armin took offense.
"That's not a sure thing, Chen Si. I'll definitely kill two more Titans than you," Eren said, brimming with fighting spirit.
"I won't give up easily either," Armin added.
"I'm joining the Survey Corps too," Mikasa said calmly.
"Hey, Mikasa, you ranked second! The Military Police Brigade would definitely put you in an important position," Eren said.
"You're too reckless, and my brother is lazy. I have to go to make sure you both stay safe. Besides, wherever my brother goes, I go." As she spoke, Mikasa looked at Chen Si again.
"I never asked you to protect me." Eren turned his head aside and pursed his lips.
"I don't want to lose another member of my family. That includes you, Eren," Mikasa said quietly. With Chen Si in her life, Eren felt more like a younger brother to her.
Eren paused, touched by her words.
"I wouldn't want my Mikasa to leave my side either," Chen Si said with a smile.
Although Mikasa had grown used to Chen Si's constant teasing, she still could not help blushing.