Eren's immense strength had smashed several cracks into the wall, but the breach had been sealed perfectly.
Gusts of wind swept across everyone's faces.
The wind slicked Chen Si's bangs back from his forehead, while Mikasa's long hair fluttered in the breeze. She gently tucked one side behind her ear and gazed at Eren's back with relief.
Watching Mikasa's expression, Chen Si marveled that her feelings for Eren really seemed to have become those of an older sister toward her younger brother.
"They all died for a reason..." For the first time, the coldhearted Rico's eyes filled with tears. Holding them back, she raised her flare gun and fired into the sky.
"Today... humanity defeated the Titans for the first time."
"Thank goodness." Ian gave a weary smile at the sight. The tension that had kept him going finally eased, and he collapsed onto the ground.
"Squad leader!"
"Ian!"
Seeing Ian collapse, Rico and the members of the Elite Squad anxiously rushed to his side.
At Staff Headquarters atop Wall Rose.
"Yellow smoke confirmed! The operation... seems to have succeeded!" Anka exclaimed in delighted surprise.
"Woohoo!"
"We won! We won!"
The normally coldest commanders on the front lines now cheered wildly like children.
The corners of Pixis's mouth lifted slightly.
"Send more reinforcements immediately and rescue the Elite Squad! I want as many of my boys back alive as possible! Do you understand?" Pixis roared his orders.
"Yes, sir!" everyone answered, and the chain of command immediately sprang into action.
Below the wall in Trost District.
"The remaining Titans are coming! Prepare to climb the wall!" Ian ordered.
"Up the wall!" Rico shouted right after him.
"Retreat as soon as we've retrieved Eren," Mikasa replied.
Chen Si looked toward the Attack Titan's nape. Armin was already digging Eren out.
Armin's