A breeze swept past, sending ripples through the grass.
The Armored Titan and Female Titan, who had just run out through the gate, stopped in their tracks. Cradled in the Armored Titan's arms, Bertholdt stared ahead in disbelief.
The white fog around them had completely dispersed, revealing the scene outside the walls with perfect clarity.
"H-how could this..."
A dense mass of soldiers stood before them, the Wings of Freedom on their uniforms revealing their identity.
It was the Survey Corps, which should have been away on an Expedition Beyond the Walls. At some point, they had laid a thorough ambush outside the gate of Trost District.
Erwin sat on horseback, his gaze chilling as he watched the two Titans burst out through the walls. Every Survey Corps soldier was equipped with Little Fish.
Bai Yu and the others also appeared atop the wall, looking down at Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt.
By now, Bertholdt was utterly exhausted. He would not be able to transform into the Colossal Titan again anytime soon.
This was the perfect opportunity to capture them alive.
There was none of the usual exchange of words before battle found in novels. Erwin simply swung his sword.
"Soldiers! Charge! Capture the Titans alive!"
At the same time, Survey Soldiers descended from above alongside Bai Yu.
In an instant, battle erupted once more.
Despair filled the eyes of Reiner and his two companions. But Reiner gritted his teeth, and a furious roar burst from the Armored Titan's mouth, knocking several nearby Cadets out of the air.
Annie immediately tried to roar as well. Unlike Reiner's simple venting of anger, this was one of her abilities. Her scream could draw Titans from near and far. Only then would they have a chance to survive.
But...
Whoosh!
A figure flashed past