Trost District was still a scene of devastation.
The members of the Survey Corps stood atop the wall. Countless houses below had been destroyed, and lingering wisps of flame left by the Colossal Titan still flickered.
In the distance beyond the wall, Titans were once again approaching the nearby area that the Survey Corps had cleared.
An old man climbed onto the wall and walked slowly toward Erwin, several elite soldiers from the Garrison Regiment following behind him.
"Commander Erwin, was this your plan?"
The newcomer was Commander Pixis. A hint of understanding showed in his eyes as he finally grasped the meaning behind some of Erwin's cryptic remarks back then. Titans from Marley hiding within Eldia...
Erwin nodded gently. Looking down at the breach in the wall, he spoke calmly.
"The plan has succeeded. You should start preparing on your end, too. The day after tomorrow, the Survey Corps will take the lead in clearing out the Titans nearby, while your Garrison Regiment repairs the gate."
Pixis took a silver flask from inside his coat, its surface decorated with patterns. Ming, standing beside Bai Yu, twitched his nose slightly, and Bai Yu immediately knew what was inside: liquor.
Pixis took a small sip, his gaze sharpening.
"Do you know how many casualties the Garrison Regiment suffered this time?"
But Erwin met his gaze without flinching and spoke evenly.
"It was inevitable. How else could we capture them while ensuring they couldn't escape? Beyond the walls, we wouldn't have caught them. Inside Wall Rose, the casualties would have been greater, and we still might not have caught them. This was the only place. Someone unwilling to give anything up can accomplish nothing."
At those words, Pixis let out a soft sigh.
"You're right. But next time, at least let me