Erwin's words helped Petra understand something, and she nodded gently, seemingly accepting it. But as she looked at Gunther and the others beside her, she fell silent. The reasoning made sense, but...
Bai Yu stepped forward and thumped each of them firmly on the chest. They looked at him in surprise. None of his usual teasing colored his voice as he spoke calmly.
"Some people die for nothing. We might end up the same way ourselves. Haven't you already resolved to dedicate your hearts?"
"But this is different..."
"Then prepare yourselves to accept that your lives might one day be traded for an enemy's service."
They fell silent again.
Oluo clicked his tongue.
"Got it..."
"Does it feel unfair?"
No one answered him, but everyone present was thinking exactly that. It was only natural. Xiate probably felt the same.
"We have no way to make things fair right now. All we can do is use every bit of strength, every means at our disposal, to protect our loved ones and the loved ones of those who've died."
Bai Yu was speaking to them, but also to Levi.
"Anyway, that's how it is. Commander Erwin, our squad will take responsibility for Annie. If anything goes wrong, I'll also decide whether to have someone inherit her Titan power."
Erwin had been watching Bai Yu speak with an inscrutable expression, his gaze growing deeper. When he heard Bai Yu agree, he nodded gently.
"If you want to try, we haven't retaken the wall in Trost District yet. I've spoken with the Garrison Regiment about trying to seal it using Titan power. We can treat it as a testing ground. Let me know if you need it."
"Understood. No wonder the plan for Trost District was suddenly canceled. Hange! We could have Eren try