Chapter 12 The Demon In The Garrison 2

In Trost District, the news had spread by nightfall.

The nightlife of the city was particularly prominent tonight.

With the chaos at the Branch HQ impossible to hide, news of the Garrison attack spread within an hour

"I can't believe it".

"... Hmph. Honestly, neither can I".

"… To think The Garrison, an entire military branch in Trost, was attacked."

"Is there any news on who did it?"

"Nah, just a bunch of Fat ass rumors."

"Huh?"

"What … You haven't heard."

In a bar within the lower slums of Trost, a man scoffed as he down a glass of alcohol.

"Uh ... Well, no. I thought a Gang was responsible."

"A Gang?"

"Yeah right. Those scums who 've got The Garrison under their Payroll? I can't see a reason why they'll attack their own. Still, its credibility is higher than all the nonsense that's floating the streets"

"W-What"

"People are saying The Garrison was attacked by a single Individual. One guy, snuck into the Branch and beat up everyone inside."

"Where the hell did they get that idea from."

"Apparently, from the very same soldiers that were beaten up. I should know. "My wife was recalled to work overtime, helping to treat patients. The hospital's full of em now."

"Is that … Really possible?"

"…. I … Don't know. But I hope it is. I've gotten fed up with those scum for a while now."

In less than an hour, it had become the talk of the city.

The fact that the hospital was swarming with injured didn't help matters either. The Garrison Regiment had become a laughingstock.

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The Garrison Branch HQ – Aftermath

----

The once-proud Garrison branch in Trost lay in ruins, reduced to a scene of wreckage. Multiple explosions leaving many areas damaged and walls shattered.

The halls were filled with injured soldiers groaning in pain as medics rushed to stabilize them. There were only so many doctors in Trost.

With the hospital already overrun by more severe cases, the rest had to settle for makeshift treatment.

No way would there be enough beds for all of them.

Hence, anyone with even a slight knowledge of medical care was recruited to help with the disaster. Bandages, water, towels, antiseptics.

It was in this state that the injured men and women received Treatment.

Many remained silent as they were tended to, seemingly trapped in a daze.

"… I … I still can't believe it ....." others weren't as silent.

"Well, believe it. Or don't, it doesn't really matter anyway."

"… Yeah, we basically all just had our asses handed to us."

With one speaking first, more arose. The air filled with a thick sense of gloom.

"We should've fought harder." One uttered, his fist clenching.

"Tch. As if that would've changed anything."

"Is this, how the Survey Corps feels when facing Titans? I could barely see him."

"Just, who was that guy?"

"One kid, He made fools out of us."

"What a monster."

"I almost thought I was dead."

"Why, though? He didn't kill anyone…" someone whispered.

"Who cares why? Our Branch Is never going to hear the end of this …"

They muttered among themselves. Some were bitter, others humiliated. The Garrison had never been the most disciplined branch of the military, but this? This was a stain they wouldn't be able to wash off easily.

Meanwhile, In the building's Archive room …

"… Is that all you have to report?"

" … Yes sir …"

The blonde officer responded. Her Jacket taken off and her stomach area bandaged.

Even now, it still ached.

"I see." Erwin nodded in reply.

In the archive room stood The group from the hospital. Squad Leader, Rico Brzenska, had just finished giving her report on the Garrison Attack.

" … Seiji Uchiha …"

Dot Pixis, leaning against a wall, took a sip from his ever-present flask before sighing. "Well, I must say, this is quite the mess."

"Indeed. This is the first time we have hard or experienced such an occurrence … A single Individual, capable of taking on the entire Garrison Corps alone, is nothing short of remarkable."

In response, Pixis chuckled.

"… A super soldier huh? I remember your corps has such an individual. Levi Ackerman, if I'm correct. A soldier of exemplary ability, should be able to do the same thing. Isn't it?"

Erwin's expression remained unchanged.

"Huh? Levi? …" Hange however, was stunned at the thought. Processing it rapidly. "… While he is strong, It's unlikely he can recreate the same feat. Perhaps it is possible to eliminate a large number, yes. But from the statistics, a total of a hundred and eighty-nine soldiers were in the list of casualties. Not a single one died. This means …"

" Enough Hange."

Erwin cut in. "Levi's ability isn't to be questioned, as that is not the main priority…."

He said, turning to the solder standing next to Rico.

" … Captain Dietrich, do you have anything you want to add or refute in officer Brzenska's report …"

Ian hesitated, caught off guard.

"No sir." he said, his expression solidifying. " … Everything is correct. If anything, she has seen more than I have."

"How do you see the situation?"

"I find it hard to process sir." Dietrich uttered. "I may not have been here at the beginning, but I saw enough. It makes no sense how a single human, could move that fast and display such strength."

"I watched as he tore through our ranks. His movements at times were so fast I couldn't see it. Like he was here one moment and somewhere else the next. The way he threw people, the accuracy of his attacks …" the man paused, seemingly trying to find the right words.

"He cut the Grappling cables of multiple officers Mid-movement using Maneuver gear, with throwing weapons, it was exaggerated sir …"

The man said while taking out one of the throwing weapons Seiji used earlier and handed it to Erwin. "From my perspective, entirely inhuman …"

'Inhuman, huh?' Erwin thought as he examined the Shuriken intensely.

'Is it all a coincidence? Another Superhuman, Just like Levi?'

Levi Ackerman, also dubbed, Humanity's Strongest Soldier. Displayed exceptional strength, agility, and combat brilliance.

Now, another one had appeared.

"I see. Well, it seems it's the same person."

Erwin said calmly.

" … Huh? …" However, the others had different reactions.

In response, Erwin turned his gaze to The Garrison Commander.

"What do you think, Commander Pixis?"

A small smile made its way to the old man's face.

"I agree." Pixis responded. "Inhuman skills, Taciturn personality, peculiar Asian features and Eye-catching eye color …" he listed, confusing Ian and Rico further.

This was what the Female Squad Leader had given in her report. Why was Commander Pixis repeating it?

"It's all the same. Same as in Ilse Langnar's Journal. I agree Erwin. This is no coincidence…"

Gustav, Anka, and Hange immediately came to a realization.

"Aaaah, I see what you mean now. The same person in the Journal …" The brown haired female, Hange Zoe's eyes, lit up.

"Indeed. First, Ilse Langnar miraculously returns, then the Garrison comes under attack. The description matches, It's the same person."

"… Um, Commander …" Rico interrupted at that moment. "Forgive me, but … I don't follow." she wasn't the only one, with Ian Dietrich sharing in her confusion.

Erwin was silent for a moment. Then …

"Before the attack on The Garrison, we received word that an unaccounted scout from the decimated Left Flank on yesterday's expedition had survived."

" … What?" Both Squad Leaders were stunned.

"You heard me. Not only did she survive an entire day In the wastelands, she also returned to Wall Rose, unharmed…"

"…."

Erwin ignored their reactions and continued.

"We were called to the Hospital to see her condition once she returned. Unfortunately, she had fallen unconscious from fatigue. Her Journal, however, recorded all her experiences while she was outside …" Erwin went on to explain the contents of the Journal.

Including Ilse's encounter with the Talking Titan, and her subsequent rescue by a mysterious individual.

"… I see sir. Y-You suspect that this person, who saved Ilse Langnar is the same as the one who attacked The Garrison?"

"With the matching descriptions, I am sure of it." Erwin answered.

Ian's eyes widened.

"But … That would mean, that …"

"It means he doesn't originate from within The walls." Rico muttered, cutting him short.

The silence that followed that was almost suffocating. Until …

"Is … Is that even possible?" Ian Dietrich muttered. "That there are people living beyond the walls?"

The implications of those sentences was enormous.

A hundred years ago, King Karl Fritz used the power of the Founding Titan to create the walls that protected humanity. While also modifying the memories of his subjects, making everyone believe they were the last of Mankind and what laid beyond was a world filled with nothing but Titans.

Things like the Ocean had become a story and the Memory Alteration was to the point that its victims didn't even know they lived on an Island.

Hence, to everyone in the walls, the publicly acknowledged census was that they were the last humans on Earth.

Now, accepting this truth meant that what they knew was a lie.

The tension hung in the air like a heavy weight.

Erwin steepled his fingers. "Everything, so far, points to him coming from beyond wall Maria," Hange said, her fingers tapping against her chin.

"It's what we can deduce from the information we have on hand"

"If that's the case," Anka murmured, "this could be revolutionary. We aren't the last of humanity as we've always believed…"

"There could be another human settlement out there." Gustav suggested. "Perhaps this is where he comes from?"

"Then why haven't we realized it until now?" Rico asked.

"Because the Titans always wipe us out whenever we get too far," Erwin stated. His expression was unreadable.

A tense silence followed.

"… Commander Erwin …" Hange spoke up. "We have to inform the public about this."

Her words stunned everyone. "Let everyone know what we've discovered. That the survey corps has actually made progress."

"No Hange. We haven't come to a definite conclusion."

Speculation was one thing, but hard facts were another.

"Ultimately, all this is just theory," Pixis finally broke the silence, though his voice lacked its usual playfulness. "I'm more concerned about this strange individual. Seiji Uchiha, you called him?"

"Yes, sir."

"You think he can be of use to us?"

Hange leaned forward, eyes alight with curiosity. "If Ilse's journal is anything to go by, then this man can kill Titans just as efficiently as Levi—without needing maneuver gear. According to Squad Leader Rico's report, he broke into the Garrison to access files on the Armored and Colossal Titans and referred to them as Titan shifters. I speculate he might know exactly what the Titans are and where they come from."

A heavy statement. One that made even the skeptical officers pause.

Erwin tapped his fingers against the table, deep in thought.

This man…

If Seiji truly held the answers they sought, then letting him go was not an option.

Pixis rubbed his bald head. "Quite the interesting fellow. And you're certain he's already gone?"

Rico nodded. "Before he left, he said he was leaving Wall Rose. A few soldiers reported seeing a figure leap over the walls."

"He said he won't return until the Colossal Titan appears, and Wall Rose is breached"

Ian muttered. "… Then we've lost our chance,"

"No," Erwin corrected, "not yet."

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"… Come in."

Following which, the door was opened. "Commander Erwin, Commander Pixis."

"What's the Matter?"

"Ilse Langnar has awakened. She's currently outside, waiting to see you."

Silence engulfed the room for a moment. Then …

"Let her in."

Moments later. A figure walked into the room with hurried steps. Not tall with short dark hair and gold colored Irises.

In the room, Ilse who had just awakened from her Genjutsu induced nap, instinctively straightened and spoke nervously.

"Sir! My name is Ilse Langnar. I have important information to give."

"You're awake," Erwin said calmly.

Ilse swallowed. "Yes, sir."

Erwin held up a familiar leather-bound book. Her journal.

"I read it," he said simply. "Your experience beyond the walls… your encounter with the Titan… and the man who saved you."

"We all have."

Ilse was silent. Realizing that she slept through the revelation of possibly the most important discovery in Mankind's history. "I … I see…"

"Have you be informed on what happened recently?"

"… well, no sir."

"A single unknown individual attacked The Garrison Regiment seeking information on the Titans."

"After reading your journal, we believe he is the same person you encountered." Erwin stated.

Ilse's stiffened. "Seiji."

Erwin's eyes sharpened. "That is the name he gave to squad leader Rico. It seems our assumptions were correct."

'He … He attacked The Garrison?'

For some reason, Ilse felt her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach.

Erwin examined her reaction.

"Tell us, where did you meet him?"

"…. Um, a tree grove a few miles North sir."

The Survey Corps commander turned to Rico.

"… In which direction did the Soldiers stationed on the wall say he headed in after leaving Wall Rose."

"… North." She hesitated before answering. Erwin nodded, then turned his gaze back to Ilse.

"… Thank you for your work soldier. The information you retrieved will prove vital to tomorrow's survival. You can head back home to rest and see your family, then report to the Survey Corps first thing in the morning. Your presence will be heavily required."

"I … Um, yes sir."

There was a heavy pause. Upon Ilse's departure, Erwin spoke to Hange.

"Inform the Survey Corps. We leave at dawn tomorrow."

His words stunned everyone. Pixis included.

"What are you planning Erwin?"

In response.

"…. To do the Job we in the Survey Corps have been assigned to. Getting answers."

Erwin muttered, his stern face unchanging. "We may not know who this Seiji Uchiha is, or where he's really from. We don't know how much he knows about the Titans. However, he certainly knows more than us. This alone is enough."

"I am leading another Expedition outside the wall. First thing tomorrow, to follow his tracks and find him."

Everyone was silent. Except Pixis who chuckled.

"I admire your commitment Erwin, but the Survey Corps now is currently in no shape for another expedition. You lost half your men yesterday. Riding into Titan territory with your current numbers will only lead to more men killed, possible all before you get the chance to locate him."

"Humanity has suffered under the shadows of the Titans long enough." Erwin responded. "A chance to learn more, to turn the tables, to secure Mankind's first victory has finally shown up after a hundred years of waiting. I am not going to let it pass and wait until the Colossal Titan returns to destroy Wall Rose."

His tone carried utmost finality.

"However, you are right. The Survey corps can't do this alone. We need reinforcements. I request a transfer of soldiers from the Garrison to the Survey Corps to bolster our numbers for tomorrow's operation."

Pixis chuckled. "A man attacks my branch, and the first thing you do is ask for my men? You certainly don't waste time."

Erwin didn't respond. He didn't need to.

Pixis sighed, waving a hand. "Fine, fine. I can see the stakes at hand. I'll send what I can spare."

Erwin inclined his head. "Thank you."

Then, he turned to Hange.

"Recall Levi. Let him and his squad wrap up whatever they are doing in Wall Sheena. I want him back by tomorrow."

Hange grinned. "I'll have him here before breakfast."

As the meeting ended, Erwin glanced at Ilse's journal one last time.

Seiji... Just who are you?