Chapter 53: Establishing an SCP Foundation Site in the World of Titans

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Haruto finished speaking and gave Erwin time to consider.

Erwin's gaze lingered on the open window, looking at the distant, vast blue sky. Humanity needed a future. Once the crisis was overcome, they couldn't just focus on the present. Erwin carefully contemplated the proposal.

After a long while, he nodded.

"I believe this is the best choice for the world within the walls. I will inform the president and persuade him."

Although Erwin knew little about the SCP Foundation, Haruto , as the Foundation's representative, had already demonstrated absolute overwhelming power and advanced technology.

Those two points alone were enough.

Haruto nodded with a smile.

"Oh, by the way, soon, the power of the Titans will completely disappear from this world."

Erwin's mouth twitched.

"Then why did you even ask me to consider this? If the Titans disappear, wouldn't your proposal be the only option for the world within the walls?"

The reason Erwin had hesitated was because of the Titans. Although they were not the future, they could buy time to reach that future.

Using Titans to deter outside nations, Paradis Island could at least develop for a while. But if the Titans were to disappear, then Paradis Island had no other choice.

Haruto smirked mischievously.

"I just wanted to know your judgment, Commander Erwin. Do you have any interest in joining the SCP Foundation?"

Hearing this, Erwin was momentarily stunned, then prepared to shake his head.

But before he could answer, Haruto spoke again,

"In the future, the world inside the walls will remain stable during technological advancement, probably for as long as you and the regiment members are alive. During this time, the regiment may no longer desperately need you, and beyond that, you won't be there to see it."

"Perhaps your duties as commander have already reached their conclusion. But by joining the SCP Foundation, you can see a much vaster world."

"Erwin, when one's duty ends, most people go on to pursue their dreams."

Hearing this, Erwin couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"Haruto, this is the first time I've heard someone make poaching sound so noble."

Haruto spread his hands and smiled. "So, what is your answer, Commander?"

Once again, Erwin looked at the sky outside the window.

"A vaster world, huh?" Erwin murmured to himself before responding, "Once things have settled, I will give you my answer."

Haruto nodded with a smile.

Although it wasn't a definite yes, since Erwin hadn't outright refused, it was as good as settled. And if Erwin joined the Foundation, it was highly likely that Captain Levi would come along too.

Perfect!

Leaving the meeting room, Haruto went to the adjacent room. The moment he opened the door, he saw two young girls leaning against the wall, ears pressed to it, trying to eavesdrop.

"Did you hear anything interesting?"

The sudden voice nearly made them fall over.

When they saw Haruto standing at the door, they managed to calm down. Historia quickly walked over to Haruto, her expression concerned.

"Are you alright? Did we cause you any trouble?"

Haruto reached out and ruffled Historia's golden hair.

"No worries. Commander Erwin is easy to talk to. Everything is settled."

Historia blushed slightly from the head pat and gave a soft "Mhm."

"You bastard..." Ymir instinctively wanted to swat his hand away, but seeing that Historia wasn't resisting—in fact, she seemed to enjoy it— Ymir sighed helplessly and instead asked,

"The overthrow of the royal government... that really wasn't your doing?"

Haruto shook his head.

"The official announcement already said it was the regiment's action."

Ymir looked unconvinced.

If Haruto had directly admitted it, she might have doubted him. But since he denied it, she was sure he had orchestrated the whole thing.

However, since he wouldn't confess, there was nothing she could do.

Once the regiment took over governance, their first act was to unlock all the technological advancements the monarchy had suppressed.

New 3D maneuvering gear and thunder spears were immediately put into production.

These new weapons were prioritized for the Survey Corps. Soon after, the Survey Corps launched the operation to reclaim Wall Maria.

With the addition of Annie and Haruto, the operation went so smoothly it felt unreal.

Not a single soldier died, and they successfully reclaimed Wall Maria.

Following the cleanup, Shiganshina District was once again under the control of the world within the walls.

At the same time, the 104th Cadet Corps officially graduated.

Notably, many members of the 104th chose to join the Survey Corps.

After all, the great victory at Wall Maria had reignited people's hope.

The Survey Corps then began exploring the world beyond the walls.

The trio of main characters was among them.

Meanwhile, Haruto and Annie left the world within the walls.

Carrying Annie in his arms, Haruto spread his black wings and flew toward the edge of Paradis Island.

Before long, a massive concrete dam came into view.

This was where Marley exiled Eldians.

On top of the dam, Eldians were injected with Titan spinal fluid and kicked off, turning them into Titans to be used as weapons against the world inside the walls.

Haruto hovered above.

Beside the dam was a beach and the endless ocean.

"Unfortunately, beyond the sea is not freedom, but enemies."

Haruto sighed.

Annie remained silent.

Just then, a steamship slowly approached.

Seeing this, Haruto couldn't help but praise his luck.

Although, based on the timeline, the Beast Titan should be arriving soon,

encountering them by chance was unexpected.

The ship came to a stop.

Several squads of Marleyan soldiers disembarked.

At the center of the group stood two people—

One man and one woman.

Zeke Yeager and Pieck Finger.

"Those two—Zeke, the Warrior Commander, and Pieck."

Annie pointed at the two people below.

Haruto nodded.

Confirming their identities made things simple.

It's monkey-slaying time!