Threads of Fate

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut through. Eren's words still hung in the air, and all eyes remained locked on him. He wanted to end this war, but he feared losing himself in the process. A noble thought—but nobility alone wouldn't win wars.

I leaned back against the cold stone wall, watching the shifting emotions on everyone's faces. Some thoughtful, some uncertain, but all waiting for a voice to guide them. That was the beauty of moments like these—uncertainty bred desperation, and desperation made people cling to those who seemed to have answers. People like me.

A simple smile formed on my lips. "Then we shape this war, Eren. We fight on our terms."

Levi's sharp gaze flickered toward me, his eyes narrowing slightly. He wasn't the type to trust easily, but he had learned to value results over intentions. That worked in my favor.

"Speak plainly, Kurogane," Levi said, arms crossed. "What's your angle?"

I met his gaze with a neutral expression. "The moment we go after Marley, we're playing by their rules. They have the advantage—numbers, technology, the world's support. But we have something they don't."

Erwin leaned forward. "And that is?"

I exhaled slowly, letting the weight of my words sink in before speaking. "Unpredictability. Right now, the world sees us as desperate devils behind the walls, waiting to be exterminated. They think they have us cornered, which means they're preparing for a straightforward war. But what if we change the rules? What if we make them question everything they think they know about us?"

I could see the gears turning in Erwin's mind. He was always drawn to unconventional strategies, the kind that made his opponents uncomfortable.

"Elaborate," he said, his voice measured.

I let my gaze sweep across the room, making sure I had their full attention. "Instead of rushing into an all-out battle, we move in the shadows. We plant seeds of doubt, cause fractures within their own people, manipulate their leaders, and spread misinformation. We force them to turn against each other before we ever strike. And when the time comes to act, they'll be too divided to stop us."

Hange's eyes gleamed with interest. "Psychological warfare... interesting. But do we have the resources for that?"

I smirked. "We don't need many resources—just the right people in the right places. We can create symbols, martyrs, narratives that make the people of Marley question their own side. A few key assassinations, some well-placed rumors, and suddenly, their government isn't fighting us—it's fighting itself."

I could feel the shift in the room. Even those skeptical of me were listening. This was how you controlled a room—give them a vision, something grand yet achievable, something that made them feel like they were a part of something greater.

Mikasa watched me quietly, her gaze unreadable. She had always been wary of me, though lately, that wariness had softened into something more... curious. She was starting to see that I wasn't just strong—I was dangerous in ways she had never considered.

Historia, too, was focused on me. Her hands were folded in front of her, her blue eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. She already knew how my mind worked, yet each time I spoke like this, she seemed to realize just how much deeper the layers went.

"And what would that make us?" Eren asked suddenly, his voice quieter but firm. "Would we still be fighting for our freedom, or would we just be playing the same games as our enemies?"

I chuckled. "Eren, wars aren't won by who's morally superior. They're won by who survives. We don't have the luxury of playing fair."

Eren clenched his fists, but he didn't argue. He was beginning to understand. Good.

Levi sighed, rubbing his temples. "Tch. I hate to admit it, but the brat has a point. We can't afford a direct fight, not yet. We'll consider this strategy for now, but the moment I see it going sideways, we drop it. Understood?"

I gave a small nod, feigning agreement. Levi was a good leader—practical, efficient—but he wasn't like me. He saw things in terms of tactics and execution. I saw them in terms of narratives and control. And right now, I was weaving a story where I was the unseen force shaping history.

The meeting continued with discussions on logistics, supply chains, and gathering intelligence, but my mind was already steps ahead. I had planted the idea, and it was growing. Soon, they would believe it was their own.

As the meeting adjourned, people started to leave in small groups, murmuring amongst themselves. Mikasa lingered for a moment, her sharp eyes still locked on me. "You're different lately."

I tilted my head slightly. "How so?"

She frowned, as if searching for the right words. "You're more... involved. You used to stay in the background more. Now you're leading."

I shrugged. "Maybe I just realized it's time to step up."

She didn't seem convinced, but she didn't push further. Instead, she turned to leave, though not before glancing back at me one last time.

I watched her go before stepping outside into the cold night air. The stars above Wall Sina twinkled, oblivious to the shifting tides below.

Historia appeared at my side. "You meant every word back there, didn't you?"

I smirked. "Of course. But that doesn't mean I showed all my cards."

She sighed, shaking her head. "Sometimes, I wonder what you're really after."

I looked at her then, letting just a flicker of my true thoughts show in my eyes. "The same thing as you, Historia. A world where we're free."

She held my gaze for a long moment before nodding. "Then let's make sure it happens."

As she walked away, I let out a breath and closed my eyes for a brief moment.

I was getting used to this world. To the shadows. To the weight of guiding people without them ever realizing it.

And soon, the war wouldn't just be between Marley and the Eldians.

It would be a war shaped by me.