In the military camp tent, Yago sat steadily in a chair with his back to the entrance, waiting—for someone.
Originally, Yago had found Bagge, intending to use him to withdraw the Third Corps of Eldian forces from the frontlines, so that Yago could find an opportunity to lead the Third Corps' Revival Army soldiers out of Marley's quagmire.
However, Bagge told him a surprising piece of news: the Marleyan Warrior Squad had already arrived at the front, preparing to coordinate an assault on Grayle Fortress.
With the Marleyan Warrior Squad arriving, Yago no longer rushed to leave. Since there was a chance, of course he had to see Zeke. But before meeting Zeke, some arrangements needed to be made.
"You wanted to see me?" Airi lifted the tent flap and stepped in.
Seeing Airi, Yago briefly explained the situation. Airi clearly hadn't expected the Warrior Squad to arrive at the front so quickly.
"So, after I return to the Warrior Squad, how should I keep in contact with you?" Airi asked with some concern.
Yago's fingers tapped on the table.
"Don't worry, there will be a way. Also, Airi, only Serena and I know your identity. No one else knows you are a member of the Eldian Revival Army, so never reveal it in front of anyone else."
Airi nodded.
Then suddenly Yago seemed to remember something and continued, "Airi, remember, within the Revival Army, the only ones who will contact you are Serena and me. Anyone else contacting you under the name of the Revival Army—ignore them."
"Really? Okay, I got it."
"Airi, there's one more thing I need you to do. After you return to the Warrior Squad, I want you to gather as much information as possible about new Marleyan warriors like you, and everything about Doctor Ebson," Yago said, looking Airi in the eyes seriously.
Airi thought quietly for a moment. "Marleyan Warriors and Doctor Ebson? Leave it to me."
"Speaking of which—" Airi suddenly made a playful scared face and joked, "I never thought Doctor Ebson was dangerous before. Ever since you told me about him, I've been a little scared. I won't be in danger, right?"
Airi's playful expression made Yago smile.
"Nonsense, you're the Sea-Diving Titan. Who would dare lay a hand on you? Don't worry, and stay sharp. No one knows your identity, what danger could there be? Even if there is, trust me, trust the Eldian Revival Army, we'll get you out safely."
Airi felt happy hearing Yago's reply. Being accepted felt really nice.
Though he said that, Yago remained cautious. Airi's worry might not be unfounded. There was indeed a possibility, and Yago didn't know what that madman Ebson might do.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you something else," Airi suddenly said, slapping her forehead.
Yago: "What? What is it?"
Airi explained, "Remember those Warrior Cadets? When we attacked Grayle Fortress, wasn't one little girl seriously injured by a bullet?"
Hearing Airi's description, Yago's mind went into a frenzy, trying to recall. Eventually, he remembered who that cadet child was—a little girl with silver-white hair, probably called Zofia? Yago had some impression; this child seemed to be a friend of Gabi's too.
Previously, Yago had encountered these children.
Speaking of which, Gabi's recent actions had been in Yago's sight. How to put it? Complicated—partly satisfying and partly regrettable. Abandoning comrades for so-called merit is despicable. Those who abandon comrades will eventually be abandoned themselves.
As for regret, Yago purely regretted seeing Eldians like Gabi, whose minds had been twisted and brainwashed by Marley. They were now just Marley loyal tools wearing Eldian skin. They were happier being loyal tools than humans—Yago couldn't help but feel regretful.
Airi's voice interrupted Yago's thoughts. She said seriously, "I've been keeping an eye on that child called Zofia. How to put it… I can feel that this child hasn't completely closed herself off."
Yago: "What did you say?"
Airi: "I've hinted about the Eldian Revival Army many times. I can sense she's genuinely interested. So, I want to see if I can develop something with Zofia…"
"No!" Before Yago could answer, another voice came from outside the tent. Serena flung the tent flap open and stormed in.
Airi was startled by Serena's "No!" and took a moment to react. "Serena, what's this?"
Serena glanced at Airi and decisively said,
"I heard everything you just said outside, but this is unacceptable. The Eldian Revival Army cannot easily trust any Warrior Cadet. The lessons from the Restorationists are still fresh in our minds!"
Airi was speechless but tried to explain, "Zofia is different. I think she's sincere, from the heart."
Serena said coldly, "Previously, the Restorationists also trusted a child they thought was completely reliable, made him a Warrior Cadet, and even his parents were core members of the Eldian Restorationists. But do you know what happened in the end?" Serena suddenly moved in front of Airi.
Airi swallowed and shook her head, indicating she didn't know.
Serena: "That child betrayed everyone, including his parents and all their friends. The entire Eldian Restorationists collapsed in an instant. That is the cost of trusting Warrior Cadets. Those children have been fully tamed by Marley. We cannot trust them. By the way, this former cadet, now Marleyan Warrior—you should all know him—it's Beast Titan Zeke Yeager."
Airi pursed her lips, seemingly unconvinced, but said nothing further.
Yago had to step in to mediate.
"Airi, in short, your safety comes first. Ensure your own safety, everything else is unimportant. Understand?"
Airi nodded.
After some casual conversation, Airi left.
Before leaving, Airi saluted Yago and Serena—a unique gesture: right hand extended horizontally, fist placed over the right chest, knuckles down.
Yago and Serena returned the same salute seriously. This gesture was proposed by Serena, designed by Yago, and was a secret sign and protocol among the Eldian Revival Army.
It symbolized entrusting one's heart to each other—a mark of mutual trust among Revival Army comrades.
"Airi! Be careful." Even Serena, usually so cold, couldn't help but show concern.
Airi gave a warm smile and a reassuring gesture.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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