Chen Si looked up at the command headquarters before him and stepped inside. None of the guards stopped him — arrangements had clearly been made in advance. Reaching the door to Commander Pixis's office, he knocked.
"Come in," came an aged yet steady and powerful voice from within.
Chen Si entered and saw the bald, mustached old man with an unmistakable commanding presence — Commander Dot Pixis. Chen Si had always had a good impression of him. He was a capable leader.
Standing to the side was a chestnut-haired female aide — Anka Rheinberger. Aside from not literally attending to Pixis's every personal need, she practically handled everything for him.
"Good day, Commander Pixis. Would you like some hair tonic?" Chen Si opened with a direct strike.
"Hahaha! I stopped caring about such things long ago. You young people still have the energy to worry about appearances. As for me, wine is enough." Pixis replied without anger, taking a sip.
"Miss Anka, you're so beautiful, yet you have to stay by an old man's side every day. That must be tough."
"Huh? You know me? Not at all — I serve the commander willingly," Anka said, clearly pleased by the compliment. Her impression of Chen Si improved.
"Now isn't the time for idle chat. When this battle ends, I'll drink with you properly. Back to the point — I've heard you fought the Colossal Titan. Did you discover anything?" Pixis's usually narrowed eyes opened slightly, his aura sharpening.
"I discovered that the Colossal Titan can't beat me," Chen Si replied.
"…Be specific," Pixis said, rubbing his temples. This kid felt like a troublemaker on par with Levi. He wondered how Erwin usually handled people like this.
The jokes had gone far enough. Chen Si still needed to return to the front — he was worried about the whereabouts of the Jaw Titan.
"What I'm about to say — please don't be alarmed." Chen Si took a deep breath, turning serious.
Seeing his expression change, Pixis straightened as well.
"Speak. I've dealt with Titans for decades. There's nothing I can't accept," Pixis said calmly, taking another sip.
"Titans are transformed humans."
The words fell like thunder.
"What?!" Anka gasped.
Pixis's eyes snapped wide open. The bottle slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor, spilling what little wine remained.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't be afraid?" Chen Si muttered.
"This isn't fear. Is this your speculation — or something you witnessed firsthand?" Pixis asked carefully. A long-shelved suspicion in his heart now seemed on the verge of confirmation.
"I saw it myself," Chen Si lied. It was the truth anyway — and as the only person who had just fought the Colossal Titan, others could only rely on his testimony. Pixis and Erwin were clearly among the first to have suspected such a possibility.
"When I was about to slice the flesh at the Colossal Titan's nape, it suddenly vanished. Shortly after, I caught sight of a human figure briefly appearing near the gate."
"Could you have been mistaken?" Anka questioned, struggling to accept such an absurd reality.
"Miss Anka, you can review my academic records. My eyesight is impeccable — probably better than most. And among a crowd of Titans, a human figure stands out."
Pixis's eyes gleamed with sharp insight. "Erwin Smith and I once considered this possibility. It seems this world remains shrouded in fog for us."
If Titans possessed human intelligence, that was a terrifying thought. Could humanity withstand such an enemy?
Pixis stroked his mustache thoughtfully and looked back at Chen Si.
He nearly cut off the Colossal Titan's nape…
"Would you consider joining the Garrison under my command? You could enter my elite unit. In the future, even a squad leader's position would not be out of reach."
Chen Si replied calmly, "Commander, the Garrison's role is defense. In my view, the best defense is offense. Would the elite unit conduct expeditions beyond the walls?"
"In theory, the Garrison's elite unit focuses on eliminating enemies that breach the walls. We do not conduct expeditions outside them," Pixis answered.
Chen Si knew joining Pixis's elite squad wouldn't be a bad option. But their philosophies differed. The Survey Corps ventured beyond the walls willingly, fully aware of the risks. Even elite Garrison soldiers might not be prepared to do so.
If he wanted to fight beyond the walls, he might end up standing alone — and still have to coordinate with the Survey Corps. In that case, it made more sense to join them directly.
After all, Chen Si could only grow stronger by killing more Titans. Staying inside the walls and waiting for breaches was inefficient and risky. He preferred to take the initiative.
"With respect, Commander, I believe the current structure of the Military Police and the Garrison does little against Titans. If the Survey Corps were ever wiped out, reinforcements would have to come from your ranks and the Military Police. If the Survey Corps falls, the Garrison steps in. If the Garrison falls, the Military Police. Before the external enemy is resolved, devoting so much effort to internal matters… seems foolish."
Pixis narrowed his eyes. This top trainee was no ordinary youth. He saw clearly through the military and political situation within the walls. Pixis himself understood the issue well — the royal government was the military's greatest obstacle.
"That matter we will not discuss for now," Pixis said. "You have bold ideas. You must have been injured fighting the Colossal Titan. Go to the infirmary and rest. I expected you to be carried here — not to walk in yourself."
"No need, Commander. I'm returning to the battlefield. I won't leave my comrades to fight alone. And frankly… Titans are too weak."
His tone brimmed with disdain.
Anka stared at the young prodigy before her.
Pixis felt the fire of his youth stir within him — recalling his own dream of breaking beyond the walls and reclaiming territory.
"Hahaha! Excellent. No matter what, the Garrison will always welcome you. Whichever regiment you choose, we will have opportunities to work together."
"Commander, if you and Commander Erwin ever make a major move in the future, notify me. I'll stand firmly with you."
Pixis's pupils contracted slightly before he smiled.
"Very well."
"By the way, Commander — this wine isn't strong enough. I'll bring you something better next time." Chen Si casually picked up another full bottle from the desk and took a swig.
"…That was the commander's private reserve…" Anka reminded hesitantly.
"Ah. In that case, I'll be going. Commander, don't forget to treat me next time."
Sensing Pixis trembling, Chen Si quickly stepped out the door.
Two seconds later, his head popped back through the doorway.
"Commander — seize the day and drink while you can!"
Then he disappeared again.
After he left, Pixis continued trembling.
"Commander, are you alright?" Anka asked, supporting him.
Pixis's face darkened briefly — then a smile returned.
"Very well. Seize the day and drink while you can. Anka, pour me a glass. Send the rest to the soldiers at the front."
He had found a new resolve.