As the sun set, inside Erwin's office—
"Knock, knock." Chen Si rapped on the door.
"Come in," Erwin said.
Chen Si pushed the door open. Erwin was seated at his desk, drafting a new long-range scouting formation. With the addition of their batch of new recruits, the formation needed to be redesigned.
By the window, Miche/Mike cast a cold glance at Chen Si.
"You're here. Have a seat," Erwin said, unsurprised.
"This is the long-range scouting formation you designed, Commander?" Chen Si glanced at the plans on the desk, unable to help but admire Erwin's genius.
"That's right. But this isn't something I accomplished alone. It is the result of the sacrifices of generations of Survey Corps soldiers," Erwin replied calmly.
Chen Si nodded. Truly, a leader with remarkable charisma.
"We were able to reclaim Trost District thanks to you and Eren. Thank you, Chen Si," Erwin said sincerely. The more territory humanity regained, the more possibilities lay ahead.
"It's nothing. With great power comes great responsibility," Chen Si said with a casual wave.
Mike couldn't help but look at him in a new light.
"Yes. The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. After discussing with Mike, and considering your combat strength, we plan to form a combat squad centered around you in the future—similar to Levi Squad and Mike Squad," Erwin said with a nod.
"Is that so? I have no problem with that," Chen Si replied, a bit excited. Would he be leading troops now? He even thought about having Historia and Mikasa join his squad—he would feel more at ease that way. If possible, he'd bring in all of the 104th.
"However, you're not yet familiar with our Corps' combat methods and formations. So for now, we've decided to have you join Hange Squad as a deputy leader to adapt for a while. What do you think, Chen Si?" Erwin asked.
"That's fine with me," Chen Si said indifferently. His reputation was already high and would only grow further. Achieving noble status wouldn't be a problem—and the current regime would fall sooner or later.
"You came to see me—do you have something in mind?" Erwin looked directly into Chen Si's eyes, clearly expecting valuable information.
"Yes… but…" Chen Si glanced at Mike, signaling that he wanted to speak privately.
Mike frowned slightly. Erwin nodded, and Mike left without a word.
"Now it's just the two of us. Go ahead," Erwin said.
"Titans are humans. And there are humans beyond the walls," Chen Si said bluntly.
Erwin's pupils contracted. The pen in his hand slipped as his breathing became slightly uneven.
Chen Si observed his reaction. It wasn't overly dramatic—but for someone like Erwin, even the slightest shift in emotion meant everything. Only the truth could shake him like this.
"Do you have proof?" Erwin asked, steadying himself, his gaze sharp.
"During the battle to reclaim Trost District, I overheard two humans discussing how to transform into Titans to breach the walls. I also saw one of them transform with my own eyes. They referred to that Titan as the Jaw Titan," Chen Si said.
(In truth, he hadn't heard that much—but as long as he had a plausible reason to reveal the truth, it was enough. Otherwise, speaking the truth without evidence would only cause fear and suspicion.)
Erwin's eyes trembled as he listened, his hands shaking slightly before he calmed himself again.
"As I suspected… our enemies… may very well be humans," Erwin said slowly.
"Commander Erwin, if I'm not mistaken, you've already begun to suspect that Titans have infiltrated within the walls. You're planning to lure them out and capture those two during the next expedition outside the walls, aren't you?" Chen Si said.
Erwin was visibly surprised. He had told no one of this plan. For Chen Si to deduce it—it wasn't just perception; it meant he had reached the same conclusion.
"That's correct. Since you've guessed my intentions, I assume you share the same plan?" Erwin asked.
"Yes. Because I know who they are. Those two humans infiltrated the Training Corps—they graduated in the same class as me. Their names are Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover," Chen Si said calmly.
"They've already infiltrated the military… Then they must be the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan…" Erwin's eyes lit with hope.
"Since we know their human identities, can we capture them immediately? Do you and Eren have the confidence?"
"There's a risk if we fight within the walls. If we fail to kill them instantly, they'll transform immediately. And when I fought the Jaw Titan, I discovered that even if you cut the nape, they may not die right away—they can temporarily transfer their consciousness to other parts of their body," Chen Si analyzed calmly.
"In that case… the best course is still to act during an expedition outside the walls. Fighting inside would endanger civilians," Erwin said, frowning in thought.
"Exactly. And in truth, visible enemies aren't the most dangerous—the hidden ones are. I'm more concerned that they may have another accomplice," Chen Si said, his brows tightening. He still had no news of Sawano Kawa—that transmigrator was the most dangerous of all.
"Speaking of that, during a previous operation within the walls, we captured a suspected accomplice. Before his arrest, he took Eren's mother, Carla, hostage," Erwin said.
"What?! How is Aunt Carla?!" Chen Si jumped to his feet in shock.
"She's unharmed—just suffered minor injuries during the capture. She was treated immediately. Keith has also assigned soldiers to guard her closely," Erwin replied.
"Thank goodness… Wait—you said you captured that accomplice. Is his name Sawano Kawa?" Chen Si asked urgently.
"Yes. That is indeed his name. He appears to possess an ability similar to yours and Chis's—something that renders him invisible to the naked eye. He is highly likely to be their accomplice. However, he cannot transform into a Titan. Before being captured, he shouted that you were their leader," Erwin said calmly.
Damn it—that bastard is trying to frame me.
"But I'm still sitting here, which means you don't suspect me," Chen Si said, relieved.
"Correct. That tactic is far too crude. If you were truly his leader, he would have tried to conceal it, not expose you. Such an obvious attempt to shift blame is amateurish. Fortunately, Keith's strict orders prevented the stationed soldiers from leaking the information. Otherwise, it would have worked against you in court," Erwin said.
"Thank you… Commander," Chen Si said sincerely.
He finally understood why no one brought it up during the trial. Erwin had restrained his subordinates—and he hadn't expected Keith to wield such authority as well.
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