The nights on the expedition were tormented for Ren. Each time he closed his eyes and sought solace in sleep, his mind was haunted by vivid nightmares. The gruesome image of the soldier being consumed by the titan replayed relentlessly in his dreams, etching itself deeply into his psyche.
Ren had witnessed the darkest facets of humanity throughout his young life. He had seen the desperate struggle for survival, where adults fought mercilessly over meager scraps of food. He had observed parents driven to sell their own children in order to secure a meager existence. The depths of human suffering and cruelty were not foreign to him.
But the sight of a human being devoured by such an atrocious beast was an entirely different level of horror. The sheer brutality of the act seared itself into Ren's consciousness, leaving a lasting impact that he could not escape. The visceral fear, the helplessness he felt in that moment, echoed in his nightmares, replaying the scene in agonizing detail.
Each night, Ren would awaken drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of those haunting images lingered, casting a shadow over his waking hours. He carried the burden of what he had witnessed, grappling with the harsh reality of a world where such horrors were a constant threat.
Hange, ever perceptive and compassionate, couldn't help but notice Ren's troubled state. She observed the toll that the nightmares had taken on him, their weight visible in his weary eyes and restless demeanor. Determined to offer him solace and support, she decided to stay in his tent during the nights, ensuring he felt safe and protected.
As Ren would awaken in a daze, trembling from the remnants of his nightmares, Hange would be there by his side, her presence a soothing balm to his distressed mind. She would offer a gentle touch, a comforting voice, and words of reassurance, letting him know he wasn't alone.
What intrigued Hange, however, was the peculiar connection she noticed between Ren's emotions and the earth beneath them. As he experienced intense fear or distress, she observed a subtle but tangible response from the surrounding environment. The earth seemed to resonate with his emotions, as if mirroring his inner turmoil.
This discovery piqued Hange's curiosity, prompting her to delve deeper into the mysterious connection Ren seemed to share with the earth. She began to study the phenomenon, conducting experiments and observations to better understand the nature of his abilities. Hange's scientific mind sparked with excitement, eager to unravel the enigma and unlock the full potential of Ren's unique power.
But amidst her scientific pursuits, Hange's primary concern was Ren's well-being. She prioritized his comfort and peace of mind above all else. She would listen to his fears, lend a sympathetic ear, and offer the reassurance he needed. Hange's unwavering presence and unwavering support provided Ren with a sense of security, allowing him to find respite from the nightmares that haunted him.
Through Hange's care and understanding, Ren found a source of strength and comfort. Her presence brought him a measure of peace in the midst of the chaos that surrounded them. And as they journeyed together through the unforgiving world beyond the walls, Ren knew he could rely on Hange's unwavering support, both as a comrade and as a friend.
Time skip a week
As the expedition drew to a close, there was an air of triumph and relief among the soldiers. The usual heaviness that accompanied their return was replaced by a sense of accomplishment and hope. Spectre, known to them as the masked figure who had played a crucial role in their success, was the catalyst behind this newfound joy.
Spectre's abilities had proven to be instrumental in their battles against the titans, turning the tides in their favor and ensuring their survival. The soldiers recognized his unwavering dedication and the risks he had taken to protect them. They admired his strength and skill, viewing him as a mysterious yet vital member of their team.
Despite wearing the mask that concealed his true identity, Spectre had become a symbol of hope and inspiration. His presence instilled confidence in his comrades, reminding them that even in the face of darkness, there were glimmers of light. The soldiers reveled in the fact that this expedition had not ended in tragedy, allowing them to celebrate their accomplishments and cherish the lives they had managed to save.
As they returned to the wall, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The soldiers were eager to let loose, to revel in the newfound sense of victory. Spectre's name echoed through the ranks, spoken with respect and admiration. Everyone wanted to be in his presence, to express their gratitude for his contributions and to join in the festivities.
Spectre, still hidden behind the mask, observed the joy and camaraderie around him. While his true identity remained a mystery to most, he couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. He had made a difference, not just on the battlefield but in the hearts of those he fought alongside. The happiness and celebration that permeated the air were a testament to the impact he had on their lives.
For Spectre, this momentary reprieve allowed him to bask in the collective joy, even if it meant keeping his true self concealed. As the soldiers partied and celebrated, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of belonging amidst the revelry. In this fleeting moment, he found solace and a sense of purpose, knowing that his actions had brought happiness to those around him.
The expedition may have come to an end, but the memory of Spectre's valor and the atmosphere of triumph would linger in their hearts. The soldiers would forever remember the masked figure who had become an emblem of their victory, and Spectre himself would carry with him the gratitude and camaraderie that had been forged on their journey.
As the returning expedition made their triumphant entrance back within the protective walls, the people within the city sensed a change in the air. The usual somber and weary expressions were replaced with glimmers of hope and newfound optimism. Word had spread quickly about the success of the mission, and whispers of victory and triumph echoed through the streets.
When Commander Erwin took the stage to address the gathered crowd, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The people looked up, their eyes filled with curiosity and a longing for good news. Erwin, his voice strong and commanding, spoke of their recent exploits and the significance of their accomplishment. His words carried the weight of a turning point in their struggle against the Titans.
As Erwin recounted the battles fought, the lives lost, and the ultimate victory achieved, a wave of elation washed over the crowd. Cheers erupted, a chorus of jubilant voices echoing through the city streets. The people, burdened for so long by the constant fear and despair, now allowed themselves to bask in the glow of a hard-earned triumph.
It was the first time in humanity's history that they had pushed back against the Titans, striking a blow that reverberated with significance. The news spread like wildfire, spreading from person to person, street to street, igniting a renewed sense of hope and determination within the hearts of the city's inhabitants.
In the wake of Erwin's speech, the city's atmosphere transformed. Smiles replaced frowns, laughter filled the air, and the weight of despair lifted, if only for a moment. People embraced one another, sharing in the collective relief and celebration. They exchanged stories, recounting the heroics of the soldiers and the bravery that had led to their success. Walls that had divided them crumbled, replaced by a shared sense of unity and purpose.
The city became a canvas of jubilation, adorned with banners, music, and spontaneous gatherings. Markets bustled with activity as vendors and craftsmen seized the opportunity to celebrate alongside the citizens. It was a moment of respite from the ongoing battle, a chance to revel in the knowledge that humanity had stood its ground and emerged victorious.
The impact of the successful expedition rippled through the city, invigorating both the soldiers and the civilians. It served as a stark reminder that they were not merely caged prey, but a resilient force capable of fighting back against their oppressors. The people's spirits soared, emboldened by the taste of triumph and the realization that they held the power to shape their own destiny.
In the days that followed, tales of the expedition's victory spread far and wide, reaching the distant corners of the city. The news acted as a beacon of hope, inspiring even those who had long resigned themselves to a life of fear. It breathed life into dreams of a brighter future, where humanity could reclaim their world and live without the constant threat of the Titans' looming shadows.
The success of the expedition was more than a mere victory in battle. It was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, a symbol of unity and the power that lay within the hearts of every individual. As the people reveled in their newfound hope, they vowed to carry the torch of triumph forward, fueling their determination to push beyond the walls and reclaim what was rightfully theirs.
