Peaceful times were always short-lived. Soon, the new army of Paradis Island entered combat readiness, because the Eldian Revolutionary Army across the ocean had sent intelligence that the Marleyan army was gathering on a massive scale. Although it had long been expected, when the time truly came to face Marley head-on, Yago still felt somewhat uneasy inside.
To be honest, relying solely on the Eldian Revolutionary Army and the new army of Paradis Island, there was almost no possibility of defeating Marley. Unless Yago chose to imitate Marley of the past and use a massive number of Pure Titans as cannon fodder (since Zeke was on their side), but that was absolutely impossible.
So aside from that, if Paradis Island wanted to win, then besides the Eastern region nations led by Hizuru, whom Yago originally planned to win over, every nation that had conflicts with Marley was within the Eldians' target range for alliances.
Faced with a revolutionary energy source like Iceburst Stone that could usher in a new industrial era, very few countries would reject such temptation. As for the so-called hatred toward Eldians, ordinary people might dwell on it, but the higher-ups of every nation were all shrewd people. In their eyes, tangible benefits were far more worth pursuing than illusory hatred.
Of course, bringing the nations together and allowing the Eldians to step back onto the world stage was one aspect, but this was not Yago's true trump card. Paradis Island could not simply keep showing goodwill to the world endlessly. Excessive friendliness would only invite the greedy gaze of other nations.
Beyond goodwill, the most important step was displaying the strength of Paradis Island to the nations. Because the trump card of Paradis Island—the trump card of the Eldians—had always been only one thing!
Looking out through the office window at the endless walls stretching into the distance, Yago slowly uttered two words—
The Rumbling!
...
"Sir!"
The two guards at the office entrance immediately stood at attention and saluted after seeing the military rank insignia on Eren's coat collar. After verifying his identity, they opened the office door and allowed Eren inside.
Eren impatiently pushed open the door and immediately shouted,
"Yago! Why did you call me here so urgently? The Survey Corps still has forest training today! If there's something to say, hurry up. I'm busy!"
At this moment, Yago sat in his chair with a grave expression, staring at the intelligence report in his hand. He had no mood to answer Eren. Rising to his feet, he walked directly in front of Eren and seriously asked:
"Eren, tell me. How exactly did you use the Founder's power that day?"
Hearing this, Eren's expression immediately became unnatural, his gaze wavering slightly as he said:
"Didn't I already explain it? It was Zeke's blood. The Founder's power inside me reacted after coming into contact with royal blood, and then..."
"No, I'm asking why you were able to use the Founder's power with only royal blood! No matter how you look at it, the Founder has no reason to help you use that power unless someone with royal blood—like Zeke—is willingly assisting you. Tell me, Eren, is Zeke helping you? Why is he helping you?" Yago continued pressing him.
Eren hesitated for a moment, but under Yago's firm gaze, he finally sighed and revealed the reason.
"Zeke was willing to help me. After all, that day, we saw... Father. Father said he was sorry to us, sorry to Zeke, and sorry to everyone he had failed. Zeke confessed his euthanasia plan to me, and he also admitted he had given up on that empty goal. Now he just wants to fulfill his duty as an older brother, so..."
When mentioning his father, Eren's eyes dimmed slightly.
"Zeke said that since the Founder's power ultimately resides within me, such a powerful force couldn't be ignored. So he suggested that I try simply coming into contact with royal blood—just blood, not a conscious royal family member. That way, perhaps it could trigger the Founder's power.
Yago, I know you still probably don't trust Zeke completely. Even I don't, honestly. But after he proved himself, even Captain Levi and the others acknowledged his words. As you can see, I really can use a small portion of the Founder's power now."
After hearing Eren's explanation, Yago relaxed slightly. He couldn't help but be nervous—after all, Zeke had caused no shortage of trouble before. And Eren was the single most important part of the upcoming "Rise of Eldia" plan. Yago had to ensure absolutely nothing went wrong.
But while relieved, Yago also asked the question he cared about the most.
"Eren, if that's the case, then when you use the Founder's power... can you enter the Paths?"
Eren frowned and answered:
"The Paths? Yeah, I can. But I only see the Founder. I can't talk to her at all, and using her power seems more like... the Founder silently permitting it to a small extent. Hey! Wait, I'm not finished talking! What are you doing?!"
Eren stared in shock as Yago suddenly grabbed him, then hurriedly rummaged through his pockets before pulling out the small vial containing Zeke's blood.
"If that's the case, then this is perfect. No need to waste time searching for Historia anymore!" Yago said with a grin while looking at the vial in his hand.
Then, Yago's malicious gaze shifted toward Eren.
Eren instinctively took a step back.
"What are you trying to do? Yago, don't mess around! Don't think I won't fight back just because you're the Commander! Captain Levi promised me he absolutely wouldn't let me leave the Survey Corps!"
But Yago had no time for nonsense. Right now, he urgently wanted to meet Great Ancestor. There were far too many questions he needed to ask this Founder who spent all day piling sand in the Paths. As for whether it would disturb her, Yago never even considered it.
Great Ancestor had been piling sand in the Paths for over two thousand years already. Wasn't she lonely without anyone talking to her? As such an outstanding junior, Yago naturally couldn't bear to let an elder remain that lonely forever. Wasn't it good to chat more with one's elders?
Eren thought it was absolutely not good!
But facing Yago, who clearly wasn't holding back, Eren's resistance was completely futile. After struggling helplessly for a few moments, he was subdued with his arms pinned behind his back. Under Yago's savage insistence, Eren grudgingly bit the vial open with his teeth, allowing Zeke's royal blood to flow into his mouth.
In an instant, a flash of light flickered through Eren's green eyes.
At the same time, Yago—who was holding Eren's head down—felt his vision blur as well. In that dazed moment, the flow of time became incomprehensible. It felt both instantaneous and like countless years had passed. When he blinked again, the magnificent starry sky filled with endless stars appeared before his eyes.
Beneath his feet lay fine, pure sand.
An endless desert stretched beyond sight, along with that pillar of light that connected heaven and earth.
However, this time, Yago's expression turned grave, because within that dazzling pillar of light, a faint crimson thread stood out glaringly.
"As expected! I knew something was wrong! Eren, hurry up! We need to ask the Founder exactly what's going on!"
After saying that, Yago immediately sprinted toward the pillar of light.
Meanwhile, Eren wore a face full of resentment as he unwillingly followed behind.