In the distance, many training soldiers and members of the Garrison Regiment looked toward Chen Si and Eren with complicated expressions.
Chen Si scratched the back of his head. This is really troublesome. Later on, that coward Kitz would definitely come looking for trouble. Because of Eren's existence, Chen Si would probably get dragged into it as well.
Chen Si was still relatively better off. He had previously saved everyone at the supply station. Although the lightning he used was shocking and unbelievable, it didn't appear as frightening as Eren actually transforming into a Titan.
When Eren emerged from the Titan's nape back then, the gazes surrounding him had been filled with fear and killing intent. That kind of perception couldn't be changed overnight. People's suspicion and distrust often destroyed someone far more easily than Titans ever could.
Before long, several Garrison soldiers with two roses printed on the backs of their uniforms stepped forward, muskets in hand, blocking the group's path. They ordered Eren and Chen Si to go with them.
Mikasa immediately insisted on going along.
Armin followed as well.
The Garrison soldiers didn't believe four of them could cause much trouble, so they allowed it.
As soon as they entered the Garrison's camp, the massive iron gate slammed shut behind them. Dozens of soldiers suddenly raised their guns at the four of them, while several dozen members of the maneuver unit stood ready with drawn blades.
Chen Si glanced around the area and noticed a massive mortar cannon positioned on a raised platform.
Wow… useless when facing Titans, but number one when it comes to fighting their own people.
Chen Si didn't dare let his guard down. He remained fully alert. Although he believed nothing would happen to him personally, he still had to protect Mikasa and Armin.
Chen Si glanced at Eren.
He should wake up soon.
"Eren… you're too weak."
A voice echoed inside Eren's mind, ancient and distant. It sounded strangely familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time.
"Eren, even a few dozen weak humans can push you to the brink of death. What use are you? Do you want Titans to break through the walls and tear your mother apart?"
"Do you want your closest friends to be killed one by one right in front of you?"
"Think about it. Your mother holding your corpse, only to be devoured by a Titan in agony. Is that what you want, Eren?"
The sacred yet merciless voice echoed repeatedly in his mind.
"No… no! That… that must not happen!"
"I can't die here! I have to save my friends!"
"I will drive out all the Titans!"
"I'll kill them all!"
"Kill them all!"
Eren suddenly jolted awake, still muttering the words under his breath.
"Eren!"
Standing beside Chen Si at the front, Mikasa turned around with her twin blades in hand, her face lighting up with relief.
"Eren…" Armin stared at the suddenly awakened Eren in terror. A strange curve lingered at the corner of his mouth.
"Eren, have you regained consciousness? Can you move your body? Hurry and tell them everything you know! They'll understand us!" Armin shouted anxiously, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
"Well, young master, you finally woke up," Chen Si teased while glancing at him. "If you hadn't woken up soon, there wouldn't have been anyone left to collect our bodies."
"Armin… Chen Si… what's going on?" Eren looked around, completely confused.
"D-Did you hear that? He said he's going to kill us!" one soldier said, drenched in sweat.
"I heard it too! He said he'd stuff us into his mouth and chew us up!"
"Did you see the one standing next to Eren Yeager? Chen Si! I heard he also has Titan powers. He must be a Titan too!"
"But… he saved several of us back then…"
"A Titan is still a Titan. Can there be such a thing as a good one?"
"Kill him!"
The crowd grew increasingly agitated.
Chen Si listened to the herd-like murmurs spreading through the soldiers. Among them, he even saw a few faces from the supply station shouting along with the rest.
These people really have no idea how close they are to death.
A faint killing intent flashed in Chen Si's eyes.
Why is everyone pointing anti-Titan weapons at us?
What exactly is going on?
Eren couldn't understand it at all.
His sudden awakening caused a stir among the soldiers. Panic spread through the ranks as the Garrison troops trembled while holding their rifles, afraid that Eren might suddenly transform into a Titan and crush them.
At that moment, the commander of the Trost District Garrison, Kitz Woermann, shouted sternly with a grim expression.
"Cadet Yeager, and the ones accompanying him — Armin Arlert, Mikasa Ackerman, and Chen Si!"
"You are currently committing an act of rebellion — a blatant act of treason!"
"Whether you live or die will be decided entirely by our superiors. If you attempt to deceive us or make any reckless moves, the cannon will immediately open fire on you!"
"So I will ask directly on behalf of our superiors."
"What exactly are you?"
"Are you human… or a Titan?!"
"I don't understand your question!" Eren shouted back.
"Still pretending to be ignorant, you monster!" Kitz yelled, fear evident despite his forced composure. "Try transforming again if you dare! Blowing you to pieces will only take an instant! We won't give you the chance to reveal your true form!"
"Oh, are you an idiot?" Chen Si scoffed. "Can't you see he has two eyes and a nose? He's even shorter than you. How could he be a Titan?"
"Do you want him to pull down his pants and shove it next to your mouth before you finally realize he's human?"
The crowd erupted in shock.
"Such vulgarity," Rico muttered coldly behind Kitz, her opinion of Chen Si dropping even further.
"What does 'idiot' mean?"
"I heard from the 104th cadets that it means someone even dumber than a fool."
"What? Chen Si insulted Captain Kitz like that? Does he have a death wish?"
"Hmph. That Titan thinks being the top graduate means something. Once his Titan identity is confirmed, he'll lose that title."
The murmuring continued.
"Hey, Chen Si…" Armin said nervously.
"Silence!" Kitz roared. "Cadet Chen Si, don't think that just because you were the top graduate you can act arrogantly! Don't think I don't know that the lightning you released during battle was exactly like the lightning that appeared when the Colossal Titan emerged!"
"You cannot clear yourself of suspicion either!"
The crowd buzzed again.
"Is Chen Si really a Titan?"
"No matter what, he saved us!"
"Think carefully," Chen Si said sharply. "If I hadn't fought on the front lines, would you livestock still be living comfortably in your pigpen?"
"I single-handedly forced back the Colossal Titan. Plenty of people saw it."
"I also saved dozens of soldiers at the supply station."
"And someone like me is supposed to be a traitor?"
Kitz suddenly broke into a cold sweat, unable to respond. Chen Si's battle against the Colossal Titan had already been reported to higher command.
"Captain Kitz! Chen Si saved my life. Please don't make things difficult for him!" one Garrison soldier stepped forward and said.
"That's right, Captain! Chen Si saved us. He's not a traitor!" another soldier stepped out in support.