The two hundred people stood in orderly rows of ten, at attention.
Everyone raised their heads, and in addition to seeing the Queen—whom everyone had heard of—they also saw two male figures and recognized them as the only two great generals.
Erwin, looking much more imposing, stepped forward and shouted loudly from the elevated platform: "I am Erwin Smith, Commander of the Survey Corps."
"It is an honor to participate in your farewell ceremony today."
"Today, I do not want to say anything like 'have a good trip' or anything similar about missions beyond the walls."
"What I want to say is that one year ago, the Titans were still our enemies."
"It has been several years since I assumed command of the Survey Corps. The previous commander, Keith Shadis, handed over the position to me a few years ago and left to train the corps and guide the new recruits."
"The Survey Corps was originally formed to investigate the truth about the Titans. Many people died in this farce. Until recently, seventy percent of the new recruits who joined the Survey Corps each year died at the hands of Titans on their first mission."
"Since joining the Survey Corps, I have witnessed the loss of countless lives."
"Some of you may not be able to imagine that the Titans working within the walls today were man-eating monsters just a year ago."
"Last April, I participated in the battle to reclaim Wall Maria and discovered the truth about the Titans and the walls. We made everything public, and if you have studied well, you should have had access to all the information."
"The Marleyan government, the origin of the Titans, the secrets of the walls… Although a year has passed and few people in society mention these things anymore, I must tell you that at this very moment, Paradis Island is facing the risk of an imminent world war."
"The Marleyan government's ships appear at Paradis Island's port every month to throw Titans at us."
"They want to blockade us with man-eating Titans. They have steel warships, airships that can fly through the skies, and the power of at least three intelligent Titans. Unfortunately, they possess such powerful weapons and equipment, and yet they are our enemies."
"In the outside world, we—the people of Ymir—are under the control of the Marleyans, living in a controlled zone as slaves. Since before the fall of Wall Maria, they have been willing to declare war on us, seize the power of the King of the Walls, and thus maintain their dominant position in the world."
"When I learned that this was true, to be honest, I was deeply confused."
"Inside the walls, the Survey Corps was used as a tool to eliminate dissidents by the old government that knew the truth; outside the walls, we were considered enemies by the Marleyan government."
"In the end, the enemy of humanity is still humanity itself."
"It turns out that what has been chasing us all this time is not the Titans, but our own kind—humans."
"But we have no other choice. If we remain within the walls waiting for death, what awaits us will be another tragedy like that of Wall Maria, and our homes, our friends, and our loved ones will be destroyed."
"The mission is clear: we must explore the outside world and seek possibilities. Therefore, today I announce your mission—you will board a ship and witness the outside world with your own eyes."
"Our journey will influence the future of Paradis Island, and even that of the entire world."
"This is no joke. You will be pioneers. You will board our first ship, carrying our hopes with you."
"That is what I wanted to tell you today, and… that is my final sentence." Erwin let out a long sigh. "Dedicate your hearts."
All the soldiers gave their military salute, and even though their enemies were no longer Titans, they still had to continue sacrificing themselves if they wanted to keep living.
This was the price they had to pay.
"Argh!" War cries burst from the throats of the more experienced soldiers.
They understood better than the young ones the sacrifices that had been made to free their people from the Titans.
Erwin nodded, handed the task over to Pixis, and stepped down from the platform.
Instead of delivering a speech, the commander began formally assigning tasks and announcing the mission route.
The team's final destination was an underground shipyard by the sea, located on the outskirts of the Shiganshina region.
First, they would travel on horseback to a steel factory in Wall Maria, then take a newly built steam train used to transport steel parts to the end of the railway line, where they would transfer to another train to reach their destination.
This journey had a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers.
First, they would cover a distance of 480 kilometers to reach beyond the walls, and then another 500 kilometers to reach the shipyard by the sea.
Paradis Island was truly vast. In fact, the nearest beach was only 200 kilometers from the coast of Wall Maria, but unfortunately, Marley's port occupied that location.
That was why, in order to avoid being discovered, they had no choice but to go to the other side, which was farther away.
After the task assignments, Historia stepped onto the stage last to give her blessing to the soldiers.
"Please, fight for this country, for our homeland, for our freedom and dignity as human beings. May you return victorious!" Historia removed her crown, bowed, and spoke from the bottom of her heart.
The farewell ceremony had concluded.
"Wait for me ahead." Before leaving, Erwin patted Levi on the shoulder. "I'll return when the ship is finished, and we'll travel together."
"I understand. I'll train these boys well." Levi glanced back at the soldiers behind him.
They brought the prepared horses, and everyone mounted them according to orders.
Led by Levi Ackerman and Mike Zacharias, they set off following the designated route.
Historia watched the dust raised by the horses' hooves, her small hand pressed against her chest.
After seeing the team off, she, Erwin, and Pixis arrived at a tent specially built for the legion.
Inside the tent was a three-meter-tall Titan, numbered "RA-001."
They checked their pocket watches—it was one in the afternoon. Suddenly, the Titan opened its mouth, its eyes moved rapidly, and it began to speak: "This… is… the underground shipyard… Received… Please respond…"
The Titan's voice was intermittent and somewhat unclear, but fortunately it did not affect normal communication.
"I am Erwin, from the Marine Infantry Preliminary Team. We have just departed and are expected to arrive at the shipyard in five days," Erwin said in a clear and firm voice.
"Understood… we will manage the reception properly…"
"How is the situation on your side?"
"Naval vessel number one… officially… began construction today…"
What they were doing was using Titans to transmit information. The power of the Founding Titan could travel thousands of kilometers and connect with the minds of Titans. However, very few Titans could speak.
The structure of their throats was different from that of humans, and only a few could speak normally.
After successfully transmitting the message, Historia stepped forward.
"Eren, please send my regards to Gale and tell him I wish him peace."
"Understood… Is there anything else you want to say?"
"There is nothing more."
"This communication has ended…"
The Titan closed its mouth, and its eyes returned to their expressionless state.
Eren's spirit had left the Titan.
Historia pursed her lips, her pupils reflecting the ring of gemstones on her hand. She stared at it for a moment before Erwin called her to a carriage to return to the magnificent palace.
In the study, she sat in a chair and opened a drawer.
Inside the silk-lined drawer was a small bamboo dragonfly, but she did not take it.
Instead, she pushed the drawer back, straightened up, and began reading the thick books on her desk.
He was doing his utmost behind the scenes, so how could she dare to slack off?
Historia wanted to do her best to support Gale from the shadows, hoping that the path ahead for her fiancé would be less turbulent.