Bang! Bang! The Fate Titan carried massive boulders and stomped heavily across the ground, a scene strikingly similar to the former Battle to Reclaim Trost.
Around the Fate Titan, the Wings of Freedom, the Rose Garrison, and the Unicorn—soldiers from the three major corps—were doing everything they could to slaughter the Titans attempting to approach the Fate Titan, providing cover for it.
Threads of steam poured from the Fate Titan's mouth full of sharp teeth. Yago, positioned in the nape, was fully prepared to face enemies at any moment, because Yago knew clearly that the Marley warriors could not have come merely to destroy a wall.
Their true objective, in the end, was still the Founding power on Eren. Therefore, at this moment, they had to be lurking somewhere, waiting for an opportunity to seize the Founding power.
However, Eren should already be under protection now, so there was no need to worry for the moment that Marley would take the Founding power. What Yago had to worry about last was himself.
After all, they believed the Female Titan's power was in his possession.
"Commander, it's very strange. There are no traces of any Titans outside the wall. It's as if these Titans appeared out of thin air."
Hearing the subordinate's report, Erwin felt puzzled. Was it the same as those Titans that had once suddenly appeared inside Wall Rose?
Erwin suddenly thought of something Hange had discussed with him a few days ago.
"Our intelligence is still pitifully scarce. It's necessary to have a proper talk with Yago Norman." After pondering for a moment, Erwin made his decision.
...
Whoosh!! A terrifying tearing sound split the air. The already alert Yago immediately realized that Zeke and the others had made their move.
A vast swath of shattered stones, like artillery shells, blanketed the sky as they hurled toward the Fate Titan.
Crack, crack! Large areas of hardened crystal covered the Fate Titan's back and joints.
Blood sprayed everywhere—boom! Clusters of blood blossoms erupted all over the Fate Titan's body. Its left knee was even smashed apart by the stones.
Immediately, the Fate Titan became unsteady. Its enormous body could not hold firm, and Yago could only drop to one knee to maintain balance, massive amounts of steam billowing from his body.
"What's going on!? Everyone, stay alert!" The sudden change also startled the surrounding soldiers.
"There! Over there!" A garrison soldier noticed something amiss. On the top of a distant tower stood a bizarre-looking Titan, its entire body covered in fur, like a monkey.
The Beast Titan, still maintaining the posture of throwing rocks.
"As expected of Marley's spear. Such terrifying attack power—even large-scale hardening can't withstand it." Yago once again marveled at Zeke's dreadful methods.
"Captain, it's up to you."
"Roar!!" Along with the furious roar, the Fate Titan's crimson eyes suddenly flared with light, and a tremendous surge of steam erupted from its entire body.
The Fate Titan, which had been kneeling on one knee, carried the boulder and stood back up.
"Heh, tougher than expected. Let's do it again." The Beast Titan spoke human words. Seeing the Fate Titan stand again, he immediately felt as if he had been provoked.
He had already let this guy escape once before. This time, no matter what, he could not let this fellow called Yago Norman get away.
Actually, in terms of mission priority, seizing the Founder was what the Marley warriors should have completed above all else. But Zeke had other considerations. After all, bringing the Founder back for Marley had never truly been his goal.
With that thought, Zeke steadied his mind. Yes, he had an even greater objective. Only after achieving that goal could the Eldians truly obtain liberation.
"That Titan is going to attack again! Everyone, charge together! Cover the red-eyed Titan!" A sharp-eyed soldier spotted the Beast Titan's movement.
Many soldiers responded at once. Numerous soldiers equipped with Vertical Maneuvering Equipment charged toward the Beast Titan.
By this time, the Titans surrounding the Fate Titan had mostly been cleared out.
"These buzzing flyers are really annoying!" The Beast Titan's tone was extremely impatient.
Slash! Raising his arm high, the Beast Titan crushed the stones in his hand even finer, then hurled them with all his strength.
What a horrifying sight that was.
Dense fragments of stone covered the sky, engulfing large numbers of soldiers.
In the soldiers' eyes, those terrifying stones producing sonic booms were like the scythes of death swinging toward them.
Blood stained the sky. Dozens of soldiers had their bodies pierced through, losing all life as they fell from the air.
Likewise, many soldiers were gravely wounded and lost their ability to fight. Wails and screams rang out without end.
Seeing this, the Beast Titan seemed very satisfied. An eerie smile curled at the corner of his mouth. On that ferocious face, the smile looked especially terrifying.
Just as Zeke thought no more insects would come to disturb him, the corner of his eye caught a rapidly approaching figure.
"There's another one?" Zeke was somewhat surprised, but he didn't take it to heart. He wasn't afraid of a single soldier flying around.
But Zeke failed to notice just how terrifying the killing intent radiating from that figure was.
"You've killed so many soldiers, and you seem quite pleased with yourself!" Levi's killing intent surged as the power of his Vertical Maneuvering Equipment was pushed to the limit.
The Beast Titan's massive palm reached straight for Levi, but compared to Levi's terrifying reflexes and speed, the Beast Titan's movements were slow as a crawling turtle.
Slash! Slash! Twin blades left their sheaths, and Levi's presence instantly soared to another level.
"What!? Such fast reactions!" Zeke, in the nape of the Beast Titan, was shocked. Levi's response far exceeded his expectations.
Levi pushed the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment to its absolute limit—gas blasting, grappling hooks firing and retracting. The blades in his hands moved with divine precision, carving countless wounds into the Beast Titan's body.
"Damn it! Damn it! What kind of monster is this!?" Zeke was furious and alarmed. He had never imagined that these bug-like soldiers flying around on the island could threaten him. But now, Zeke had to admit—he was panicking.
Rip!! Several slashes directly shattered the Beast Titan's palm. Levi's grappling hook stabbed straight into the Beast Titan's forehead. In an instant, Levi charged right up in front of the Beast Titan, those dead-fish eyes full of killing intent locking directly with it.
For some reason, Zeke recalled words Reiner and Bertholdt had once said to him:
"When you encounter a human soldier, be extremely careful. Captain Levi is incredibly strong."
"You want me to beware of a human soldier?" Back then, Zeke had only thought Reiner and Bertholdt were confused. How could a mere human soldier possibly threaten him? But now—
"No! This is bad! No!" Zeke suddenly screamed in terror.
...
I recommend checking out my new Pokémon fanfic, "Pokémon System: Me, the Strongest Champion of the League"! It features a system that isn't overpowered, keeping the story balanced and engaging. The main character isn't Ash, but an original, cool MC, which makes it even more enjoyable to read. I'd love to hear your feedback!