"You…?"
Lock stared at Erwin, caught off guard by the calm declaration. But within seconds, surprise gave way to clarity.
Erwin was an excellent choice.
Still—Lock hesitated. Erwin currently handled the reorganization of the Military Police Brigade and the Garrison Regiment, responsibilities far more complex than anything he had held before. Removing him now meant risking the fragile stability the walls had only just regained.
Erwin noticed the concern in Lock's eyes and said frankly:
"I've already begun training a successor. And—if I'm honest—management is not my passion. I was not born to sit inside the walls sorting documents. I was made to explore beyond them. Now that we know there are humans beyond the sea—and that their technology far surpasses ours—I wish to see it with my own eyes."
"I understand," Lock said quietly.
Keeping Erwin confined to administrative work was a waste of his talent. In truth, the Commander's place was always at the front—shaping the future of mankind with every decision he carved out in the unknown.
Lock continued, "We currently hold two Titan powers we can seize: the Armored Titan and the Cart Titan. You may choose either. But you should understand—the cost of inheriting a Titan is steep."
Erwin did not flinch.
"Thirteen years is enough. More than enough. I believe in you, Lock. Under your leadership, Paradis will seize its own destiny."
Lock let out a tired laugh.
"Commander, hearing you say that puts pressure on me."
Zachary interjected with perfect timing:
"Erwin is correct. Lock, you can do this. You're the only one who can."
The more Zachary observed Lock, the more convinced he became. Lock's strategic foresight, his unconventional thinking, his unshakeable ambition—none of it was comparable to the previous regime. Rhodes had clung to power out of fear. Lock wielded power for progress.
Paradis Island could lose anyone—
except Lock.
"Let's table that," Lock said, gathering himself. "Commander, choose your Titan. The Armored Titan is a defensive powerhouse; the Cart Titan excels in mobility and transport. Both are valuable."
Every Titan had its own battlefield. When used well, any of the Nine could change the world.
Erwin considered briefly—then spoke without hesitation:
"I'll inherit the Cart Titan."
"Very well."
Lock accepted the decision immediately.
The next hour was spent aligning plans—how to handle Zeke, how to approach outside nations, how to stabilize Paradis while preparing for the world beyond. The goal was no longer to hide.
To survive, Paradis must join the world.
To win, Paradis must rise above it.
When their preparations were complete, the three descended into the dungeon to meet Zeke.
The moment they stepped inside, Dina Fritz hurried to them, her eyes full of pleading.
"Lock… Zeke has agreed to cooperate. Could you please… remove his restraints?"
Erwin and Zachary exchanged a glance. They did not know Dina's origins, but both could infer she was not a native. Someone Lock trusted—
But only to a point.
Lock responded evenly:
"Not yet. But don't worry—soon he'll be freed to move within the interior. You and Grisha will accompany him, and our soldiers will ensure everyone's safety."
"Thank you…" Dina murmured, though a faint disappointment flickered in her eyes.
Lock nodded politely, though inwardly he remained skeptical of her.
He stepped toward the cells.
Inside, Zeke was bound by reinforced chains. Unlike Pieck and Reiner, his mouth was not gagged. Upon seeing the three leaders approach, Zeke narrowed his eyes.
"So… you're the ones in power here?"
"You're quick," Lock replied.
Zachary frowned at the messy bindings.
"No sense of artistry whatsoever… disgraceful."
Erwin side-stepped away from him instinctively. He had heard rumors of Zachary's unusual hobbies. He didn't approve—but he didn't criticize either.
Turning back to Zeke, Erwin said:
Lock has explained the terms of cooperation. We're here to confirm one thing."
He paused.
"Are you truly willing to cooperate with Paradis Island?"
Dina stepped forward reflexively. "Zeke is willing!"
But her intervention was ignored.
Zeke inhaled slowly, then said:
"I have unfinished goals… and I don't intend to die in this cell. Cooperation is my only choice."
"A wise one," Erwin said quietly.
He exchanged a subtle look with Zachary; both nodded.
Then, guided by Lock, they stepped toward the adjacent iron cage—where Pieck Finger lay bound, restrained, and silent.
Erwin's expression tightened for a brief moment… then steadied.
He stepped closer, lowered his voice, and whispered
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