Chapter 111: Eren! Why Would You Go to a Place Like That?!
Eren didn't shy away from his mother's gaze. His eyes remained firm. Saving his mother was only the first step. He knew better than anyone else present that huddling within Wall Rose, clinging to the fragile peace bought by sheer luck, was not a long-term solution. The real threat had never disappeared, and might even become more unpredictable due to his return. Hiding in a corner, waiting for the next disaster? That was suicide.
But the truth of the world… he would reveal it only after his powers had fully returned. Right now, he was still too weak. He had to grasp power. Power strong enough to change fate, to protect his family. Power that would give him a voice, the right to influence decisions.
In his previous life, he had relied on the inherited power of the Attack Titan, and on Armin's wisdom and persuasion at critical moments. But the price of that power had been too heavy. It often led to estrangement, to sacrifice, and ultimately, to destruction.
This time, he didn't have to rely on that thorny path. More importantly, he couldn't bear to watch his father walk towards death just to pass on that power to him. His father, Grisha, had to live. His family had to live.
So, where would the power come from? There was only one answer. Magical Girl! Sacrificing himself alone was enough! Becoming a Witch himself alone was enough!
Joining the Survey Corps, the only regiment that dared to draw its blade against the outside world—that was the true frontline against the threat. And the only path there was through the Cadet Corps. Join the Cadets, graduate at the top of his class, and enter the Survey Corps. Find a way to deal with the threat of Marley before the entity known as "Kyubey" appeared again to spread its contracts of "hope."
This was the only path his not-so-brilliant mind could conceive of to change their fate and prevent the tragedy from repeating. This wasn't the impulsive boy driven solely by revenge anymore. This was Eren Jaeger, burdened by the heavy memory of a world's destruction, shouldering an unspeakable responsibility. This was his decision.
"Eren! Do you know what you're saying?!" Carla's voice suddenly rose. "The Cadet Corps?! That's a place you go to die!" She shot up from her chair, her hands braced on the table, her body trembling with agitation. "We just escaped! We just survived! Why would you still want to go to a place like that?!"
"Mom, I—"
"No! Absolutely not!" Carla cut him off sharply, her eyes instantly reddening. "I absolutely forbid you from taking such risks again! Absolutely!" The horrific scenes from Shiganshina's fall—neighbors devoured by Titans, the roar of collapsing houses, the desperate screams—flashed through her mind. It was Eren, Eren's almost prophetic insistence and pleading, that had saved their family. She still couldn't understand his extraordinary behavior back then, attributing it only to some unbelievable intuition. She didn't dare speak of it to anyone, afraid of bringing misfortune upon her child. But precisely because of that, her desire for "safety" had reached an unprecedented peak. She just wanted Eren to stay safe beside her, far from all danger. The Cadet Corps? That was practically pushing her son into hell!
Grisha watched his emotional wife and determined son, his expression complex. He took a sip of water, trying to remain calm. No one knew the cruelty of the outside world better than him. He understood, more than anyone, what Eren would eventually have to face. In a way, Eren inheriting his power and facing that fate seemed like a predetermined destiny. But now, Carla was alive. This rediscovered family made him cherish the present peace immensely. He didn't want Eren to bear that heavy burden too soon.
However—when Grisha looked into his son's eyes, he saw a resolve and determination far beyond his years. Especially after experiencing the disaster and Eren's uncanny "foresight," Grisha had a faint feeling that his son was growing up rapidly in a way he couldn't comprehend. Perhaps Eren's choice wasn't entirely impulsive? After all, he couldn't see much of the future himself. And the Cadet Corps itself… wasn't entirely without merit. Learning combat skills, understanding the military system within the Walls, tempering his will, building strength… perhaps this was a necessary stage to prepare Eren for the future. As for the Survey Corps—Grisha frowned. That place was too dangerous. Without absolute strength, he would never easily agree to Eren joining. But the Cadet Corps—
"Carla," Grisha began, his voice low and gentle, "don't get agitated just yet. Eren only said he wants to join, not that he's going right now." He tried to soothe his wife. "Besides, the Cadet Corps isn't only about danger. Mastering some combat skills is better than being defenseless. At least, when danger strikes again, he'll have the ability to protect himself."
"Protect himself?" Carla whirled towards her husband, her voice sharp. "Staying inside the Walls is the safest! Grisha, how could you—"
"Mom!" Eren interrupted, his tone firm and unwavering. "Is staying inside the Walls really safe? The Walls of Shiganshina were so high, but they were still breached, weren't they? We were lucky to escape! What about next time? Will we be lucky again? Only by mastering power can we truly control our own destiny!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a heavy weight that silenced everyone in the room.
Armin looked at Eren, complex emotions swirling in his eyes. He was both awed by his friend's determination and vaguely worried. Mikasa simply watched Eren silently, her hands, hidden beneath the table, unconsciously clenching. Whatever Eren decided, she would follow. That was the fate she had long accepted.
"Eren—" Carla looked at her son's resolute eyes, her defenses beginning to crumble. She could feel the heavy determination in his words. She also knew she couldn't stop him, just like she couldn't stop him that day beneath the Wall when he knelt before her, begging her to leave in that near-broken state. That fear and resolve, stemming from the depths of his soul, had made her choose to believe him then. And this time—
She looked at Eren, tears finally spilling over. "At least—promise me—" Her voice choked. "Even if you go to the Cadet Corps—after graduation—join the Military Police, or the Garrison—stay inland—okay?"
Eren looked into his mother's tear-filled eyes, a sharp pain twisting in his heart. But he knew he couldn't promise that. The Military Police? The Garrison? That wasn't the path he needed to take. He remained silent, not answering.
The argument about his future didn't reach a final conclusion that night. But Eren's will had been made clear to everyone. The path to the Cadet Corps was already laid out in his mind. It was the only option he could think of to defy fate and protect his family. His only choice.