XXIX. What Memories?

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A week had passed since Roku's unexpected appointment as the new captain of the special squad.

The burden of leadership weighed heavily on his shoulders as he and Erwin tirelessly worked on their assigned tasks.

Roku had been announced to the survey corps as their new captain, a fact that brought mixed reactions among the members.

In another meeting with Commander Shadis, Erwin, and Roku, the gravity of the situation became apparent.

The cancellation of the survey corps loomed, and the urgency to find the traitor intensified.

"How is your progress with the higher-ups?" Commander Shadis inquired, his eyes reflecting concern.

"I have spoken to several influential figures within the military police and the garrison. Unfortunately, only one has pledged support. The rest remain unconvinced," Roku reported, his expression revealing the challenges they faced.

As for the search for the traitor, Erwin shared, "We currently have four suspects under surveillance, closely monitoring their actions.

"But time is not on our side. The trial is scheduled for next week, and the fate of the survey corps hangs in the balance." the commander stated

"We will do our best, Commander," Erwin affirmed.

Commander Shadis rose from his seat, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and concern. "I will be heading to Mitras today to discuss our situation with Dhalis Zachary, the premier of the three regiments. Perhaps we can sway his support. Meanwhile, you two should approach Commander Pixis. He was a close friend of mine, and he may stand by our side."

They left the office, Erwin and Roku ready to face the challenges ahead. However, their visit to Commander Pixis proved to be more challenging than expected.

Approaching the garrison, they were met with resistance from the guards.

"What is your business of the survey corps here?" the guard asked

"We are here to pay a visit to Commander Pixis" Erwin answered

"the commander doesn't receive visits"

"I am Roku Ackerman the new captain of the survey corps I am here to have a word with Commander Pixis" Roku stated sternly,

"you 2 seem to be playing around you are so young to be captain get lost"

the guard tried pushing Roku away, but Roku didn't want to harm him so he tackled him quickly before the guard even realized, and then he walked inside followed by Erwin,

"you think that's a good entrance" Erwin asked,

"We are here to talk not complain these idiots",

"hey stop!" another guard arrived but this time he recognized them so he let them in, as they entered the commander's room they found a man wearing glasses with brown hair,

Commander Pixis, recognizing Erwin, welcomed them warmly. "Erwin! It's nice to see you again," he greeted,

"Nice to see you again Commander, this is Roku Ackerman he's our new captain"

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ackerman, your family was filled with amazing soldiers, take a seat both of you",

as they took a seat the man with glasses said "I may excuse myself commander I have some work to do",

"This Grisha Yeager he is a genius doctor" the commander introduced him

As Roku looked at him again he felt something wrong it was a very strong headache that suddenly came out of nowhere he saw memories they were clouded but all he saw was Grisha holding a strange key and showing it to someone and all he remembered was one sentence

"When I return I will show you the basement that I've always kept a secret " These words clung to Roku's memories

"Are you okay, Mr. Ackerman?" Grisha asked, snapping Roku out of his momentary trance.

Roku, visibly disturbed, assured them he was fine, not wanting to delve into the strange memories that had surfaced.

Grisha excused himself, leaving the room. The encounter left Roku perplexed, and questions lingered in his mind.

"I am sorry Erwin but the survey corps' expedition has no gain at all and I think it holds up a lot of skilled warriors that we can get better use of them instead of seeing their corpses"

Roku snapped out of his thoughts after he heard that from the Pixis,

"You think their deaths are meaningless commander?" roku asked coldly,

"it's not like that I think we should make better use of them",

"You are a coward commander," Roku said bluntly

the soldiers in the room were surprised by the insult and Erwin backed up and tried to warn Roku

"Hey roku take care of your words"

"I told you before I am not good with words what I have to say I will say"

"The garrison soldiers are cowards such as their commander if they just so an erected titan they will pee their pants, we aren't like you we are the only humans that don't want to live like cattle eating drinking, and being prisoned in a barn, we are humans we seek freedom we seek discovery that's what a normal human do, curiosity is the key of humanity without it we never would have any of the inventions we are holding in our hands today. if you want to keep sitting inside these walls eating and mowing like cows don't interfere with the work of humans"

one of the guards was so angry that he dashed toward Roku "You damned brat how can you say that about the commander" As he was going to land a punch roku held his hands held him down on the table

"I am worse than a titan so you better be more afraid when approaching me, soldier" he looked at the soldier dead in his eyes terrifying him and then he broke the soldier's arm

Commander Pixis chuckled, acknowledging Roku's audacity. "You're an interesting one, Roku. Your words may be sharp, but there's truth in them. However, don't expect me to join your cause after such insults."

"We don't want cowards to side with us Commander Pixis we will find our way out",

"You may take your leave now," the commander said

As they left the garrison, Erwin warned Roku about the consequences of his outspoken nature.

"We lost an ally now," Erwin lamented.

"You suggested me, so let me handle things my way. If you trust me," Roku replied defiantly.

"I trust you, otherwise, I would have never suggested you for this position," Erwin reassured.

And so, amidst conflicting opinions and rising tensions, Roku and Erwin continued their mission to save the survey corps and unveil the traitor within their ranks.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Roku's determination burned brighter than ever.

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End of the Chapter