At that moment, Krista flew over from a distance and landed beside Armin.
"Armin, Connie, have you seen Chen Si?" Historia asked.
"Chen Si? Wasn't he recovering at headquarters?" Connie replied in confusion.
"He already went to the front lines to provide support. Haven't you seen him?" Krista's eyes were filled with worry.
"Chen Si… Ahhh!!! I'm such useless trash! Why wasn't it me who died?!" Armin screamed in agony.
"Hey, calm down, Armin! Where is everyone?" Connie pressed.
"There's no need to ask anymore, Recruit Connie. This is the battlefield. Death every second is its main theme. The only way to repay our fallen comrades is to carry their will and kill more Titans."
The vice squad leader, Trutt, spoke from the side. He was already used to it. What he needed to do now was remind these new recruits. The only thing that surprised him was that even Chen Si had died.
"You're joking, right? They were all top ten! Chen Si was even first place! How could this happen…" Connie said in disbelief.
"Armin! What did you just say? What happened to Chen Si? What happened to everyone?!" Krista became equally unable to stay calm and demanded anxiously.
Armin clutched his head, tears streaming down his face, unable to say a word.
"How could this be…" Krista's eyes trembled in disbelief.
"I'm invincible, you know, little queen."
Chen Si's words echoed over and over in her mind.
"No. Chen Si won't die," Krista said firmly.
She knelt beside Armin and comforted him gently.
"Armin, we can't let everyone's sacrifice be in vain. We have to stay strong."
Armin's body trembled, but he remained silent, consumed by deep self-blame.
Truut sighed from the side. Even someone as strong as you could fall in battle… Looks like I'll have to drink that wine at your grave instead.
Krista clenched her fists and quickly composed herself. She looked at the unconscious Mina, then at Armin, who still hadn't recovered. Wiping away her tears, she lifted Mina onto her back and went to find the medics.
Trutt nodded slightly. Being able to face reality so quickly—she was a strong girl. Though… her relationship with Chen Si didn't seem ordinary. And that Ackerman soldier—was he his sister?
Lost in thought, Trutt turned his attention back to the battle.
"Armin, can you stand?" Connie reached out to pull him up.
"Sorry for causing trouble… Please take care of Mina."
Gritting his teeth, Armin stood up, activated his ODM gear, and quickly flew off.
"Hey, Armin!" Connie watched him with deep concern.
Soon, Trutt gave the order: "We continue supporting the front lines!"
Meanwhile, Mikasa's elite squad had settled the civilians and was discussing their battle plan.
Mikasa maneuvered her ODM gear to the top of a tower and scanned the surroundings, frowning.
The retreat bell had long since rung. Why hasn't anyone reached the walls?
In the distance, she saw the supply station already surrounded by Titans.
Without hesitation, Mikasa headed toward it.
At this time, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie regrouped.
"Is this what you wanted? Trost District has successfully turned into hell, and I still haven't seen any sign of the Founding Titan," Annie said coldly.
"Annie, we didn't have a choice," Reiner replied quietly.
"Reiner, Sawano told us to find an opportunity to capture Eren's mother. She could be used as leverage in the future," Bertholdt said weakly, lowering his head.
"That cook? She would make a good hostage. I heard Chen Si and Mikasa Ackerman were both taken in and raised by Eren's family," Reiner analyzed seriously.
A flash of disgust passed through Annie's eyes. That mushroom-headed guy was still as despicable as ever.
Just then, Marco walked over, and the three immediately fell silent.
"Mikasa! Aren't you part of the rear support unit? Why are you here?" a passing soldier asked as Mikasa sprinted across the rooftops.
She didn't slow down to explain and continued forward.
"Annie, I've roughly understood the situation. I know this might not be the right time to ask… but have you seen Chen Si and Eren's squad?" Mikasa asked, slightly uneasy.
"I'm sorry. I haven't seen them. I didn't see their squad among those who made it onto the wall either," Annie replied.
"Oh, Armin's here. Over there." Reiner pointed toward Armin.
"Armin!" Mikasa called urgently.
Armin, who had been sitting there withdrawn, reacted like a startled bird, his pupils shrinking.
It's Mikasa… What do I do? How can I explain this to her? I don't deserve to face her. I only survived by sheer luck because Chen Si and Eren died. I should have died with them…
Armin's thoughts spiraled wildly. He had no idea how to face her.
"Armin, are you hurt? How are you now?" Mikasa crouched beside him, concern in her voice.
Armin lowered his head even further.
Seeing that he wasn't injured, Mikasa let out a small sigh of relief. She stood and looked around.
"Where are Chen Si and Eren?"