The next day, Eren’s trial took place within Wall Sheena. After a thorough beating by Levi, Eren officially joined the Survey Corps. With Eren’s addition, Erwin began preparations for the 57th Exterior Scouting Mission.
“Mr. Tang An.”
Around noon, a carriage arrived at Tang An’s residence. The shopkeeper entered the courtyard, his expression somewhat insincere as he looked at Tang An, who was only wearing a pair of elastic shorts and doing handstand exercises. Tang An’s body, glistening with sweat, showcased his well-defined six-pack abs and radiated a robust masculine aura.
“Why are you here?”
Tang An didn’t stop his movements, continuing his single-handed handstand exercises.
“Click… click… How do you do that?”
With his big belly, the shopkeeper looked at Tang An’s training with envy and astonishment. Seeing that Tang An didn’t respond, he cleared his throat. “Thank you for your warning last time. If I hadn’t gone to Wall Sheena ahead of time, I might have been eaten by the titans.”
“I just gave you a heads up.”
Tang An switched to his right hand and continued his training.
“How did you predict that the titans would breach the wall?”
The shopkeeper was very curious about this. If he had known such information each time, he could have transferred his goods ahead of time, which meant a lot of money.
“Did you get this information from the Survey Corps?”
“More or less.”
Tang An replied casually.
“I heard you were personally invited by Commander Erwin to join the Survey Corps. You’ll definitely have a high position in the future. I’ve always liked to make friends. If you get any news in the future, let me know. As for this house, it’s yours. I’ll send someone to repair it later.”
The shopkeeper finally revealed his true purpose. Although he had a vast network, he could tell that Tang An would be necessary in the future. Investing in or befriending him now would surely pay off.
“No problem.”
Tang An didn’t refuse, as it was a mutually beneficial deal.
“Ha ha…”
The shopkeeper was delighted. He liked Tang An’s straightforwardness.
“I’ll call someone to fix the house right away.”
“Do as you wish.”
As the shopkeeper was about to call for repairs, a Survey Corps soldier appeared in the courtyard.
“You’re Tang An, right?”
The newcomer looked directly at Tang An.
“What’s the matter?”
Tang An flipped into an upright position and faced the soldier.
“Commander Erwin wants to see you.”
Tang An frowned and glanced at the shopkeeper.
“You go ahead. I’ll take care of the house.”
The shopkeeper patted his chest reassuringly.
“Give me three minutes.”
Tang An took a quick dip in the river, then returned to change into clean clothes before leaving with the Survey Corps soldier. Meanwhile, the shopkeeper began arranging for the house repairs.
Half an hour later, Tang An arrived at Erwin’s office. He found quite a few people, including Erwin, Levi, Eren, Hange, Mike, Oluo, Petra, and other Survey Corps elites, totaling eight or nine individuals.
“Reporting, Tang An has arrived.”
“Dismissed.”
Erwin nodded at the soldier, who then left and closed the door.
“Hey, Eren.”
As casual as ever, Tang An sat down in a chair and greeted Eren, who looked a bit uneasy. After all, during the confrontation with Kitz, Tang An hadn’t helped Eren and had instead stood with the others, looking terrified and holding a blade.
“Sorry about yesterday.”
Tang An didn’t bother to explain much. He turned to Erwin and Levi. “Why did you call me?”
It wasn’t yet time to kill Eren. For now, a steady approach was more prudent. Eren wasn’t going anywhere.
“The time for our agreement has come.”
Erwin folded his hands under his chin as if trying to see through Tang An.
“I think the Survey Corps is too dangerous. I’d prefer to join the Garrison Regiment.”
Tang An pretended to hesitate.
“You and I are the same kind of person.”
Levi’s cold expression didn’t change. He didn’t believe Tang An was afraid of danger.
With Levi’s words, Hange, Mike, Oluo, and Petra moved to guard the door, hands on their weapons, ready to draw their blades at any moment.
“Hey! What’s the meaning of this?”
Tang An leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. At first, he didn’t understand, but he got it after meeting Erwin’s gaze.
“These guys must think I’m like Eren, able to transform into a titan—maybe the Armored or Colossal Titan—and need to keep me under surveillance.”
Tang An leisurely crossed his legs, smiling at Erwin.
Sure enough, Erwin’s expression changed slightly.
Hange, on the other hand, looked at Tang An with a crazed fascination, clearly hoping he was a titan.
Mike, Oluo, Petra, and even Eren were stunned, looking back and forth between Erwin and Tang An. Erwin had only told them to surround Tang An, which was not the reason why.
Could this guy also transform into a titan like Eren?
All eyes were on Erwin and Tang An, muscles tensed in high alert.
Erwin gestured for Mike and the others to stand down, then frowned at Tang An. “It seems you’re not.”
“You believe me just like that?”
Now, it was Tang An’s turn to be surprised.
“Sorry.”
Erwin only apologized. He was initially particular Tang An couldn’t be a titan from various clues and the conversation just now. That was his judgment. Of course, there was still suspicion, but…
“You seem to know something?”
With Erwin’s question, everyone’s gaze focused back on Tang An. After all, his words were quite suggestive.
“From Eren, I can guess that the Colossal and Armored Titans might be humans who transform. They could be in the Garrison Regiment, or the Military Police, or even in this very room. Everyone here is a suspect, including you.”
Tang An’s eyes scanned everyone, not sparing Erwin or Levi.
“I’m sure everyone has thought about this.”
The room fell silent, faces clouded with mixed emotions.
As Tang An said, with Eren’s transformation, they had all considered that the Colossal and Armored Titans might also be humans.
“Eren’s titan form is indeed different from the other titans. It’s as if he has intelligence.”
Mike hesitated before speaking.
“It’s clear now. This guy is definitely not a titan.”
Levi still wore a grim expression, pointing at Tang An.
“You might not suspect me, but I still suspect you. Any of you could be a titan.”
Tang An shrugged, pointing at Mike, Oluo, Petra, and Levi.
“You’re talking nonsense.”
“You’re the titan.”
Mike and the others were angry, feeling insulted.
“Well, you never know. Maybe Commander Erwin is one.”
Tang An crossed his arms, smirking as he lobbed accusations.
Mike and the others wanted to retort, but Erwin stopped them.
“Tang An is right. Everyone is a suspect, including me.”
“Commander.”
“Today, you officially join the Survey Corps. Levi, Hange, head to the new headquarters later, and keep this matter confidential.”
“Yes.”
Mike and the others nodded.
Tang An said nothing this time, clearly consenting.
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