After Eren successfully sealed the gate with the massive boulder, the battlefield was still filled with smoke and the remnants of battle. The remaining soldiers sighed in relief, though some were still trembling after their life-or-death fight against the Titans.
Adam sat on the roof of a partially destroyed house, observing the situation around him. His body was covered in dust and a few scratches, but as usual, he looked relaxed.
Jean sat beside Adam, letting out a long sigh.
"I can't believe we actually did it… But still, that was insane. Eren turned into a Titan, sealed the gate, and we all almost died."
Adam grinned.
"Yeah, just another rough Monday."
Conny wiped his face.
"I don't know what's crazier, the Titans or the fact that Adam can still joke after all this."
Sasha spoke while munching on bread.
"Not just that… Adam was the one who snapped Eren out of it when he lost control. That was seriously cool!"
Mikasa looked at Adam.
"What did you say to him?"
Adam glanced at Mikasa and shrugged.
"I just told him to use his brain a little, that's all."
Mikasa remained silent, but her expression softened slightly. She recalled how Adam always managed to stay calm in the most dangerous situations.
Shortly after the battle, Eren was detained and taken to the military headquarters for trial. The military leaders were still unsure whether Eren was a threat or humanity's greatest hope. Adam, Mikasa, Armin, and the others were summoned as witnesses.
Inside a large hall, Commander Pyxis, Commander Erwin, Levi, and several high-ranking officers sat, watching Eren, who was bound in chains.
One of the military officials slammed the table.
"This Titan is dangerous! We cannot trust someone who can turn into a monster like that!"
Adam let out a long sigh before stepping forward.
"Let me say something."
All eyes turned to him. Adam leaned casually against the table.
"You all say Eren is a threat, but let's think about this for a second… If he really were a threat, why did he help us seal the gate? Why did he fight the other Titans with everything he had?"
Some of the officials hesitated.
"We have two choices here. One, we throw away this huge opportunity and remain Titan food. Two, we use Eren's power to change the course of this war."
Levi, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
Levi looked at Adam.
"You're pretty sharp for a kid."
Adam smirked.
"I prefer the term 'realist.'"
Commander Erwin gave a small, knowing smile.
"In that case, I have a proposal. Let Eren join the Survey Corps. That way, we can test his abilities firsthand."
The military leaders began whispering among themselves. Adam glanced at Eren, who remained silent, then at Armin, who looked tense.
One of the high-ranking officers sighed.
"Very well. We agree… for now."
With that, the decision was made. Eren would not be executed—he would become part of the Survey Corps.
After all the chaos, Adam sat on the roof of the headquarters, gazing at the night sky. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him. When he turned, Mikasa was already sitting beside him.
Mikasa stared at the stars.
"What are you thinking about?"
Adam gave a small smile.
"I'm just thinking… this is only the beginning."
Mikasa looked at Adam, then lowered her gaze slightly. There was something different in her expression.
"I want to say… thank you… for always being here."
Adam was silent for a moment before smiling.
"I'm not going anywhere. Besides, if I did, who would keep me company?"
Mikasa let out a quiet huff, but this time, there was a faint smile on her face.
That night, they simply sat together, enjoying the calm before the next storm.