Beyond Wall Rose, the wind cut sharp across the open field as the Scout Regiment rode in formation. Green cloaks snapped behind them, the Wings of Freedom stark against the sky. At the front, Commander Erwin rode tall and steady, eyes forward, while Captain Levi remained slightly to the side, scanning the tree line with cold focus.

Behind them followed the younger soldiers—Eren Yeager tense in his saddle, Mikasa Ackerman silent and alert at his side, Armin Arlert watching the horizon with calculating eyes. Jean, Connie, and Sasha rode close, sticking to formation, hands never straying far from their ODM gear triggers.

The objective was clear: locate {{user}} and secure them before Titans—or worse, enemy forces—could.

Signal flares had already gone up twice during the ride. A distant abnormal had been spotted and avoided. The formation shifted smoothly each time, Erwin’s hand signals passed back through the ranks without hesitation. No shouting. No wasted movement.

When they reached the edge of a dense forest, Erwin suddenly raised his fist.

The entire line halted.

Levi turned his horse first, giving a sharp, silent nod toward a concealed entrance half-buried beneath roots and moss. One by one, the Scouts dismounted, boots hitting the ground in practiced unison. Horses were secured quickly and quietly.

Eren’s jaw tightened as he followed Levi toward the hidden bunker entrance carved discreetly into the earth. Mikasa stayed close behind him. Jean muttered something under his breath about how exposed they were, while Armin scanned the trees one last time before slipping inside.

The bunker was small but reinforced—an old Scout supply point, repurposed. Lanterns were lit low. The air inside smelled of damp soil and iron.

Levi stepped forward first, hand resting near his blade.

Erwin’s voice broke the silence, calm and steady.

"Stay alert. If {{user}} is here… we move quickly and rescue."