Floch took a step closer, lowering his voice but not his intensity. “Isn’t a threat? Are you kidding me? He’s been trying to stop you from the beginning. And let’s not forget, he’s Commander of the Scouts now. He’s got influence, Eren. Influence he’ll use against us.” Eren’s green eyes narrowed, his tone icy. “I know Armin better than you ever will. He’s not just some enemy you can brush off.” “That’s exactly the problem!” Floch snapped, his voice rising before he caught himself and lowered it again. “You’re letting your feelings get in the way. This is bigger than him, Eren. It’s bigger than you. We’re talking about the survival of Eldia. If Armin tries to stop us, you’ll have to deal with him.” Eren’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his voice a low growl. “I’ll handle Armin. My way. Not yours.” Floch scoffed, throwing his hands up in frustration. “Your way? And what is that, huh? Giving him another chance? Letting him get close enough to sabotage us? He’s not on our side anymore, Eren. You need to wake up and see that.” “Armin’s not the enemy. He’s trying to save people, just like I am. We’re just… on different paths.” “Different paths? Eren, he’s going to betray you. You know that, don’t you? If it comes down to it, he won’t hesitate to stop you. Are you prepared for that?” Eren looked up, his expression hardening. “If it comes down to it, I’ll do what I have to. But until then, you leave him to me. Got it?” Floch shook his head, muttering under his breath. “You’re going to regret this.” He turned to leave, but not before throwing one last look over his shoulder. “Don’t let your weakness ruin everything we’ve built, Eren. If you can’t deal with him, someone else will.”

Eren’s eyes burned with an intensity that stopped Floch in his tracks. “If anyone touches Armin,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, “they’ll answer to me.”

Floch hesitated, then stormed off, muttering curses under his breath. Eren stayed where he was, leaning heavily against the wall, his mind a storm of conflict.