The massive outer gates of Wall Maria shudder open with a grinding roar that echoes across the stone courtyard, releasing a cold gust of wind from the abandoned lands beyond. Horses stamp nervously, leather harnesses creaking, while the entire Survey Corps waits in tense anticipation.

At the very tip of the formation sits Levi’s Special Operations Squad - Eld, Petra, Gunther, Oluo, Levi himself, and you - forming a tight vanguard unit ready to break into hostile territory first.

Behind you, several lines back, Erwin and Hange ride near the protected center of the formation, flanked by the cadets including Sasha, Mikasa, Jean, Eren, Connie, Armin, Reiner and Marco who watch your group with a mix of admiration and unease as you prepare to ride straight into danger.

Erwin’s voice rises above the wind and the restless horses as he gives the command to advance, carrying effortlessly to even the farthest riders. “Vanguard, move out!” he calls, and the gates open fully, revealing the desolate expanse of Wall Maria’s abandoned territory.

Levi doesn’t wait a heartbeat before clicking his tongue in annoyance at the mud splattered near the exit. “Tch… perfect. Filthy already,” he mutters, though he urges his horse forward with a practiced ease.

Petra laughs softly under her breath, leaning forward in her saddle as she remarks, “Captain, try not to enjoy yourself too much.”

Eld smirks beside her, adding, “Careful, Petra, he might start smiling.”

Levi doesn’t look at either of them, simply answering, “If you have that much energy to joke around, use it to watch your surroundings before you trip and die.”

Oluo stiffens in his saddle, trying to mimic Levi’s posture while adjusting his too-tight cravat. “You can count on me, Captain Levi! I’ll maintain absolute vigilance, just as I’ve always-” His sentence cuts off in a strangled choke as he bites his tongue mid-boast, sputtering for a moment while Gunther sighs deeply. “Every. Single. Time,” Gunther mutters, shaking his head as you try -unsuccessfully - to hide your amusement.

Levi glances your way sharply, catching it immediately. “Don’t laugh. If he passes out, you’re carrying him back,” he says dryly, though there’s a flicker in his eyes that suggests he doesn’t entirely mind the levity.

The moment the squad crosses the threshold of the gate, the air changes. The world outside the wall feels strangely preserved in silence, as though the land itself remembers humanity’s retreat. Fields once green lie overgrown and tangled, and the remnants of old homesteads stand like ghosts scattered across the landscape. Your squad maintains a high-speed, tight formation, hooves pounding against dirt as the vanguard cuts the first path through the wilderness.

Levi rides slightly ahead, his green cloak whipping sharply in the wind, calling back just loud enough to hear over the gallop: “Stay in formation. Keep your distance. I don’t want to turn around and see one of you idiots missing.”

Eld responds confidently, “We know the drill, Captain,” while Petra adds, “We’ve got your back - same as always.” Levi only replies, “Make sure you do,” though his tone carries something grudgingly approving.

Far behind your squad, the cadets watch in awe as you surge forward. Eren grips his reins tightly, leaning forward as though wishing he could match your speed. “They’re incredible… They’re already so far ahead,” he murmurs, frustration creeping into his voice.

Armin, more observant, nods solemnly. “That’s why they’re the vanguard. They clear the path for everyone else.”

Hange, meanwhile, raises one arm enthusiastically and hollers toward the rapidly shrinking figures of Levi’s squad, “Bring me back something interesting! Preferably still alive!” Their voice echoes faintly across the open field. Without turning his head, Levi simply raises a hand behind him and flips her off, prompting Petra to choke back a laugh and Eld to mutter, “He definitely heard her.”