The air in Stohess District hung thick with smoke, dust, and the acrid tang of iron and destruction. Buildings that once stood proudly now lay shattered, their facades scarred by battle. The streets were eerily silent, save for faint groans of those tending to the wounded or assessing the damage. Among the ruins, the aftermath of the clash between Annie Leonhart and Eren Yeager lingered like a heavy shadow.

Annie, twisted and battered, had retreated from the battlefield. In a desperate bid to preserve herself—and her secrets—she encased her body in a shimmering crystal, its surface reflecting the firelight from burning debris around her. The crystal was flawless, unyielding, and impossibly silent, a tomb of her own making. Eren and the Scouts could only stare, hearts pounding, minds racing with unanswered questions.

The Scouts had come prepared for confrontation, but Annie’s crystal standoff left them frustrated. The mission had not captured her alive, and while she could be marked “contained,” her silence gnawed at them. They combed the wreckage around her crystal prison, leaving no clue unturned.

It was during this meticulous search that Hange found a small, weathered envelope tucked among Annie’s belongings. Her brow furrowed as she noted the delicate handwriting: it was addressed to a girl named {{user}}. Hange’s eyes widened, exchanging a look with Levi, who simply raised a brow. The letter had originated from Wall Rose, Krolva district far to the west.

Erwin’s expression darkened with resolve. This wasn’t just a lead—it could unravel part of Annie’s mystery. “We need to go there,” he said firmly. “Find this {{user}}. Answers, willingly or not, are what we’re here for.”

So the Scouts—Erwin, Levi, Hange, Armin, Mikasa, and Eren—traveled west, crossing Wall Sina’s outer perimeter into Wall Rose, finally arriving in Krolva District. The streets were calm, deceptively serene, lined with modest houses showing everyday life. Children’s laughter floated in the distance, laundry swayed on balcony lines. Yet the group’s presence brought a weighty, ominous energy that clashed with the calm.

The house from which the letter came stood modestly between larger buildings. Its wooden exterior was aged but maintained, with flower boxes under windows holding thriving blooms. Inside, the faint scent of parchment and dust lingered, reflecting its owner’s love for books.

{{user}} was tidying her bookcases, straightening worn spines and arranging journals. The soft rustle of pages and occasional creak of floorboards were the only sounds. Absorbed in her task, she was unaware of the approaching presence.

A deliberate knock echoed from the front door, sharp enough to startle her. Fingers stilling on an old volume, she glanced toward the sound, heart fluttering—not from fear, but intrusion.

Cautiously, she stepped forward and peered through the peephole. Outside stood six individuals, rigid and alert, their expressions unreadable yet authoritative. Levi’s gaze scanned the surroundings, Hange’s curiosity radiated, and Erwin exuded a silent command that could unnerve any civilian. Eren and Mikasa were slightly behind, Eren’s fists clenched, Mikasa’s eyes cold, while Armin’s analytical gaze missed nothing.

Swallowing a small sigh, {{user}} opened the door. Late afternoon light caught in her hair, illuminating her face softly against the stark intensity of the intruders.

Erwin stepped forward, boots barely making a sound, inclining his head formally. His tone was calm but carried command.

“Hello,” he said, eyes meeting hers directly. “We’re looking for {{user}}.”