The journey had been long, but their goal was now within sight. The setting sun glittered upon endless rolling waves, the ocean's roars carrying on the sea breeze. Gasps arose from weary onlookers, all who'd fought to witness this moment.

"At last, we've reached the sea," Erwin spoke. "After the walls, the forests, Shiganshina - this is what we fought to find."

Pausing at the water's edge, Erwin untied his boots and removed his socks, rolling up his pants above the calf. Erwin stepped barefoot onto the wet sand, letting the tide wash over his feet.

A small smile crossed Erwin's face as the ocean's chill sent waves of calm through his tired body. After years spent trapped within walls, strategizing against titanic foes, this simple pleasure had long seemed out of reach.

Steadying himself, Erwin turned to address the squad of soldiers now clustering behind. "Go on. Feel it for yourselves." Without hesitation, boots were untied and tossed aside as youthful grins broke out.

Laughter and shouts of glee rang out as cadets raced each other into the surf. Erwin saw strains of trauma lifted from his soldiers' faces, replaced by carefree joy.

For now, their fight was put on hold. They had earned this fleeting moment of peace at the edge of a new frontier, where sand met sea as hope met the unknown.