Chapter 411 - 411: The Choice Within

Inside Hope District, ever since the New Army from Paradis Island and the coalition forces of the Eastern region nations arrived, the once peaceful lives of the Eldians in the city had once again stirred with unrest.

No one knew how many curious Eldian civilians had gathered around the military camp where the Paradis Island New Army was stationed over the past few days. To these Eldians, the compatriots from the legendary Paradis Island were simply too mysterious. They had only ever heard of the island Eldians from Marleyans before, and now that they finally had the chance, they naturally wanted to see with their own eyes whether these rumored compatriots were the same as them.

Even many Marleyans living in Hope District joined in to watch the excitement.

As for the New Army soldiers from Paradis Island, they certainly did not enjoy being observed like zoo animals. At the same time, they were also full of curiosity toward the outside world. However, restrained by military orders, most soldiers were forbidden from leaving the camp.

To promote communication between the Eldian Revival Army and the Paradis Island New Army, Yago and Serena had been organizing exchange sessions and joint learning activities between officers from both sides these past few days. There had also been many exchange events held for the lower-ranking soldiers.

The armies of the Eastern region nations, led by Hizuru, were all stationed in camps outside Hope District. This was a joint request made by Serena and the higher-ups of the Eastern region. After all, the Paradis Island New Army consisted of Eldians, so stationing them inside Hope District was only natural. But the Eastern region nations themselves were effectively a small alliance, and even Hizuru, the leader among them, did not have absolute confidence in controlling the combined army.

Thus, both sides hit it off immediately, and the Eastern region nations voluntarily stationed their armies outside Hope District. Still, despite being stationed outside, they remained highly enthusiastic regarding military exchanges. Although the officers from the Eastern region nations had not fought many real wars, most of them were genuine top graduates from world-famous military academies.

That much was undeniable. Especially Hizuru, while relying on its commercial advantages to vigorously develop its economy, had never once considered abandoning military development. They had consciously cultivated large numbers of outstanding officers and soldiers.

For example, in Hizuru, even becoming the most basic Squad Leader-level officer required graduation from a military academy. The requirements for higher-ranking officers were even stricter. One could say that Eastern region students from elite military academies might not necessarily become generals, but every Eastern region general was definitely a graduate of a top military academy.

"Airi-chan, long time no see!" Before Airi could react, Pieck had already rushed forward and given her a huge hug.

The sudden action completely stunned Airi. She blankly stared at the chains on Pieck and Porco's hands.

The chain was only a short segment, welded onto an iron ring. Both Pieck and Porco wore one around their right wrists.

Was that... a shackle?

No, that didn't seem right either. It wasn't actually restraining anything. And more importantly, why were Pieck and Porco freely wandering around inside the military camp of Paradis Island?

Airi's mind was filled with confusion.

That's right. Pieck and Porco were casually strolling all over this camp filled with Paradis Island New Army soldiers. According to Airi's thinking, for two famous veteran Marleyan Titan Warriors like them, even if Boss Yago didn't intend to kill them and seize their Titan powers, he should at least keep them under strict supervision, right?

So why were they allowed to roam around freely?

Moreover, the surrounding Paradis Island soldiers all treated the two of them as if they were invisible, as though they had already grown accustomed to seeing them.

These were Titan Warriors!

If they suddenly went berserk without warning, the consequences would be unimaginable!

However, Airi's worries were entirely unnecessary.

In unnoticed corners nearby, two or three figures stood silently in the shadows. They were fully equipped with Vertical Maneuvering Equipment, Thunder Spears already prepared to launch, while several pairs of dark eyes concealed terrifying killing intent beneath their calmness.

The instant Pieck or Porco showed the slightest abnormal movement, the Ackerman squad secretly assigned by Yago would strike immediately, severing their limbs. Leaving them with a single breath of life would be enough. Titan spinal fluid had also been prepared in advance, ready to strip them of their Titan powers at any moment.

Of course, that was only the last resort.

The iron rings on Pieck and Porco's hands represented the bottom line.

Ordinary shackles naturally could not restrain a Titan Warrior. However, these iron rings were not meant to control them. They were a symbol.

Just like the armbands Marley once forced Eldians to wear, these iron rings symbolized Pieck and Porco's opportunity for redemption and atonement.

Although confused, Airi had at least worked together with Pieck and Porco for a period of time before. Coupled with Pieck intentionally trying to make conversation, the three of them chatted quite a lot.

Porco remained silent beside them, but he listened exceptionally attentively to everything Airi described about the Marleyan capital—or rather, the current Hope District. He practically wished he could perk up his ears even more.

After hearing Airi's descriptions, a strange light flashed through Pieck's eyes.

So Eldians could actually live such simple yet happy lives?

Suddenly, an intense feeling surged within Pieck's heart.

She wanted to go home and take a look.

She wanted to see her father.

She wanted to know how her family was doing.

And Pieck was not the only one who felt this way. Porco felt the same.

However, leaving the military camp was easier said than done.

Pieck was no fool. She was very intelligent. Although Yago allowed them to wander around within the Paradis Island camp, Pieck was certain that someone was secretly monitoring them. The moment they showed even the slightest intention of escaping or causing trouble, their end would definitely be ugly.

Still, it wasn't entirely hopeless.

Pieck suddenly looked toward Airi with hopeful eyes.

The way Pieck stared at her made Airi feel a little uneasy.

"Airi-chan, I want to ask you for a favor. Please, you have to help me. Please!"

In the blink of an eye, mist gathered in Pieck's large eyes as she pitifully grabbed Airi's shoulders and begged.

"Ah! Don't do this! Let go first! Let go! I just washed these clothes yesterday! Snot! There's snot on it!!"

...

After packing up his simple luggage, there really wasn't much.

A small suitcase contained a few spare clothes, some daily necessities, and a family portrait.

Koris took a deep breath, turned around, waved goodbye to his family, and walked out of the house.

His mother's sobbing still seemed to echo in his ears.

His father's furious roaring was equally vivid.

Even his younger sister could not understand him.

"That's the Eldians' war! Why are you getting involved? Don't forget who you are! You're a Marleyan, and a Marleyan soldier at that! And now you're telling me you want to help the Eldians fight? You bastard!"

Last night, after Koris declared that he wanted to join and help the Eldian Revival Army, his father—a hot-tempered Marleyan veteran—had nearly flipped the dining table over. His furious roar had practically shattered Koris's eardrums.

His mother had tearfully tried to persuade him otherwise, and his younger sister had looked at him with strange eyes.

But Koris's resolve never wavered.

He had lived on Paradis Island before.

He had lived alongside Eldians.

He knew that the so-called title of "devils" had always been meaningless.

He wasn't doing this for any grand reason.

He simply wanted to follow the decision in his heart.

And so, on this bright and beautiful morning, Koris left without hesitation.

He waved behind him once more.

He did not know whether his family saw his farewell.

But he did not regret it.

(If anyone has forgotten Koris's identity due to the long passage of time, you may revisit Chapters 76 and 161.)