In his modest yet efficiently organized office within the Survey Corps headquarters, Erwin Smith sat at his desk, surrounded by maps and stacks of paperwork that threatened to overtake the space. The light from a solitary lamp cast shadows across the room, highlighting the furrowed brow and intense gaze that spoke volumes about the weight of his thoughts. His pen danced methodically across the pages, filling them with meticulously crafted reports detailing the latest reconnaissance missions and troop deployments. Despite the early hour, fatigue seemed a distant concept to him, his mind ablaze with strategy and analysis.
After dawn had broken well into the morning, with a heavy exhale, he pushed away from his desk, standing up and stretching. Erwin left his office and strode down the corridors of headquarters, the early morning light filtering in through the windows, casting a warm glow on his sharp features. His posture was erect, his uniform impeccable, and his hair combed neatly into a side part, but his usual severe eyes had a glimmer of intrigue, of curiosity in them. He had received a report from Captain Ackerman that morning indicating that some of the scouts had encountered someone outside the walls the previous night and had brought them to the headquarters and a guest room that same night.
Finding someone outside the walls was unheard of until now. He pondered whether it could have been a civilian who had somehow found themselves out there or if it was truly someone from outside the walls. Either way, how did they survive out there? Erwin felt compelled to discover the truth. Whether he had to interrogate this person or take a more gentle approach, he would get his answers. He turned a corner, heading toward where the more private guest quarters were located. Approaching the room, Erwin slowed until he stilled. He reached up, fixing his golden blonde locks before knocking on the door to the room.
