Reiner had never imagined he would see Eren again in his life. Four years had passed, and both of them were vastly different people now. Eren was relieved that Reiner had returned home safely, but Reiner’s eyes held only endless fear and guilt.
Perhaps this was the time for him to face judgment. Meanwhile, Falco had no idea what was happening. Falco had heard they were old friends, so the two, meeting after such a long time, should have been surprised to see each other. However, Reiner's face was etched with terror.
Eren thanked Falco for bringing Reiner here. The two had many things to discuss but didn't know where to start. Eren invited Reiner to sit down, offering him a good seat from which they could clearly hear the sounds from the festival stage. Above them, on the upper floors, were half the audience.
Many residents were eagerly awaiting the start of the performance, even peering out from the windows, directly above them. At this moment, Falco noticed Eren's injured hand. Eren dismissed it as a mere scratch.
However, seeing this, Reiner was paralyzed with fear. Eren then commanded Reiner to sit down. Reiner, trembling slightly, slumped into the chair. Sensing the increasingly uneasy atmosphere, Falco prepared to leave, but Eren asked him to stay as well.
Falco was confused as to why he needed to stay. Reiner, hearing this, immediately gestured for Falco to comply. The festival's main address began with a cacophony of horns, while the two in the basement remained silent.
Reiner spoke first, asking Eren how he came to be here and why. Eren calmly retorted, "Don't you understand yet? Of course, it's the same as you. We have no choice." Hearing this, Reiner broke into a cold sweat, panicked. He desperately wished he never had to see this demon Eren again.
Meanwhile, Willy's speech commenced in grand fashion. Willy spoke with great emotion to the large audience, recounting the history of about 100 years ago. The Eldian Empire, using the power of the Titans, had controlled the world. Since the birth of Ymir Fritz, countless peoples and cultures had been destroyed by the power of the Titans.
The conquest of the world was the history of the Eldian Empire. However, without enemies, the Eldian Empire eventually disintegrated, devolving into infighting among its own people. This was the origin of the Great Titan War.
Eight families possessing Titans formed shifting alliances, fighting against each other. It was at this point that a Marleyan discovered an opportunity within this situation. He was the hero, Helos. Through cunning intelligence, Helos caused the Eldian Empire to weaken due to constant internal conflict. Later, he allied with the Tybur family, holders of the War Hammer Titan.
They defeated the seemingly invincible King Fritz and drove him to the island. Although the King retreated to the island, Paradis Island still possessed immense strength. Tens of thousands of Titans resided on that island, possessing the absolute power to level the world.
Marley had dispatched four Titans to scout Paradis Island, only to be brutally repelled. Only the Jaw Titan managed to return safely. For four years, 32 survey ships sent without interruption had all vanished without a trace. This undoubtedly proved that the dark Eldian Empire was still alive.
On the other side, Galliard and Pieck were led by a soldier to Captain Magath. However, Pieck immediately sensed something was off about the soldier, though she couldn't pinpoint what it was.
At this moment, Pieck encountered her squad. She greeted them enthusiastically. The soldier reprimanded Pieck for wasting time. The three proceeded to a secluded room, but it was empty, with no sign of Captain Magath. The two immediately sensed something was wrong, but the soldier quickly triggered a trap within the room.
Galliard and Pieck plummeted into the trap. Meanwhile, Falco, seeing Reiner's terrified expression, began to understand. Why was Reiner so afraid? Who was this Uncle Krueger? Weren't they old friends? Thinking of old friends, when was this "old" referring to? Four years ago? That would mean friends Reiner met on the island.
Falco suddenly felt a sense of dread. On the stage, Willy continued his speech, about to reveal the true history of the Great Titan War.
According to the inheritance passed down through the Tybur family, holders of the War Hammer Titan, the one who truly ended the Great Titan War and saved the world over 100 years ago was King Fritz.
To be precise, the 145th King Fritz, before inheriting the Founding Titan, lamented the brutal history of the Eldian Empire. More importantly, he was deeply pained by the constant oppression of Marley. Thus, upon inheriting the Founding Titan, he allied with the Tybur family to end the Great Titan War.
King Fritz and the Tybur family together fabricated the Marleyan hero Helos. After this, King Fritz led the majority of Eldians to migrate to the island. The King then built three colossal walls on the island, named after Ymir's three daughters. These were the origins of Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sheena.
King Fritz, to ensure his ideals were passed down to future generations, established the Vow of Renunciation of War. The Founding Titan possessed the absolute power to control all Titans, but this power could only be wielded by members of the royal family. However, the royal family was bound by the Vow of Renunciation of War. This was the reason why, to this day, no Titans had attacked Marley from the island. The one truly protecting the world was the terrifying King of the Walls.
King Fritz wished to enjoy a peaceful life within the walls in his final years. However, in recent years, a rebellion had broken out on Paradis Island. King Fritz's ideals of peace had been cast aside, and the Founding Titan had been seized by someone who was not a member of the royal family. Therefore, they were not bound by the Vow of Renunciation of War, and the world was once again facing crisis. The one who betrayed peace was named Eren Yeager.