Hange's sacrifice undoubtedly plunged the already oppressive atmosphere to a new low. They had come to save people, only to witness a comrade fall before they could even achieve their objective. Meanwhile, Armin, inside the cockpit, worried about the aircraft's fuel. They only had enough time to fill half of it.
However, Onyankopon declared that he would definitely be able to fly the airship to Fort Salta. This airship was secured with Hange's life, and he would not let down everyone's hopes. Therefore, Onyankopon urged them to do everything they could to stop the Rumbling.
No matter the method, Armin immediately returned to the cabin to convene the final combat meeting.
Based on what Levi and Pieck had seen, the Founding Titan was likely that colossal skeleton.
Pieck mentioned that, generally, the main body would be at the neck of the head. However, if a similar method to the Warhammer Titan's was employed, then Eren's exact location remained unknown.
Despite not knowing Eren's precise position, given the destructive power of the colossal titans, they could definitely blast the entire skeleton away.
Armin understood that directly destroying the skeleton was the most effective method. However, this would only be considered after a conversation with Eren. If there was absolutely no other way to stop Eren, then he would resort to this final, violent measure.
Levi, on the other hand, proposed his own strategy. Since Eren could only exert the power of the Founding Titan through Zeke, stopping the Rumbling would be possible if Zeke were killed first.
While there was no definitive proof, Hange had deduced that the beast titan was likely hidden within that pile of bones.
Levi declared he would take care of Zeke himself, as he had yet to complete the mission given to him by Erwin Smith.
Jean, standing nearby, stated that he was willing to do anything to stop the Rumbling.
Connie then spoke with conviction, recounting how he had personally shot and killed Samuel and Daz, and even hacked at familiar faces, earning him the curses of his comrades as a traitor. Yet, he had to convince himself that it was for the sake of saving the world.
At this moment, Connie finally understood Reiner's torment. Hearing this, Reiner softly replied that it was an unforgivable sin.
Even if they saved the remaining humans, he would never forgive himself in this lifetime. However, at the very least, they had to save the remaining humans. Jean, standing beside him, finally understood Reiner's feelings.
Jean admitted he had no right to condemn Reiner, as he too had become a killer in the name of saving others. Reiner now felt he finally understood Eren's intentions, perhaps Eren wanted them to stop her.
Mikasa couldn't understand what Reiner was talking about. Reiner continued, musing, "Eren, he can influence all Titans and Eldians, why didn't he strip us of our Titan powers?"
Pieck immediately realized this was Eren deliberately letting them proceed. He was allowing the "Save the World" squad to act as if he were testing what they would do.
Reiner continued, "Eren must be suffering too. Killing humans isn't something an ordinary person can endure. If it were me, I'd rather just hand over the Founding Titan's power to someone else. If I couldn't, I'd wish someone could end it all for me."
Mikasa was lost in thought upon hearing this. However, the next moment, they found themselves in a passageway again. They suddenly realized that Eren had been eavesdropping on their conversation the entire time. Seeing this, Armin quickly shouted Eren's name.
Armin pleaded with Eren, "Stop this, please! Mikasa is out there."
Jean and Connie also cried out, "Don't keep slaughtering anymore! Let us figure out the rest."
Levi angrily stated, "Stop now, and I'll forgive you after I kick you a few times."
Mikasa also asked Eren to come back with a wry smile, but there was only silence all around, no reaction.
However, the next moment, Eren's voice echoed in their ears, "The Rumbling will not stop. I will not let fate decide Paradis Island's future. I will keep moving forward."
The group was stunned. Levi immediately spotted a figure standing at a distant coordinate, and it was the childhood Eren.
They all rushed towards Eren's direction. But Eren's voice continued to coldly address them, "For the sake of freedom, I will take the world's freedom."
"But I will not take anything from you. Because you are free. It is your freedom to want to protect the world. It is my freedom to keep moving forward."
"As long as we don't abandon our convictions, we will inevitably come into conflict."
"There is only one thing we must do, and that is to 'Tatakae,' to constantly 'Tatakae.'"
Armin looked at Eren's cold expression in disbelief. "Then, Eren, why did you bring everyone here?"
Eren coldly replied, "I'm here to tell you that there's no need for dialogue. If you want to stop me, then try to kill me. You are free."
With that, the group was immediately sent back to the real world by Eren.
Now, it seemed Reiner's prediction had come true. The hope for negotiation had been shattered. Only the final, violent option remained. Although reluctant, they had no choice but to proceed.