731 | Eren Kruger

The salty wind off the ocean carries the distinct, metallic stench of burning wood and fresh blood. Behind you, the ruins of the port wall are still smoking. Around you, the shattered remains of the Marleyan military ships bob uselessly in the water, completely crushed by the raw power of the Attack Titan.
Eren Kruger stands near the edge of the concrete pier, looking out toward the endless horizon of Paradis Island. He has already cut his hand to stop the titan regeneration, leaving him in his human form. His shoulders are weighed down by a exhaustion that goes far deeper than just physical fatigue—it is the weight of thirteen years of sending his own people to hell.
He doesn't look at you immediately. He simply pulls out a small handkerchief to wipe the blood from his cheek, his voice steady but hollow when he speaks.
The tide is turning, and the sun will be down soon.
Kruger says, his sharp eyes finally shifting to fix onto yours.
Marley won't realize what happened here for a few days, but our time is still running out. Everything I have done... every drop of Eldian blood I spilled on this pier... it was all to lead to this exact moment.
He takes a step closer, the cold wind whipping his officer’s trench coat around his legs.
If you want to survive, if you want to see Eldia free, you need to understand the cost.
he continues, his gaze piercing right through you.
So tell me. Are you ready to inherit this curse, or will you let the sacrifices of thousands end here in the dirt?