Erwin turns a steady, clear gaze to Eren. It's at once piercing and veiled, his expression even. It seems almost an innocent, logical conclusion. Reiner and Zeke escaping along with the Cart Titan, taking the knowledge of what's happened back to their people likely means an even bigger retaliation. It would seem prudent, therefore, to be proactive, perhaps even to make a bigger move first. Yet there are too many variables, too many unknowns he hasn't had time yet to tease out.
But there's also something subtly...sinister, almost, about the suggestion, and the question that follows. Erwin isn't entirely sure if Eren intends it as manipulation, would ordinarily say that he wouldn't consider Eren capable of that sort of subtlety. But it sets something off in his mind, vibrating like a string being plucked. It's clear enough the answer Eren is hoping for, prodding at the idea that they should be doing something, and something significant, at that.
"Unfortunately, it's too early to say what they may or may not do next. They failed to completely eliminate us or capture you to bring back with them, so I expect their return will not be a pleasant one. We have gained much by finally obtaining the knowledge that your father left for us, but there is more yet we do not know, including what may have changed in the years since that time.
For now, I plan to focus on rebuilding our forces, and eliminating the remaining titans outside our walls. A frontal assault will be meaningless otherwise. And," he pauses, looking down at his right hand. Regrown. Healthy. Whole.
"Like you have done, I believe I should train myself in understanding this new power. That will take time, and require considerably more space."
5 years later sob
Erwin turns a steady, clear gaze to Eren. It's at once piercing and veiled, his expression even. It seems almost an innocent, logical conclusion. Reiner and Zeke escaping along with the Cart Titan, taking the knowledge of what's happened back to their people likely means an even bigger retaliation. It would seem prudent, therefore, to be proactive, perhaps even to make a bigger move first. Yet there are too many variables, too many unknowns he hasn't had time yet to tease out.
But there's also something subtly...sinister, almost, about the suggestion, and the question that follows. Erwin isn't entirely sure if Eren intends it as manipulation, would ordinarily say that he wouldn't consider Eren capable of that sort of subtlety. But it sets something off in his mind, vibrating like a string being plucked. It's clear enough the answer Eren is hoping for, prodding at the idea that they should be doing something, and something significant, at that.
"Unfortunately, it's too early to say what they may or may not do next. They failed to completely eliminate us or capture you to bring back with them, so I expect their return will not be a pleasant one. We have gained much by finally obtaining the knowledge that your father left for us, but there is more yet we do not know, including what may have changed in the years since that time.
For now, I plan to focus on rebuilding our forces, and eliminating the remaining titans outside our walls. A frontal assault will be meaningless otherwise. And," he pauses, looking down at his right hand. Regrown. Healthy. Whole.
"Like you have done, I believe I should train myself in understanding this new power. That will take time, and require considerably more space."