Mainland Region — South of Wall Maria
"The buildings are incredibly extravagant… You can tell the former rulers here lived for comfort."
Studying the rebuilt mainland districts with an expression that mixed surprise and curiosity, Yelena couldn't help commenting aloud. After spending several days traveling across Paradis Island, witnessing its mix of resilience and backwardness, the stark contrast of these redeveloped districts left her quietly impressed.
Now that she had made her decision—full willingness to cooperate with Lock—she would not simply return to Marley immediately. A formal inspection was essential. Only after understanding Paradis Island's current status could she properly organize the correct technical personnel, plan resource allocations, and begin meaningful technological support. Blindly transferring foreign equipment to an unprepared nation would be disastrous.
Traveling north from the recovered Shiganshina District, Yelena witnessed more than she expected—a resilient people, capable soldiers, and civilians who had thrown themselves wholeheartedly into reconstruction. The simplicity of life inside the walls and the raw earnestness of the workers filled her with both admiration and concern. For all its courage, Paradis Island was far behind the outside world.
Had the power of the Titans not existed, this secluded island would have been swallowed by Marley generations ago.
Hearing her words, Lock chuckled faintly.
"Why? Are you implying I don't know how to enjoy life?"
Yelena shook her head, grinning.
"You're not that type of person, Lock. Even without knowing you long, anyone can see that."
The reply genuinely surprised Lock, though he let it slip by with only a small smile.
"Well, whether I enjoy anything or not, you should have a clearer picture of us now. Come—there's something else I want to show you."
"What sort of thing?" Yelena's curiosity rekindled instantly.
"You'll know when we get there," Lock answered, then exchanged a glance with Erwin Smith.
Erwin broke away from the group. Matters regarding long-term cooperation, foreign power-balancing, and national security needed to be discussed with Zachary, whose calculating mind and political instincts were unmatched within the walls.
After all, no matter how sincere the Volunteers seemed, Paradis Island could never allow an external group—especially one as experienced and resourceful as Yelena's—to grow unchecked within its borders. The regime needed their help, not a shadow government developing behind their backs. Necessary safeguards were essential.
Lock led Yelena and her escorts toward the heart of Paradis Island's rising scientific center—Hanji's research division.
Even before entering the main grounds, the rapid shift in atmosphere struck them. If the rest of the island had shown backward infrastructure, poor tools, and rebuilding efforts, this place was another world entirely.
Steam hissed. Metal clanged. Testers shouted to one another as equipment was hauled, assembled, or disassembled. Engineers scribbled on papers. Heavy tracks rattled across the compound as prototypes were moved.
Yelena stopped in her tracks, stunned.
"This… This is Paradis Island?!"
Steam locomotives puffed across a small track loop as field testers calibrated their performance. On another platform, a mobile artillery prototype fired a short burst at reinforced targets in the distance. Nearby, ODM technicians demonstrated a new harness intended to work with steam-powered equipment. The entire facility thrummed with overwhelming, unrestrained ambition.
"It's unbelievable," Yelena murmured. "I thought Paradis Island's technology barely compared to Marley's poorest colonies. I… might owe you an apology, Lock. My assumptions were far too shallow."
Lock remained calm, but pride flickered in his expression.
"We understand perfectly well that Titan power alone won't protect Paradis Island forever," he said. "Technology grows. Nations evolve. And one day, someone will create a weapon that can kill any Titan with ease. If we remained stagnant, our annihilation would only be a matter of time."
He walked slowly as he spoke, letting Yelena absorb the sights around them.
"So the first thing I did after stabilizing the government was reorganize all scientific personnel under one banner. We restructured the research division, consolidated resources, and pushed everything into development. Steam engines. Transportation. New weapons. Utilities. Education. Information circulation."
He glanced at her.
"All of this progress was achieved in just half a year."
Yelena could not hide her astonishment.
"Half a year…? That's… impossible."
"Not impossible," Lock said softly. "Just necessary."
He continued:
"Of course, Paradis Island is still far behind Marley. We're centuries behind in some fields. That's why your help is essential. But we're no longer crawling in the dark—now we're sprinting."
Yelena's previously stoic demeanor cracked. Awe replaced doubt, and admiration replaced caution. She had underestimated Lock. Not just his strength—but his mind.
And his vision.
This boy… no, this leader—could genuinely reshape the future.
When it came to long-term national evolution, Lock was not merely thinking about Titans. He was thinking about society itself. The worldview of the people. The intellectual base. Education. Open thought. Scientific literacy. The kind of transformation that took generations.
He was accelerating it in months.
This level of foresight was terrifying… and inspiring.
"Lock," she said quietly, "you truly carry the weight of a nation on your shoulders. I can see now why Zeke spoke of you with such guarded respect."
Before Lock could respond, an energetic voice pierced through the air.
"LOCK! You're finally here!"
Hanji Zoe came barreling toward them, lab coat flapping wildly, goggles perched crookedly on her forehead.
"Come look at this! Look! The new steam engine prototype is functioning. The framework is stable. The efficiency is far superior to the older model! We're going to change the world!"
Lock pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You're getting older, Hanji. How are you still this excitable?"
Hanji puffed her cheeks indignantly.
"Hey! Don't ruin my moment! This research is revolutionary!"
Then she noticed Yelena and the others. Her eyes widened—and brightened dangerously.
"These must be the specialists from outside the walls! The ones you said were coming!"
"Yes, Hanji," Lock affirmed. "You're free to exchange research with them. Their technological base is much more advanced than ours."
Hanji's grin grew unnervingly wide.
"Oh, excellent."
As soon as she approached, Yelena's escorts—battle-hardened, stoic soldiers—took a collective step back. No Titan had ever made them retreat, but the manic enthusiasm of Hanji Zoe apparently succeeded.
Lock gave an apologetic sigh.
"She doesn't always have people to collaborate with. Don't mind her."
Yelena forced a smile.
"No, she's… charming. Truly."
But as Hanji grabbed two of Yelena's engineers by the wrists and dragged them toward a nearby test bench, their horrified expressions said otherwise.
Lock exhaled softly, watching the chaos unfold.
The alliance had officially begun.
And there was no turning back.
---
A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San