In the heart of a hidden chamber, Eren stood before a sight that left him both fearful and in awe.
It was a sight he knew would haunt his memory for years to come, imprinted with the dreadful grandeur of the past. There, encased within a massive ice slab, lay the lifeless remains of a Titan—the very same creature slain by Shallot Lancelot.
The ice slab, a product of Shallot's formidable elemental magic, had preserved the Titan's corpse through the ages with the aid of intricate runic arrays. House Lancelot, recognizing the significance of this fallen behemoth, had entrusted a dedicated team of Rankers to ensure the preservation of the corpse. Thanks to the runic array that maintained Shallot's elemental magic at all times, the corpse remained flawless, keeping the Titan's dreadful form intact.
Frozen in time, the Titan's dead body appeared more menacing and dangerous than ever. The ice, like a transparent veil, offered a chilling glimpse of the creature's immense size and terrifying features. Though standing at an impressive 90 meters in length, Eren was aware that there were Titans even larger than this one within Eliza's domain, but that did little to quell the overwhelming sense of trepidation that washed over him.
The Titan had a human-like face for the most part. However, it had horn-like protrusions above his forehead. It seemed that Shallot's blows had landed on his face as well which mangled his flesh, resulting in his face looking dreadful.
The Titan's arms were massive, resembling boulders with bulging muscles and raw power. The legs, too, were like towering pillars, supporting the colossal weight of the creature. Clad in sturdy armor, the Titan exuded an aura of invincibility.
In the face of such immense strength and resilience, Eren couldn't help but marvel at the bravery and skill of the Titan Slayers who had faced these walking calamities. The mere thought of witnessing one of those legendary battles ignited a fiery desire within him. He pondered what extraordinary feats and techniques the Titan Slayers must have employed to bring down such behemoths.
The visage of the Titan, marred by Shallot's fateful strikes, etched a grim image in Eren's mind. The creature possessed a partially human-like face, adorned with horn-like protrusions above its forehead. Shallot's blows had disfigured its flesh, leaving behind a dreadful countenance. The Titan's eyes, a target of the Titan Slayers' strategic strikes, were now shrouded in darkness, their true nature hidden from view.
As Eren continued to gaze upon the frozen behemoth, a mix of emotions swirled within him. While fear coursed through his veins, there was also a fascination with the Titan's immense power and the secrets it held. Titans were said to be guardians of ancient times, beings whose existence predated the civilization found in Anfang. The mere presence of a Titan was enough to make mortals question their own fragility and the might of the ancient world.
Eren was well aware of the tactics employed by the Titan Slayers of the Calamity Era. They had developed a standard protocol to confront these towering adversaries, and it involved strategically targeting specific areas of the Titans' bodies. In particular, their focus was on the creatures' eyes and the back of their legs, aiming to hinder their movements and neutralize their threats effectively. It also helped the Titan Slayers reduce the damage potential of Titans.
As Eren observed the frozen Titan before him, it became evident that Shallot had executed the strategy with precision. The creature's missing eyes were a testament to the calculated strikes.
As Eren's gaze swept over the frozen Titan, he couldn't help but notice a massive open wound on its left wrist. The size and nature of the wound were distinct enough to set it apart from the injuries inflicted by human-sized Rankers or their spells. It became evident to Eren that this was a self-inflicted wound, a grievous act committed by the Titan himself.
His mind quickly connected the dots, understanding the significance of the wound. Shallot Lancelot had wielded the power of the Elder Seed Artifact against the Titan during their fierce battle. Utilizing the mirror's mysterious and potent abilities, she had reflected her will upon the towering creature, compelling him to harm his own body. This unexpected tactic had given Shallot a decisive advantage, making it easier for her to ultimately defeat the formidable Titan.
Eren's preconceived notions about Titans were challenged as he examined the armor adorning the frozen Titan. The tales and legends he had heard had portrayed Titans as nearly indestructible and overwhelmingly dense creatures. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that his assumptions had been misplaced.
The armor encasing the Titan's body was made from an unconventional material, resembling a fusion of leather and wood. Surprisingly, this unique combination allowed the Titan to wear it with ease while still providing formidable defensive capabilities. Eren couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the ingenuity behind the creation of this armor. From a headgear, main armor covering the torso, arm and leg bracer to strong and sturdy gauntlets, the dead Titan seemed to be displaying the ingenuity of his race with pride.
The tattered and broken state of the Titan's armor painted a vivid picture of the brutal and grueling battle he had endured against Shallot. The scars of the conflict were evident, with countless lacerations, cuts, and bruises marring his massive form. The sight of his blackened and coagulated blood around these wounds was a testament to the intense suffering he had endured.
Despite the Titan's pitiable appearance, no one dared to extend any sympathy towards him. The imposing and fearsome aura that surrounded the creature, even in death, reminded all who beheld him of the catastrophic destruction he had once been capable of. It was a somber reminder of the power and peril that Titans represented, serving as a stark contrast to the admiration and awe reserved for the likes of Shallot Lancelot, the legendary Titan Slayer.
A spark of excitement surged through Eren as he imagined the epic clash between Titans and their intrepid adversaries. If given the chance, he would have gladly parted with a considerable portion of his vast wealth just to witness the ancient confrontations. The spectacle of Titans battling against the skilled and determined Titan Slayers was a tale he longed to witness, and his mind was filled with wonder and curiosity at the thought of such historic encounters.
Avalon, who stood by Eren's side, observed the young man closely. He knew all too well the overwhelming emotions that encountering a Titan evoked, having experienced it himself in the past.
Avalon's voice resonated in the grand chamber as he recounted the legend of Shallot Lancelot, the ancestor of his clan, who had faced and slain the young Titan before them. He emphasized that what they saw was only a glimpse of a Titan's true potential.
"These Titans are believed to be the very creation of gods," Avalon continued, his tone filled with reverence and awe. "Their veins are said to flow with divine blood, granting them extraordinary powers from the moment they come into existence. Some ancient records even refer to them as angels of destruction, divine beings destined to bring chaos to the worlds they tread upon."
Piper listened intently, captivated by the history unfolding before him. His initial trembles had ceased, replaced by fascination and a glint of greed that flickered in his eyes. As Avalon delved deeper into the tale, Eren's mind raced, contemplating the possibility of claiming the Titan's corpse for himself. Yet, he knew better than to reveal his intentions before Avalon in any form.
Avalon took the time to carefully explain the history of Anfang and the onset of the Calamity Era, providing crucial details to help Piper comprehend the events that had unfolded in the past. Eren noticed, however, that Avalon seemed to downplay the contribution of the half-bloods during that tumultuous period. The omission of Eliza Samael's feats in particular did not escape Eren's notice.
Despite this, Eren chose not to challenge Avalon's narrative. He understood that the Anfang Alliance, as the victor of the Calamity Era, had shaped history in a way that suited their interests. It was only natural for Avalon to adhere to the established script set forth by his superiors.
Avalon meticulously recounted the past, sharing some new details with Eren. The latter listened intently while disregarding information that was already familiar to him.
Eren couldn't help but acknowledge that Avalon had played his cards well. The young talent Piper, who had received the kingdom's Title, was bound to uncover the true history of Anfang eventually. In their first meeting, Avalon saw an opportunity to provide Piper with what he perceived as lacking.
Avalon invited Piper to join his faction present within the Lancelot Guild in the end. Although Eren didn't reject Avalon's invitation outright, he wisely asked for a few months to contemplate the offer. Avalon readily agreed, showing understanding and patience.
However, Eren harbored no intention of allowing Ivor to join any faction within the Lancelot Guild. He had a clear agenda and timeline in mind. In just a matter of months, he planned to create upheaval within the city of Lancelot, causing tremors that would shake the very foundation of the domain.
When that fateful moment dawned, neither Leo nor Piper would be found within the borders of Lancelot. Like elusive specters, they would vanish without a trace, returning to the shadows from whence they came. At least that was the plan.
