As Eren and the group return to the village, Erich, Carla, and Fay arrive back from their exploration of Shiganshina. Observing Armin and the others waiting nearby, Aya's surprise and anger are palpable.

"They found out where we are?" Aya questions, her tone a mixture of shock and frustration.

Gloria confesses, "I'm sorry for not mentioning earlier. About a week ago, they discovered our location and attempted to interrogate me."

"And you didn't divulge anything to them?" Eren inquires.

"Only details about my past and your reluctance to engage with them. Nothing significant," Gloria clarifies.

"Understood. Clearly, they're here to observe our activities, but it holds no importance for us," Eren comments. "Gloria, Aya, could you update Peter and the others?"

"Of course. What about the children?" Aya inquires.

"I believe they should also be informed of the truth," Eren decides.

Once gathered at the plaza's table, Katrina notices the group's somber mood. Concerned, she questions, "What's the matter? You all seem rather down."

Eren responds, "Historia's daughter, Ymir, had a fever earlier today, so we rushed back from the Reiss Farm."

"Ymir was sick? We should have visited too," Fay expresses her concern.

"Don't worry, she's recovered now. But it wasn't an ordinary fever," Aya interjects. "The Founding Titan, Ymir Fritz, residing within her, has awakened and showed us a vision."

"A vision? Similar to the one you had about the Rumbling four years before it happened?" Erich seeks clarification.

"Yes, it appears that despite our efforts to aid in their recovery, the nations outside the world are plotting to attack Paradis Island. They seem unwilling to let go of the fear from the Rumbling and are waiting for an opportunity to destroy us," Eren explains.

"Does this mean there's no hope for us?" Laura asks, her voice tinged with fear.

Meanwhile, Armin and the others overhear the conversation. Armin interjects, "So, our negotiations failed?"

"It can't be... We had seen progress in our interactions with other nations..." Connie expresses disbelief.

"It's clear they're deceiving us," Annie remarks bitterly. "Their disdain for us as Eldians persists, even though Titans are no longer a threat."

Peter contemplates for a moment before asking, "What's the plan of action then?"

"It seems it's time for the 'devils' to return to protect the island," Eren declares. "As the 'devil' known as the Attack Titan, Eren Yeager, I'll ensure that the island remains safe from the threats posed by other nations."

"Does that imply we'll revert from Kruger back to Yeager?" Fay inquires.

"No, Fay. Both of you remain Krugers, despite sharing the Yeager name with me. What I mean is that the power of the Titans shall resurface," Eren clarifies.

"The power of Titans? Are you serious?" Odom questions, a mix of disbelief and surprise in his voice. "I thought they were lost forever..."

"They were believed to be lost forever, until we had that vision and received these crystals from Founder Ymir," Eren explains, revealing four different colored crystals. "These are Titan crystals. If consumed, they grant the power of that Titan until the end of one's life. Gloria, Aya, Jean, and I consumed four of them, making us Titan shifters now."

The revelation leaves the others stunned. Peter speaks up, "You four are Titan shifters? But what about the curse? Won't you face death within 13 years again?"

"The curse has been lifted, and the Titan powers will pass on after our deaths," Gloria assures. "As for the remaining four crystals, we plan to use them to revive four more individuals who will assist us."

"You have that capability too?" Katrina asks, surprised.

"Yes, and that's why we're sharing this information with all of you," Aya responds. "We intend to resurrect four more individuals who will aid in protecting the island using the Titan powers."

Erich exclaims, "That's incredible, Papa! Can I see your Titan form?"

Eren nods, sighing slightly. "Alright, come with me."

He swiftly stows the crystals away and leads them to an unoccupied area in the forest. There, he bites into his hand, a surge of lightning crackles, and Eren transforms into a towering Titan.

"Wow!" The children cheer in amazement, watching Eren's Titan form in awe.

"That's Eren's Titan," Katrina remarks.

"It's been some time since I've seen this," Gloria adds, nostalgia in her voice.

At the same time, Armin and the others are left astounded by what they've witnessed. "Eren... he still possesses Titan abilities?"

"This isn't good, but at least he won't initiate the Rumbling again," Reiner remarks.

As Eren reverts from his Titan form, Fay excitedly asks, "That was amazing, Papa! Can we become Titans too?"

"Unfortunately, that's not possible," Eren replies. "You don't require Titan powers to become stronger. We've already chosen four individuals to be revived and inherit the new Titans to aid Eldia."

"So, how do we bring them back?" Wade inquires.

Eren raises his hand, and suddenly, they find themselves in the paths. Carla hesitantly murmurs, "W-where are we?"

Mikasa explains, "This is the Paths. Only Eldians can access this place."

"Yes, and it's where we're revived. Using the sand here to form bodies, we'll create four bodies to revive four individuals. Erwin Smith, Petra Ral, Sasha Blouse, and Akira Neumann."

The revelation leaves those unfamiliar with the concept in a state of surprise, prompting Katrina to ask, "We're going to create bodies from sand here? Some of us have never met them before. How do we even shape them?"

Eren replies, "That's a good question. I can provide their height and weight, and then you can work on creating two female bodies and two male bodies. Those who know them can help in crafting their faces."

"So, it's like crafting sand sculptures, but we're making bodies? That sounds incredible!" Laura exclaims.

"But what happens to the outside world while we're here?" Fay inquires.

"Time in the paths doesn't follow the same flow as outside. Remember when I initiated the Rumbling? It was a pivotal moment, yet when I entered here, everything paused," Eren explains, seeking confirmation from Jean and Mikasa, who affirm his statement. "Before the Rumbling began, while Zeke was trying to influence my decisions by accessing our father's memories, and when I ultimately entrusted the Founding Titan to my old man, all that unfolded within a single second. So once we're done here, time will resume in the outside world."

"Wow..." The children express their amazement as they begin crafting the bodies. Simultaneously, they're eager to ask questions about the four individuals whose forms they're constructing.

Eren explains, "Commander Erwin Smith, he was a commander in the Survey Corps and a pivotal figure in aiding my sister's ascent to the throne. He was fiercely dedicated to regaining what Marley had taken from us and uncovering the secrets within my father's basement. Despite his outward devotion to our cause, there was a selfishness in him driven by the desire to prove his father's theory correct."

"What was his father's theory about?" Peter inquires.

"His father was a teacher who knew about the truth of life beyond the walls. During an era when exploring outside was forbidden, Erwin inadvertently led to his father's death when he shared his father's theories. The Military Police caught wind of it," Eren reveals.

Mikasa and Jean express surprise at Eren's knowledge of Erwin's past. Mikasa asks, "How did you come to know all this about Commander Erwin?"

"He confided in me during a crucial moment in my hardening training," Eren admits, looking at Mikasa with a somber expression. "However, despite his determination, he never got to prove his father's theory right. His life was tragically cut short... by my brother and..." He trails off, acknowledging Mikasa's involvement with a pained look. ...us."

Gloria inquires, "What do you mean by you?"

Aya explains, "During a mission where they faced the Beast Titan, Erwin led a group of new soldiers who faced heavy casualties. My brother was among those lost. The only survivor, Floch, pleaded for the Titan Serum, as both Erwin and Armin were on the brink of death. With only one dose of serum available, there was a conflict between choosing Erwin or Armin."

Jean interjects, "It was a tough choice. Erwin was the logical option due to his leadership and strategic prowess, but Armin, our friend, was also severely injured. In the end, Armin received the Colossal Titan power, even though Erwin seemed the more suitable candidate."

Eren adds, "Armin's survival mattered to us then. Though it led to consequences, like the spill of our secret to Reiner and others, I don't regret saving him. Now, however, we're rectifying the situation by ensuring Commander Erwin gains the Colossal Titan."

"And as for Sasha and my brother, they will be inheriting the Beast and Jaw Titans respectively," Aya explains. "Sasha's stories are well-known among us, as is Akira's journey."

Jean raises concerns, "Wait, are you sure Akira can handle the Jaw Titan? I recall his initial hesitation to join the Survey Corps. He opted for the Garrison until the events of Trost and Commander Erwin's speech, after which he rejoined the Survey Corps."

Aya defends Akira, saying, "He joined the Garrison initially after hearing about our parents' death. It's true he didn't jump into the Survey Corps right away like my dad, but that doesn't make him a coward."

Eren adds, "Indeed, he's far from it. During the chaos of our first meal with meat after joining the Survey Corps, I had a chance to talk with him."

Jean nods in agreement, recalling the chaotic moment and his altercation with Eren, resolved only when Captain Levi intervened with a series of kicks and punches. "Akira, he was very supportive of reclaiming my hometown. He often spoke about his sister's desire to meet me. It was truly heart-wrenching when we learned about his demise," Eren recalls.

Aya adds sympathetically, "You shouldn't blame yourself, Eren. I've mentioned this to you countless times."

Gloria inquires, "And what about this Petra? Since only you know what she looks like."

"She served in the same squad as me, possibly alongside Aya's father. However, she met her end at the hands of Annie during the 57th expedition," Eren recounts. "That mission aimed to uncover the true identity of the Female Titan. This particular Titan possesses the ability to emit a cry that attracts and gathers all nearby Titans."

Aya interjects, "That ability won't serve much purpose now that there aren't any pure Titans around."

"When it was believed that Petra was killed, she miraculously survived and tracked down our location. Unfortunately, she was unable to save anyone from the Levi Squad. They underestimated the Female Titan, and their lives were tragically lost. That experience contributed to my growing distrust of military decisions. If only I hadn't followed their orders blindly, perhaps they might have had a chance to survive," Eren laments.

Eren continues, "So, those are the stories behind all four of them. Aya will inherit the Female Titan, Jean will hold the Armored Titan, and Gloria will possess the War Hammer Titan. That's the lineup for all of us."

As Eren finishes recounting the stories, everyone's expression shifts, their brows furrowed in deep contemplation. An air of somber reflection fills the space before they collectively return to their task of crafting bodies for the Titan Powers waiting for them.

"Welcome to the latest chapter! In this segment, the characters are constructing the bodies of deceased Survey Corps members using Titan powers. I hope you enjoy this chapter.