Chapter 97: Chapter 96 The Beast’s Tactic
Ryo knew that this was no ordinary Titan. This strange species was far more powerful than others, which made it the perfect choice for the one controlling it. Its speed, strength, and adaptability were far superior to standard Titans, making it a true challenge to defeat.
If not for Ryo's intervention, the Left Wing of the Survey Corps would have already fallen, and the surrounding Titans would have closed in. Even if the surviving soldiers sought refuge in the forest, they'd eventually run out of supplies, and the Titans would strike again with devastating results.
Ryo's instincts told him that this Titan wasn't acting on its own. Its calculated moves hinted at a manipulator, most likely the Beast Titan. The idea sent a chill through him—if the Beast Titan could coordinate such cunning tactics, the danger to humanity was immeasurable.
Yet, there was no time to dwell on this. Ryo had to focus on the immediate threat before him.
"You're guarding your neck to avoid getting killed? Clever," Ryo muttered under his breath, a smirk forming on his lips. "But you're underestimating me."
He darted onto the Titan's massive shoulder as its left hand swiped toward him. Ryo had been anticipating this move, and with precise timing, he dashed toward the Titan's right arm instead.
**Swish!**
The dual blades in his hands gleamed as they slashed through the Titan's flesh, leaving deep wounds on its right arm. Blood spurted out in steaming torrents, veiling the battlefield in a hot mist.
From the distance, the Survey Corps soldiers looked on in confusion.
"What's he doing?" one soldier exclaimed. "Why isn't he going for the nape?!"
"Doesn't he know that's the only way to kill it?" another cried out, their voice laced with panic.
Captain Hanji, standing alongside Levi, shook her head. "He's not reckless. He must have a plan."
Levi's sharp eyes narrowed as he analyzed the scene. "The Titan's movements are a trap. Ryo saw that. He's targeting the arm to disrupt its attacks."
The steaming blood obstructed the Titan's vision and dulled its movements, but it also created an unexpected advantage for Ryo. The Beast Titan, controlling this monstrosity from afar, couldn't see Ryo clearly through the mist. The Titan's sensory system was crude, and without the ability to feel pain, its reactions were delayed.
Ryo, meanwhile, continued his assault, slashing relentlessly at the Titan's right arm. He wasn't aiming to kill—yet. His strikes were calculated, focused on disabling the Titan's joints to render its arm useless.
The Beast Titan, observing from the shadows, grew agitated. It realized Ryo's intent and knew it had to act fast. Controlling a Titan from such a distance was already challenging, and with Ryo exploiting its blind spots, the Beast Titan was quickly losing its edge.
Then, it made its move.
The abnormal Titan suddenly dropped to the ground and began rolling.
**Boom! Boom! Boom!**
Its massive body tumbled forward, crushing everything in its path. The ground trembled under the weight of the 13-meter giant as it rolled with astonishing speed.
Ryo's eyes widened in realization. "It's trying to crush me!"
From a distance, Levi's normally stoic face betrayed a flicker of alarm. "Damn it, that thing's rolling like a boulder. Ryo won't have time to move out of the way!"
The Titan's rolling maneuver wasn't just destructive—it was strategic. By lowering itself, it eliminated potential anchor points for Ryo's maneuvering gear, drastically reducing his mobility. And with each roll covering at least ten meters, escape seemed nearly impossible.
Ryo gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't retreat now. If he failed to stop this Titan, the entire Left Wing would be wiped out.
"Think, Ryo. There has to be a way…"
As the Titan barreled toward him, Ryo's lips curled into a determined grin. He wasn't done yet.
"Let's see if you can keep up!" he shouted, launching himself into action.