Chapter 227 226

The wind from the sea swept across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of salt and distant storms. Below, the vast construction site of the northern bay spread across the shoreline—rows of temporary wooden structures, organized supply depots, stone foundations, and watchtower frames rising like skeletal silhouettes. Workers moved like steady streams of ants, hauling lumber, driving stakes, digging trenches, and shaping the first true port Paradis Island had ever attempted to build.

Standing near the cliff's edge, Lock watched it all in silence, arms folded, hair shifting slightly in the breeze. Footsteps approached from behind.

Erwin, who had just finished inspecting the newly raised coastal defenses, exhaled deeply. His eyes, reflecting the sweeping vista of the ocean and the relentless movement of the people below, filled with satisfaction—and something warmer.

"The development here is remarkable," Erwin said, unable to conceal the emotion in his voice. "We've finally reached the point where this land is no longer just theory on an old map. If this continues, I believe our first seaport will be completed far sooner than expected. When that day comes…"

He paused, looking at Lock.

"…Paradis will enter a new era. A true turning point."

Lock smiled faintly, not deflecting the praise but not basking in it either.

"This isn't my achievement alone," he replied. "Without your backing, I'd probably still be a squad leader right now—or on trial in front of a military court."

It wasn't a joke. It was the truth.

Lock remembered clearly how everything could have gone wrong: the political traps, the covert factions, the remnants of the royal government, and the heavy suspicion surrounding his meteoric rise. Without Erwin's decisiveness and Zachary's support, he would've been crushed long before reaching this point.

Erwin didn't respond immediately. He simply watched Lock—this young commander barely seventeen, whose actions had reshaped the future of Paradis Island in less than two years.

From the moment Erwin inherited the power of the Cart Titan, he had known his remaining lifespan. Thirteen years—no more, no less. Every passing day carried weight. Every choice mattered. The knowledge that he wouldn't live to see Paradis fully flourish had settled into him like a heavy stone.

But seeing Lock here, with all his impossible potential and unwavering drive, Erwin felt something he rarely allowed himself to feel.

Hope.

After a moment, Erwin shifted the conversation.

"The island's development is progressing," he said, voice turning firm. "But we're far from secure. Marley will discover this construction eventually. The bay will become a target, and we have to prepare."

Lock nodded, his expression sharpening.

"I'm aware. That's why this time… I want to take the initiative."

Erwin's brows knotted. "Take the initiative? What exactly do you mean?"

Lock didn't hesitate.

"Onyankopon briefed me on Kenny's situation on the Marley mainland. It's not just valuable intelligence—it's an opportunity."

Erwin's eyes widened.

"…You intend to go yourself."

It wasn't a question. It was a grim realization.

Lock didn't deny it.

"This is the best moment to infiltrate Marley," he said calmly. "Kenny has already stabilized his position there, and with the chaos caused by the war with the Mid-East Alliance, Marley's internal defenses are stretched thin."

Erwin's reaction was immediate—and vehement.

"Absolutely not."

Lock turned to look at him, surprised by the intensity in his tone.

Erwin continued, voice low but unwavering:

"You've become the spine of Paradis. Your existence alone prevents this island from collapsing into fear and factional struggle. If anyone must lead an infiltration operation in Marley, it should be me."

The words struck deeper than Lock expected. There was no political calculation behind them—only conviction.

And concern.

Lock sighed. "If Paradis is going to move forward at this pace, someone has to make decisions without relying on the Founding Titan or Titan powers. You and Zachary are essential for that. If either of you leaves or falls, this whole structure collapses."

Erwin shook his head.

"And you think you are replaceable?"

Lock didn't answer. He stared out toward the bright blue line where the ocean met the sky.

"Marley won't leave us alone," he eventually said. "If we simply wait for the storm to hit us, we'll never have the breathing room we need. We must understand Marley from the inside—its politics, its factions, its weaknesses. No one is better suited for that role than someone with knowledge of their world."

Erwin's face tightened.

"Even so, sending you—"

Lock cut him off gently. "It has to be me."

Erwin clenched his jaw. "Then at least let me choose the team that goes with you."

Lock nodded—willing to concede this much.

Two Months Later

Time flowed like the tides. The construction of the bay area entered its final phase: stone breakwaters rose above the waves, new docks stretched into the sea, and storehouses lined the cliffs.

Onyankopon and the volunteer engineers worked tirelessly, coordinating thousands of laborers. Paradis Island's first modern port was truly taking shape.

Meanwhile, Dina Fritz's mastery over the Founding Titan grew rapidly. Each week her control became more stable, clearer, sharper. She no longer simply repelled wandering Titans—she positioned them strategically, ensuring no Titan approached within fifty kilometers of the bay.

Even the inland road was secure.

Dozens of newly built post stations, watchtowers, and military barracks dotted the long route from Wall Maria to the coast. Mounted patrols rode continuously, and new recruits were being trained to maintain the route's security.

Paradis Island was changing—swiftly and irreversibly.

During this period, Ymir and Historia took on increasing responsibilities alongside Petra, managing logistics, civilian arrangements, and communications. Lock assigned the three of them the heaviest administrative burden, and they handled it admirably—though not without frustration.

Especially when they noticed Lock frequently leaving the bay to conduct operations with Dina. Their dissatisfaction simmered just beneath the surface.

But Lock wasn't sightseeing. He and Dina spent days rounding up and relocating Titans, forming a massive reserve force hidden west of the bay. Over one hundred sixty-seven Titans now remained there—plus forty-five more concealed in the shallow sea.

This would be Paradis Island's first real line of defense against Marley.

And Dina was improving fast—though she could still only coordinate around a hundred Titans at once. Beyond that, the commands became scattered and unstable. But Lock wasn't worried.

Her strength was growing. Time was on their side.

And soon…

Lock would make his next move.

One that would shake both Paradis and Marley.

---

Please DO Check It Out: Naruto: Hinata Is My Waifuu!!!!

A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.

Support: /Narrator_San